Hey First name / friend! Youāve likely heard the term overtourism tossed aroundāor maybe youāve simply felt it creeping into your travels. 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. 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. 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. And who wouldnāt want that? Letās take a look at a few places where you can relax, explore, and be thereāwithout feeling like youāre in an amusement park. |
|
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 Instead of the Amalfi Coast... consider Salina Island, Sicily š®š¹ - 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
|
|
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 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
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
|
|
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 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
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
|
|
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 |
|
Schelpkade
Den Haag, South Holland 2514KB, The Netherlands |
|
|
|
