15 Places Locals Wish Travelers Would Skip

As travel becomes easier, more places become accessible, but the impact of tourists on most of these areas has become a concern for the locals. Tourists bring economic benefits, but the crowds, environmental wear and noise can erode natural charm and some locals have begun to wish travelers would seek out other places to visit.

Here are 15 places locals wish tourists would skip—or at least give a little more respect to.

Venice, Italy

Standing out in Venice is a city filled with gondola shuttles and canals, with architecture dating back centuries, which fills the streets with millions of visitors each year. Any Venetian will tell you that the constant flow of tourists is making life there almost impossible. Rising rents squeeze locals out of their neighborhoods, and the streets are packed with tourists whose impact on the environment puts pressure on the fragile lagoon ecosystem. Venice is magical, but if you haven’t been to the less known islands around you haven’t truly experienced it.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is popular but the crowds of tourists has devastated both the environment and the surrounding community. Authorities have had to limit daily visitor numbers to protect the ruins, but even this hasn’t addressed local concerns about damage and crowding. Locals suggest that visitors check out other, less crowded ancient Incan sites nearby, which also have a history to rival this one, but without the crowds.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a romantic place with stunning views of sunset, but the sheer number of visitors, especially during the peak season, is putting too strain on the island’s infrastructure. The narrow streets are overwhelmed with traffic, and locals are struggling to make a living. If you’re looking for the same Mediterranean charm without the crowds, they might consider some of Greece’s unvisited islands like Naxos or Paros.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The old town and medieval walls of Dubrovnik are just fabulous. After appearing in some popular TV shows and movies, this historic city has been the recipient of an unprecedented tourism boom. Crowding and environmental impact have been so intense between 2005 and 2013 that UNESCO debated revoking Dubrovnik’s status as a World Heritage site back in 2013. Croatia’s other coastal gems like Split or Zadar are more peaceful.

Kyoto, Japan

Gardens, temples and traditional tea houses of Kyoto give visitors a peek into Japanese ancient culture, and they come from all around the world. For Kyoto residents, the city’s streets are now jammed with cars (and people), especially during cherry blossom season. Criticism from locals over the popularity of taking photos in traditional dress is also an issue. Locals feel disrespected by this practice. There are less well known towns like Kanazawa which are a bit more cultural and allow for more room to breathe.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam’s canals, bikes and art scene are certainly attractive to travelers, but the city is now actively trying to curb tourism. Rowdy tourists, crowded canal cruises, and streets packed with wandering tourists has made daily life difficult for the locals. If you’re looking for a more Dutch experience without the crowds, check out the beautiful countryside of the Netherlands or smaller cities like Utrecht.

Maya Bay, Thailand

Maya Bay in Thailand was once a paradise of white sand and clear waters and gained fame when after it appeared in a movie. The onslaught of tourists did damage to its coral reefs, and the beach was closed to allow the ecosystem to recover. Locals are still wary of tourists returning in full force even now. Spend time exploring other, less promoted islands and beaches throughout Thailand for a more sustainable, authentic Thai experience.

Barcelona, Spain

Locals are growing tired of the constant crowds that have made Barcelona one of Europe’s top destinations. The artistic flair and Mediterranean vibe in places like La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell have garnered attention and made it famous not only in Barcelona but worldwide. If you’re looking for a similar experience, Spain, Valencia or Seville might be worth a look, both for their rich culture and more relaxed feel.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik has been visited by more people than it can comfortably manage, but Iceland’s natural beauty has put it high on many bucket lists. The city and its surrounding landscapes are fragile, and over tourism has created problems with trash, erosion, and crowded attractions. Locals would really like to see visitors spread out to other parts of Iceland or visit during off peak seasons to lessen the load on their environment.

Bali, Indonesia

Millions visit Bali’s temples, beaches and rice terraces, but the small island can’t cope with the numbers. There is an increase in pollution, traffic and cultural disrespect. If you can’t go to Bali, you could try other Indonesian islands like Lombok or Java, which are as beautiful and culturally rich, but without the congestion.

Antelope Canyon, USA

A photographer’s dream, this slot canyon in Arizona has long lines and a difficult experience for both tourists and guides. Daily, crowds impact the local Navajo community, who manage the area. People looking for the perfect shot without respecting the cultural significance of the site can be a handful to manage. Other nearby canyons and rock formations like in Utah are beautiful and hassle free too.

Cinque Terre, Italy

It’s a magnet for tourists and there’s congestion in the narrow lanes and problems for local services. Heavy foot traffic has damaged the fragile trails and cliffs in the area, and locals are split on the area’s fame. If you’re looking for similar seaside charm, Italy’s less well known coastal areas, like Portovenere or Camogli, might be worth a look.

Banff, Canada

The small Canadian town of Banff is now dealing with seasonal over crowding, and its majestic mountains and lakes attract travelers from around the globe. Environmental advocates and locals say the project will have a negative effect on wildlife and the natural landscape. If you’re looking for something similar, Canada’s Jasper National Park also has the same type of scenery with fewer crowds.

Rome, Italy

Rome’s ancient ruins and storied history are a must see on any bucket list, but Rome is overrun with tourists, especially in the Colosseum and the Vatican. Faced with such sheer volume of visitors, it can be difficult for residents to go about the normal business of their daily lives so locals suggest trying out Tivoli or Orvieto, two neighboring Italian towns that offer the chance to taste the things that really make Italian heritage special without the fuss.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is known for its adventure tourism and boasts a lopsided visitor to resident ratio that has started to max out local infrastructure and push up prices. Locals love their town’s thrill-seeking vibe, but they also want some breathing room and some more sustainable tourism. In the South Island, travelers could head to out to Fiordland, or the more relaxed North Island areas.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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