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Daily Mirror
30-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits urged to avoid 'beautiful' tourist location that's 'killed' by crowds
Tourists have been warned to avoid the city of Dubrovnik in Croatia during the summer months, after holidaymakers have said the area has been 'killed' by huge crowds Brits jetting off to Croatia for their summer holidays have been warned about immense crowds that have dampened the spirits of some travellers. The travel advisory concerns Dubrovnik – renowned as a key filming hotspot for blockbuster hits like ' Star Wars ' and 'Game of Thrones'. However, it seems that Dubrovnik's allure extends beyond cinephiles and TV buffs, with early birds who've visited the city during peak season warning of overwhelming throngs that are tarnishing the charm of the locale. A Reddit user lamented the swarms of tourists, labelling them "insane" and indicating that Dubrovnik might only appeal to those who can "handle the crowds". The commenter said: "We did a lot of Croatia some summers ago, it was REALLY crowded! Not even the cities, but places like the Plitvice Lakes were insane; also very hot! But there is a reason they are all there, it is worth it if you can handle the crowds!" Despite its picturesque scenery and coveted coastline, Croatia is often knocked for being overpopulated, especially during tourist season. The experts at Responsible Travel offer advice on how to avoid the crowds of tourists in Dubrovnik, stating: "Anyone who's timed their holiday to Dubrovnik just wrong will know that sinking feeling of standing on the city walls, watching as a sixth cruise ship rocks up to the horizon. "Like Venice and Barcelona before it, Dubrovnik has become synonymous with over tourism." It's worth noting that the city now imposes restrictions on the number of cruise ships that can dock within a certain timeframe. The travel firm further clarified that the notion "tourism has ruined the city – or that you shouldn't visit at all – isn't quite right" as "Dubrovnik is still one of the prettiest cities in the world, spun with impossibly picturesque streets." However, they advised against visiting the city during the peak summer months. Responsible Travel continued: "Thanks to its location in the deep south of Croatia, Dubrovnik boasts some of the sunniest, warmest days in the country. "Summer sees six ships a day docking in Gruz port, families taking advantage of school and work holidays, crowded beaches and city streets rivaling Venice in terms of crowds. "Putting crowds aside, it's not always the best time to visit the Dalmatian Coast anyway. July and August see temperatures soaring to 28°C, which turns the city and beach crowds into a different kind of ordeal. "Activity holidays often take a break during this period; hiking in heatstroke conditions is no fun."
Euronews
18-05-2025
- Euronews
Is it ever okay to swim with wild dolphins?
Sarah Faith is a senior values writer at activist travel company, Responsible Travel. Few people on earth inspire us to stand up for nature like David Attenborough. The message from his new feature film, Ocean, is clear: the most important place for life on Earth is the sea. Many of us feel the pull to travel the world and experience these awe-inspiring marine ecosystems for ourselves. But knowing whether the choices you make are harming or helping the wildlife you are there to spot can be hard. Here, experts explain how to ensure your next holiday helps protect our precious marine habitats. You can, says Sophie Lewis, CEO of the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA), but don't underestimate the potential impacts and challenges of doing so. 'We have to remember that getting in the water with wild cetaceans (the collective term for whales and dolphins) can disturb really biologically important activities like feeding, nursing or resting,' she explains. If you choose to swim, you'll need to check it's legal in the location you are doing it in and be confident using a snorkel in deep, open water. Choose an operator that openly publishes the guidelines they follow to ensure the animals have control over the interaction and to keep you safe. These include making sure swimmers stay calm and still, not getting in front of the animals' direction of travel and being willing to back out of an experience if it's not suitable. Ultimately, she says, consider whether it's worth getting into the water in the first place. 'It shouldn't be underestimated what a special experience it is seeing these animals from a boat.' Researching before you book is key, says Lewis. Look for trips that stay at least 100 metres away from whales and 50 metres away from dolphins. There should also be limits on time spent with the animals and on the number of boats present. Lewis adds that 'being a responsible operator isn't just about best practice on the water, it's about positively contributing beyond that to the local environment and to local communities.' Look for locally-owned tour operators which support marine conservation projectsand those certified by the WCA or another marine wildlife organisation. A great place to start is the WCA's designated Whale Heritage Areas - communities committed to raising the standards of whale tourism, protecting ocean habitats, and celebrating their shared marine cultural heritage. In places like Madeira, the Azores and Tenerife, you can expect to find tour operators passionate about conservation governed by strict animal welfare regulations, as well as events or museums dedicated to the history of whales in the region. An eight-day holiday in the Azores withResponsible Travel, including up to five whale watching trips run by a marine wildlife specialist, costs from £835pp excluding flights. 'Responsible tourism is about finding a balance where the benefits can outweigh any negative impacts,' Lewis asserts. According to UK environmental charity Surfers Against Sewage, over 11 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans every year. Leave a smaller plastic footprint trip by holidaying in one of their designated 'Plastic-free Communities' – places with a shared commitment to reduce single-use plastics. Take home your litter (and any other litter you find), but leave natural souvenirs on the beach. 'As tempting as it is to pick up shells or coral, they're all vital parts of the ecosystem,' advises Lewis. 'It might seem like a small thing to you, but when you have hundreds of thousands of tourists every year taking one small thing, it adds up.' Anthony Saner is Director at NGOReef Conservation International, a charity working to protect the Belize Barrier Reef. He strongly encourages the use of reef-safe suncreams. 'Chemicals in sunscreen (most notably oxybenzone and octinoxate) kill developing coral, increase the bleaching of coral and damage the developing polyps.' And with 14,000 tonnesof suncream sliding off bodies into the sea each year, every squirt counts. Saner cautions that beach resorts can be devastating for beach ecosystems. So, before you book, find out how your hotel supports marine conservation and local communities, and what it does with its waste. In the wild, orcas can swim up to 225 kilometres a day, in social groups with complex languages and cultures. Captivity causes distress. 'Whales and dolphins can suffer from chronic stress from these restrictive spaces and artificial environments…and sadly this can lead to illness, aggressive or self-harming behaviour, and an early death compared to a natural lifespan', says Lewis. She recommends that anyone who cares about whales or dolphins should avoid visiting a marine park and instead try to see them in the wild with a responsible tour operator. Hit the beaches of Kefalonia or Zakynthos in Greece, Dalyan in Turkey or North Cyprus this summer, and you'll likely share space with nesting sea turtles. Observing them can be profound and educational, but their nesting process is very sensitive to disturbance. Visit with an experienced guide, steer clear of marked nests, avoid driving on the beach and don't touch hatchlings to make sure you aren't having a negative impact. ARCHELON, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, offers 45-minute beach walks at a number of nesting sites, including the popular Cretan beaches of Chania and Rethymno. You'll learn more about the turtles, their nesting behaviours and how to coexist with them responsibly. A record number of us chose to go on a cruise in 2024, but with issues ranging from whale strikes and water pollution to overtourism, these big ships' environmental and social records are pretty grim. According to theInternational Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), cruise ships emit more CO2 per passenger kilometre than flying and in 2022, the 218 cruise ships operating in Europe produced more sulphur oxides (a gas that harms tree growth and causes acid rain) than1 billion cars. If you want to explore on the water, look for small ships or expedition cruises that work to protect the marine environments they visit, use local guides and source food and drink locally. 'Our conservation work is funded solely through environmentally minded eco-volunteers. Without their help and funding, ReefCI would not be possible', says Saner. While Saner's guests volunteer for a week or more at a time, volunteering doesn't have to be the focus of your entire trip. You could join a local beach clean or take part in an ongoing citizen science project while on a whale watching boat trip. 'Researchers often don't have the funds to get out on the water every day,' Lewis explains, 'but these operators can contribute really valuable data, not only on populations but on the impacts tourists are having on those animals.'
Forbes
14-05-2025
- Forbes
6 Safe Destinations Defying The ‘Do Not Travel' Label, Revealed By Travel Experts
Flag of the unrecognized Republic of Kurdistan in the mountains. The U.S. State Department urges Americans to reconsider travel or avoid it entirely in countries with Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) or Level 4 (Do Not Travel) advisories. However, experienced tour operators argue that certain regions of countries like Ethiopia, Colombia, Nicaragua, Iraq and the Central African Republic offer safe, meaningful travel experiences for those who know where to go and how to go safely. "It is understandable to rule out visiting a place with a travel warning against it," says Tim Williamson, managing director of Responsible Travel. "But crisis and conflict can be highly localized, rare or transient. Official advice may not always reflect this, opting for a 'blanket' country-wide and long-term advisory," he continued. Take Mexico, for example. In 2024, it welcomed nearly 46 million international tourists, a 7.4% increase over the previous year. More than 14 million Americans arrived by air, even though the U.S. State Department considers only two states, Yucatán and Campeche, safe for travel. Several popular destinations such as Los Cabos in Baja California, renowed for close encounters with whales, fall under a Level 3 advisory due to crime and kidnapping, yet they continue to draw U.S. visitors in significant numbers. The question is are we avoiding danger by steering clear of Level 3 and 4 countries or missing out on misunderstood destinations? I spoke with several experienced tour operators to reveal which regions offer unforgettable experiences and untapped natural beauty within a safe setting. When travelers think of Africa, they often picture seeing the Big Five safari animals in Tanzania, witnessing the Great Migration in Kenya, or enjoying wine-tasting in South Africa. Ethiopia, by contrast, remains one of the continent's lesser-explored destinations, an uncharted adventure experienced by only a few. However, according to Molla Miheretu, general manager of Anbessa Travel, an Ethiopian tour company specializing in responsible and community-based tourism, there are several locations worth exploring there. He shared in an email interview that most parts of Ethiopia, including key destinations like the Omo Valley, Chebera Churchura, the Great Rift Valley, Bale Mountains National Park, Harar, the Danakil Depression and Addis Ababa, are safe for travel. A group from the Suri tribe is standing on a cliff top beneath hills in Omo Valley, Surma Wereda, ... More Ethiopia. "The travel advisory is a result of a conflict that concluded with a peace deal two years ago. Despite checkpoints in some areas, tourists are not the target of any security threats, as the conflict was between the government and specific groups," he said. He especially recommends exploring Chebera Churchura National Park in southwestern Ethiopia, home to ancient cloud forests, pristine lakes, and dramatic waterfalls. The region offers a raw, immersive experience for wildlife and birding enthusiasts. "Think herds of elephants, lions, hippos and vibrant butterfly populations," he said. A jeep deep in the forest at Chebera Churchura National Park "It is relatively unknown, even within Ethiopia," he remarked. Until today, the local communities have successfully looked after the region and its wildlife without any direct benefits. Chebera Churchura Elephant Paw Lodge, a sustainable eco-lodge, only opened in late 2023 to help turning the national park into an internationally recognized tourism destination. "Pakistan is a very friendly and hospitable country where you will be welcomed by the local people in the regions where we operate," said Pete Royall, Pakistan expert at KE Adventures, in an email interview. For seasoned trekkers seeking a remote, high-altitude challenge, few places rival Gondogoro Peak. It is a dramatic mountain pass in northern Pakistan's Karakoram Range in Baltistan. Since it is over 18,000 feet, reaching the top offers sweeping views of four of the world's 8,000-meter peaks, K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and II. Laila Peak and Gondogoro Glacier in Pakistan. For a gentler but equally striking alternative, he points to Pakistan's Hunza Valley. From Eagle's Nest viewpoint at nearly 10,000 feet, travelers will have 360-degree views of the valley. Hiking to see the UNESCO-listed Baltit and Altit forts and the Barpu Glacier, one of the world's highest alpine lakes, is an experience only a few tourists ever have. A scenic view of Hunza valley from Eagle's nest in Karimabad, Karakoram highway, Pakistan KE Adventures has been offering trekking tours in Baltistan and Hunza for the past 40 years via the same local tour operator. "We 'grew up' together. We have visited their homes many times and they have also stayed with us in our homes. They are part of the KE family, and the trust between us is absolute. Our clients could not be in safer hands," he said. "Nicaragua has made significant strides to ensure the safety and security of tourists. The country actively promotes tourism, and efforts have been made to enhance safety measures in popular tourist areas," said Katrin Kirchhoff, founder of Travel Pioneers and Travel + Leisure A-List Specialist for Nicaragua, in an email interview. She recommends starting in Granada, the oldest city in Nicaragua, where travelers can experience Nicaragua's culture with style and authenticity along its cobblestone streets lined with well-preserved colonial buildings. Horse-drawn carriage and colonial buildings on Independence Plaza at Granada, Nicaragua. Since the city lies at the shore of Lake Nicaragua, the largest freshwater lake in Central America, she points to Ometepe Island in the middle of the lake as a destination not to be missed, with twin volcanoes, cocoa plantations, rainforests andnatural swimming pools. For adventure seekers, she recommends Masaya National Park for a rare opportunity to hike to the edge of an active volcano. "You can hike up and even sit at the rim of the glowing crater," she said. 'It is a unique way to witness the raw power of a volcano up close.' The Santiago Crater at Masaya Volcano National Park, Nicaragua. Travelers willing to go farther afield can head to the Emerald Coast, where untouched beaches without the crowds and a laid-back surf culture await. Mozambique offers another example of a destination with regional complexities. The U.S. travel advisory lists Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces in the north due to ongoing terrorist activity in public areas with little or no warning andthe capital city of Maputo, where some protests have turned violent. However, these incidents remain localized and don't reflect the conditions across the entire country. Tor Saner, Africa product manager at Jacada Travel recommends visiting the Bazaruto Archipelago, a designated national park with white sand beaches, a rich coral ecosystem and diverse marine life. A young woman is in awe with spectacular views from Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique, East Africa. She said visiting the Bazaruto Archipelago is safe and seamless since travelers typically fly into Vilanculos, a small airport far from the capital. From there, they transfer privately to their resort, often by boat or light aircraft. The archipelago is home to endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins and other whale and dolphin species, as well as the largest and possibly last viable population of dugongs in the western Indian Ocean, with an estimated 250 to 350 individuals. Dugong is a close relative of the manatees in the same order, Sirenia. "Mozambique can be the perfect end to an African safari itinerary, offering picture-perfect white sand beaches and crystal clear Indian Ocean waters paired with fantastic diving and water activities," she said. Magnificent anemone dancing along the current, Bazaruto Island, Mozambique Jim O'Brien at Native Eye Travel, a travel company specializing in 'unusual' destinations that showcase traditional or tribal cultures, recommends visiting the Central African Republic despite the travel advisory. He explained in an email interview that while parts of the Central African Republic remain unstable due to ongoing tensions between the government and rebel groups, the country's southwest corner, including the Dzanga-Sangha Reserve, remained isolated from the unrest affecting other regions. Forest elephants in Dzanga Sangha Reserve, Central African Republic. "Central African Republic is just about as wild as it gets, and for those willing to look past its daunting exterior, you'll find primeval jungle and wildlife experiences that rank among some of the best in Africa," he said. Native Eye Travel's gorilla trekking tour in Dzanga Sangha Reserve starts at Yaounde in Cameroon to avoid any routes that run through potentially problematic areas in the Central African Republic. Since the reserve is near the border, the group will reach the base without traveling through higher-risk regions. During this tour, travelers not only track lowland gorillas and watch elephants but also spend time with the Ba'Aka pygmies, learning about their lives in the forest as hunter-gatherers. Hunters of Pygmy Baaka tribe in Central African Republic. Tim Williamson, managing director of Responsible Travel, recommended visiting the Iraqi Kurdistan in an email interview. "Although technically part of Iraq, Kurdistan is a semi-autonomous state with its own government and security forces. Even at the height of the troubles in Iraq, the Islamic State never made inroads here and the area is relatively stable," he said. The main square, Shar Park seen from the Erbil citadel in Iraq. In his opinion, Kurdistan is home to fascinating historic places and spectacular mountain scenery, including the 7,000-year-old Citadel of Erbil, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and the village of Lalish, the holy home of the ethno-religious Yazidi community. "Our trips there offer an introduction to the cultures and landscapes of Kurdista that few other travellers ever get. If you're willing to be flexible and go-with-the-flow, you can expect a warm welcome here, with our customers reporting that meetings with local people were some of the highlights of their trips," he said. Travel advisories exist for a good reason. Conflict, crime and instability can pose real risks for travelers and locals alike. But they may not paint the full picture. Travel experts agree that in some of the world's most heavily cautioned countries, there are pockets of peace, cultural richness and extraordinary natural beauty that remain safe to visit with the right setting and local knowledge.
Daily Mail
09-05-2025
- Daily Mail
The gorgeous Greek island named Europe's most overcrowded holiday spot
A new study has revealed the popular tourist destination that's the most overcrowded in Europe. To find the answer, the European Commission created a 'tourism pressure' score by comparing the amount of nights tourists spend in a region with the number of people living there. Which? Travel dived into the figures to find out which European hotspot is best avoided if you don't enjoy fighting crowds on holiday. It found that Zakynthos is officially the most overcrowded holiday destination in Europe, according to 'tourism pressure' figures. The Greek island, often known as Zante, has just 40,000 residents but tourists stayed for a whopping six million overnight stays in 2023. This means that tourists outnumbered residents by nearly 150 to one during peak summer season. Zante is the third-largest of Greece's Ionian islands and one of the country's most popular destinations. It has a reputation for nightlife and is a leading destination for European party holidays. Which? explains that the majority of Zante's tourists tend to stay at the 'sprawling, raucous resorts' on the island's south coast. The island's biggest resort areas include Laganas, Kalamaki, Tsilivi, Argassi and Alkinas. Responsible Travel, a travel company focused on ethical tourism, adds that Zante is 'struggling [to cope] with millions of visitors' each year. It claims: 'Ferries overflow with people and luggage in high season, along with roads, ports, airports, while waste disposal facilities and electricity grids struggle to cope with the surge in numbers.' But Zakynthos isn't the only European holiday destination to face issues with overtourism. According to Which?, Majorca also has a 'problem' with overtourism. The Balearic island has an average of 54 overnight stays to every resident. The Spanish hotspot has introduced a tourist tax to try to deter tourist numbers but Which? recommends avoiding the island altogether in the busiest months of July and August.
The Independent
12-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Rethinking overtourism: Expert panel discuss how to travel more responsibly – and avoid the crowds
The Independent 's latest virtual event focused on overtourism, exploring how to make your holiday more sustainable. Global travel editor Annabel Grossman led the talk with Justin Francis, CEO of Responsible Travel, and travel editor Ben Parker. They explored overtourism's impact, the cruise industry's role, tourist taxes, and how travelers can be more responsible when they're away from home. To learn about our upcoming virtual events click here. If you enjoy our virtual events, please consider supporting The Independent with a donation or by subscribing to Independent Premium, which gives you access to Simon Calder's Weekly Ask Me Anything email.
