Overtourism, the Bucket List, and Why Your Dream Trip Might Be Ruining the World.

So, you’ve got a bucket list. A carefully curated collection of must-see destinations, each more iconic than the last. The New River Gorge Bridge? Check. Seneca Rocks? Naturally. Blackwater Falls? Of course. And let me guess—you’re determined to visit them all because, well, isn’t that what everyone does these days? Bucket lists have become the travel equivalent of a fast-food combo meal—pre-packaged, convenient, and utterly devoid of originality.

Top Ten Lists: The Fast Food of Travel Advice

Once upon a time, travel was about discovering the world on your terms. Now, it seems everyone’s on a mad dash to collect the same set of experiences, like we’re all competing in some global scavenger hunt. Enter the “Top Ten Places You Must See Before You Die” list—the cornerstone of every uninspired bucket list. These lists are slapped together faster than you can say “clickbait,” designed not to enrich your life but to rack up likes and shares. They’re the travel version of junk food: easy to consume, completely forgettable, and ultimately bad for you (and the places you visit).

Let’s be real—these lists aren’t about helping you find meaningful experiences. They’re about making sure you hit all the “right” spots so you can show off how well-traveled you are. But here’s the kicker: the more people who flock to these so-called “must-see” spots, the more we risk turning them into overcrowded, overhyped shells of their former selves.

The Bucket List: A Recipe for Disaster?

Somewhere along the way, it became almost mandatory to visit certain iconic spots and capture the perfect photo. The New River Gorge Bridge, with its breathtaking views, and Seneca Rocks, with its majestic peaks, have become must-visit destinations. But as more people flock to these stunning locations, the very qualities that make them special could be at risk.

But let’s be honest—how many of those bucket list items are truly your dream? How much of it is just you ticking boxes because you think you should? Because if you’re being completely honest with yourself, the New River Gorge Bridge is stunning, but the experience can be dampened when you're surrounded by throngs of people all vying for the same perfect shot. But hey, at least you can say you’ve been there, right?

Overtourism: The World's Greatest Hits, Now in Jeopardy

Now, let’s talk overtourism. You know, that little problem where everyone and their dog is trying to visit the same few destinations, all because they’re on some “Top 10” list. Thanks to bucket lists, some of the world’s most beautiful spots—both globally and right here in the United States—are facing serious challenges.

Take Yosemite National Park, for example. A place of incredible natural beauty, it now struggles with managing millions of visitors each year. Or consider the Grand Canyon, where the vastness of the landscape is sometimes obscured by the sheer number of tourists. The concern here is that beloved West Virginia spots like Seneca Rocks or Blackwater Falls could one day face similar challenges if we’re not careful.

West Virginia’s natural wonders are spectacular, and as they grow in popularity, they deserve the same care and consideration as these iconic national treasures. Imagine Seneca Rocks becoming as crowded as Yosemite’s Half Dome or Blackwater Falls experiencing the same visitor pressures as the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. It’s a future we want to avoid, and responsible tourism is key.

Increased Human-Animal Interactions: A Double-Edged Sword

Let’s not forget about the wildlife. You might think that spotting a black bear at Canaan Valley or a bald eagle soaring over the Potomac is the highlight of your trip. But here’s the thing—those encounters aren’t always as harmless as they seem.

Increased human presence in these natural habitats can lead to wildlife becoming accustomed to people, losing their natural fear, and even becoming dependent on human food. That cute bear you saw rummaging through a picnic site? It might not survive the winter because it's forgotten how to forage. And those eagles? Constant disturbances could drive them away from crucial nesting sites, threatening their survival.

And it’s not just in West Virginia. Across the United States, from Yellowstone to the Everglades, increased human-animal interactions are disrupting natural behaviors and ecosystems. The impact of our collective wanderlust is real and often challenging, not just to the environment but to the animals that call these places home.

So, What’s the Alternative?

At this point, you might be wondering what the alternative is. Should you just stay home and forget about seeing the world—or even your own state? Maybe. Or maybe it’s time to rethink the whole concept of travel.

Instead of focusing solely on bucket-list destinations, why not seek out the lesser-known gems? The places that aren’t on everyone’s radar but offer just as much beauty and wonder. Better yet, consider how your travel choices can positively impact the destinations you love. It’s not about avoiding travel altogether, but about being mindful of how and where you go.

Or, if you must travel, do it differently. Create your own personal adventure. Visit places because they resonate with you, not just because they’re famous. And maybe, just maybe, consider the possibility that your travel choices might actually have an impact on the world—an impact that can be both positive and lasting.

In the end, the best way to travel might be to explore with intention and care. And while you’re at it, toss those top ten lists in the trash where they belong. Let’s face it, they’re just a lazy way for someone else to get clicks while you end up in the same crowded spots as everyone else. So before you book that next trip, ask yourself: Is this really worth it?

Maybe the best adventure is the one you take on your own terms—free from the noise of lists telling you where to go, what to see, and how to travel. Because, in the end, the world deserves more from us than just another ticked box on a list.