3 travel alternatives to Venice, Barcelona and Dubrovnik with fewer tourists
Avoid the crowds in Venice by visiting Chioggia, give Dubrovnik a miss and head to Sibenik, or skip Barcelona and try Tarragona
The most famous places in the world seem to be on everyone’s wish lists – and are often the first places people will travel to in a particular country before exploring anywhere else.
One answer is to travel to popular spots out of season. Another is to consider lesser-known alternatives.
“Our holiday choices matter more than ever, and travellers need to think carefully about where they go and how they visit when they get there,” says Tim Williamson, joint managing director at Responsible Travel, who also points out that some destinations suffer from undertourism, too.
“Overtourism can be extremely localised and despite the headlines, there are many places that want and need more visitors. Tourism still has enormous power to boost local economies, cushion financial blows, restore heritage and conserve endangered species. Choosing an alternative to somewhere like Dubrovnik can help ease pressure, but we also need to avoid simply shifting the problem elsewhere.”
He recommends that holidaymakers ensure they also spend locally – as opposed to just inside a hotel, or on a cruise ship – and avoid short-term rentals, which can have a negative impact on housing availability and affordability to local people. Make sure to choose a holiday company that considers its impact on local nature and people.