8 destinations you must visit in 2018

Madagascar

When travel experts lament the effects of global climate change, destinations like the Maldives, Alaska and the Great Barrier Reef immediately come to mind. But climate change is also rapidly affecting Madagascar, the world's fourth-largest island and one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

Increased cyclone activity across the Indian Ocean is threatening the island's ecosystems, rising ocean temperatures are affecting endemic coral and fish species and increasing and decreasing rainfall on different parts of the island are leading to severe flooding and drought. Deforestation is also causing the rapid extinction of Madagascar's most famous animal species, the ring-tailed lemur.

But climate change shouldn't deter travelers from visiting Madagascar.

Visiting the country can serve as an educational opportunity for travelers who want to understand the devastating effects of global warming and irresponsible human actions. Many tour providers already add eco-conscious elements to their itineraries, which focus on education, preservation, and giving back to local communities. Some can't-miss experiences in Madagascar include swimming and snorkeling around Nosy Be, spotting lemurs in Ranomafana National Park, admiring the rocky landscapes of Isalo National Park and taking a sunset stroll along the Avenue of the Baobabs.