Trade Overtourism For More Authentic, Affordable Travel Experiences

As summer kicks off and we enter peak travel season, the crowds are once again gathering around the world’s most popular destinations. Over the past few years, overtourism has become one of the biggest conversations in travel. Locals in heavily visited cities like Barcelona, Rome, and Paris have started speaking out about the pressure tourism places on housing, infrastructure, and daily life. Many destinations have even introduced tourist taxes to help manage the strain.

Travelers are feeling it too. People complain about inflated hotel prices, long lines, packed public spaces, and restaurants that feel more designed for tourists than locals.

As a travel advisor, I predict we are going to see more people looking for destinations that offer the same feeling and experience as iconic hotspots, but without the overwhelming crowds. Also, with the rising costs of living, travelers are becoming much more intentional with their budgets. Many emerging destinations offer comparable landscapes, culture, food scenes, and activities at a lower cost and with a more relaxed pace.

With these destination swaps, you’re more likely to have genuine interactions with locals, discover authentic restaurants, and actually enjoy the destination instead of rushing through a checklist of famous attractions.

If you’re craving beautiful scenery, incredible food, and exciting culture, but want to avoid the chaos of peak tourism, these are five underrated travel destinations I’d recommend instead.

Instead of Croatia, Try Montenegro

The Balkans have quickly become one of the most exciting regions in Europe for travelers looking to get off the beaten path.

Croatia, once considered a lesser-known destination, has exploded in popularity thanks to its stunning Adriatic coastline, medieval towns, and water sport opportunities. While it’s beautiful, summer crowds have changed the experience.

For a similar trip with fewer tourists, consider Montenegro instead. You’ll still find turquoise waters, dramatic mountains, and charming seaside towns, but at a fraction of the cost.

In Montenegro, travelers can wander through the walled medieval streets of Kotor, sip an Aperol spritz along the Bay of Kotor, or take a boat ride to hidden swimming caves and tiny island churches. The locals are incredibly friendly, and the restaurants serve fresh seafood. The country blends rugged mountain scenery with coastal living for a relaxed holiday.

Instead of Austria, Try Slovenia

Central Europe will always attract visitors, especially during the summer months. For travelers considering Austria this year, Slovenia is one of the best destination swaps.

Tucked below Austria, Slovenia offers many of the same experiences travelers love about Central Europe – alpine mountains, forested landscapes, charming villages, glacial lakes, and beautiful architecture – but with fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Slovenia is great for travelers wanting the charm of Europe at a slower pace. Ljubljana, the capital, feels like a fairytale city with riverside cafes, bridges, and intricate architecture. It’s walkable and much quieter than many other European capitals. The seaside town of Piran features fantastic seafood restaurants and views of the Adriatic Sea. One of Slovenia’s most iconic spots is Lake Bled, a stunning glacial lake surrounded by mountains with a medieval castle perched above the water and a picturesque church sitting on a tiny island in the middle of the lake. Slovenia’s beauty is undeniable.

Instead of Japan, Try South Korea

Japan is having a major moment in travel right now. Between the incredible food scene, futuristic cities, luxury hotels, and cultural experiences, it seems like it’s on nearly everyone’s travel wishlist. But did you know that a nearby destination offers many of the same highlights but with fewer crowds and lower costs?

Check out South Korea. Travelers who have visited both Japan and South Korea often end up surprised by how much they enjoyed Korea. The countries share many similarities: hyper-modern cities, exceptional public transportation, incredible food, high levels of safety, and an incredibly respectful culture.

Seoul, South Korea’s capital, has royal palaces, sprawling street markets, hidden speakeasies, luxury skincare clinics, arcades, cafes, and museums. Travelers can also experience the quieter side of the country in places like Jeonju, known for its traditional hanok village, or Busan, a coastal city with amazing water activities.

Take a K-pop dance class, book a private karaoke room with friends, or spend an afternoon relaxing in a traditional Korean bathhouse. K-beauty treatments are incredibly advanced, and visitors look forward to booking a facial, massage, or scalp treatment.

Like Japan, South Korea also has incredible independent restaurants and food markets. Try bibimbap, kimbap, Korean fried chicken, bulgogi, kimchijeon, and so many more dishes that create Korea’s vibrant culinary scene.

Instead of Mexico, Try Colombia

Mexico has long been a favorite destination for travelers thanks to its incredible diversity of experiences. Between beaches, luxury resorts, world-class food, nightlife, and ancient history, it offers something for nearly every type of traveler.

If Mexico is your go-to destination, Colombia is an excellent alternative to consider. Colombia combines colorful cities, Caribbean coastline, mountain landscapes, rich history, and vibrant nightlife into one incredibly dynamic destination.

Cartagena’s colorful colonial streets and murals capture travelers’ attention. Colombia’s coffee region offers beautiful scenery and an immersive bean-to-cup experience. For nature lovers, Tayrona National Park lets you dive into the wild jungle.

Colombia also has a rich history. Travelers can visit places like Palenque, recognized as the first free slave town in the Americas, or explore Medellín, a city that has undergone one of the world’s most remarkable urban transformations.

Like Mexico, Colombia has great music, dancing, and energy. Expect fresh tropical flavors and warm hospitality wherever you go.

Instead of Tanzania, Try Malawi

Safari travel continues to grow in popularity, and Tanzania remains one of Africa’s most iconic destinations for wildlife experiences.

From the Serengeti and the Great Migration to the views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania offers extraordinary scenery and animal encounters. It’s beloved for a reason. But with that, popularity can come crowded game drives and busy safari routes.

For travelers looking for a quieter, more personal safari experience, Malawi is a destination worth considering. Often overlooked by mainstream tourism, Malawi is quickly emerging as an incredible off-the-beaten-path safari destination with beautiful luxury lodges, strong conservation efforts, and far fewer vehicles around wildlife sightings.

The quieter environment can completely change the safari experience. You’re often able to enjoy more intimate wildlife encounters. Guides also have more flexibility to create personalized experiences. Malawi is home to the Big Five and has invested heavily in wildlife conservation.

The country is also known as “The Warm Heart of Africa” because of the friendliness and hospitality of its people. Beyond safari drives, travelers can connect with local communities, experience traditional music and dance, and learn more about Malawian culture.

Sometimes The Best Trips Happen In The Places You Never Expect

As a travel advisor, I stay up to date on evolving travel trends, emerging destinations, and how different places change over time. Countries trend in and out of popularity, and tourism patterns shift. That’s why working with a travel advisor can make a huge difference. Using my personal travel experiences and trusted local connections around the world, I help clients find destinations that deliver without following the most crowded tourist routes.

Of course, the popular destinations are famous for a reason. So, if you still have your heart set on somewhere like Croatia or Japan, there are still ways to experience those places while avoiding the crowds and being mindful of local communities.

A great option is traveling during the shoulder season instead of the peak summer months. You’ll often get lower hotel prices, more restaurant availability, and easier access to tourist attractions. Slow travel, when you spend more time in fewer places, can also be a more relaxed way to discover a country. The extended time allows you to settle into a destination and dive deeper than the typical tourist.

Off The Beaten Path Travel: 5 Destination Swaps To Avoid The Crowds