3 destinations to visit before they're gone

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about 3 destinations to visit before they’re gone (and some actions that may help to save them).

Our planet is home to some truly remarkable locations; therefore, you probably have a few destinations already on your bucket list. Sadly, some of these incredible places are starting to disappear due to pressures from the environment and issues caused by humans.

Visiting these iconic locations is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and needs to take place before they are completely wiped from the face of the Earth. Hopefully, this will also demonstrate why it is so important that we change our habits and live more sustainably.

In this article, we take a look at three destinations that are slowly disappearing and why you need to visit them immediately, as well as some actions that may help to save them.

3 destinations to visit before they’re gone

1. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Located off the coast of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Home to more than 9,000 different known species, the reef is popular among tourists who long to experience the spectacle for themselves.

Arguably, the Great Barrier Reef is Australia’s top attraction, inviting adventure lovers from across the globe looking to snorkel, swim, dive, sail, and more. Unfortunately, the reef has lost about half of its coral coverage over the last few decades due to ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and a rise in tropical storms.

Corals may look like rocks but they are actually living animals, whose bright colors come from a symbiont that lives inside the coral polyps called zooxanthellae, and which provides the coral polyps with most of their food. The coral polyps protect themselves (and the zooxanthellae) from infection with a mucus layer.

If you touch coral, even accidentally, you could damage this protective layer, which could expose the coral to pathogens and will also trigger a stress response, causing the coral to eject their zooxanthellae. This event is called “bleaching” because without the pigmented zooxanthellae the coral polyps lose their color (and up to 90% of their food supply), and consequently may die.

Also, if carbon pollution levels and sea temperatures fail to decline, we could see irreversible damage as soon as 2030.

Australia is the furthest destination from the UK on this list, taking around 23 hours by plane. You’ll likely need to stop off in Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, or Abu Dhabi depending on the airline. Airports that fly to Brisbane include Manchester, London Heathrow, and London Gatwick.

If you’re considering driving to the airport you’ll find parking at Manchester Airport as well as both London Heathrow and London Gatwick. Alternatively, you can use public transport or arrange a taxi. Just ensure you do this well in advance to avoid delays on the day.

2. The Maldives

Famed for its azure blue waters, pristine white sand, and all-year-round tropical climate, the Maldives has consistently been a popular holiday destination.

Sadly, it seems that the world’s lowest-lying country won’t be here for that much longer. As a result of sea levels, extreme weather, and coastal erosion, the beautiful archipelago is literally shrinking. If the planet continues to heat up, sea levels will only continue to rise.

While around 200 natural inhabited islands could become submerged by 2100, up to 80% of the Maldives could be uninhabitable by as early as 2050 should things not change.

The Maldives is a place where you go to relax and recharge, and we all need that, and the spectacular scenery of the white sandy shorelines, coral reefs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, not to mention the delicious food and cocktails can be enjoyed by everyone et any time!

However, the Maldives also has one of the most delicate environments anywhere on the planet, with an abundance of coral reefs, which are the foundation of the islands. So, make sure that your sunscreen is reef-safe and be sure to wear reef shoes.

3. Venice, Italy

The ‘Floating City’ may well soon lose its appellation. It’s a well-known fact that Venice has long suffered from subsidence due to being built on a muddy inlet troubled with inadequate foundations. A combination of the ground beneath slowly compacting and a gradual increase in sea levels means the city is slowly sinking.

It’s definitely worth visiting Venice before the inevitable. The city’s infrastructure, palaces, and museums are like no other. The sheer number of sights is enough to warrant a weekend away, as well as Venice’s famous bridges. Taking a gondola ride around the canals is a dream come true, and don’t forget to visit the islands of Murano and Burano too!

Climate experts predict the city could be at risk of disappearing beneath the waves by as early as 2100, but this isn’t set in stone, so make sure to visit while you can!

I have recently returned from a long weekend in Venice and am working on a feature now, with lots of beautiful photos, which will be published before the end of the month! So, don’t forget to check back here to find out more about what to see and do in Venice, Italy.

How you can help protect these beautiful places

Fortunately, taking action to prevent climate change is within our grasp, and here are a few practical steps that each of us can take to make a positive impact and help to protect these beautiful places.

1. Reduce your Carbon Footprint: One of the most effective ways to combat climate change is by reducing our carbon footprint. Start by making small changes in your daily routine, such as using energy-efficient appliances, opting for public transportation or carpooling, cycling, or walking whenever possible.
2. Embrace Sustainable Consumption: Make conscious choices by supporting companies and brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Opt for locally sourced, organic produce whenever possible, reduce single-use plastic, and recycle or repurpose items instead of sending them to landfills.
3. Consider Renewable Energy: Support initiatives that promote the development and adoption of clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Consider installing solar panels on your property or explore community solar programs in your area.
4. Embrace Sustainable Travel: Traveling is a wonderful way to explore the world, but it can come with a significant carbon footprint. To make your travels more sustainable, consider options like eco-friendly accommodation, public transportation, or car-sharing services. Whenever possible, choose destinations that promote responsible tourism and support local communities.

Final words on 3 destinations to visit before they’re gone

From the beautiful canals of Venice to the coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef and the Maldives, each of these destinations offers a unique experience and merits an addition to your travel bucket list.

Remember to make conscious choices during your travels to minimize your environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable tourism industry. By adopting sustainable practices while traveling, we can ensure that future generations can also experience the beauty of our planet.

I hope you enjoyed this feature about 3 destinations to visit before they’re gone and you can also have a look more of our travel features.

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