Avoid These Overcrowded Tourist Spots in 2026: Fodor’s No List Reveals the Impact, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on November 30, 2025

When selecting vacations overcrowded travel destinations need to be taken into account. Overtourism, a strain on infrastructure and and the communities and resources of a location, has been on the rise globally. Overtourism’s main affectations like environmental degradation, overcrowding, etc. Have received substantial recognition and focus. Fodors travel developed the 2026 “No List.” This travel advise and education promotes awareness regarding the strain of overcrowded travel destinations. Fodors travel education once more advocates for destinations and recognition to the main the focus of travel advise

While incredible travel experiences should be advocates and feedback provided. Fodors’s “No List” acts to promote travel to destinations of lower strain. Following are the travel destinations on the 2026 “No List”.

Antarctica: The Fragile White Continent

Antarctica has long been an alluring destination for adventurous travelers seeking to experience the untouched beauty of the frozen continent. However, the rise in cruise tourism to Antarctica is causing significant environmental strain. In 2023–2024, 120,000 people visited the continent, and estimates suggest that number will double by 2033. While tourism helps raise awareness of Antarctica’s preservation, it also poses risks to its delicate ecosystem, including pollution, wildlife disturbances, and potential long-term environmental damage. The increase in cruise ships and tourists threatens to disrupt this pristine, fragile environment, which should remain largely untouched by human activity.

The Canary Islands: A Paradise Under Pressure

The Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic, have become a popular destination for sun-seeking tourists. However, the massive influx of visitors is putting strain on the islands’ infrastructure and local communities. Protests have erupted in Tenerife and other parts of the Canary Islands, as residents demand better management of mass tourism, which has resulted in unaffordable housing, increased traffic congestion, and pollution. Despite efforts to limit short-term rentals and preserve local communities, the islands continue to be overwhelmed by tourists, leading many to question whether the destination can continue to offer a sustainable, enjoyable experience for both visitors and locals.

Glacier National Park: A Melting Masterpiece

Glacier National Park in Montana, USA, is known for its stunning glaciers and rugged natural beauty. However, the park is facing an alarming reality: it is warming at twice the global average rate, causing its glaciers to melt rapidly. Tourists flock to the park to see the glaciers before they vanish entirely, leading to increased traffic congestion, pollution, and disturbances to local wildlife. The growing numbers of visitors are exacerbating the park’s environmental degradation, putting further strain on an already vulnerable ecosystem. As the glaciers continue to retreat, the park’s appeal may diminish, leaving tourists with a dwindling natural wonder to enjoy.

Isola Sacra: Development Threatens a Protected Natural Area

Isola Sacra, a coastal region south of Rome, has recently become the site of controversy as plans for a cruise port development threaten to destroy a protected natural area. Residents have protested against the construction of a mega-cruise port, which could damage the local environment, particularly a natural area just 1,000 feet away from the planned development. While the area has become a popular stop for cruise tourists, the pressure of mass tourism and the development of large-scale projects may threaten the delicate balance between tourism growth and environmental preservation in this scenic region.

The Jungfrau Region: Overcrowding in Switzerland’s Alpine Paradise

The Jungfrau Region in Switzerland, home to the iconic Jungfrau mountain and its stunning alpine landscapes, has seen a sharp increase in visitors in recent years. Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage site, the area is feeling the pressure of overtourism, particularly in its charming villages and scenic railway routes. Over 1 million tourists visited the region in 2024, a 5.1% increase from the previous year, putting strain on local resources, housing markets, and public infrastructure. While tourists flock to the region for its breathtaking views and outdoor activities, the influx of visitors is making it increasingly difficult for locals to maintain their quality of life.

Mexico City: Gentrification and Tourist Overload

Mexico City, with its vibrant culture and rich history, has become a top destination for travelers. However, the rapid growth of the tourism industry has led to gentrification in many neighborhoods, pricing out local residents and causing a housing crisis. Housing prices have skyrocketed, with some areas seeing an eightfold increase between 2000 and 2018. Local residents have protested the influx of tourists and expats, citing the negative impact on their daily lives. The city’s fast-paced gentrification and rising cost of living have sparked tensions between tourists, long-time residents, and local businesses, creating a challenging environment for sustainable tourism.

Mombasa: Kenya’s Struggle with Pollution and Overcrowding

Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city and a popular coastal destination, is struggling with the negative effects of overtourism. As the number of visitors increases, the city is facing issues such as pollution, overcrowding, and traffic congestion. The influx of tourists, particularly from cruise ships, is putting strain on the local environment and infrastructure. While Mombasa is known for its beautiful beaches, wildlife, and cultural attractions, the growth of tourism without sufficient sustainable practices has raised concerns about the long-term impact on the destination’s natural and cultural resources.

Montmartre: Paris’ Iconic Neighborhood Suffers from Tourist Overload

Montmartre, one of Paris’ most famous neighborhoods, is facing a crisis of overtourism. Known for its charming streets, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and its artistic history, Montmartre draws millions of visitors every year. However, with approximately 11 million tourists visiting the basilica alone, the neighborhood has become overrun with visitors, straining local infrastructure and diminishing the quality of life for its 30,000 residents. Locals have described Montmartre as “unlivable” due to the sheer number of tourists. The neighborhood’s charm is being overshadowed by overcrowding, prompting a need for better management of tourism in this cultural hotspot.

Rethinking Overtourism: Finding Balance

All the most famous and visited destinations in the world face the challenge and consequences of overtourism and must change how they operate in the field of the travel industry. To ensure an equitable distribution of tourist inflow to popular travel locations and the ability to enjoy them in the future, it is necessary to involve government authorities, local communities and tourists themselves. “No list” of Fodor for 2026 reminds us that tourism without any restrictions can have devastating consequences on the places we all enjoy visiting. Balancing visits to different travel places, considering the restrictions that different destinations have for preservation of the environment, and visiting places that offer services of responsible tourism, we can all have an opportunity to preserve the world’s cultural and natural heritage for the future.