This is a tough article to write because many of our favorite destinations are on this list. The truth is, it’s not these we won’t be welcome in these destinations. It’s just that we have to exercise a little extra care and caution during our time there.
Along with respecting the locals, there are also logistical considerations like permits and caps on the number of visitors. Let’s take a quick tour through each of these destinations to make sure we do things right when we pay them a visit!
Venice, Italy
We’ll start with one of the most surprising destinations on this list, as Venice is a fan favorite for travelers all over the world. The trouble with Venice is that the influx of cruise ships and mass tourism has damaged the city’s delicate infrastructure throughout the years. This has resulted in rising water levels which, of course, increase the risk of flooding.
Barcelona, Spain
Here comes another surprising one. Barcelona’s beauty calls to millions of visitors, year after year. The reason this is distressing is because it overcrowds the city’s historic districts. As a result, locals are a little bit upset about the rising cost of living, property values, as well as a loss of cultural authenticity.
Bali, Indonesia
How can a land filled with so much healing not be welcoming to travelers? It’s not that Bali won’t welcome you with open arms. We just have to be aware of one of their main concerns: water shortages. Due to the large influx of annual visitors, locals are sometimes faced with this issue. Residents also worry about their sacred temples which, on rare occasions, are subject to disrespectful behavior from tourists and visitors.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Another shocker, right? Again, it’s not that we won’t be welcomed by the locals in Amsterdam. The main area of concern is really only the red-light district. With party tourism and overcrowding, sometimes visitors disregard local norms and put heavy traffic strains on the local infrastructure.
Santorini, Greece
Not heaven’s doorstep! Here’s another example where this shouldn’t stop you from visiting these blissful shorelines. It’s mainly a matter of being aware of some of the challenges locals face. Like Bali, the island has been known to face water shortages from time to time. In addition to this, the congestion during peak season can be a bit cumbersome for locals to deal with.
Kyoto, Japan
It seems our search for sacred healing is something that needs to be approached delicately. Kyoto is happy to welcome visitors so they can savor their sacred culture. But, the truth is, the influx of tourists, especially in places like Gion, can create a bit of a crowding issue that’s less than ideal for locals to have to endure.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik – this one seems a little random, doesn’t it? Not if you’re a Game of Thrones fan. Since its filming, tourism to the city has skyrocketed, leading to an overwhelming number of visitors to the city’s infrastructure. To level things out, officials have begun limiting the number of visitors to certain historic sites and increased entrance fees.
Hobbiton, New Zealand
New Zealand is facing pressures similar to those in Dubrovnik. The only difference here is Hobbiton was specifically created for the Lord of the Rings films. Local officials were happy to keep the area open even after production wrapped. But, there’s been a need to find a middle ground so the cultural and environmental impact on the area isn’t too severe. Again, this shouldn’t stop you from visiting. Just be sure to check everything out before you go because strict visitor limits are in place.
Banff, Canada
If you’ve ever visited Banff, you’ll know you were inches away from heaven’s doorstep. Given that stunning natural scenery, there’s been a significant uptick in visitors. No surprise there. The trouble is, over time, this is having an ecological impact with disturbances to the local wildlife and erosion on the trails. Like Hobbiton, check before you go because there are seasonal restrictions in place on certain areas and trails.
Machu Picchu, Peru
High up in the clouds, Machu Picchu’s ancient Incan architecture is very alluring – and very vulnerable to large crowds. The heavy influx of visitors has led to erosion, waste issues, and increasing threats to the site’s preservation. As a result, there are daily caps on the number of visitors who can partake of its delights, as well as mandatory guide policies in place.
Antarctica
Now, here’s a haul – and certainly a feat for anyone who’s made it that far south. Still, this pristine environment is extremely fragile. Even the smallest ecological disturbances can have long-lasting impacts. In response to this, the number of tour companies that can visit is limited and there are strict guidelines in place for anyone who visits this precious part of the world.
Boracay, Philippines
The landscape and the people of the Philippines draw an enormous number of visitors, year after year – and rightly so. For a while, Boracay was widely popular, due to its white sandy beaches. However, it quickly became overwhelmed by the number of tourists and poor waste management practices. In 2018, they actually had to close the area for six months. It’s since been re-opened, but you’ll find the number of visitors who are allowed to pass through has a cap on it.
Hallstatt, Austria
Here’s another area that experienced an explosion of visitors because of a film. In this instance, it was Frozen that transformed Hallstatt. This small alpine village served as the backdrop for the film and experienced an overwhelming number of visitors each year – something very difficult for a town of only about 800 people to handle. Now, there are limits on the number of visitors to the area, as well as strict parking restrictions.
Bhutan
It seems that local officials in Bhutan had some foresight, even before their land became a popular tourist destination. They’ve actually been prioritizing sustainable tourism practices for decades, allowing only a limited number of visitors and charging a daily fee known as the “Sustainable Development Fee.” For the most part, it allows locals to rest assured that their culture and environment remain protected.
Mount Everest, Nepal
This is certainly another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The trouble with this world-famous mountain is that the base camp area has been significantly impacted by litter, human waste, and over-tourism. As a result, there are caps on the number of people who can secure permits, as well as ongoing clean-up campaigns throughout the area.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Back to another beloved area of Italy. Like Venice and Santorini, the picturesque coastal villages of Cinque Terre face seasonal overcrowding issues that tend to disrupt local life and damage historic pathways. When you visit, you’ll find that access to certain hiking trails is limited, and tourist caps have even been introduced. Be sure to look into all of this before you go!
Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
In this instance, Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie The Beach made Koh Phi Phi popular. Unfortunately, all tourism has led to environmental degradation. Like Boracay, they even had to close the area down – in this instance, for several years. Although the goal was to restore the local marine life and corals, efforts have only been partially effective, resulting in a limited reopening.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Like Banff, the Isle of Skye is heavenly – all in its own right. Known for its rugged beauty, the beautiful island suffers from crowding during peak season. As a result, parking becomes limited, and all activities can disrupt local life. In the nature of Scottish culture, visitors are certainly still welcome. But, it might be a good idea to visit in the shoulder or off-season.
Travel With Care
There we have it! It’s not time to cross these 18 destinations off your wish list. It’s just helpful to know a little bit about what’s going on behind the scenes so we can respect the locals wherever we go. If permits or visas are required, it’s important to do your research before booking travel to these regions.
Wherever you’re headed next, from Banff to Boracay, be sure to check out our destination guides. Together, we’ll help you pack right, travel light, and make the most of your explorations.