The tourist attractions that you will not be able to visit in 2022

(CNN) – While many of the world’s most popular tourist destinations are expected to reopen in 2022, there are still some places that will be off limits.

Some of these iconic spots are under construction or renovations that will make them even better when they reopen, while others are doing the touristy equivalent of sailing into the sunset forever.

However, we have backup plans and alternative options for all of these locations.

U.S

Smithsonian Air and Space Museum (Washington)

This popular museum in the United States capital is in the midst of a massive seven-year renovation where “the 23 exhibits will be completely reinvented, with new presentation spaces and attractions.”

Some of this work has been done while visiting tourists, but the museum will close for at least six months in 2022 to enter the next phase of transformation. By the time the work is done, there will be room for about 1,400 new items.

Plan B: The Smithsonian administers various museums throughout Washington, including the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Most of them are within walking distance.

The Haiku Stairs (Oahu, Hawaii)

The Haiku Stairs, a beautiful hiking trail on Oahu sometimes called “the stairway to heaven,” has been rife with over-tourism.

Although the stairs were officially closed to the public in the 1980s, that hasn’t stopped many hikers from sneaking up the stairs and sometimes getting hurt.

This fall, the Honolulu City Council voted unanimously to remove the ladder for good. It is expected to be dismantled in 2022.

Plan B: Hawaii has many beautiful, and less risky, hikes on its islands. If you’re already on Oahu, consider the Ehukai Pillbox Hike, instead.

The Roosevelt Hotel (New York)

One of Manhattan’s most respectable hotels, where Mad Men’s Don Draper lived after his divorce from Betty, welcomed its final guests in 2020 after nearly hitting the century mark.

Plan B: When New York City reopens, check out another classic Midtown hotel, like the Plaza (across the street from Central Park) or the Knickerbocker (in Times Square). The Roosevelt Building is still there, so you can stop by and see the architecture for now.

One Liberty Observation Deck (Philadelphia)

The 57th floor tourist spot in the city center quietly closed amid the coronavirus pandemic, citing a lack of tourists to “the city of brotherly love.”

Plan B: For Instagram-friendly panoramic views of Philadelphia, the City Hall Tower Observation Deck will do the trick.

Europe

Stalheimskleiva Trail (Vestland, Norway)

The Stalheimskleiva Trail, one of the steepest roads in Scandinavia, connects two picturesque waterfalls in the Unesco World Heritage-listed Nærøydalen Valley.

The road, which is also known for its hairpin bends, will undergo much-needed maintenance work in 2022. There is no confirmed reopening date at present.

Plan B: In Norway there is no shortage of beautiful outdoor places. Try the “Nordic beach islands” of Lofoten or the remote northern island of Fleinvær and stay in log cabins surrounded by unspoiled nature.

Marble Arch Mound (London)

London has plenty to see and do, but locals were excited to welcome a new attraction in July 2021. Although the attraction was billed as a lush, open-air retreat with public art and views of Hyde Park, the result finale was ridiculed on social media as being described as “a pile of unfinished rubble.”

Despite some obstacles along the way, the Marble Arch Mound reopened in August and will close permanently in January 2022.

Plan B: Greenwich, in South London, is home to the Royal Observatory. In addition to seeing the Prime Meridian ship and Cutty Sark, the walk through Greenwich Park to the Observatory offers beautiful views of the city.

Asia and pacific

Fraser Island (Queensland, Australia)

Okay, this is a catch – Fraser Island has gone nowhere, but it has reverted to its Aboriginal name of K’Gari. The name means “paradise” in the local Butchulla language.

Plan B: This picturesque island continues to exist as usual. Queensland, and the rest of Australia, is slowly reopening to foreign tourism in 2022, so start planning your trip now. In other words, Plan B is Plan A.

The Yellow Squash (Naoshima Island, Japan)

The Japanese artist Yayoi kusama is famous for its huge polka dot pumpkin sculptures. One of the most famous is a bright yellow one on Naoshima Pier, the “island of art” perched in the Seto Inland Sea.

In August, a strong typhoon swept the pumpkin into the sea. The Benesse Art Site, which runs the island’s museums, managed to recover the pieces, but it’s unclear when the pumpkin will be shown again.

Plan B– Many of Kusama’s beloved “Infinity Room” installations are found in museums and galleries around the world, including the Tate Modern in London and the Broad Museum in Los Angeles. There is also a small museum dedicated to his work in Tokyo.

The Peak Tram (Hong Kong)

One of Hong Kong’s most recognizable attractions is the Peak Tram, which transports visitors to the highest point on the island. Red metal cars made their debut in 1989, the 100th anniversary of the original funicular.

Now, however, it is time for another iteration. The tram closed for remodeling in June 2021 and there is still no firm date to reopen.

Plan B: The good news, though, is that there are plenty of other ways to access the summit while the tram is out of service – buses, taxis, and private cars are allowed, and there are several easily accessible hiking trails.