Expert Warns Against Travel to These Popular Tourist Destinations

In a brand new column, a journey professional warned towards touring to among the hottest vacationer locations on the planet – for precisely that motive. Travel insider Christopher Elliott famous that 73 p.c of vacationers are apprehensive about over-tourism with greater than half actively avoiding in style locations like France, Spain, Italy, and Thailand.

“Over-tourism weakens destinations by straining infrastructure and depleting resources,” stated Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue. “It leaves them ill-equipped to handle crises, whether it’s a natural disaster or a surge in crime.”

With over-tourism issues in thoughts, Elliott created a list of locations to keep away from whereas providing options.

Popular Travel Destinations to Avoid

Thailand: Elliott stated Thailand’s tropical islands “have long been a magnet for travelers looking for sun, sand, and affordability,” however believes there are simply too many vacationers flocking to the world now as specialists recommendation vacationers “to steer clear of places like Phuket, Pattaya and Krabi.”

Greece and Croatia: Elliott warned towards journey to each Croatia and Greece on account of over-tourism overwhelming the nations and their individuals. “With just 41,000 residents, it’s struggling to handle the influx of tourists. Tourists have caused traffic jams and, on busy days, have made the city almost completely inaccessible,” he stated of Dubrovnik.

Europe’s main cities: “You know what I’m talking about: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Venice. These European cities are grappling with anti-tourist sentiment fueled by rising housing costs and overcrowding. Add record-breaking heat waves, and you’ve got a recipe for a miserable trip,” Elliott stated.

Where to Go Instead

While he famous the place to not go, Elliott additionally gave knowledgeable options for these trying to journey to related places – with out the crowds.

“Try Chiang Mai, in the northern part of Thailand, which is less touristy and calmer, or Bangkok, which has more room – and better shopping,” Elliott stated of these eager about journey to Thailand.

Those Croatia ought to focus their search on Split or Zagreb and he famous “Athens and Thessaloniki are always safe bets” for these searching for journey to Greece.

Finally for the key European locations, Elliott advised traveler to “get off the beaten path – even just a little.”

“I spent last July in Berlin, and was impressed with how uncrowded it was. I also spent time in Helsinki and northern Sweden, and managed to escape the crowds. Even August in Stockholm isn’t so bad because many residents leave town for a month,” he stated.

Related: United, Frontier CEOs Offer Major Warning to Travelers

Expert Warns Against Travel to These Popular Tourist Destinations first appeared on Men’s Journal on Aug 11, 2025