Most travelers envision breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and clean cityscapes when planning a trip. However, not all destinations can live up to these expectations. Despite their rich history or cultural significance, some places are plagued by severe pollution and environmental issues that can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare. These destinations present challenges that may overshadow their attractions. Before booking your next adventure, consider these 15 destinations that might be too filthy for your travel list.
New Delhi, India
Many know New Delhi as India’s seat of power, but fewer people know of its intense air pollution that has earned it a seat among the most polluted cities in the world. The combination of vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, and dust from construction sites creates a dense smog that can be hazardous to your health. Air pollution is worsening, and health professionals have reported rising cases of asthma and lung issues among seniors and children.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka is Eastern South Asia’s most relevant hub for culture, economy, and science. However, in this city, the environmental challenges are immense. Air and water pollution, lead exposure, and poor hygiene have caused a lot of deaths and illnesses among residents. The Buriganga River, once the lifeline of the city, is now heavily polluted with industrial waste and sewage. The overwhelming stench—which stays all year—and visible contamination make certain areas extremely unpleasant for visitors.
Cairo, Egypt
The population of Cairo makes it the Arab World’s biggest city. Despite its rich historical allure, Cairo suffers from scary levels of air pollution. Rapid urbanization and traffic congestion contribute to poor air quality. This can pose a major concern for guests, especially those with respiratory problems. Plus, the constant haze can obscure views of the city’s famous landmarks.
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
The fifth most populous city in Nigeria, Port Harcourt, is popular for its oil industry. Sadly, this area has a much-talked-about environmental pollution issue. Soot from gas flaring and oil spills has severely impacted air quality, creating a health hazard for both residents and travelers. Such pervasive pollution can mar the experience of exploring this town.
Beijing, China
There are many places of interest in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. While Beijing has made strides in reducing pollution, it still experiences intense air quality issues, particularly during the winter months. Smog, caused by industrial emissions and coal burning, can make sightseeing uncomfortable and unhealthy. Tourists often need to wear masks to protect themselves from the particulate matter in the air.
Mexico City, Mexico
Beyond being North America’s most populous city, Mexico City is a top cultural and financial center on Earth. Mexico City is infamous for its air pollution, largely due to vehicle emissions and industrial activities. The city’s high altitude exacerbates the problem, as the oxygen level is 25% lower, and there is also incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels. For visitors, the thick smog and limited visibility may detract from the city’s vibrancy.
Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos may no longer be Nigeria’s capital, but it’s among the fastest-growing cities and urban areas on Earth. Nigeria’s most populous city, Lagos, grapples with poor waste management and air pollution. Rapid growth and inadequate infrastructure have led to huge environmental challenges. Many tourists don’t want to encounter the sight of overflowing garbage and the smell of pollution in the air.
Karachi, Pakistan
You’ll find several important museums in Karachi, and you can visit South Asia’s largest shopping mall while you’re there. Karachi, however, has an environmental mess that includes air and water pollution. Industrial discharge and untreated sewage contribute to the contamination of water sources, while air quality remains a big concern due to vehicular and industrial emissions. Sadly, the government and environmental bodies seem not to prioritize these matters.
Jakarta, Indonesia
Several festivals happen in Jakarta, and you can taste almost every Indonesian good there. Nevertheless, in the city, air pollution is a major concern, largely driven by traffic congestion and industrial activities. There are ongoing efforts to improve air quality, including Low-Cost Sensor (LCS) Regulatory Recommendations. However, smog and haze can obscure the city’s skyline.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
With world-class theatre performances and museums dedicated to Mongolian culture and history, Ulaanbaatar is a desired place to visit. It suffers from extreme air pollution, though, especially during winter when coal-burning stoves are used for heating. Dense smog and particulate matter during the colder months can turn off guests, and tourists may find it difficult to see clearly amidst the thick haze.
Mumbai, India
Among the things to enjoy in Mumbai are festivals, food, and nightlife, but the city is not a bed of roses. Mumbai’s air pollution has caused close to 30,000 deaths, and the water is not in the best state either. Crowded streets and industrial zones contribute to poor air quality, while waste management issues lead to polluted water bodies. This environmental degradation can impact the tourist experience.
Lahore, Pakistan
As a major tourism destination in the country, you can expect to see many lovely sites, including Lahore Fort. On the other hand, the air quality in Lahore has worsened in recent years. Smog often creates a thick haze over the city, impacting visibility and health. Visitors frequently find the pollution unwelcoming when exploring the city.
Kolkata, India
When you go to Kolkata, you’ll find many buildings adorned with architectural motifs. You’ll also find pollution there. Kolkata’s air pollution comes from fuel use and the city’s too many poorly maintained vehicles. Weak infrastructure and problems with waste management add to the pollution. The condition of the environment detracts from the charm of this historic city.
Chongqing, China
The Baihaliand Underwater Museum, which is the first underwater museum in China, is in this city. As one of China’s major industrial cities, Chongqing experiences high levels of air pollution. The combination of industrial emissions and traffic congestion leads to persistent smog that can be detrimental to health. Some people may find the constant haze and pollution off-putting.
Baku, Azerbaijan
Baku has many museums and theatres and hosted the European Games in 2015. With its oil industry, Baku also has a history of pollution. Oil spills and industrial emissions have significantly impacted the air and water quality. The pervasive smell of oil and the sight of polluted waters make some areas less attractive to guests.
