See Student View
 
 
Menu
Sign-in
Home > October 12, 2026 > Should Tourists Be Banned From Extreme Places?
A woman holds up a phone for a selfie on a scenic overlook surrounded by forest and a waterfall

Illustration by Robb Mommaerts; Courtesy of families (Bria and Henry)

Standards

Article Options

Presentation View
Teaching Resources

Lexile® measure

Language

Should Tourists Be Banned From Extreme Places?

In June, a man in Brazil dropped his phone into the water above Iguazú Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls. He climbed over a safety barrier and jumped in to get the phone. He made it out safely, but should anyone be allowed to take that kind of chance? 

Some people think extreme places should be off-limits to visitors. They argue that it’s impossible to stop everyone from breaking safety rules. Some visitors risk injury, or even death, to snap a photo of their extreme trip. 

Others say the world’s most amazing places should be seen in person, not just in photos. They also believe that seeing nature up close can inspire people to care about it and help protect it.

Here’s what two of our readers think.

While extreme locations can be exciting, they’re also dangerous. Many tourists fail to follow expert guidance, putting themselves and others at risk. In April, tourists in Australia got trapped on a small cliff on the sea, with huge waves beating against the rocks. It took emergency workers three hours to rescue them. 

Tourists have also been known to harm wildlife or damage natural wonders. On Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain, climbers have left tons of waste behind.

People should be allowed to visit places like the Death Valley and Mount Everest so they can learn about the power of nature. I once got to see a volcano in Hawaii. Watching lava ooze out and looking into a volcanic vent reminded me just how special Earth is. As long as visitors follow safety rules and respect nature, extreme travel isn’t a problem.

Plus, when people tour natural wonders, it helps local businesses. Hotels and wilderness guides depend on tourists to make money.

What does your class think?

Should tourists be banned from extreme places?

Please enter a valid number of votes for one class to proceed.

Should tourists be banned from extreme places?

Please select an answer to vote.

Should tourists be banned from extreme places?

0%
0votes
{{result.answer}}
Total Votes: 0
Thank you for voting!
Sorry, an error occurred and your vote could not be processed. Please try again later.
Skills Sheets (1)
TEACHER SUPPORT (1)
Printables (1)
Text-to-Speech