0:00:00 > 0:00:06And that is it from me and the practised in will be here at six
0:00:06 > 0:00:11o'clock. Now on BBC News, it is The Travel Show.
0:00:11 > 0:00:17This week on the show... The sinkholes left behind by The
0:00:17 > 0:00:23Shrinking Dead Sea.It is devastation, but it is also quite
0:00:23 > 0:00:29beautiful, isn't it?Travel tack you can talk to...I have packed it. Can
0:00:29 > 0:00:34you say it again?Dan Damon Mexico to see one of the wealth of that
0:00:34 > 0:01:07most impressive migrations. -- and I am in Mexico. First up this week, we
0:01:07 > 0:01:13are in the resort of Ein Gedi in Israel, on the banks of the dead
0:01:13 > 0:01:17Sea. This vast, salty lake is one of the region's top tourist
0:01:17 > 0:01:20attractions, but it is one that is slowly disappearing, leaving behind
0:01:20 > 0:01:32a scarred landscape, which we set Joe to explore. -- sent. This is the
0:01:32 > 0:01:38lowest point on Earth, and people come here from all over the world to
0:01:38 > 0:01:43experience the surreal sensation of floating about in the hyper salty
0:01:43 > 0:01:52waters. But in recent years, the dead Sea has been shrinking back at
0:01:52 > 0:02:00a rate of more than a metre a year. The phenomenon is being caused by a
0:02:00 > 0:02:04sharp decrease in the amount of water flowing into it as the country
0:02:04 > 0:02:14's long be river Jordan, the late's main source, harvest the waters for
0:02:14 > 0:02:18agriculture and industry. 30 years ago, the dead Sea came all the way
0:02:18 > 0:02:22up here, right up to this beach umbrellas. But now the sea has
0:02:22 > 0:02:28receded so much that tourists need to be passed by tractor to the
0:02:28 > 0:02:38waters' age, a distance more than a mile. -- edge. The tractor rides
0:02:38 > 0:02:44might be a fun novelty for tourists, but they are expensive to run. And
0:02:44 > 0:02:56the shrinking sea has caused an even bigger problem. As the waters
0:02:56 > 0:03:00received, a huge underground salt deposits are left behind, and when
0:03:00 > 0:03:03the salt dissolves, the ground above it can collapse without warning,
0:03:03 > 0:03:13causing sinkholes. This man has seen the impact first hand.This is the
0:03:13 > 0:03:19main road, the Main Beach, and he to risk it place.-- touristic place.
0:03:19 > 0:03:27You can see how the road has given away.Yes, everything completely
0:03:27 > 0:03:32collapsing, falling apart.Two years ago, this road was closed and
0:03:32 > 0:04:22rerouted after the surface started to sink. It is now an enormous hole.
0:04:22 > 0:04:30When did the first hole happen?The beginning of it was the late 1980s.
0:04:30 > 0:04:36It was a phenomenon, a nice one, interesting phenomenon on. But it
0:04:36 > 0:04:42escalated very much and very fast. And once you bring people next to
0:04:42 > 0:04:47it, people who live, people who work out, and tourist places, then you
0:04:47 > 0:04:51just have two leave the place and you get the biggest damage that you
0:04:51 > 0:04:59can get.This tourist resort used to be one of the dead Sea's few public
0:04:59 > 0:05:03beaches, two years ago it had to be evacuated when the ground became too
0:05:03 > 0:05:16unstable. Wow. The whole building had to be abandoned.Yes. Very short
0:05:16 > 0:05:24notice. We had to just take everything, pack our bags, staff,
0:05:24 > 0:05:40equipment, and just leave. It looks like a war.There is a plan to
0:05:40 > 0:05:44reverse the fortunes of the dead Sea by pumping water into it from the
0:05:44 > 0:05:49Red Sea over 100 miles away, but that could take many years and no
0:05:49 > 0:05:57one knows for sure if it will work. In the meantime, the people here are
0:05:57 > 0:06:02determined to rebuild, using satellite mapping to assess where
0:06:02 > 0:06:10new holes might open up. I'm actually, what you see there,
0:06:10 > 0:06:16the big Lagoon, is a chain of sinkholes.This man helped develop
0:06:16 > 0:06:21the satellite system. He has been studying the singles for the past 17
0:06:21 > 0:06:28years is it safe to explore this area?-- sinkholes. It is quite safe
0:06:28 > 0:06:32to somebody who knows where to go, somebody who knows the issue of the
0:06:32 > 0:06:39sinkholes. For somebody who doesn't know, it could be dangerous.He has
0:06:39 > 0:06:43started taking groups out to safely view the sinkholes. He wants
0:06:43 > 0:06:50something positive to come out of the problem.First of all for the
0:06:50 > 0:06:56awareness of people to the Dead Sea crisis, on the other hand, to give
0:06:56 > 0:07:01explanations. People want to know what's happening. And then we have
0:07:01 > 0:07:08also the other side of the problem. People are amazed by the scenery. It
0:07:08 > 0:07:14is beautiful. That is why it is very important to let the people access
0:07:14 > 0:07:20the sea, a safe one. Nowadays there is no safe access. I think that we
0:07:20 > 0:07:32are losing something.The idea is for people to be able to see the
0:07:32 > 0:07:36geological wonders that have appeared as the Dead Sea has
0:07:36 > 0:07:49receded.I just want to show you my diamonds.Wow. Oh my gosh.They are
0:07:49 > 0:07:58actually crystals, crystals of salt. Can I keep this?Yes, of course.
0:07:58 > 0:08:05Thank you very much.A gift from me. A gift from the Dead Sea. That's
0:08:05 > 0:08:09incredible. And it isn't just sold diamonds that are formed along the
0:08:09 > 0:08:25shore. Oh wow.They form just on the slope. And the waves roll them up
0:08:25 > 0:08:33and down.Diamonds and pearls. Diamonds and pearls yes.You are
0:08:33 > 0:08:37spoiling me. It is amazing to grab handfuls of these polls. They are so
0:08:37 > 0:08:46beautiful. -- pearls. Is there a sinkhole me here?There are
0:08:46 > 0:08:52sinkholes, of course, along the coastal plain.Can we go and look at
0:08:52 > 0:09:06one?Yes. Is that it? All of that?Yes. This
0:09:06 > 0:09:17is one of the biggest sinkholes.It is absolutely enormous.This is
0:09:17 > 0:09:27about 40 metres, 50 metres in diameter.Wow. It's filled with
0:09:27 > 0:09:36water as well.This is the groundwater.I am a bit scared here.
0:09:36 > 0:09:47Not exactly sweet water. With the ability to dissolve salt.Yes. It's
0:09:47 > 0:09:55like a Lagoon, isn't it?It's like a Lagoon.Such a lot to take in,
0:09:55 > 0:10:01because there is devastation but it is also quite beautiful.Always look
0:10:01 > 0:10:10at the bright and of the problem, yes.
0:10:10 > 0:10:16It's the eerie beauty of this place that is hoped will attract the
0:10:16 > 0:10:20tourist to the area and repair some of the economic damage that has been
0:10:20 > 0:10:24caused by the singles. If you're planning a trip to the Dead Sea, you
0:10:24 > 0:10:28don't have to worry about a sinkhole opening up under the beach. The
0:10:28 > 0:10:32affected areas are clearly signposted and should not be entered
0:10:32 > 0:10:39without guidance from an expert.
0:10:40 > 0:10:46Still to come on The Travel Show... I am in central Mexico to see one of
0:10:46 > 0:10:56the world's greatest wildlife migrations. Wow. Normally we are not
0:10:56 > 0:11:06allowed to get this close. So don't go away.
0:11:06 > 0:11:11The Travel Show, your essential guide were ever you're heading. --
0:11:11 > 0:11:13wherever.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22Where's the closest train station? Where's the closest pizza
0:11:22 > 0:11:26restaurant? What's beware the going to be like later? Voice-activated
0:11:26 > 0:11:32Dech has exploded in popularity in recent years, with gadgets and apps
0:11:32 > 0:11:40that use speech commands becoming a big part of our lives. But now,
0:11:40 > 0:11:44sparked as next month because want to change the way you travel before
0:11:44 > 0:11:48you have even pack your bags as Max but speakers will stop Google has
0:11:48 > 0:11:57launched a packing baht. I am really intrigued to give this a go. OK,
0:11:57 > 0:12:05Google, talk to KLM?Where are you going?Tokyo.I have made it as a
0:12:05 > 0:12:08packing list that is perfect. We started travel essentials such as
0:12:08 > 0:12:13your passport and bank cards.I have packed it.Make sure to pack enough
0:12:13 > 0:12:19underwear for seven days.Underwear, very important. I have packed it.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24Make sure to pack enough underwear for seven days.I have packed it.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29I've missed what you've said. Underpants for seven days.I packed
0:12:29 > 0:12:39it.I didn't get that. Can you say it again? Sorry for asking, are you
0:12:39 > 0:12:50a man or a woman? Takken Oscars were seven days.I have packed them.
0:12:50 > 0:12:58Sunglasses are in the bag. Have a good flight.Right! I'm all packed
0:12:58 > 0:13:06and good to go. So, overall, I'd say Bebe is pretty helpful in making
0:13:06 > 0:13:10sure you pack the essentials and don't forget anything. But the
0:13:10 > 0:13:14entire process felt longwinded, you couldn't interrupt her when
0:13:14 > 0:13:18speaking, and after joke four or five, it got a little bit annoying.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22It's very cool that it uses artificial intelligence, it all
0:13:22 > 0:13:26feels very futuristic, but for now, I don't think I'm ready to give up a
0:13:26 > 0:13:30fashion list. Other smart speakers are getting in on the travel act,
0:13:30 > 0:13:34too. Matt's popped around to show me how Amazon's Alexa can help with
0:13:34 > 0:13:39flight and hotel searches.Welcome back. What would you like to do?
0:13:39 > 0:13:44Alexa, search for flights to Paris. Please tell me when you want to fly
0:13:44 > 0:13:48out.In one week.When do you want to fly back to London?Return in two
0:13:48 > 0:13:51weeks.Off we go. The least expensive flight from London to
0:13:51 > 0:13:56Paris is a nonstop flight on easyJet for £75.It's a great way to get a
0:13:56 > 0:14:00kind of rough ballpark on the kind of figures you'll be paying to go on
0:14:00 > 0:14:03holiday, which is quite handy. Delivering that through voice rather
0:14:03 > 0:14:07than having to type it out and play with calendars and all of that stuff
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Yeah.., makes it effortless as well, it?Absolutely. In the US
0:14:10 > 0:14:15right now, you can actually book your hotel.I don't know how I feel
0:14:15 > 0:14:20about that! I need to see what I'm going to stay in. Don't people want
0:14:20 > 0:14:23to look at what they're investing in...?I guess if you've been
0:14:23 > 0:14:27somewhere before, or feeling adventurous.....if you like taking
0:14:27 > 0:14:31a few risks!If you've ever done a bit of travelling, you just turn up
0:14:31 > 0:14:36to a random hotel or hostel and go on a local's word, maybe...So would
0:14:36 > 0:14:41you book your hotel through Alexa? I'm definitely going to try it.And
0:14:41 > 0:14:45here's a speech-activated gadget you can try out anywhere - the GoPro
0:14:45 > 0:14:46Hero 6 Black. When
0:14:46 > 0:14:47can try out anywhere - the GoPro Hero 6 Black. When you're using your
0:14:47 > 0:14:49hands to
0:14:49 > 0:14:50Hero 6 Black. When you're using your hands to cycle or drive, or can't
0:14:50 > 0:14:55reach to touch the buttons on your camera, being able to bark commands
0:14:55 > 0:15:00at it in order to control it is an absolute godsend. All I have to say
0:15:00 > 0:15:04is "GoPro, start recording."
0:15:07 > 0:15:11There are loads of commands at your disposal. You can get it to take
0:15:11 > 0:15:15photos, you can set it to shoot, and you can even record a time-lapse. If
0:15:15 > 0:15:18you think you've filmed something that's particularly standout, you
0:15:18 > 0:15:24can get it to mark the clip at that exact moment by saying "GoPro
0:15:24 > 0:15:28highlight" or, if you're down with the kids, "That was sick!" When you
0:15:28 > 0:15:33want to stop filming, all you have to say is: "GoPro, stop recording."
0:15:45 > 0:15:51You wouldn't know it to look at it, but these hills are just a couple of
0:15:51 > 0:15:53hours' drives from Mexico City.
0:15:57 > 0:16:03This is the transatlantic volcanic belt, but it's not the volcanoes
0:16:03 > 0:16:09we've come to see... I'm almost at a peak, and you can tell - I'm quite
0:16:09 > 0:16:13out of breath. We are about 3,000m above sea level. The air's thin,
0:16:13 > 0:16:17it's quite cold, but we are beginning to see monarch
0:16:17 > 0:16:19butterflies.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Every winter, millions of butterflies fly for around two
0:16:28 > 0:16:33months from Canada and the US to a few patches of high-altitude forest
0:16:33 > 0:16:35here in Mexico. Most
0:16:35 > 0:16:36few patches of high-altitude forest here in Mexico. Most are located in
0:16:36 > 0:16:45the state of Michwaqan, but this is the least touristy site, and
0:16:45 > 0:16:48somewhere you can truly be alone with these creatures.
0:16:49 > 0:16:55Wow...! Normally we're not allowed to get this
0:16:56 > 0:16:57Wow...! Normally we're not allowed to get this close but, from this
0:16:57 > 0:17:02distance, I hope you can see there are millions of monarchs clustered
0:17:02 > 0:17:06in black clumps on these fur trees. What I find absolutely amazing about
0:17:06 > 0:17:11this insect is they travel 4,000km from Canada, the United States, down
0:17:11 > 0:17:12to this particular forest.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18Ir trees. What I find absolutely amazing
0:17:20 > 0:17:23It's the longest migration undertaken by any insect. Scientists
0:17:23 > 0:17:28only recently discovered that they use the sun to navigate to the same
0:17:28 > 0:17:33reserves every year, where they rest, feed, and then find a mate. In
0:17:33 > 0:17:36recent years, the populations have dwindled thanks to the destruction
0:17:36 > 0:17:41of habitats in the US and Canada, and deforestation here in Mexico.
0:17:41 > 0:17:47One study says the numbers have gone down by 84% in the last 20 years.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51The fear is this - one more bad winter, and the entire colony could
0:17:51 > 0:17:53be gone.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03It's been really bad. Two years ago, we had a snowstorm that killed a lot
0:18:03 > 0:18:09of butterflies, you know? It was really, really sad to see, like,
0:18:09 > 0:18:15these clusters - the way we saw they are...Mm-hmm...but those
0:18:15 > 0:18:19butterflies were dead. And they still looked like they were
0:18:19 > 0:18:22hibernating, but they weren't hibernating anymore. They were just
0:18:22 > 0:18:26dead.Frozen?Yeah, frozen, 'cause of the weather.And what happens if
0:18:26 > 0:18:34there's another terrible winter like that?Well, I hope they will not be
0:18:34 > 0:18:37there, the butterflies. The population went down a lot.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54The village at the foot of the hill depends largely on the butterflies
0:18:54 > 0:19:00for its existence. It's tiny, though the people are instantly welcoming.
0:19:08 > 0:19:16There is just one B&B, run by Quell and his American wife Helen, which
0:19:16 > 0:19:20they set up in an effort to make American day stay for a bit longer
0:19:20 > 0:19:23-- day-trippers stay for a bit longer.
0:19:25 > 0:19:31And wouldn't you know it - the one local restaurant is run by Huel's
0:19:31 > 0:19:33mum, Rosea.
0:19:36 > 0:19:42And why do you guys love the butterflies? Why are you here?Well,
0:19:42 > 0:19:47you know, that's how I met her. That's how we met. We met in a storm
0:19:47 > 0:19:54of butterflies.Anyway, my dad - he retired from being in those
0:19:54 > 0:19:59mountains for over 30 years.When we met, there was nothing here. People
0:19:59 > 0:20:04came on day trips, people came from far away, they paid outside
0:20:04 > 0:20:08operators to come in here, and none of the money stayed in the
0:20:08 > 0:20:11community. We wanted to have multiple people stay here, stay in
0:20:11 > 0:20:14the community, stay longer.And the numbers are much lower than they
0:20:14 > 0:20:19used to be in the area, with the butterflies?Sometimes we see that
0:20:19 > 0:20:23in some places, but not as often as I think older people talk about
0:20:23 > 0:20:28seeing that. I've only been here for four seasons, so in four seasons,
0:20:28 > 0:20:30it's kind of... ..it's actually gotten better, the numbers have
0:20:30 > 0:20:34gotten slightly in the last four seasons, but it's still dramatically
0:20:34 > 0:20:40lower than what it was...than it used to be.Yeah.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44This is lusher and greener than you might expect from Mexico - a
0:20:44 > 0:20:47peaceful place to see the migration.
0:20:52 > 0:21:00And here's a glimmer of hope for the people of Marchellos. While numbers
0:21:00 > 0:21:05are still critically low, the signs from this year and the last is that
0:21:05 > 0:21:07the worrying decline appears to be stabilising.
0:21:30 > 0:21:35That's all for now. Join us next time, when...
0:21:41 > 0:21:46The sports festival in Abu Dhabi - trying to get to the top of one of
0:21:46 > 0:21:51the world's highest sand dunes - the Morrie Dune - which means
0:21:51 > 0:21:56"terrifying mountain".You know what? I've been looking at one of
0:21:56 > 0:22:02the world's highest and steepest sand dunes for a while now. Trying
0:22:02 > 0:22:05to reach the top. Luckily, I've got myself a lift.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19In the meantime, make sure you too join our adventures on the road by
0:22:19 > 0:22:22following us on social media. From myself, and the Travel team here in
0:22:22 > 0:22:24Mexico, it's adios.