Where you can't go in 2023 and why

Source: Money Review

Travelers from all over the world are expected to take their vengeance for their two years in "prison" in 2023, as they can now take their dream vacation to any part of the world they want, with no restrictions.

However, just because Covid-19 restrictions are no longer in effect does not mean that all attractions have been unaffected by the pandemic.

Some took advantage of the tourism lull to reconfigure or upgrade their infrastructure, but others closed permanently.

CNN compiled a list of popular tourist destinations around the world that you should cross off your bucket list because they are either no longer open or will be for at least another year.

Check out which ones they are:

Train Street, Hanoi - Vietnam

This street is one of the most popular on Instagram.

The Old Quarter Street in Vietnam's capital city became famous for the trains that came and went along the tracks just inches away from houses and shops.

Despite this, the tracks are still heavily used.

This, combined with the area's over-tourism, poses safety concerns for visitors. In fact, trains have frequently had to divert to avoid traffic.

Plan B: Visit Nhà Th Ln H Ni (St. Joseph's Cathedral) instead. There will be no trains, but there will be plenty of motorcycles.

Los Angeles' Underground Museum

The "Underground Museum" in Los Angeles, founded by artists Noah and Karon Davis, promotes the work of black artists.

The museum continued to operate after Noah's death in 2015, but it eventually closed its doors in 2022, despite the support of famous celebrities such as Beyoncé and John Legend.

It's unclear what happened or whether the museum will reopen in a different location.

Plan B: Exposition Park's California African American Museum also features works by black artists.

Jurong Bird Park, Singapore

After more than 50 years of operation in Singapore, Asia's largest bird park has announced that it will close in August 2022.

There is, however, good news for its fans. The park will reopen in a new ecotourism hub on the city's northwestern outskirts.

Plan B: In the meantime, you can visit the Singapore Botanical Gardens, the country's only UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Dublin Writers' Museum, Ireland

The Dublin Writers' Museum was established to preserve the legacy of some of the most important writers of English-language literature who came from Ireland.

The museum, like many other tourist attractions around the world, will close in March 2020.

It was initially reported that the museum would close temporarily, but it ended up being its... final closure.

The museum was officially declared to be permanently closing in August 2022 because it "no longer meets the expectations of the modern museum visitor in terms of accessibility, presentation, and interpretation."

Plan B: Instead of going to the Dublin Writers' Museum, you can go to the Irish Literature Museum.

The Jumbo Kingdom floating restaurant, Hong Kong

It was once the world's largest floating restaurant. It no longer exists.

The restaurant, which has appeared in dozens of movies and TV shows and has been visited by celebrities such as Queen Elizabeth, has become less popular with both locals and tourists over time.

The cost of maintaining the ornate three-story vessel was prohibitively expensive, and Hong Kong tourism suffered as a result of Covid's strict bans and restrictions.

Plan B: Although the restaurant is no longer in operation, many of Hong Kong's iconic landmarks are still in operation. The Peak Tram, for example, was renovated in 2022.

The 9/11 Memorial Museum, New York

Before the 9/11 National Memorial and Museum opened at Ground Zero, there was the 9/11 Tribute Museum.

The lower Manhattan space served as a gathering place for those affected by the terrorist attacks and housed many personal items donated by survivors and victims' families.

The museum, however, closed in the summer of 2022, citing financial losses during the pandemic.

Plan B: The State Museum of New York in Albany, about 150 miles north of New York City, now houses the majority of the museum's exhibits.

Two Japanese history museums

Although both are in Tokyo, these museums are very different: the Edo-Tokyo Museum is a traditional history museum that focuses on Japanese culture, whereas TeamLab Borderless promises a one-of-a-kind digital experience.

Both, however, are closed.

The Edo-Tokyo Museum has announced that it will close for at least three years for renovations.

Meanwhile, TeamLab Borderless, which was named the world's most visited museum by the Guinness Book of World Records, will relocate to a new location in 2023.

Plan B: For those who enjoy museums, Tokyo is a must-see. Both the Mori Art Museum and the National Museum of Western Art are excellent choices.

Museum of London, United Kingdom

The most visited history and culture museum is on the move.

The museum, which was founded in 1912, will relocate from London Wall to the nearby General Market. However, it is scheduled to reopen in 2026.

Plan B: There are numerous places to learn about London's rich history. Visit The Globe to see Shakespeare's plays performed, go underground to explore Churchill's War Rooms, and learn about past royal dramas at the Tower of London.

Queen Mary, Long Beach, California

The Queen Mary was a glamorous transatlantic ocean liner that was retired in 1967 and moved to southern California.

It did, however, continue to operate as a restaurant, hotel, and tourist attraction.

The ship is currently closed to visitors because it requires urgent repairs.

Plan B: There is plenty to do in Long Beach. The Queen Mary 2 can also be visited.

[This article was translated from its Greek original]