Of course, I crave Instagrammable destinations just like you. They’re beautiful, so we understand the attraction. But some places have become scratchy like an over-played record; Sure they’re great but too crowded and templated. So skip these tourist places this year. Do it not for yourself but for these destinations that are sinking (some of them literally). overtourism,

VeniceItaly

Yes, it’s amazing. Yes, Gondola are romantic. But can we talk about the millions of tourists who wander its narrow streets and take selfies on every bridge? Venice is losing its appeal faster than the city itself due to overcrowding and exorbitant prices. Pro Tip: If you must visit a canal city, head to Annecy, France, where the lakeside atmosphere is just as dreamy, but you won’t have to wade through a sea of ​​tourists.

BaliIndonesia

I love Bali, even though I’ve never been there personally. It sounds absolutely dreamy, especially for this millennial who wants to sip margaritas on the beach away from their laptops. Who doesn’t? But that earring that Instagram sold you is now a big traffic jam. The beaches are packed, Ubud feels like a yoga mat showroom, and let’s not forget the beaches littered with trash in some parts. The island deserves a reprieve. If you want tropical bliss, try Sumba or Raja Ampat – they’re Bali before it was Bali.

santorini, Greece

White-washed houses, blue-domed churches and sunsets that make you cry. It will all seem magical until you get to the shore and realize that you are sharing this fantasy with about a million cruise ship passengers trying to photograph the same sunset in Oia . This is why Greece is planning to impose a tax on cruise tourists. As far as cool gems go, Greece has them in abundance. Think Milos or Naxos, where you’ll really feel like a traveller, not part of an endless tourist chain.

Phuket, Thailand

Phuket’s beaches are iconic, but much of its natural charm has been lost with the island’s transformation into a bustling tourist centre. Crowded beaches, endless nightlife and souvenir shops dominate the landscape, leaving little room for real Thai culture. And what’s the deal with the same clubs and bland drinks? You’re much better off in Koh Lanta or Koh Yao Noi which still feels like a Thai island experience.

eiffel tower, ParisFrance

Yes, it is prestigious. But do you know what else it is? A queue-filled tourist trap surrounded by overpriced souvenir stands. Do you really want to wait in line for hours for a free view of Montmartre? Paris is full of hidden gems – skip the towers and stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin or have a picnic in the Parc des Butes-Chaumont to enjoy local life.

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