How to Avoid Over-Tourism and Discover Hidden Gems on Your First Trip

When traveling for the first time, it’s simple to be tempted by the popular destinations that everyone talks about on Instagram. Even these famous landmarks are frequently worth seeing, I soon discovered that they can also get crowded, pricey, and occasionally less wonderful than the pictures portray. I was resolved to steer clear of overtourism on my first international vacation because it is a serious problem. Rather, I wanted to see the lesser-known, undiscovered destinations that provide a more relaxed and genuine vacation experience. Here are some pointers I learned about avoiding overtourism and finding those lesser-known spots.

1. Do Your Research Beyond the Tourist Lists

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome, or the Grand Canyon in the United States are among the well-known destinations that are highlighted in the majority of travel guides and blogs. Despite their renowned status, these locations are frequently packed. I made it a point to look beyond the typical lists in order to prevent overtourism. I searched for regional travel forums, blogs, and even social media pages devoted to lesser-known locations. This enabled me to find hidden treasures, such as a calm beach in Italy that wasn’t overrun with visitors or lesser-known Parisian neighborhoods where I could enjoy coffee in quiet cafés.

Tip: Websites like Atlas Obscura and niche Instagram accounts often showcase underrated destinations that don’t appear in typical tourist guides.

2. Travel During the Off-Season

I quickly came to the conclusion that preventing overtourism greatly depends on timing. Depending on the location, I made careful to schedule my trip during the off-season. For instance, I went to Rome in the late fall rather than the summer. I not only avoided the throngs of tourists, but I also took advantage of more affordable costs and milder weather. I was able to discover delightful secret nooks that would have been difficult to enjoy during the busiest time of year and explore the city’s less crowded sections thanks to the calmer environment.

Tip: Research when the off-season is for your destination. Most places are less crowded during fall or spring, and this is a great time to discover hidden gems.

3. Step Away from the Main Attractions

The best experiences are frequently found in the surrounding areas, even though the major tourist attractions can be entertaining to see. I spent a whole afternoon exploring the districts outside of La Sagrada Familia while I was in Barcelona. I found myself in El Born, a lively but serene neighborhood with many of small art galleries, local stores, and welcoming tapas bars. I discovered a more peaceful and genuine side of the city by avoiding the main tourist attractions. This allowed me to interact with people and take in the culture without being surrounded by tourists.

Tip: Once you’ve visited a major attraction, try to explore nearby neighborhoods or less-publicized spots. The hidden gems often lie in these quieter, local areas.

4. Ask Locals for Recommendations

Locals gave me the best advise when I was traveling. Consult locals instead than depending solely on travel guides or internet directories. I discovered that locals are frequently the greatest source of knowledge when it comes to finding hidden gems, whether it was from a bartender, store owner, or other tourists. I recall talking to a shopkeeper in Amsterdam who suggested a lovely park by the canal that wasn’t on any travel guides. It turned into one of my city favorites.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask locals for their favorite spots, whether it’s a quiet café, a hidden park, or a secret beach. They’ll likely point you toward places you won’t find in a guidebook.

5. Explore the Outdoors

Some of the greatest hidden treasures are frequently found in nature. I made sure to explore some of the breathtaking natural surroundings surrounding the cities I visited rather than wasting all of my time in crowded museums or touristy areas. I went on a beautiful hike in the Alps in Switzerland, then I went to a lesser-known, completely uncrowded waterfall in Iceland. Being in nature gave me a much-needed respite from the bustling city scenes and made it possible for me to relate to the place on a more intimate level.

Tip: Look for national parks, nature reserves, or hiking trails near your destination. Nature is a great way to escape over-tourism and experience the beauty of a place in a peaceful setting.