As every year passes, the world opens up a little further. More people go further to discover places undiscovered by their friends and family, bringing tourist revenue to regions that would once have never even considered a tourist industry possible. But as new pages are written in the industry journal, there are those on which the book is very nearly shut.

The problem is, a lot of tourist activity actually makes the book close that much quicker. The title of this article should not be taken as a call to action, but neither should it be taken as a condemnation for visiting such places. Tourism can be a force for good: it brings money, infrastructure and interest to places that would have otherwise remained undiscovered. The challenge is merely establishing a level of sustainable tourism.

The Valley of the Kings

Over 500 years, the royalty of several Ancient Egyptian dynasties were buried in the valley of the kings. For most of the next 3000 years, most of the tombs remained undiscovered. But tourists defacing the tombs have been a problem even as far back as the Ancient Greeks and Romans: names carved in their respective languages litter the tombs of kings a thousand years before their time.

Though modern-day tourists are generally more respectful of the 63 confirmed tombs known in the Valley of the Kings, their number causes gradual damage. Between Four and Nine Thousand people visit the tombs every day. And the mere fact that the fragile tombs are now open to atmospheric processes against which they were sealed for thousands of years is enough to put them into a spiral of deterioration.

Recognising the significance of the tombs both to the human history and local tourist revenues, the government now expects visitors to proceed single-file and quietly on their tour of the tombs (with lectures forbidden inside). Because even harsh light sources can damage the complex murals, taking photographs inside the tomb will usually result in you being ordered out of the valley. The authorities rest tombs periodically. But even despite these measures being taken, it seems likely that, in time, tourist activity will ruin this important historical resource.

The Maldives – Rising Sea Leve

The Maldives don’t do ‘tropical paradise’ in half measures. Over one thousand incredibly beautiful coral islands sitting in the northern Indian Ocean, with an amazingly diverse coral reef and a temperature that barely dips below 24 celsius. Yet, a modest rise in sea level could entirely obliterate all that stands above the sea: the highest ground level in the entire republic is only 2.3 meters (7 foot 7 inches above sea level). The average height is just 1.5 meters (4 foot 11 inches).

Regardless of your views on the origin of global warming, the fact is that sea levels are rising year on year, and a rise of just 20cm could destroy settlements and infrastructure. So should you rush on Maldives Holidays for a last chance to see this stunning destination? It’s a case of ‘keep calm and carry on’. The Maldives are unlikely to be gone within our lifetime, and with the population increasingly dependent on tourist money, it would be equally unethical to stop visiting.

Riga – Stag Parties

Drunken stag parties in Eastern Europe are something of a modern rite of passage for the people of western Europe. Air Travel to these nations is available through budget airlines and accommodation is often very affordable. Then of course, there’s the drink, which costs about half the price, before you consider the almost legendary appeal of neat vodkas and other spirits among groups of young men. Eastern Europe and Vodka have the same tough-guy image, and what better way to give the groom one last night of freedom than by pummelling him with machismo until he cries like a little girl.

Popular stag destinations in Europe include Warsaw, Prague, Krakow, Bratislava, Budapest and Riga. And though the parties bring a lot of money to the local economy, they also bring a lot of added grief. Stag Parties are part of a larger western European trend towards disrespectful holidaying, anything that spoils the classical, historical appeal of a fantastic European destination. Riga is a good example, a beautiful capital of a newly independent country that prioritized the renovation of its historical buildings to attract tourist money, only to end up as yet another short-haul retreat for rowdy groups of men.

And whilst certain western European nations have a reputation for vandalism and violence, there is a far greater chance that the problems will happen at the expense of the travellers. Riga’s local mobs operate bar scams and reports of muggings, thefts and a general attitude of exploitation have been the subject of comment in the past.

The result is that Riga is fast becoming an amazing town which is less and less desirable for those who want to enjoy it for what it should be: a stunning old town and showcase of the architecture and culture of the eastern Baltic.

Steph Wood is a copywriter, blogger and traveller who works for Tropical Sky UK, who offer mauritius all inclusive holidays and good deals on other top locations.