Hey First name / friend! Ā Youāve likely heard the term overtourism tossed aroundāor maybe youāve simply felt it creeping into your travels. Ā Think: packed plazas where more people are filming than soaking up the scene, sandwich lines stretching around the block for an Instagram-famous bite, tour groups clogging narrow alleys, or entire destinations hitting pause just to recover from the surge. Ā Itās no secret that some of the worldās most beloved places are feeling the straināovercrowded streets, worn-down historical sites, and small towns overwhelmed by day-trippers and tour buses. Ā š But hereās the thing: you donāt have to follow the crowds to experience something extraordinary. The world is full of stunning alternativesāplaces where your visit can have a more meaningful impact and where you can connect with the culture instead of just ticking off landmarks. Ā And who wouldnāt want that? Ā Letās take a look at a few places where you can relax, explore, and be thereāwithout feeling like youāre in an amusement park. |
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āI'm going to Europe!ā says everyone and their brotherā¦ but nine times out of ten, they mean the most visited destinations in Europe. If you want to skip the crowds, try these overlooked spots instead ā¤µļø Ā Instead of the Amalfi Coast... consider Salina Island, Sicily š®š¹Ā - A volcanic island that's also lush and greenāSalina is the most verdant of the Aeolian Islands.
- Spend a day on the water, visit one of the islandās three towns, or wind through the hills on a Vespa.
- Wine tasting with views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, black sand beaches, and a relaxed Italian eleganceāSalina is the Italy you dream about.
- Stay: Capofaro Relais & Chateaux or Hotel Signum
Instead of Santorini... consider Antiparos, Greece š¬š· - Whitewashed charm, fishing boats, and bougainvillea-lined alleysāwithout the cruise ship congestion.
- A Venetian castle at its heart, a golden sunset beach at its edge, and just enough stylish restaurants and boutiques to keep things interesting.
- Take a boat to the uninhabited islet of Despotiko, where the ruins of Apolloās temple stand against the Aegean sky.
- Stay: The Rooster Antiparos
Instead of Amsterdam... consider The Hague, Netherlands š³š± - A diplomatic hub with embassies and ambassadors, yet refreshingly uncongestedāfewer canals (less chance of falling in) and less smoke than it's popular neighbor.
- The Royal family of the Netherlands and Vermeerās Girl with a Pearl Earring call this city home, as do miles of rolling dunes and vast, untamed beaches straight out of a Dutch masterās painting.
- If you visit, call me up and let's go for a lekker kopje koffie!
- Stay: La Paulowna Boutique Hotel or De Plesman
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You want sandy beaches and/or lush junglesābut maybe you feel boxed in by the same old, same old? You don't have to default to the usual go-to spots for sun, sand, and adventure. Try these for your next tropical getaway instead ā¤µļø Ā Instead of the Hawaiian Islands... consider the Azores, Portugal šµš¹ - Volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, and dramatic coastlines shaped by centuries of seismic activity.
- Explore the Sete Cidades crater lakes, soak in natural thermal pools, go whale watching, and hike through rugged volcanic trails.
- Swim in natural ocean pools in Mosteiros, visit an Azorean pineapple plantation, and take in sweeping Atlantic views from cliffside viewpoints.
- Stay: White Azores
Instead of Tulum... consider Bocas del Toro, Panama šµš¦ - Laid-back Caribbean vibes, crystal-clear waters, and stilted hideaways above the sea.
- Take a private boat to snorkel or dive the āGalapagosā of coral reefs, spot dolphins at sunset, and visit the unique Red Frog Beach.
- Kayak through hidden mangrove tunnels where sloths lounge overhead and starfish dot the shallow seabed.
- Stay: Nayara Bocas del Toro
Ā Instead of the Bahamas... consider Dominca š©š² - Misty peaks, black-sand beaches, and jungle riversāwithout the resorts and cruise ship crowds.
- Three national parks, volcanic landscapes, and hundreds of waterfalls make it the Caribbeanās ultimate nature escape.
- Hike across an active volcanic caldera, soak in hot springs, or follow ancient trails through the Kalinago Territory.
- Stay: Secret Bay Relais & Chateaux
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Despite being a little harder to get to, some destinations are just popular enough to result in shoulder-to-shoulder, selfie-stick-wielding crowds. Here are a few alternatives that offer a similar feel with more space and authenticity to explore ā¤µļø Ā Instead of French Polynesia... consider Sainte Marie Island, Madagascar š²š¬ - Pristine beaches, swaying palms, and turquoise waters with a fraction of the visitors.
- Snorkel coral reefs, explore pirate graveyards, and witness the islandās seasonal humpback whale migration.
- Stay in eco-conscious beachfront lodges and experience the islandās laid-back, tropical charm.
- Stay: Voaara
Instead of Bali... consider southern Sri Lanka š±š° - Serene beaches, heavy lean towards wellness, and fewer tourists.
- Relax on golden shores, explore lush tea plantations, and spot elephants roaming in national parks.
- Surf uncrowded waves in Ahangama, take one of the world's most scenic train rides through the highlands, and visit sacred Buddhist sites.
- Stay: Tekanda Lodge
Ā Instead of the Iceland... consider Lofoten, Norway š³š“ - Jagged peaks, red fishing cabins, and Arctic beaches where turquoise waters meet towering cliffs.
- Cast a line in the same waters that have sustained fishing villages for centuries, then feast on hyper-local seafood straight from the source.
- Slow down in a remote fishing village-turned-boutique retreat, where long-table dinners, sauna sessions, and fjordside bonfires bring travelers and locals together.
- Stay: Holmen Lofoten
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P.S. Ready to experience more authentic, crowd-free travel? As a travel advisor, I can help you find the ideal alternative for your next getaway āØ |
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Schelpkade
Den Haag, South Holland 2514KB, The Netherlands |
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