Overtourism: travelling without adding to the crowds
More and more popular destinations are grappling with huge visitor numbers – so how can you still keep your dream hols without becoming part of the problem? We’ve teamed up with Intrepid Travel (a.k.a the experts!) to find out.
So, what is overtourism?
Overtourism happens when a destination gets more visitors than it can comfortably handle. That might mean packed streets and long queues, but the effects can go much further – it can put pressure on public transport, housing and local infrastructure, while also affecting wildlife and natural landscapes. For residents, a constant influx of visitors can mean rising rents, noise and overcrowding; for travellers, it can make the experience less enjoyable too. The tricky bit is that there’s no magic number of tourists that makes somewhere “overtouristed” – it depends on the place, the time of year and how visitors are spread out.
Why are some places struggling?
Recent data has shown that 80% of travellers visit just 10% of the world’s tourist destinations, while social media can turn a previously quiet beach or viewpoint into a must-see destination almost overnight. In some cities, short-term holiday lets have also become part of the debate around housing. Lots of cities like Amsterdam and Barcelona have introduced tourist taxes to tackle the problem. And it isn't just famous cities: smaller coastal and rural destinations can face huge seasonal surges that put pressure on roads, waste collection and local services.
OK, how do I avoid the crowds?
You don't necessarily need to avoid the destination altogether. Timing is your friend: travelling outside peak season, going midweek or visiting popular attractions early in the morning can make a surprisingly big difference. Look beyond the obvious: instead of following the exact same TikTok itinerary as everyone else, explore neighbouring towns, lesser-known museums, local markets or quieter walking routes. You might even find that the “second-best” viewpoint is actually better when you don't have to queue for it. Enter: Intrepid Travel’s Not Hot List, the 10 destinations selected based on three key criteria: being less-visited, demonstrating tourism readiness in 2027, with new initiatives, launches or openings in the region.
“If we want tourism to continue to be a force for good, we need to constantly be thinking about how and where we travel. We believe that the most important thing is not to stop travelling to these places, or discouraging people for their travel choices, rather it’s showing how you can travel in a way that has a meaningful contribution to local communities and economies.”
So how can I be a better tourist?
Think about where your money goes as well as where you go. Staying in locally owned accommodation, eating at independent restaurants and using local guides can help more of your spending reach the community you're visiting. Public transport and walking can also reduce pressure on busy roads, while following local rules around beaches, wildlife, hiking trails and photography helps protect the places you're there to enjoy. You can also explore some of Intrepid’s fab Uncommon Day Trips designed to take you off the beaten track and into real communities. Our Partnerships Manager, Lily, wrote a dreamy review of the Paris one and honestly? Major FOMO.
Before you book, ask yourself these questions…
When am I going? Try travelling outside the busiest weeks.
Where am I going? Check out Intrepid’s Not Hot List for the less-trodden paths.
Where am I staying? Consider locally owned accommodation where possible.
How am I getting around? Use trains, buses or walk once you're there if you can.
What am I leaving behind? Stick to marked trails, take your rubbish with you and respect wildlife.