The world is a massive place and travel destinations are constantly calling, but there are some places worth visiting more than the other, especially when a city or an iconic structure is diminishing with time. It could be caused by pollution or global warming, but whatever the case, make your way to these five destinations before it is gone.
1. Venice: The Sinking City
What’s happening: Climate change, rising sea levels, and the gradual sinking of the city have caused an increase in flooding during high tide periods.
Why go there: You’ll get to try lavish spreads of Venetian tapas during happy hour, take an epic boat ride along the Grand Canal to admire the glorious Venetian architecture, or go through one of the secret passageways within Gothic Palazzo Ducale, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
Find out what more you can do in Venice here.
2. Maldives: The Vanishing Paradise
What’s happening: The impact of global warming has caused the rising of sea levels – a threat to the low-lying islands of Maldives, which are less than a metre or two above sea level.
Why go there: Breathtaking white-sand beaches, cobalt blue water, and home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotel properties, the Maldives is where you’ll find respite for your much-needed break. Laze in private lap pools, unwind with in-room massages, dive in the water to discover rich marine life, or simply bask in the sun on one of the many pristine beaches, or on the deck of your private over-water villa!
Start your adventure here.
3. The Great Barrier Reef: Dying Corals
What’s happening: According to National Geographic, the corals along the Great Barrier Reef are dying from coral bleaching, which occurs when warm ocean water forces corals to expel tiny algae, a food source that keeps them alive. The expulsion also causes the corals to lose their pigment and turns them white.
Why go there: Stretching across 200km of the coastline, this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts millions of visitors every year for its rich ecosystem and picturesque tropical islands. From snorkelling, scuba diving, whale watching to swimming with dolphins, this is a paradise for divers and those who love marine life.
Here are 10 things you can do at the Great Barrier Reef.
4. The Dead Sea: Shrinking Salty Lake
What’s happening: The Dead Sea is drying out. Bordered by Israel, Jordan and the West Bank, the Dead Sea is shrinking at an alarming rate of about 3.3 feet a year. Diverted water source and mineral extraction are two of the main causes to the declining water level.
Why go there: The lowest place on the surface of earth has much to offer – a compelling history (biblically a place of refuge for King David), modern mineral spas, the arid moonscape of the Judean Desert, and numerous recreations such as hiking, biking, and of course, floating effortlessly on the hypersaline lake.
A landscape so unique is definitely worth exploring. Find out more here.
5. The Taj Mahal: Yellowing Beauty
What’s happening: The air pollution caused by petrol fumes and illegal factories in Delhi has turned the city’s structures yellow, and that includes the world-renowned Taj Mahal. Despite the city’s effort to restore the majestic structure, corrosion continues to dampen the shine of Taj Mahal.
Why go there: Just the story of Taj Mahal is enough to draw millions of visitors every year to catch a glimpse of what some would call the most beautiful building in the world. Built by the fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his third wife, and took a total of 20,000 people from India and Central Asia to complete, there is nothing more breathtaking and stunning than gazing at The Taj at dawn.
Immerse yourself in the magic of Taj here.
Travelling around in these cities may require long hours of commute, which is why it is important to stay hydrated as much as possible. Bring along a Thermos® tumbler or bottle to enjoy your favourite hot/cold drink along the journey.
