9 places to visit before they change forever (infographic)

“You can never visit the same place twice. Each time, it’s a different story.” At least that’s what author Maureen Johnson wrote in her novel The Last Little Blue Envelope. That sentiment feels especially true with these nine destinations around the world. Environmental changes, development, tourism and politics could alter these amazing places any day now. Here are nine places to visit before they’re gone, or change forever.

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9. Dead Sea, Southwest Asia: Over-pumping of the Jordan River is slowly reducing the water levels of this healing body of water, located at the lowest elevation on Earth, 1,300 feet below sea level.

8. Havana, Cuba: It’s only a matter of time before global hotel chains, restaurants and other big businesses move in due to increased tourism as travel restrictions from the United States to Cuba are lifted.

7. Catskill Mountains, New York: Casinos are moving in to this pristine, mountainous area. So go fishing, hiking, kayaking and snow skiing while you still can.

6. Patagonia, Southern South America: 90% of Patagonia’s glaciers shrink annually due to increased melting rates. The time to see the awe-inspiring glaciers is now.

5. Amazon Rainforest, Northern South America: Heavy deforestation threatens the home of over 65,000 plant species and 1,700 bird species. Right now, it’s a true nature lover’s paradise.

4. Waikiki Beach, Hawaii: Hawaii’s famous beaches are tempting, tropical and luau-licious for sun-starved vacationers. But Waikiki beach is in danger of disappearing due to beach erosion.

3. Glacier National Park, Montana: 25 glaciers remain, but some say the largest glaciers could melt by 2030. Time to go see the massive bodies of snow and ice that majestically carved their way through the terrain over thousands of years.

2. Mandalay, Yangon and Bagan, Myanmar: Rich cultural history. Buddhist pagodas. World-class beaches. Big city life. No wonder the tourism is growing at such a rapid rate. Get there before everyone else has already been.

1. Great Barrier Reef, Australia: Climate change and pollution threaten the home of over 400 coral types and over 1,500 fish species. The 2,500 individual reefs (the largest living structure on the planet) can be seen from space, but it’s probably better if you see them face to face.

Tagged: Hawaii, Infographic, New York