Holidaying off the tourist trail

When we dream of an overseas holiday, our minds often drift to iconic landmarks, bustling cities, and well-trodden tourist paths. While these destinations have their allure, travel to popular destinations is booming and comes with challenges so there are advantages to venturing off the beaten track and seeking out the hidden gems.

Travel is booming – and creating some headaches

It’s no secret that we Aussies love to travel outside our own country. Last year nearly 10 million of us headed overseas, marking a 12 per cent increase from the previous year, and this year is shaping up to continue the trend.ⁱ And it’s not just us enjoying getting out there and travelling the world, global figures anticipate international travel will soon exceed pre-pandemic levels and surpass 2 billion for the second time ever.ⁱⁱ

That adds up to a lot of people out there travelling and some popular destinations are showing the strain with skyrocketing prices, excessive queues, damage at historical sites and environmental impacts all being felt.

Tensions are high in some areas with tourists in Barcelona, Spain recently doused in water by frustrated locals and authorities in the historic city centre of Florence banning new short-term holiday rentals to try to relieve some of the pressure of over-tourism.

Taking the road less travelled can help areas suffering from over-tourism and support those communities who would welcome more visitors.

Supporting communities that need it

Tourism plays a significant role in the economic growth of many communities around the world and there are many places that would really benefit from the tourist dollar. The money you spend as you travel can contribute meaningfully to local economies and help support small businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy unique destinations.

But there are plenty of less altruistic reasons to seek out the hidden gems when you travel though.

Authentic Encounters

One of the lovely aspects of traveling to less touristy places is the opportunity to immerse yourself in local cultures. Away from tourist hotspots, communities maintain their unique traditions, cuisines, and ways of life. Imagine strolling through a market where locals gather to sell fresh produce, handicrafts, and homemade delicacies, or stumbling upon a hidden café where the owner shares stories of their town’s history. These encounters create lasting memories and offer a genuine glimpse into the daily lives of people from different corners of the world.

Unspoiled natural beauty

Nature enthusiasts will find bliss in exploring destinations that are off the typical tourist radar. Picture deserted beaches with powdery sand and crystal-clear waters, hiking trails winding through lush forests, or breathtaking untouched landscapes. Whether you’re seeking solitude in nature or hoping to capture stunning photographs without a sea of selfie sticks in the background, less touristy places often boast natural beauty that remains unspoiled and awe-inspiring.

Affordable adventures

Traveling to less touristy places can also be kinder to your wallet. Accommodation, dining, and activities in popular tourist hubs tend to come with inflated price tags due to high demand. In contrast, destinations that are yet to be discovered by the masses often offer more affordable options. You might find charming family-run guesthouses, budget-friendly eateries serving local dishes, and reasonably priced excursions that allow you to stretch your travel budget further.

Destination dupes

Doing a little homework can point you in the direction of alternatives to popular destinations.

For example, instead of Venice – which is literally sinking under the weight of tourism -consider visiting the town of Trieste, an old port town by the Adriatic Sea. If you are after stunning beaches and clear aqua water, Palawan in the Philippines is a good alternative for the Maldives. Or for an alternative to over touristed St Tropez in France, Turkey’s Bodrum coast offers comparable glamour and affordable luxury. Doing a little research can uncover similar destinations that offer the experience you are seeking, with all the benefits and none of the problems of the overhyped placed.

While the allure of ticking off the list of famous places is understandable, exploring less touristy places offers a wealth of unique experiences to the visitor, and benefits the local communities. So, the next time you plan an overseas holiday, think outside the square of the obvious destinations, and discover the hidden gems.

i CATO reveals new trends with Australia’s 10m international travellers – Travel Weekly

ii 2024 international travel boom predicted – VanillaPlus