11 Travel Destinations to Rethink in 2025 Before You Book
As global travel rebounds, some destinations are struggling under the weight of their own popularity. Overtourism is not just about long lines, it threatens local culture, nature, and infrastructure. In 2025, consider whether visiting these hotspots is worth the crowds, environmental toll, or ethical dilemmas. From European gems to tropical getaways, here are 11 destinations to reconsider, either by traveling off-season, choosing alternatives, or rethinking your itinerary altogether.
Venice, Italy
Venice remains iconic, but its charm is quickly being eroded by the pressure of millions of visitors each year. Narrow alleyways overflow, canals are crowded, and locals are being priced out. In response, the city has introduced entrance fees and other crowd-control tactics. Still, the overwhelming congestion often makes the experience feel more hectic than romantic. Consider visiting during the shoulder season, or skipping the selfie and exploring nearby alternatives like Trieste or Verona.
Bali, Indonesia
Once a peaceful retreat for surfers and yogis, Bali has become a magnet for mass tourism. With packed beaches, overflowing trash bins, and frequent disrespect of local customs, the island’s serenity is fading fast. Tourism’s environmental impact is also showing, water shortages and coral reef damage are becoming serious concerns. While Bali still holds beauty, travelers should aim for lesser-known parts of Indonesia or adopt sustainable travel habits to reduce their footprint.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini’s caldera sunsets and white-washed buildings have turned it into an Instagram sensation. Unfortunately, that fame comes at a cost. Narrow streets are jammed with cruise ship passengers, and the local economy has shifted toward catering exclusively to tourists. Authentic island life is harder to find, and infrastructure is strained. In 2025, think about discovering nearby islands like Milos or Naxos, where Greek charm meets tranquility, without the selfie stick chaos.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, rich in culture and history, has seen an overwhelming surge in visitors since Japan reopened its borders. Tourists crowd ancient temples, photograph geishas without consent, and clog narrow streets, particularly during cherry blossom season. The city has even restricted access to some traditional neighborhoods to curb disturbances. If Kyoto is on your list, plan for early-morning visits, or consider Kanazawa, Japan’s “Little Kyoto”, which offers similar beauty with far fewer crowds.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s capital and its surrounding Golden Circle have seen tourist numbers grow rapidly over the past decade. Reykjavik is now often jammed with travelers using it as a hub for day trips. The pressure on roads, accommodations, and natural sites is immense. For a more peaceful Icelandic experience, skip the capital and explore lesser-known areas like the Westfjords or the Eastfjords, where you can still witness waterfalls and volcanoes in near solitude.
Machu Picchu, Peru
The sacred Incan city is majestic, but also highly vulnerable. With thousands of visitors per day, erosion, pollution, and crowding threaten its preservation. Strict ticketing systems and guided tour requirements have been implemented, but the pressure remains high. If you’re drawn to ancient history and panoramic mountain views, consider Choquequirao. Known as the “sister city” of Machu Picchu, it’s equally stunning and far less visited, offering a truly adventurous trek.
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum has transformed from a sleepy beach town to a trendy hotspot with rising costs, traffic, and environmental damage. Once praised for its eco-conscious appeal, today’s Tulum faces overcrowded beaches and vanishing natural habitats. Instagram-driven tourism has spurred aggressive development that locals can’t always afford. If you crave a beach escape, look beyond Tulum to coastal gems like Bacalar or Isla Holbox, beautiful, less chaotic, and more sustainable choices for 2025.
Cinque Terre, Italy
This string of five picturesque Italian villages is no longer a hidden gem. Daily influxes of tourists, especially cruise passengers, have turned peaceful alleys into crowded corridors. The strain on local resources has led authorities to consider tourist limits. If you’re seeking colorful coastal charm, opt for Ligurian towns like Camogli or Tellaro. You’ll get similar scenic views and seafood delights without fighting through shoulder-to-shoulder crowds on hiking trails.
Maya Bay, Thailand
Made famous by the film The Beach, Maya Bay suffered such severe ecological damage that it was closed to tourists for years. Though it’s now open again under strict regulations, the bay remains under pressure. Coral reefs are fragile, and foot traffic must be closely managed. Instead of joining the crowds, consider the Similan Islands or Koh Lanta, where you’ll find equally breathtaking nature, and a better chance to help protect it.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast’s colorful cliffside towns and winding roads are breathtaking, but also bursting at the seams. In peak season, streets are jammed, restaurants are overbooked, and prices skyrocket. Locals are vocal about the stress tourism brings. The heavy car traffic also contributes to environmental degradation. For a similar Italian coastal experience, head south to Calabria or explore Puglia’s seaside towns like Polignano a Mare, offering charm, views, and fewer crowds with more breathing room.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik’s medieval walls and red-roofed views are undeniably beautiful, but the city has become a victim of its own popularity, especially after featuring in Game of Thrones. Cruise ships unload thousands into the small Old Town daily, making it difficult to move, let alone relax. Croatia has many alternatives, consider Šibenik or Rovinj, both rich in history, charm, and Adriatic beauty, without Dubrovnik’s tour-bus gridlock and selfie stampede.
