Most of us today see swoonworthy destinations dance across our TV and phone screens on a near-constant basis. Whether it’s the latest luxe White Lotus filming location or Insta-perfect pics we stumble across while scrolling through our social media feed, certain spots have become the object of everyone’s desire. ??
You might dream of lounging on impossibly turquoise beaches, strolling the cobbled streets of old Europe, trekking timeworn mountain trails or visiting ancient archeological sites. The problem in this age of mass media is that we all want to go to the same places—the bucket list-type destinations that can no longer sustain such influxes of visitors.
The sad truth is that overtourism has gotten so bad in some places that they no longer want us there. Not any one group specifically, but the collective “us.” The waves of tourists who descend en masse, crowding once-quiet streets, driving up prices and slowly changing the very character of the places we dreamed of experiencing authentically.
And, as a result, there’s been an increasing amount of backlash. Venice has implemented an entry fee for day-trippers in an effort to mitigate the overwhelming volume of visitors. Amsterdam has launched multiple campaigns to discourage tourists’ disruptive behavior and is struggling to undo its public image as a party city.
More secluded countries like Bhutan have long enforced strict limits on tourism, requiring daily fees that contribute directly to conservation and community welfare. But, around the globe, from Machu Picchu to Santorini, crowd control measures such as timed entry, visitor caps, and tourism fees are becoming increasingly common.
More and more, places that once welcomed tourists with open arms are starting to reconsider. While tourism is doubtless a boon for local economies, officials are having to weigh its benefits against the undeniable detriments. Locals are being priced out of their own communities, daily life is disrupted by constant crowds and resources are stretched thin.
People are speaking out, and rightfully so. A poignant example was the recent protests held in Barcelona, which saw residents squirting tourists with water pistols and demanding that they go home. Last year, Amsterdam residents took to the streets in similar demonstrations against the mass tourism that they said was making their city “unlivable.”
Their frustration illustrates the impact of unchecked tourism on human communities, but tourism also takes its toll on the natural environment and priceless sites themselves. Picture the fragile coral reefs, bleached by our pollution and damaged by the constant presence of boats and numerous divers. Or, the world’s ancient ruins and architectural marvels, slowly eroding under the weight of millions of footsteps each year.
So, what can we, as travelers, do? Stop exploring altogether? That doesn’t seem like the answer. After all, travel is a wonderful thing. It opens minds, expands horizons, creates memories and builds bridges. What we need to do is start traveling differently.
Instead of ticking off the same ten destinations everyone else is chasing, maybe it’s time to explore the places that aren't trending on TikTok. Consider traveling in the off-season, staying longer in one place instead of hopping around, supporting locally owned businesses that prioritize sustainability, opting for eco-friendly accommodations and transportation, and educating yourself a bit about your destination before you go.
Most importantly, be mindful of your impact and remember that you are a guest in these places. Respect local customs, minimize your waste and leave no trace of your visit. Because the truth is, if we really care about these dream destinations, we owe it to them to visit in a way that keeps them vibrant, livable and authentic.
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