Overtourism is a growing problem, especially for places that are less equipped to handle the influx of visitors such as smaller cities, island destinations, and environmentally sensitive areas like Hawaii and national parks. A record breaking 48.3 million people visited Los Angeles last year, while a whopping 1.3 billion tourist arrivals were recorded internationally according to the United Nation’s World Tourism Organization.
While it’s great to see the top sights, you don’t have to cross them all off your list at once. Plan your trip for the off- or shoulder seasons, and seek out lesser-known attractions, too. Your trip will be much more memorable and satisfying if you get off the beaten path. Stay in smaller towns outside the big city, explore parks and wildlife preserves, and seek out the quiet attractions and destinations that let you live like a local.