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With travel booming once again, many of the most popular spots are beginning to suffer from “overtourism”. This means tourists are visiting some of their favorite places more frequently, resulting in long lines for certain attractions, and higher costs.
If you already have a trip booked to one of the following destinations below you will surely still have an incredible time!
But if you are just starting your research and planning a trip, here are some spots to avoid if you want to escape the crowds, avoid price gouging and limited availability on accommodations and tours, and seek out more eco friendly travel.
Rome, Italy
Rome has struggled the last few years from overtourism, especially at famous landmarks like the Colosseum and Vatican City. The sheer number of visitors has lead to long waiting times and a crowded, less enjoyable experience overall.
Of course the city has some remarkable historical landmarks, but it will also be difficult to get a truly authentic experience with the mass influx of tourists. Consider traveling off the beaten path and exploring some of the smaller towns in the countryside or along the coast for a more enjoyable and more authentic experience.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona has long been grappling with overtourism, leading to crowded streets, overburdened infrastructure, and rising living costs for locals. The city’s popular sites like La Rambla and Sagrada Familia can get particularly overcrowded, impacting the overall visitor experience and local quality of life.
An unsustainable tourism model has also negatively affected locals as they’ve seen a massive increase in the cost of living. Many have even coined the phrase ‘Tourists Go Home’ in an effort to fight the negative impact tourism has had on the city. You’ll find the price gouging affects visitors too, with higher priced accommodations, tours and flights.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is devastating that this beautiful area is being negatively impacted by tourism. There are hundreds of cruises now being offered in the bay, and as a result the local fishing villages are being harmed by tons of trash and diesel being dumped into the water.
The ecosystem is struggling, and the area desperately needs a break in order for conservation efforts to be put in place to protect the site. If you are going to visit, I recommend looking into homestays at nearby Vietnamese villages or researching a sustainable tour. While ecotourism is in it’s early stages in the bay, there are some tours beginning to pop up that offer more eco-friendly ways to gain access to this stunning area.
Boracay, Philippines
Boracay was temporarily closed to tourists in the past to address environmental issues caused by overtourism. While it has since reopened and is making efforts to revitalize the beaches, the island continues to face challenges with waste management and water pollution.
It is anticipated that an influx of tourists will return this year, and the area may face similar issues they have in the past as a result.
Athens, Greece
While I lived in Greece for several months and absolutely love Athens, I would suggest bumping this destination off your list until the city can catch up with the tourism demands. Unfortunately they are just not equipped to deal with the influx of visitors.
The Acropolis is implementing new systems like time slots and reorganized tour paths, but until they iron themselves out you will likely find it difficult to access and overcrowded at many of the city’s historical spots. If you are still keen on this area, I recommend a day trip to the nearby Delphi which is an ancient religious sanctuary dedicated to the Greek god Apollo and will give you a sense of the Greek culture and mythology with fewer crowds.
The northern port city of Thessaloniki is another great alternative and a much lesser known gem of Greece that will give you a sense of Old Macedonia. From Thessaloniki you can also easily access Meteora, a World Heritage Site with an equally fascinating history and truly one of the most spectacular places I have ever visited in my lifetime.
Machu Picchu, Peru
This iconic Incan site has faced challenges with over tourism, which threatens its preservation. The Peruvian government has imposed restrictions on the number of daily visitors, but the site still often sees more tourists than it can sustainably handle.
Everyone hiking the Inca Trail also now needs a permit, even if you are just doing a one day trip making it harder to access. If you find yourself unable to gain a permit, considering hiking an alternative trek in the Andes as there are many other routes through these majestic mountains.
Cancun, Mexico
Known for its resorts and nightlife, Cancun has been criticized for being too commercialized and crowded, with a lack of authentic Mexican culture.
An increase in crime has also raised concern for many in the past year. With an airport recently opening in Tulum, it’s worth considering traveling a bit further south instead or exploring one of the islands off the coast of Cancun that remain more off the beaten path.
Stonehenge, England
One of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments, Stonehenge attracts thousands of visitors. However, some tourists have become disappointed by the distance at which visitors must view the stones in to protect the site.. The experience can feel less immersive than expected, and the site is often crowded, with limited time allowed for visits during peak times.
Many don’t realize that the UK actually has over 1,300 lesser-known stone circles. Consider exploring some of these other prehistoric sites for a more immersive and less crowded experience.
The Maldives
Known for its stunning overwater bungalows and clear blue waters, the Maldives is a dream destination for many. However, it’s essential to know that this paradise caters predominantly to luxury travelers.
Budget travelers might find it difficult to enjoy the Maldives fully due to the high cost of accommodation, dining, and transportation between islands. For a more budget-friendly experience, I recommend exploring El Nido in the Philippines or the Cook Islands.
Loch Ness, Scotland
Famed for the mythical Loch Ness Monster, this Scottish destination attracts many hoping for a glimpse of “Nessie.” However, apart from the legend, the area doesn’t offer much in terms of tourist attractions, and the loch itself can be less visually impressive than other Scottish landscapes.
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
While not overcrowded in the traditional sense, the Great Barrier Reef faces significant environmental threats due to climate change, pollution, and mass tourism, leading to coral bleaching and ecosystem damage.
UN scientific advisors have placed a warning that the area is under ‘Serious Threat’ and are pushing for more drastic measures to be taken to protect the area. If you are set on visiting, consider opting for an eco friendly accommodation, supporting local sustainable restaurants and choosing tour operators wisely.
Another way to help is to download the Eye On The Reef app which allows you to upload images and record information on the reef, actively engaging in reef health and preservation. The best way to help is truly to avoid travel to this region at this time, and a great alternative is the nearby Frankland Islands which are a cluster of four National Park Islands off of Cairns.
Home to equally vibrant coral reefs and marine life, the region is keen on preserving this area but are still offering limited tours to visit the islands while still minimizing tourist footprint.
Niagara Falls (From the American Side)
While Niagara Falls is a spectacular natural wonder, some travelers find the experience from the American side less impressive compared to the Canadian side. The views are more limited, and the town of Niagara Falls, NY, lacks the same level of tourist amenities and attractions found in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Famous for their stunning landscapes and featured in movies like “The Beach,” the Phi Phi Islands have suffered from overtourism. This has led to environmental degradation and a loss of the tranquil island atmosphere that once made them so appealing.
One of the most iconic spots, Maya Bay, has become extremely overdeveloped and the water is suffering greatly from fuel and trash pollution. Opt out of adding to the destruction of this beautiful area and seek out an eco friendly destination on one of the country’s many other islands.
Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA
This iconic street, known for the Hollywood Walk of Fame, can be a letdown for some. Los Angeles is my city and I have endless good things to say about it, but if you are visiting this particular strip in hopes of celebrity sightings and a feeling of being amongst the stars then you may leave disappointed and feeling like it is far less glamorous than expected.
With a prevalence of tourist traps and street vendors, it is far from the glitz you see on Television. If you are set on a picture with your favorite actors star, plan to just visit for an afternoon and spend the rest of your trip enjoying the rest of Los Angeles and the California coast.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam has experienced issues with overtourism, leading to crowded streets, overused public facilities, and a negative impact on local life. The city has been taking measures to reduce tourist numbers in the most crowded areas, such as the Red Light District and the city center but is still facing an overwhelming influx of visitors.
Many locals have also grown to disdain tourists as a result of an increase in disrespectful behavior plaguing the city from those looking to come and party with no regard. If you’re going to visit, do so thoughtfully and consider traveling during the offseason and making an effort to explore some of the lesser known neighborhoods in the city.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Known for its stunning medieval architecture and popularity from TV shows like “Game of Thrones,” Dubrovnik faces equal issues with overtourism. The city has seen such an influx of tourists that it’s had to limit the number of visitors to its historic center to preserve its cultural heritage.
I was fortunate to visit before the city was as popular as it is now, but would steer people away from visiting anytime during the busy summer months. Instead consider the shoulder or off season, or try exploring the nearby country of Montenegro which still remains somewhat off the beaten path.
Santorini, Greece
Famous for its stunning views and blue-domed churches, Santorini can feel overcrowded and overpriced, especially in Oia, the most popular spot on the island. With such an incredible local culture, it’s a shame to spend your vacation lost amongst a sea of tourists fighting for the same shot at sunset.
Consider staying on one of the lesser known islands like Milos or Paros for a more authentic and less crowded experience. With ferries running between all of the islands, you can still consider coming for a day trip or one night, but I would steer away from spending your entire vacation here, especially in the summer months.