By Peter J. Frank

updated 9:47 a.m. ET July 22, 2008

Isn't it ironic that as it gets easier to travel around the world, there are fewer amazing things to see. The earth's most revered marvels are increasingly falling victim to overcrowding, global warming, and untrammeled development. Of course, the rush to see those disappearing treasures means—ironically, again—that they become even further endangered. Climate change and human encroachment are without doubt the double karate chop to many of the world's most special wonders, threatening to KO them for everyone. So while we're suggesting that you put these spots on your must-do list, we also hope you visit them in a low-impact, environmentally sustainable way. And spread the word: With the right kind of attention, these wonders will be around for future generations of travelers.

1. The glaciers of Europe

Where: The Alps

What's at stake: From Alaska to Greenland to New Zealand, glaciers worldwide are retreating at an alarming pace. ("Retreating" is a nice way of saying melting.) In Switzerland, the change is particularly noticeable since many of these beautiful fields of ice are in popular resort areas. Scientists from the University of Innsbruck predict that if melting continues at its current pace, most glaciers will be gone as early as 2030.

Get yourself to: Chamonix, France, near the borders with Switzerland and Italy. Beyond the appeal of the glaciers themselves—and the postcard-perfect views of Mont Blanc—serious skiers will have lots to enjoy in Chamonix, with plenty of off-piste terrain. It's also an ideal spot for those who just want to take in the view and indulge in the après-ski scene. Splurging vacationers will love the Grand Hotel des Alpes, right in the center of town, while those watching their euros should check out the moderate Hotel Croix-Blanche, the oldest hotel in the area, established in 1793.

Uriel Sinai / Getty Images stock From Alaska to Greenland to New Zealand, glaciers worldwide are retreating at an alarming pace. Scientists from the University of Innsbruck predict that if melting continues at its current pace, most glaciers will be gone as early as 2030.

For more information:
World Glacier Monitoring Service

Grand Hotel des Alpes
Tel: 33 4 50 55 37 80
Doubles from $427

Hotel Croix-Blanche
Tel: 33 4 50 53 00 11
Doubles from $135

2. Africa's lion population

Where: Kruger National Park, South Africa

What's at stake: The king of the jungle. In 2006, it was estimated that fewer than 50,000 lions remained on the entire African continent—down from 200,000 three decades ago. There are several factors to blame for the decimation. Ranchers are killing lions who prey on their livestock; poachers and hunters are taking them for sport and profit. Even the lions that live in national parks and preserves are endangered by disease and inbreeding, matters made worse by chronic underfunding and corruption among park officials and rangers. Some governments are trying to convince livestock farmers that lions are worth more alive than dead, encouraging them to build game lodges on their properties. But it is an uphill battle.

Dan Kitwood / Getty Images stock In 2006, it was estimated that fewer than 50,000 lions remained on the entire African continent—down from 200,000 three decades ago.

Get yourself to: South Africa's Kruger National Park or one of the private game reserves nearby, such as Londolozi or Sabi Sand. Lodges such as Singita offer personalized game drives that will have you staring wide-eyed at Africa's beautiful landscape and its natural—if still endangered—population of elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, and lions.

For more information: Read Susan Hack's illuminating report, "Where Have All the Lions Gone?" in Condé Nast Traveler's September 2006 issue.

Singita
Tel: 27 21 683 3424
From $1,133 per person, all-inclusive

3. Central America's cloud forests

Where: Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, Costa Rica

What's at stake: Those impressed by natural beauty will be awed by the sheer scale and lushness of this Central American landscape, which is deteriorating due to climate change and deforestation. Located in the northern part of the country, it's a high jungle straddling the Continental Divide and home to an astonishing number of species, including 30 kinds of hummingbirds and 420 types of orchids. Several species of frogs have already disappeared from the ecologically rich nature preserve in recent years, including the beloved Monteverde harlequin frog. (He's a cute little bugger.) Even the clouds themselves, which provide the forest with life-sustaining moisture, are reportedly dissipating due to deforestation.

Get yourself to: The hotel El Establo, tucked away in the misty cloud forest; it provides the best view of the scenery in addition to creature comforts like a heated pool, Internet access, and tennis courts. This may be the only time on vacation that you'll be relieved to experience yet another cloudy day.

For more information:
Friends of the Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve
Tel: 506 2645 5122

El Establo Hotel
Tel: 877 623 3198 (toll-free)
Tel: 506 2645 5110
Doubles from $187

4. Orangutans of Borneo

Where: Tanjung Puting Biosphere Reserve, Borneo

What's at stake: The chance to see these amazing mammals just hanging out like, well, you know. Some 50,000 orangs call Borneo home, yet the island, which is shared by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, is critically threatened. First loggers and now palm farmers have destroyed the tropical rain forest. The Indonesian government argues that creating jobs for its many poor citizens outweighs the harm. Yet even beyond orangutans, the biodiversity on the world's third largest island is phenomenal: Borneo serves as a refuge for the Asian elephant and Sumatran rhinoceros.

Get yourself to: For optimal wildlife viewing, we recommend staying at Rimba Lodge, adjacent to Tanjung Puting Biosphere Reserve, a wildlife park established in 1977. This small lodge offers guided tours for a glimpse of orangs, proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, and gibbons in their (still) natural habitat.

For more information:
UNESCO Jakarta Office

Rimba Lodge
Tel: 62 532 671 0589
Doubles from $49

5. The Florida Everglades

Where: South Florida

What's at stake: There's a tragic irony to the name—that "ever" part. The "River of Grass" is a fraction of its former size, thanks to irrigation, farming, and development that drains water away from the fragile ecosystem. Despite a massive federal restoration plan passed by Congress in 2000, the glades—home to many important animals and birds, and a place of stark beauty and intense serenity—are disappearing before our eyes. More than half of the original Everglades has already been swallowed up. We can only hope it doesn't end up being called the Neverglades.

Get yourself to: Everglades National Park, where development is limited but the human touch can still encroach. Avoid airboat rides and paved-over visitor hubs like Shark Valley, and head instead to the Ten Thousand Islands area on the southwest coast. Rent a canoe at Flamingo Marina and explore the patchwork quilt of waterways and mangrove islands in spooky silence.

For more information: Environment Florida

Everglades National Park
Tel: 305 242 7700

Flamingo Marina
Tel: 239 695 3101

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