10 endangered sites around the world
A satellite view of the Great Barrier Reef: how much longer can this natural wonder last?If something's been around for centuries, it's probably going to be around for centuries yet, right? Well, not exactly.
Climate change, excessive tourism and general neglect mean many of the world's features we can happily travel to now may not be available to future generations.
1. Machu Picchu, Peru
Since American explorer Hiram Bingham revealed it to the world in 1911, Machu Picchu has become one of the top travel destinations, and also one of the most endangered, with tourists running rampant on and off its specially designed footpaths.
The most popular sightseeing spots include the Intihuatana, a carved rock that still baffles historians, and the control gate, from which visitors can see a near-panoramic view of the city.
A 112-kilometer railway line from San Pedro in Cusco to the highest point of the Picchu mountain, El Arco, makes for easy access, and is regarded as a major contributor to the environmental degradation.
But man-made issues aren’t the only problem Machu Picchu is facing.
Scientists have revealed that the ruins lie directly on the Tambomachay Fault, suggesting that if the tourists don't destroy it, an earthquake might.
How to get there: Buy tickets to Machu Picchu in advance. Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport and take a train from the city of Ollantaytambo to Aguas Caliente, which offers regular buses to Machu Picchu. Another option is to take a 28-mile hike along the Inca Trail, which takes approximately four days.
2. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
At 5,895 meters, the tallest mountain in Africa is most well known for the ice cap on one of its summits, Kibo, but soon the snows of Kilimanjaro will be a distant memory for travelers lucky and hardy enough to have witnessed them firsthand.
More than 80 percent of the ice cap has disappeared since the early 1900s and scientists are predicting it will disappear completely by 2033.
How to get there: Fly into either Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro Airport (the latter is closer) and book a shuttle bus to get to Moshi, where most people begin their treks. It’s required to book a seasoned guide in order to hike the mountain.
3. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
As the only living structure visible from space, the 3,000-kilometer-long coral reef is the world's largest expanse of coral (more than 400 different kinds), home to dolphins, tropical fish and reptiles.
Above water, visitors can explore any one of the picturesque islands and spot as many as 200 types of birds and other wildlife.
But while scientists estimate the age of the reef to be around 7,000 years old, this beautiful ecosystem, teeming with life, may be on the verge of death by 2050.
River discharge, among other factors, has led to water pollution, while climate change has caused coral bleaching that scientists predict will only get worse as global temperatures continue to rise.
How to get there: As the reef is miles long, travelers can choose which island to go to. From Cairns International Airport and the Great Barrier Reef Airport (Hamilton), visitors can travel by scheduled boat, water taxi or seaplane.
4. The Alps, Europe
The Alps may have been immortalized through various works of literature, film and art, but even these mountains aren’t immune to global warming.
In fact, as the Alps are at a lower altitude than the Rocky Mountains, their glaciers are even more susceptible, and have been shrinking at an unprecedented rate -- some predict the glaciers will disappear by 2050.
Experts have also determined that 4,810-meter Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s tallest peak, has already shrunk more than 45 centimeters in the past few years.
How to get there: Fly into either Geneva or Zurich Airport, and take the train into Täsch (3 hours). From the station, take either the cog railway train, battery-powered taxis, or horse-drawn cabs in Zermatt.
5. Glacier National Park, Montana, United States
America’s Glacier National Park was once filled with, well, glaciers, but soon the park may have to change its name.
At the last official count, fewer than 30 of the 150 or so original glaciers remained, and scientists are estimating that more have disappeared since.
With the glaciers shrinking, water flow is also decreasing, putting many of the park's flora and fauna at risk as well.
How to get there: Fly into Glacier Park International Airport or take the Amtrak to either East or West Glacier. Glacier Park Inc. (406-892-2525 ) provides a shuttle service into the park from both locations.
Also on CNNGo: New 7 Wonders of Nature selected
6. Venice, Italy
While Venice brings to mind a charming gondola scene, complete with an appropriately striped-shirt gondolier, the sad truth is those famous canals may be all that’s left of the romantic Italian city.
Many have been claiming for a while that Venice is drowning, and those claims are unfortunately not far from the truth. As sea levels have been rising and rainfall has increased, floods have been occurring more frequently -- and with each flood, Venice’s fate grows more precarious.
Not only does the water rise, the stones become significantly more eroded, and the wooden support gets more decayed, making the balancing act a tricky one.
How to get there: If coming by car, drive over the Ponte della Libertà bridge and into Piazzale Roma, the only place in Venice where cars are allowed. Otherwise, fly into Marco Polo airport, or travel by train into Santa Lucia Railway Station and then either walk or take a water taxi into the main city.
7. The Dead Sea, Egypt
The world's saltiest sea has become increasingly endangered in recent years. As it’s in an extremely hot and dry region, the water level naturally fluctuates based on evaporation.
Add to that increased use of the Jordan River, which feeds into it, and the Dead Sea may soon be as dead as its name. The sea has shrunk by a third, and sinks approximately five centimeters each year.
How to get there: From Tel Aviv, take the Egged public bus from Tel Aviv Arlozoroff central station, at 8:40 am to Ein Bokek. From Jerusalem, there are several Egged buses from the central station to Ein Gedi, Ein Bokek and Masada. If on a tight schedule, rent a car at either airport, as bus times are fairly infrequent.
8. Taj Mahal, Agra, India
The Taj Mahal may be India’s most famous tourist attraction forming part of the itinerary for up to 4 million travelers each year, but a look at this architectural beauty may soon be restricted to pretty postcards.
Authorities are considering closing the tomb to the public to offset years of damage caused by all those heavy feet.
The mausoleum was completed in 1638 and was intended as a monument to Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Currently, tourists can tour the Taj Mahal and its accompanying gardens, but in an effort to reduce pollution, cars aren’t allowed near the area, so visitors must catch an electric bus, or walk.
Experts have noted that the decline in water level of the nearby Yamuna River is affecting the wooden foundation, while the air pollution and many tourists have been ruining the walls.
How to get there: After reaching Delhi, hire a private taxi/rickshaw or hop on a bus to reach Taj Mahal, or take the railway to Agra Cantt Station. From about a kilometer before the Taj Majal Main Gate, there are battery operated buses, rickshaws and horse/man-drawn rickshaws that take you to the main gate.
9. Pyramids of Giza, Cairo, Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza have been around for more than 4,000 years, but this last remaining wonder of the Ancient World may be in its last few decades.
Though a treasured landmark, the pyramids aren’t protected by Egyptian officials. While camel rides and horseback tours are now banned near the area, human visitors are able to crawl all over the monument area and vendors and tour guides add to the already large crowd, making it near impossible to see the pyramids from a distance.
How to get there: The Metro Line 2 runs from Cairo into Giza station, where there are minibuses (al-haram) available for the 8 kilometers or so left till the pyramids. Otherwise, take a coach bus with Cairo Transport Authority from central Cairo straight to the pyramids.
10. Little Green Street, London, England
Little Green Street isn’t as well known as some of the other tourist spots in London, but that may be why it hasn’t been ruined -- yet. The one-block street in Kentish Town is one of the only intact Georgian thoroughfares left in the vast metropolis.
The cobblestoned street is flanked by 18th-century houses, which are protected as historic properties -- but the street is another story.
Little Green Street, which has united a group of preservationists that includes artists, writers, actors and musicians, is at risk of being destroyed by developers, who want to build on the land behind.
If this does happen, protesters are worried the constant pressure of trucks and heavy machinery would eventually destroy the tiny street that survived the bombing of World War II.
How to get there: From London, take the National Rail to Kentish Town Station or the tube to Camden Town station. From both stations, it’s a 10-15 minute walk to Highgate Road, the closest major road to Little Green Street.
Also on CNNGo: 50 natural wonders: The ultimate list of scenic splendor
Los Angeles-born Elizabeth Eun is a journalist who was surrounded by Korean-Americans as online media manager of KoreAm Journal when she decided to go one step further and move to Seoul to be surrounded by Korean-Koreans. She lives on the Internet and in cafés.
Even if they're all you're wearing, a good pair of shoes says a lot about your traveling smarts. Just as the right trip can ruin a pair of shoes, so the wrong pair of shoes can ruin any trip.
Sure, you'll forget the damaged kicks but you might never forgive yourself for missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience just because you packed the wrong footwear.
That's why it's essential to consider weather, environment and (sometimes, the strangest) activities while packing for every excursion.
Here are our picks of the best shoes for some extra-special trips that demand sure-footed planning.
1. Naturist resort: Ecco Groove Gladiator
So what do you pack when you plan on being nude for the entire vacation? If you're going to a naturist resort you won't want to be completely exposed. You'll need proper protection for all the wild action.
No, not that sort of action. Most naturist resorts provide plenty of activities that help you stay buff while in the buff. So you'll want proper footwear. But seeing as that's the only thing you'll be wearing, you better make sure it looks good.
The Ecco Groove Gladiator will be as comfortable as you are, as supportive as your fellow nudists are and as light and airy as your nether regions are while you and they enjoy hanging out.
Ecco Groove Gladiator, US$ 130, www.ecco.com
2. Road trip: Cole Haan Air Penny Driver
You're going to need comfort and just the right amount of grip if you want to make it through a cross-country road trip. And you're going to want to look damn fine doing it, whether you're at a gas station or a tourist trap.
That's why we recommend the Cole Haan Air Penny Driver.
Designer and car enthusiast Gianni Mostile patented his Car Shoe in 1963 and the rubber-nub grip-soled moccasins became an instant fashion statement with the help of U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Italian director Roberto Rossellini.
Cole Haan has taken the driving shoe to the next level by blending its classic craftsmanship with Nike Air Technology. With a pair of these, you'll feel like you're king of the road.
Cole Haan Air Penny Driver, US$ 178, www.colehaan.com
3. Mountain climbing: La Sportiva Baruntse Mountaineering Boot
This beast of a boot has been to some of the most daunting destination on the planet. And that's because it's one of the only kickers that can handle the harshest conditions and keep your feet in one piece.
La Sportivas are recommended by many Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) enthusiasts (yes, that's a thing) for hiking in snow and ice, snowboarding or mountaineering and ice-climbing -- mostly because of their warmth and durability.
The secret to temperature control is a double-layered lining. And as far as reliability -- that all boils down to the fact that each boot is carefully crafted in the 150-person-operated factory located in a small Italian town on the edge of the Dolomite Mountains.
La Sportiva Baruntse Mountaineering Boot, US$ 700, www.sportiva.com
4. Beach: Vivobarefoot Ultra
You might call them Crocs on steroids. Whether you're cliff diving, exploring a reef or playing beach volleyball, these amphibious running shoes will be just as ready for sand, sun and sea as you are.
And since they're the lightest shoes in their class, you won't have trouble packing them in your luggage or beach bag.
A removable sock can be buttoned in to the cage to provide warmth and puncture protection. It's like chain mail for your foot. Do your Crocs come with chain mail? We didn't think so.
Vivobarefoot Ultra, US$ 80, www.vivobarefoot.com
5. Music festival: Minnetonka Woodstock Boots
Bring out your inner hippie with the original counterculture staple.
Whether it's Coachella in California, Fuji Rock in Japan or Bestival on the Isle of Wight, pay homage to the fest that started it all by rocking a pair of the Minnetonka Woodstock Boots.
Minnetonka Woodstock Boots, US$ 80, www.minnetonkamoccasin.com
6. All-night dancing: Mythique Caria Tango Shoes
How do they do it? How do women go dancing until sunrise in heels? They do it with the right pair of heels -- like these salsa red pumps from Mythique Tango Boutique.
The Caria is a lightweight shoe with a sturdy build and a strap that keeps it from flying off and mortally wounding innocent bystanders. But the secret lies in the suede sole, which is best for pivoting around a Latin lover.
Mythique Caria Tango Shoes, US$ 129, www.mythiquetangoshoes.com
7. Long-haul flight: Acorn Tech Travel Moc
You're in it for the long haul, so you might as well be comfortable. With these light, easy-to-pack snazzy slippers you won't have to worry about taking too long at security or out-swelling your shoes during the flight.
They're also good for wearing around the hotel room or for a quick jaunt to the ice machine.
Acorn Tech Travel Moc, US$ 40, www.acorn.com
8. Urban exploring: Alden 405 Indy
When you're touring a new city you never know when you might end up surrounded by snakes in an ancient ruin, chased by Nazi goons or recovering the Ark of the Covenant. That's why you'd best take a cue from Indiana Jones.
The Alden 405 Indy has long been known for comfort and durability -- the go-to shoe for many world travelers. That's why the movie costume designers went with the heritage brand when creating the adventurous professor's iconic outfit for "Raiders of the Lost Ark."
Still, Harrison Ford reckons he was wearing the boots long before he landed the role.
The Indy recently gained even more popularity when J.Crew joined forces with Alden to release its own version.
Alden 405 Indy, US$ 480, www.aldenshoes.com, www.jcrew.com
9. Outdoor adventure: Asolo TPS 520 GV
These boots will get you through just about any terrain, even with the added weight of a pack of goods and equipment on your back. A Gore-Tex liner keeps your feet dry and the Vibram sole provides excellent traction.
And as far as durability goes, they're the toughest you can find. But that doesn't mean they're rigid or uncomfortable. After about three days of hiking, the Italian-tanned leather will mold perfectly to your feet.
Asolo TPS 520 GV, US$ 248, www.asolo.com
10. Boating: Adidas Outdoor Boat Lace
While Sperry Top-Sider was preoccupied making shoes that are either fashionable enough for a runway or sporty enough for competitive sailing, Adidas designed a quality, fast-drying lightweight shoe with enough grip to keep you onboard and enough style that you don't have to change as soon as you hit land.
Of course, if you're just concerned about what to wear to a yacht party, then you can't go wrong with either the original or the upstart. A pair of Boat Laces go well with any outfit and they still give you enough traction no matter how tipsy things get, be it from the cruise or the booze.
Adidas Outdoor Boat Lace, US$ 55, www.adidas.com
Jennings Brown has worked as an editor and writer for Cigar Aficionado and Cowboys & Indians magazines.
Shanghai - China - Travel Indochina
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