7 top climate-impacted destinations Aussies should visit, before they’re gone

While rising sea levels, extreme weather events and environmental degradation are impacting Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef, these events are also threatening numerous fragile ecosystems and their communities around the world. From remote islands to mountainous regions, many areas are now at risk of disappearing or becoming inaccessible altogether. These unprecedented changes highlight the urgency of the issue, with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reporting that in 2023 the global average sea level set a record high of 101.4 mm above 1993 levels.[1]

In response, award-winning Australian travel insurance provider Insure&Go has identified seven lesser-known destinations vulnerable to climate impacts. These destinations are worth visiting for their natural beauty, cultural significance and offer travellers an opportunity to support local conservation efforts and raise awareness of climate change challenges.

From remote islands threatened by rising waters to delicate mountain habitats facing extreme conditions, these seven climate-impacted destinations remain within reach for Australian travellers. They invite visitors to connect with nature, learn from local communities, and help protect some of the world’s most extraordinary places — before it’s too late.

Tuvalu (South Pacific)

Just a dot in the vast South Pacific Ocean midway between Hawaii and Australia, Tuvalu is one of the least visited countries on Earth welcoming only 3,136 visitors in 2023.[2] This offers visitors the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in authentic Polynesian culture without the tourist hordes and witness a way of life that could soon disappear.

Why now?

Tuvalu is likely to be the first country in the world to become uninhabitable due to climate change.[3] As it’s low-lying with an average elevation above sea level of only two metres, it makes it extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels. In fact, in just over 30 years the sea surrounding Tuvalu has risen 15cm, that’s one and a half times the global average. In a dramatic sign of what’s to come, Australia has recently pledge to accept 280 Tuvaluans per year as climate refugees.[4]

How Aussies can get there

With only a few flights each week Australians can typically reach Tuvalu via Fiji (Nadi International Airport) with Fiji Airways, making it a convenient Pacific detour.

Best time of year

April to October offers the driest, most pleasant weather which is ideal for snorkelling, lagoon tours, and cultural festivals.

Sundarban National Park (Bangladesh and India)

Visit the world’s largest mangrove forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sundarbans which are a cluster of low-lying islands in the Bay of Bengal. For a true off the beaten path away from the crowds, only 2,143 international guests visited in fiscal year 2022/23, wildlife tourists will want to add this as a bucket list destination to see elusive Bengal tigers, saltwater crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.[5]

Why now?

Up to one-third of the Sundarbans could be submerged by 2050 if current sea-levels continue to rise at the rate of 12mm per year, as compared to the global average of 2mm per year.[6] In addition, coastal erosion due to intensified cyclonic events further threaten the delicate ecosystem, pushing the tigers further onto the fringes.[7]

How Aussies can get there

Take a flight from Australia to Dhaka (Bangladesh) or Kolkata (India) via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, then the best way to explore is to join an organised eco-tour.

Best time of year

For cooler and drier weather that’s perfect for tiger-spotting and navigating calm creeks and rivers travel to this region is recommended between October to February.

Peruvian Andes Glaciers (South America)

Beyond Machu Picchu lies pristine glaciers, lakes and Quechua villages where ancient traditions live on. A trek through the Andes offers views of breathtaking ice-capped peaks and a chance to learn from Indigenous communities who’ve adapted to these extreme conditions for centuries.

Why now?

We are among the last generations that will have the privilege of seeing the glaciers.[8] Critical freshwater reserves, the glaciers are rapidly receding and have lost 30-50 per cent of ice cover lost in the last 40 years.[9] As they melt, the once-stable valleys are more landslide-prone and local water sources will dwindle, which has the potential to alter life in the high Andes forever.[10]

How Aussies can get there

Take a flight from Australia to Lima (often via Santiago or Los Angeles), then travel to Cusco or Huaraz, hubs to join a guided trek.

Best time of year

For clearer skies and drier trails which is ideal for glacier-viewing treks you’ll want to mark your calendar for travel during May to September.

Congo Basin Rainforest (Central Africa)

It’s the second largest rainforest and arguably one of the most important wilderness areas left on Earth. While not your classic tourist destination, it’s a biodiversity hotspot with over 600 tree species and 10,000 animal species, making it a haven for wilderness and wildlife enthusiasts.[11] It’s still considered one of Africa’s cheapest destinations to have an unmanufactured journey, and see large African wildlife including the wild mountain gorillas.

Why now?

As a major global carbon sink it absorbs three percent of the world’s emission, but it’s one of the most vulnerable areas in the world to climate change.[12] Today it’s experiencing rampant deforestation and mining activity which accelerates habitats loss and ultimately threatens this region.

How Aussies can get there

The Congo Basin can be accessed through the capital of the Republic of Congo, Brazzaville, then join a specialist guided safari to see the protected sections of the rainforest.

Best time of year

In the months of June to September it’s often less rainy which improves wildlife-spotting conditions and trail accessibility.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (Philippines)

A diver’s paradise far from all inhabited land, these reefs are the only exclusively marine World Heritage site in Southeast Asia. Located in the heart of the Sulu Sea they boast some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the world with a very high density of marine species.

Why now?

Like many reefs in the world which are sensitive to changes in temperature, and even a slight increase in water temperature can cause coral bleaching. And as ocean acidification and bleaching events intensify, coral reefs face mass die-offs.[13] More frequent storms threaten these remote reefs, putting Tubbataha’s postcard-perfect underwater scenery at risk.

How Aussies can get there

Take a flight to Manila or Cebu, then connect to a liveaboard in Puerto Princesa in Palawan.

Best time of year

The only way to reach this site is by liveaboards, and diving here is only possible between March and June.

The Dead Sea (Jordan/Israel)

This region is famous for its hypersaline waters and healing mud and is surrounded by historical treasures including biblical sites, Masada’s fortress, and modern wellness retreats.

Why now?

The Dead Sea is shrinking about a metre per year, as diverted river flows and evaporation are outpacing replenishment. The crumbling shorelines and huge sinkholes are further accelerating issues which combine to threaten this natural wonder.[14]

How Aussies can get there

Fly to Amman (Jordan) or Tel Aviv (Israel) from Australia (commonly via Dubai or Doha), then it’s only a short drive to many of the Dead Sea resorts.

Best time of year

For optimum temperatures for floating in the salty waters and exploring nearby archaeological sites many visitors plan trips for Autumn (March-May) and Spring (September-November).

Antarctic Peninsula (Antarctica)

Why go?

From icebergs and glaciers to penguins and polar bears, the Antarctic Peninsula’s unique landscape can’t be seen anywhere else. Guided expeditions have opened this world up to travellers, allowing adventurers to experience Antarctica while learning about its crucial role in the world’s climate system.

Why now?

The window to experience Antarctica’s pristine landscapes in their current form is closing. Its sea-ice hit record lows in February 2023, the shrinking ice not only raises global sea levels,[15] it also threatens species like emperor penguins and many other species that rely on sea-ice for refuge.[16]

How Aussies can get there

Fly from Australia to Ushuaia (Argentina) or Punta Arenas (Chile) via Santiago,

Best time of year

Expedition cruise to the region often run November to March affording visitors longer days with milder temperatures.

ENDS

About Insure&Go