Rising sea levels and extreme weather are threatening ecosystems worldwide, including Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. According to the IPCC, the global sea level hit a record high in 2023. Award-winning Australian travel insurer, Insure&Go, has identified seven lesser-known destinations at risk. These places offer unforgettable experiences while allowing travellers to support conservation efforts and raise climate awareness.
Tuvalu, South Pacific
Tucked between Hawaii and Australia, Tuvalu is one of the least-visited countries on Earth. This tiny nation offers a rare glimpse into authentic island life, untouched by mass tourism, but rising seas could make it uninhabitable in our lifetime. Tuvalu faces the threat of rising sea levels, which could submerge the entire nation.
- How to get there: Via Fiji (Nadi International Airport) with Fiji Airways.
- Best time to visit: April to October, perfect for snorkelling, lagoon tours and cultural festivals.
Sundarbans, Bangladesh & India
Home to Bengal tigers, saltwater crocodiles, and over 300 bird species, the Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest. Rising seas and intense cyclones threaten to submerge large portions of this unique ecosystem by 2050. Coastal flooding and storm surges are eroding the mangrove forest, impacting biodiversity and livelihoods.
- How to get there: Fly to Dhaka (Bangladesh) or Kolkata (India) via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, then join an eco-tour.
- Best time to visit: October to February for tiger-spotting and calm waterways.
Peruvian Andes, South America
Glaciers on borrowed time
Beyond Machu Picchu, the Peruvian Andes hide ancient glaciers and Quechua villages. These icy giants are critical water sources, yet they’re melting fast, with up to 50% ice loss in the past 40 years.
- How to get there: Fly to Lima (via Santiago or Los Angeles), then travel to Cusco or Huaraz for guided treks.
- Best time to visit: May to September, for clear skies and glacier hikes.
Congo Basin, Central Africa
Often overshadowed by the Amazon, the Congo Basin is a biodiversity powerhouse. It’s a lifeline for global carbon storage but is under severe threat from deforestation and mining.
- How to get there: Access through Brazzaville (Republic of Congo), then join a specialist-guided safari.
- Best time to visit: June to September, with drier weather and better wildlife sightings.
Tubbataha Reefs, Philippines
Accessible only by liveaboard boats, Tubbataha Reefs are UNESCO-listed reefs that are teeming with marine life. But rising sea temperatures and acidification are pushing these delicate ecosystems towards collapse.
- How to get there: Fly to Manila or Cebu, then connect to Puerto Princesa in Palawan.
- Best time to visit: March to June, the exclusive diving season.
The Dead Sea, Jordan & Israel
Floating in its hypersaline waters is a bucket-list experience. But the Dead Sea is shrinking rapidly, with sinkholes and receding shorelines marking its decline. Water diversion and mineral extraction are exacerbating the Dead Sea’s shrinking, leading to ecological damage.
- How to get there: Fly to Amman (Jordan) or Tel Aviv (Israel), then a short drive to the resort areas.
- Best time to visit: March-May or September-November for mild weather and site visits.
Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
The last frontier of ice, nothing compares to Antarctica’s otherworldly landscapes. But with record-low sea ice and warming temperatures, its unique wildlife and pristine environment are under threat.
- How to get there: Fly to Ushuaia (Argentina) or Punta Arenas (Chile) via Santiago, then join an expedition cruise.
- Best time to visit: November to March for longer days and milder conditions.
Travelling responsibly to these climate-impacted destinations helps raise awareness and supports local conservation efforts. There’s never been a more important time to explore with purpose.
