Choose Peace Over Popularity
Mass tourism has turned once-pristine destinations into overcrowded nightmares, while some extraordinary places remain relatively unknown. For all globe-trotters, here is a list of 22 skips and 22 must-sees for your bucket list.
Santorini, Greece: Skip It
The famous blue-domed churches now serve as backdrops for endless Instagram photos. Cruise ships dump 15,000 tourists daily onto this tiny island, creating hours-long lines for everything. Prices have skyrocketed, with basic hotel rooms starting at $500 per night in peak season.
Lofoten Islands, Norway: See It
These dramatic Arctic islands offer everything Santorini promises but deliver authentically. Traditional red fishing cabins dot pristine harbors, while northern lights dance overhead from September to March. Local fishing families still welcome visitors into their homes for fresh-caught cod dinners.
Petr Šmerkl, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Cancun Hotel Zone, Mexico: Skip It
This artificial strip has morphed into a concrete jungle of all-inclusive resorts. Beach access grows increasingly restricted as hotels claim more coastline. So no more long walks without being stopped. Average drink prices have started to rival Manhattan's, while cultural experiences amount to mere staged photo opportunities.
Alfonzo Buscemi, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Holbox Island, Mexico: See It
A better alternative to the Cancun Hotel Zone is Holbox Island, still in Mexico. Just two hours from Cancun lies this car-free paradise where whale sharks glide past wooden beach bars. Family-run posadas offer rooms at one-third of Cancun's rates. And local fishermen lead snorkeling trips to secret reefs.
Bruno Rijsman, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Venice, Italy: Skip It
Yes, yes, we know it's beautiful, but the "Floating City" sinks under 30 million annual visitors. Streets become impassable by midday. Local life has virtually disappeared—90% of "traditional" mask shops now sell Chinese imports. Another downside? Water taxi rides cost more than luxury car rentals.
Trieste, Italy: See It
Trieste is hands down a better spot. This elegant port city combines Venice's maritime charm with authentic Italian life. James Joyce wrote here in historic coffee houses that still serve perfect espresso. The giant Borgo Teresiano district offers architecture rivaling Venice's at a fraction of the crowds.
Zinn, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kuta Beach, Bali: Skip It
What was once a surfer's paradise now drowns in plastic waste that hinders a smooth wave ride with aggressive touts willing to wrestle for your attention. Remember the vast beach? Oh, that disappears under rental chairs by 8 am. Safety concerns rise as pickpocketing incidents increase each year.
David Stanley, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Nusa Penida, Bali: See It
If you want authentic Bali, just head to Nusa Penida instead. A 30-minute boat ride takes you through Bali as it was 30 years ago. Crystalline waters host manta rays and pristine coral. Local families run homestays, teaching guests traditional cooking and offering motorcycle tours to secret beaches.
Aaron Rentfrew, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Times Square, New York: Skip It
This commercial carnival exists purely to separate tourists from their money. Food costs triple the Manhattan average, and the once-friendly street performers aggressively demand tips for unwanted photos. The "bright lights" experience lasts approximately five minutes. After that, you'll just get a headache.
Alexander Khitrov, Shutterstock
Brooklyn Heights, New York: See It
Besides Times Square, why not try out America's first suburb, which offers Manhattan skyline views without the chaos? Historic brownstones line peaceful streets where actual New Yorkers live. Local delis serve authentic bagels for $2, while mom-and-pop shops still thrive.
Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Taj Mahal At Peak Hours: Skip It
Even though we do love some Indian romance, skip the Taj Mahal between 9 am and 5 pm because it usually packs up to 45,000 people crowding the grounds such that selfie sticks create genuine safety hazards. The magic of this architectural wonder gets lost in a sea of tour groups.
B.Ramana Kumar,CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Taj Mahal At Sunrise: See It
Here is the secret: waking up early and arriving at or before 6 am to truly see just how the Taj shines in all its splendor. Morning mists create ethereal photo opportunities where you'll feel like you're walking on clouds. Local guides share detailed architectural knowledge without rushing.
Phi Phi Islands, Thailand: Skip It
"The Beach" turned these islands into a backpacker nightmare, and long-tail boats clog every bay. Additionally, marine life has retreated from over-snorkeled reefs, and the basic bungalows now cost more than Bangkok luxury hotels. Do you know where you'd get more value for your money? Koh Lanta.
Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Koh Lanta, Thailand: See It
If you love the sea in its natural undisturbed element, the traditional fishing villages share shores with sensitive development. National park status protects pristine jungles and reefs. Then, the family-run dive shops maintain high environmental standards while charging half of Phi Phi's rates.
Dronepicr, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mount Everest Base Camp: Skip It
This once-beloved trek has become a conga line of ill-prepared tourists and waste management issues threaten local water supplies. Helicopter evacuations went up significantly last year and the guide prices have doubled as luxury "glamping" replaces traditional tea houses.
Gunther Hagleitner, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek: See It
For a trek to remember, try the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. Here, the traditional Nepali villages welcome trekkers with hot tea and homemade dal bhat. Plus the professional guides emphasize safety and cultural respect. The views here also rival Everest's while crowds remain one-tenth the size.
Sudan Shrestha, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Dubrovnik Old Town: Skip It
Game of Thrones tourism overwhelmed this medieval gem. Cruise ships release 10,000 daily visitors into streets built for 1,000. What a mess. The native residents have also fled, leaving most of the properties serving as short-term rentals. It's beautiful, but you will be better off at Kotor.
Dennis G. Jarvis, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kotor, Montenegro: See It
Similar Venetian architecture graces this fortified town. And the local families still occupy centuries-old stone houses. Water taxis cost 30 euros for up to 6 people, significantly less than Dubrovnik's while offering identical Adriatic views that will have you imagine a few Game of Thrones scenes reenactments.
Ostrovsky Alexander, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Yellowstone During Peak Season: Skip It
If you plan a trip to Yellowstone between July and August, you'll regret it. This is because the geysers become parking lots. Then, two-hour traffic jams form for single bison sightings. Lodging within 50 miles sells out six months in advance at premium rates. No sights to see and no place to sleep.
Yellowstone In September: See It
Thankfully, you can still enjoy Yellowstone in September. This is when wildlife emerges, and the crowds disappear. Fall colors paint the terrain gold. Additionally, room rates drop while temperatures still remain pleasant. The rangers will also have time for detailed nature talks.
Dubai Mall: Skip It
Do you need an authentic shopping spree in the U.A.E? Skip Dubai Mall. This shopping megalith is just a front that prioritizes style over substance. Premium prices buy the same brands available worldwide, and the famous aquarium tank appears in more Instagram posts than actual visits.
Shahroozporia, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Dubai Creek: See It
A better pick is the Dubai Creek, where traditional wooden dhows still transport goods across this historic waterway. Here, the local merchants welcome bargaining in ancient souks that the Mall lacks. Authentic Arabic coffee costs less than mall café prices.
yeowatzup, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Phuket Old Town, Thailand: Skip It
In Phuket Old Town, tourist buses clog narrow streets hourly. Worse off, the "traditional" markets now sell mass-produced trinkets, so you and a thousand more tourists will be "twinning". Local food prices have doubled, and the historic shophouses have converted to generic souvenir stores at an alarming rate.
Ryomaandres, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Trang, Thailand: See It
Jump to Phuket Old Town and try Trang, where the authentic night markets serve regional specialties at local prices. Century-old Chinese temples welcome quiet contemplation, while the remote islands offer private beach camping. The family-run coffee shops roast beans from nearby plantations.
Terracotta Warriors At Peak Hours, China: Skip It
Tour groups entering Terracotta Warriors during the peak hours create human walls five deep around each statue. As if that's not enough, the guides with megaphones drown out all atmosphere, photography becomes impossible without dozens of strangers in frame and the entry fees are sky high. Know what's better?
Terracotta Warriors Last Entry, China: See It
Now, if you truly want to see this site, book your visit in the late afternoon. First, the light creates perfect photo conditions. Second, the Chinese archaeology students often offer free informal tours, better than the paid versions. Security guards also share insider stories during quiet moments.
Jaipur City Palace, India: Skip It
The Jaipur City Palace package tours flood the complex by mid-morning. And this makes the "royal" experience amount to costly photos with strangers' faces plastered all over. The local artisans have also been replaced by commercial vendors. Finally, buying water here will cost you a lot, even for Indian standards.
Antoine Taveneaux, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bundi Palace, India: See It
To enjoy genuine Rajasthani architecture, go to Bundi Palace which remains untouched by mass tourism. Original murals cover walls of quiet chambers and the local guides share authentic historical narratives. Plus the entry fees support actual preservation work.
Paris Champs-Élysées: Skip It
In this destination, international chain stores replaced historic cafés. Street performers block sidewalks seeking mandatory "tips". The prices are also quite ridiculous with a coffee costing more than an entire meal in local arrondissements. You also have to carry your bag close because pickpocket warnings appear every 50 meters.
Josh Hallett, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Rue Cler, Paris: See It
For a more affordable, undisturbed trip, try Rue Cler in Paris. In this locale, the traditional fromageries neighbor family-run bistros and the morning markets supply fresh produce to actual Parisians. Café terraces offer prime people-watching at reasonable prices while the street musicians play for genuine appreciation—not a forced pay day.
Great Wall Badaling Section: Skip It
Despite the city's amazing backdrop, the cable cars eliminate any sense of historical journey. Souvenir shops outnumber guard towers, and the tourist crowds make walking nearly impossible by 10 am. If it gets crowded by 10, imagine noon. Impossible, right?
Dolly442, CC BY-SA 3.0 , Wikimedia Commons
Great Wall Jinshanling Section: See It
A better alternative to the chaotic Badaling Section is the Jinshanling Section, where the original Ming Dynasty brickwork remains intact. Local farmers are also happy to share shortcuts to stunning viewpoints. Hiking sections span gloriously empty battlements, and the photography opportunities match professional documentaries.
Georgio, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Machu Picchu Main Gate: Skip It
This destination's entry queues start forming at 3 AM. If you really want such a thing, be my guest. The tour groups also rush through in identical patterns, meaning that there will be no added value on your second trip. All the selfie spots you imagine visiting will have 30-minute waiting lines welcoming you.
Zielonamapa.pl, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Choquequirao, Peru: See It
A better spot that is actually larger than Machu Picchu yet receives 1% of visitors is Choquequirao. Choquequirao still has the original Inca agricultural terraces active, and its multi-day treks offer authentic mountain community encounters. The local guides here also know their staff and are willing to share generations of regional knowledge.
McGhiever, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Barcelona Las Ramblas: Skip It
Street crime in Barcelona Las Ramblas increased significantly last year perhaps due to mass tourism. Even street performers here outnumber the guests, usually creating constant bottlenecks. Additionally, the restaurant prices triple those in local neighborhoods and the souvenir shops replaced the good old century-old businesses.
LiKlug, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
El Born, Barcelona: See It
Still in Barcelona, the El Born houses stunning medieval architecture structures with that modern Catalan culture. The local bars serve tapas at resident prices, and the artistic allure of the country lives on because you'll find artists who still maintain working studios. If you like it, you can get a piece to take home.
Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kyoto Fushimi Inari At Peak Hours: Skip It
Kyoto Fushimi Inari is stunning, but if you can, stay away during the peak hours. During that slot, Instagram crowds block torii gate paths until sunset. Then the tour buses arrive every 15 minutes—dropping more guests in tens. The sacred spaces that are to be serene become selfie backgrounds.
wongwt, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kyoto Fushimi Inari At Dawn: See It
For a better, more fulfilling experience, set the alarm early and reach its gates at dawn. The sight that awaits you will be the enchanting morning mists that create a mystical atmosphere. You could hike the mountain trails for solitary exploration or visit the traditional tea houses for breakfast.
chee.hong, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Sydney Opera House Plaza: Skip It
Sure, the pictures at this spot are legendary, but would you want the cruise ships that crowd here to be the backdrop? We bet not. On top of that, the restaurant prices exceed special occasion budgets, and it's loud—the street performers compete with amplified volume.
Tim Sheerman-Chase, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lavender Bay, Sydney: See It
A better view? Lavender Bay which has Instagramable harbor views that match postcards without crowds, noise, and congestion. Here, you take a picture; just you and nature. Then the local cafes serve authentic Australian breakfast plus you can take a dip in the secret harbor pools. For free!
Sardaka, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Angkor Wat Main Temples: Skip It
In the Angkor Wat Main Temples, the massive tourist foot traffic threatens ancient stone structures. When you get here at sunrise, the already poached scene removes all sense of discovery. Basic water bottles cost more than local meals and the tour groups follow identical routes hourly.
Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Banteay Chhmar, Cambodia: See It
Authentic Khmer temple complex receives few visitors and the temple here is in a better state because the local community manages preservation efforts even as the Archaeological work continues. To sweeten the deal, the traditional villages offer homestay experiences at affordable prices.
Kolinchev Andrii, Shutterstock
Maldives Resort Islands: Skip It
Artificial beaches require constant maintenance, something the locals don't do so well here. And since marine life avoids heavily trafficked areas, there will be nothing to see here unless it's your lucky day. Basic meals cost more than weekly local salaries, and the cultural experiences feel staged. But you know what's more exciting?
cestovatel, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fuvahmulah, Maldives: See It
Here, the traditional island life continues unchanged, tourists or not. And you'll be glad to know that the tiger sharks bring in dedicated divers year-round. The food here is more affordable, and the local cafes serve authentic Maldivian cuisine. The guest houses here also offer genuine community interaction.
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