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- Overtourism has forced travelers to avoid popular destinations due to tense infrastructure and exhausted resources.
- Crowded destinations can pose safety risks due to political tensions, environmental challenges and crime.
- Experts advise against visiting overcrowded areas such as the Thai Islands, Dubrovnik, Santorini and the major European capitals.
When there is a cruise ship in Dubrovnik, Croatia, or when there is a fountain in Rome, Trevi, on a hot day, do you really need to show you a photo to prove that your trip is not as busy as this summer?
Probably not. A recent survey by Global Rescue found that 73% of travelers are concerned about overtourism, with over half actively eschewing popular destinations such as France, Spain, Italy and Thailand.
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“We’re looking forward to seeing you in the world,” said Dun Richards, CEO of Global Rescue. “Whether it’s a natural disaster or a surge in crime, we’ll remain insufficient to handle the crisis.”
But are overcrowded destinations dangerous? And which places to avoid – or do not have avoid?
Are destinations more dangerous for busy summer trips?
Traveling to popular, overcrowded destinations is dangerous. Frank Harrison, director of Regional Security for the Americas for World Travel Protection, said that a combination of political tensions, environmental challenges and crime concerns requires tourists to be more diligent.
“Many destinations once considered relatively safe face multiple mutually linked issues that increase the risk to travelers,” he added. “Traveling is certainly more complicated.”
Even with all the crowds, you may be completely safe. But that doesn’t mean you have a positive experience. You may feel unwelcome as there is a growing backlash against popular tourism at some destinations.
“This backlash brings new restrictions on tourism and a less welcoming atmosphere for travelers,” explained John Rose, chief risk officer at Altour, a global corporate travel management company. “It makes some traditionally popular destinations less appealing and more difficult to navigate.”
One way to avoid confusion is to seek advice from an expert. A competent travel advisor will help you ensure you don’t have long queues this summer. But what does your travel advisor know that you don’t?
I’ll have to skip this summer
Some destinations are literally and figurically too hot to deal with this summer. This is where experts say you should think carefully before making an appointment.
◾Thailand: Thailand’s tropical islands have long been magnets for travelers looking for sun, sand and affordable prices. But now there are too many tourists. Experts advise clients to avoid places like Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi and more. “Prices are expanding, pollution is rising, and the quality of life for local people is declining,” said Alonso Marly, travel advisor at Skylux Travel.
Alternative: Try Chiang Mai in the northern part of Thailand. This is a great place to try Bangkok, where there is less touristy and more space and is a better shopping experience.
◾Croatia: Due to his starring role in “Game of Thrones” and his popularity among cruise passengers, Dubrovnik has become one of Europe’s most overcrowded cities. With only 41,000 residents, they are struggling to handle the influx of tourists. Tourists caused traffic congestion and on busy days the city was almost completely inaccessible.
Alternative: Also check out Split, which has an impressive historic city center (with fewer walls) or head to Zagreb.
◾ Greece: The glorious white houses and blue churches of Santorini have made it a bucket list destination. However, with over 3.4 million visitors each year, the island is buckled under pressure. Locals are protesting a massive influx of tourists. Other Greek islands, including Mykonos and Corfu, are also being attacked violently.
Alternative: Athens and Thessaloniki are always safe bets. They can be busy throughout the summer, but they’re a little less insane than the Greek islands.
◾European tourist capital: You know what I’m talking about: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, Venice. These European cities tackle anti-tourist sentiment driven by rising housing costs and overcrowding. Adding a record-breaking heat wave, there are recipes for a disastrous travel.
Alternative:Down a beaten path even a little – even a little – and you can have many Sana experiences. I spent my time in Berlin last July and was impressed by how uncrowded it was. I also spent some time in Helsinki and northern Sweden, managed to escape the crowds. Even August in Stockholm isn’t that bad, as many residents leave town for a month.
This is by no means a complete list. If you want to go to a popular place, it may be too much. For example, if you are thinking of visiting Rome this summer, don’t forget that it is the year of Jubilee.
Safer bet: Where to go instead
So where should you go? The safest destinations are those marked as Level 1 or Level 2 in the US Department of State Travel Advisory System, said John Gobbels, chief operating officer of the air medical transport and travel security program Medjet.
“But still beware,” he added. “Beware where you go and who you trust. Study the safest and safest parts of town. You should probably not walk alone to all towns at night.”
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) releases annual reporting of the safest destinations and is widely considered the gold standard for travel safety. BHTP research is based on factors such as terrorism, environmental issues, flight delays and more. This year’s list: Iceland, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Switzerland, New Zealand.
“After years of conducting this research, patterns emerged, with certain countries and cities like Switzerland and Singapore becoming the mainstay,” said Carol Mueller, Head of Marketing at BHTP.
However, you don’t need to be a security expert to know that some locations are more risky than others. I have traveled the world for years and the BHTP list is looking for safe and relatively uncrowded places, even during the summer.
why? Well, for a variety of reasons. For example, in Australia and New Zealand it is winter. This means it’s low season unless you’re skiing on the South Island. Switzerland and Singapore are too expensive to attract the kinds of popular tourism in Barcelona and Santorini. Iceland is beautiful, but isolated.
Become a paradox this summer
Takeout is the same. Paradoxical if you want to avoid overcrowded destinations this summer. When everyone else goes north, they head south. They get lost from their beaten paths when they flock to popular destinations.
And yes, I’m in Europe this summer, but my itinerary takes me where fewer tourists go. Home to my ancestors in Munich, Luxembourg, Prague, Prague, Reykjavik and the Amikls of Greece. It’s close to chaos, but not Too much close. Maybe I’ll meet you there.
Christopher Elliott Author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He established Elliot’s defense, A non-profit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidentialtravel newsletter, Elliot Reporta news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer issue, Contact him here Or email him at chris@elliott.org.
