Travelers avoid France, Italy, Thailand as overtourism surges

The Herald Scotland

12-08-2025

Check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone!
"Overtourism weakens destinations by straining infrastructure and depleting resources," said Dan Richards, CEO of Global Rescue. "It leaves them ill-equipped to handle crises, whether it's a natural disaster or a surge in crime."
But are overcrowded destinations dangerous? And what places should you avoid - or not avoid?
Are crowded summer travel destinations more dangerous?
Traveling to a popular and overcrowded destination can be risky. A combination of political tensions, environmental challenges, and crime concerns requires travelers to be more diligent in planning, said Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection.
"Many destinations that were once considered relatively safe now face multiple interlinked problems that heighten the risks for travelers," he added. "Travel is certainly more complex."
Even with all the crowds, you might be perfectly safe. But that doesn't mean you'll have a positive experience. There's a growing backlash against mass tourism in some destinations, so you might feel unwelcome.
"This backlash results in new restrictions on tourism or a less welcoming atmosphere for travelers," explained John Rose, the chief risk officer at ALTOUR, a global corporate travel management company. "It makes some traditionally popular destinations less appealing or more challenging to navigate."
One way to avoid the chaos is to ask a professional for advice. A competent travel advisor will help ensure that you don't end up standing in a long line this summer. But what does your travel advisor know that you don't?
Places you should skip this summer
Some destinations are just too hot - literally and figuratively - to handle this summer. Here's where experts say you should think twice before booking:
? Thailand: Thailand's tropical islands have long been a magnet for travelers looking for sun, sand, and affordability. But now there are too many tourists. Experts are advising their clients to steer clear of places like Phuket, Pattaya and Krabi. "Prices are inflated, pollution is rising, and the quality of life for locals is declining," says Alonso Marly, a travel advisor at Skylux Travel.
Alternate: Try Chiang Mai, in the northern part of Thailand, which is less touristy and calmer, or Bangkok, which has more room - and better shopping.
? Croatia: Thanks to its starring role in "Game of Thrones" and its popularity among cruise passengers, Dubrovnik has become one of Europe's most overcrowded cities. With just 41,000 residents, it's struggling to handle the influx of tourists. Tourists have caused traffic jams and, on busy days, have made the city almost completely inaccessible.
Alternate: Check out Split, which also has an impressive historical inner city (with fewer walls), or head to Zagreb, which is less crowded but still offers a classic Croatian experience.
? Greece: Santorini's brilliant white houses and blue-domed churches have made it a bucket-list destination. But with over 3.4 million visitors annually, the island is buckling under the pressure. Locals are protesting the large influx of tourists, which is making the city unlivable during high season. Other Greek islands, including Mykonos and Corfu, have also been hit hard.
Alternate: Athens and Thessaloniki are always safe bets. They can get busy during the summer, but a little less frenzied than the Greek islands.
? Europe's tourism capitals: You know what I'm talking about: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, and Venice. These European cities are grappling with anti-tourist sentiment fueled by rising housing costs and overcrowding. Add record-breaking heat waves, and you've got a recipe for a miserable trip.
Alternate: Get off the beaten path - even just a little - and you could have a much saner experience. I spent last July in Berlin, and was impressed with how uncrowded it was. I also spent time in Helsinki and northern Sweden, and managed to escape the crowds. Even August in Stockholm isn't so bad because many residents leave town for a month.
This is by no means the full list. Chances are,iif you want to go somewhere that's popular, it might be too full. For example, if you're thinking of visiting Rome this summer, remember that it's a Jubilee year, so it's going to be extra crowded.
Safer bets: Where to go instead
So, where should you go? The safest destinations are the ones marked in the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory system as a Level 1 or Level 2, said John Gobbels, chief operating officer of air medical transport and travel security program Medjet.
"But even then, be wary," he added. "Be careful where you go and whom you trust. Do research on the safest and least safe parts of town, because every town has parts you probably should not be walking alone in at night."
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) releases a report of the safest destinations every year, and it's widely considered the gold standard for travel safety. BHTP's research is based on factors such as terrorism, environmental issues and flight delays. On this list this year: Iceland, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Switzerland and New Zealand.
"After years of conducting this research, patterns have emerged and certain countries and cities, like Switzerland and Singapore, have become mainstays," said Carol Mueller, BHTP's head of marketing.
But you don't have to be a security expert to know that some places are riskier than others. I've been traveling around the world for years, and the BHTP list is my go-to for a safe and relatively uncrowded place, even during the summer.
Why? Well, for a variety of reasons. For example, it's winter in Australia and New Zealand, which means it's low season, unless maybe you're going skiing on the South Island. Switzerland and Singapore are too expensive to attract the kind of mass tourism you find in Barcelona or Santorini. Iceland is beautiful, but isolated.
Be a contrarian this summer
The takeaway is the same: If you want to avoid overcrowded destinations this summer, be a contrarian. When everyone else goes north, head south. When they flock to popular destinations, stray off the beaten path
And yes, I will be in Europe this summer, but my itinerary is taking me to the places where fewer tourists go. Reykjavik, Prague, Luxembourg, Munich and my ancestral hometown of Amykles, Greece. It's close to the chaos, but not too close. Maybe I'll see you out there.
Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at [e-mail].