Fodor's Travel Says Not-So-Much to These California Destinations in 2023
While many people focus on the best places to visit in 2023, Fodor's Travel released their "No List" for regions people should reconsider in 2023.
Part of the reason, they say, is that the world may be trying to tell us to slow down, considering the 29 climate-related disasters in 2022 that have each caused more than a billion dollars in damage.
While promoting local economies and cultures is good, to an extent, overtourism can also be a factor in climate change. This has led anti-tourism movements and travel boycotts, but to largely no avail.
Still, the Fodor's Travel "No List" highlights destinations that could either use a break to heal, hotspots that are plagued with overcrowding, and locations immediately impacted by water crises.
Where Fodor's Travel Says to Avoid in California for 2023
Lake Tahoe fell under the "needs a break" category. This gorgeous Northern California getaway had a great migration during the pandemic. The League to Save Lake Tahoe says the uptick in population can lead to sediment pollution running off the urban landscape. Rain or snow causes the pollution particles to run into the lake.
"We're feeling the increase of population around us," said Andy Chapman, President and CEO of Travel North Tahoe Nevada. "We all need to give nature a break, but we don't want to tell people not to come to Tahoe. We want to educate people how to respect Tahoe."
It's also no surprise that California fits the bill for facing a water crisis. Fodor's Travel recommends avoiding the coastal town of Mendocino, where rising costs of running water has disrupted restaurants and inns.
Other Places to Avoid
Outside of California, Fodor's Travel has more than a few places travelers should be more mindful of visiting in 2023.
Places in France like Étretat, Normandy and Marseille's Calanques National Park could use a break from overtourism. Antarctica has also seen a rise in tourism and is one of the most susceptible places to the climate change.
Cultural hotspots like Barcelona, Paris, Dubrovnik, and Venice have gained a lot of media attention and become celebrity cities. Cornwall, England has also had difficulty supporting visitors with their infrastructure.
As sustainable travel becomes more of a priority, the Fodor's Travel "No List" is more of a mindful recommendation. Traveler's are still welcome to visit, but places like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council simply suggest people consider standards for tour operators, destinations, and hotels.
