Introduction
Summer 2025 is setting records for travel—unfortunately, many iconic destinations are buckling under the weight of overtourism. From Venice’s canal-strewn pathways to Mount Fuji’s crowded trails, ancient cities and natural wonders are feeling the strain of mass visitation. Let’s explore which places are overbooked and where thoughtful travelers can go instead for more meaningful, less crowded experiences.
1. Venice, Italy
The Issue: Venice deals with tens of thousands of day-trippers every day during peak season. Its fragile infrastructure struggles under pressure, leading to entry fees and cruise ship restrictions.PR Newswire
Alternative: Opt for the tranquil Italian Alps—charming towns like Bergamo or Brescia offer architecture, culture, and peaceful hillside walks without the crowds.CNBCRemarkable
2. Santorini & Mykonos, Greece
The Issue: These islands impose €20 fees per cruise passenger and limit arrivals to 8,000 per day—overtourism is hitting hard.PR Newswire
Alternative: Head to the Albanian Riviera—places like Himarë and Qeparo deliver crystal-clear waters, local charm, and lower prices.Medium
3. Dubrovnik & Croatian Coast
The Issue: The Game of Thrones effect attracts daily cruise-ship swarms to Dubrovnik, forcing visitor caps.PR NewswireWikipedia
Alternative: Explore Slovenia or smaller European towns like Český Krumlov, Bolgheri, or Hallstatt—they still offer medieval charm without the throngs.Jacksonville Journal-CourierLuxurytravelmag.com.au
4. Vatican City
The Issue: Over 6.8 million tourists flood this tiny city-state of just 882 residents year-round.The Times of IndiaNew York Post
Alternative: Visit quieter religious and cultural hubs like Reims, France or Girona, Spain—rich in heritage but without overwhelming lines.Luxurytravelmag.com.auTravel Market Report
5. Mount Fuji & Kyoto, Japan
The Issue: Mount Fuji limits climbers to 4,000 per day; Kyoto’s Shibuya ward restricts gatherings—this was once unthinkable.PR Newswire
Alternative: Discover Kanazawa, Takayama, Nagano—or retreat to Okinawa or the Japanese countryside for slower cultural experiences.News.com.auslowtravelnews.com
6. The Bahamas & Caribbean Islands
The Issue: The Bahamas receives over 11 million tourists annually, far exceeding the population—placing stress on islands’ infrastructure.The Times of IndiaNew York Post
Alternative: Explore emerging Caribbean islands or coastal states in Europe; cooler “cool-cations” in Scotland offer scenic, less crowded escapes.The TimesRemarkable
7. Monaco & Malta
The Issue: Monaco and Malta—small nations with outsized tourist influx—strain resources, culture, and community.The Times of IndiaNew York Post
Alternative: Choose similar glamorous experiences in quieter areas—Bolgheri (Italy) or smaller Mediterranean towns offer charm with space.Jacksonville Journal-CourierTravel Market Report
8. Florence & Lake Como, Italy
The Issue: Florence battles overtourism through short-term rental bans; Lake Como suffers from traffic and infrastructure strain.Wikipedia
Alternative: Try nearby small towns or embrace a slow-tourism mindset—spend time biking, cooking, or hanging with rural artisans.MediumTravel Market ReportWikipedia
9. Bhutan
The Issue: While picturesque, Bhutan enforces a high tourist fee ($200–$250/day), limiting casual access.Wikipedia
Alternative: Still aiming for serenity and cultural immersion? Consider Laos or Argentina’s Patagonia—equally authentic, far less costly.Travel Market Report
10. Whole Regions Like the Great Wall of China or Prince Edward Island
The Issue: Overtourism damages landmarks like the Great Wall; Island economies like PEI are overwhelmed by short-term rentals.Wikipedia
Alternative: Go frontier—seeking nature and authenticity in places like Mongolia, Greenland, or rural Thailand.slowtravelnews.comTravel Industry SolutionsRemarkable
Why “Detour Destinations” Are Resonating in 2025
- Travelers increasingly value authentic, uncrowded experiences, not selfie snapshots.AccorCNBC
- Detour travel (places near popular ones) is rising 60% year-over-year, per Expedia.Remarkable
- The Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) is shaping itineraries—less sightseeing, more stillness.Condé Nast TravelerLuxurytravelmag.com.au
- Season-stretching, escapism from heatwaves, and wellness-focused “cool-cations” drive smarter planning.National GeographicForbesThe Times
- Slow tourism—deliberate, culturally immersed, low-impact—is the antidote to mass tourism.Wikipedia
How to Travel Smarter in 2025
- Go Off-Peak: Shoulder seasons save money and lift crowd pressure.National Geographic
- Book Ahead: Popular places now see caps or closures without notice.PR Newswire
- Try Nearby Alternatives: Like Girona vs. Barcelona, or Kanazawa vs. Kyoto.Travel Market ReportLuxurytravelmag.com.au
- Prioritize Slow & Authentic: Choose experiences not just destinations.WikipediaThe Times of IndiaForbes
- Support Sustainability: Pick small businesses, rural stays, and regenerative tourism.Travel Market ReportThe Times of India
Final Thoughts
2025 stands as a pivotal year where the travel community collectively starts to shift toward meaningful, mindful, and less intrusive experiences. While places like Venice and Santorini remain stunning, travel is shifting—with intention—toward quieter, richer, and more conscientious destinations.
If you’d like, I can help curate a full itinerary focused on detour destinations, wellness travel, or slow tourism tailored to your interests.
Further reading on travel trends
World’s 8 most overcrowded tourist destinations
Aussies venture beyond the hotspots in 2025 to ‘hidden gems’ in China and Japan
Scotland lures heatwave-weary Europeans seeking ‘coolcations’
About the Author
