Sustainable Travel: How to Explore Popular Spots Without Contributing to Overtourism

Fromentera, Spain

In Formentera, Spain seeking a quieter escape during a trip to Ibiza

Some of the world’s most beautiful and popular places are suffering today from overtourism. Overtourism happens when a place we love becomes too loved and the volume of visitors starts to wear down its culture, nature, and daily life for the people who live there. It’s not just about crowds, it’s about what gets lost when things fall out of balance. 

The good news? You can still visit iconic places without adding to the problem. With a little care and intention, travel can help protect what makes these destinations so special in the first place. In this post, I’m sharing six simple ways we can all be more mindful about how we travel, give back to the places that welcome us, and in turn, have deeper, more meaningful experiences along the way.

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
— Jane Goodall
Montauk, NY

1. VISIT DURING OFF-SEASON MONTHS

Instead of visiting a place during peak tourist months, try going just before or after the busiest times. Traveling in the shoulder season means fewer people, better prices, and less pressure on the places you’re excited to explore.

Photo: Montauk, NY during the off-season (March)

For more on Montauk, check out my blog post Day Trip to Montauk, New York, Off-Season.

Blowing out birthday candles at Bali Ecostay in Bali, Indonesia

2. TRAVEL SLOWER AND STAY LONGER

Spend more time in fewer places. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also helps the local economy. When you spend more time in one place, you have time to integrate yourself into everyday life, not just see the sites. You’re more likely to shop at the local market, return to the same café, maybe even exchange names with locals. These slower moments are when you truly connect with a place and its people, vs. completing a checklist.

Photo: Celebrating my birthday during an almost month-long stay in Bali, Indonesia, at Bali Ecostay.

For more on Bali, check out my blog post A Comprehensive Guide to Bali After 3 Weeks of Wonder.

3. CHOOSE LOCAL

Support locally owned hotels, restaurants, and guides instead of large chains. Buy arts and crafts directly from local artisans. Not only are you more likely to have a more authentic experience, but you’ll help keep money in the community.

Photo: Artist Alejandro Núñez (@alexbauernm) holding up the two pieces of art we purchased from him in Mexico City, Mexico. These now hang framed in our home and make me smile every time I walk by them.

For more on Mexico City, check out my blog post Exploring the Marvels of Mexico City: The Ultimate 7-Day Itinerary.

4. EXPLORE “THE LESSER-KNOWN’

Instead of doing exactly what everyone else came to a place to do, explore a little further out. Just beyond the crowds, there’s often something quieter, more personal, and just as beautiful. Don’t be afraid to wander beyond the main square, skip the most photographed viewpoint, or the food spot with the line down the block. When you make space for those detours, you not only avoid contributing to the strain on overtouristed spots, you give yourself the chance to connect with the essence of a place.

Photo: On the slow boat to Laos from Thailand (a major last-minute detour that proved to be worth the 12-hour ride!).

For more on Laos, check out my blog post Mekong Magic: Unraveling Laos' Unique Hidden Treasures.

5. VOLUNTEER AND DONATE

Many places have local nonprofits or community projects working to protect what makes them special. Even a small donation or a bit of your time can go a long way. Before you go, take a moment to look into local initiatives you can support, or simply help shine a light on them through your social media. 

Photo: Visiting Knysna Elephant Park who houses and cares for orphaned African elephants.

For more on South Africa, check out my blog post 12 Unforgettable Days in South Africa: Why It’s Totally Worth the Trip.

6. BE MINDFUL OF LOCAL NORMS AND RULES

Be thoughtful about the spaces you’re stepping into. Honor local customs, dress appropriately, and ask before taking photos, especially of people. If something’s off-limits, there’s usually a reason, whether it’s for safety, respect, or simply giving a place room to just be.

Photo: Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

For more on Abu Dhabi, check out my blog post Abu Dhabi Highlights: 4 Perfect Excursions in 4 Days.

In conclusion, sustainable travel isn’t about doing less or feeling guilty; it’s about moving through the world with more awareness, so we can experience it fully without taking more than we need. 

So, yes, go ahead and visit popular places, but be open to exploring beyond that. Go with care. Slow down. Support what's local. Travel in a way that feels connected and considerate. That way, you’re not just bringing memories home, you’re leaving something meaningful behind.

Have you found ways to travel sustainably in your favorite destinations? Please share them below, and let’s inspire more conscious travel together.

Lifestyle, FeaturedKaren GomezComment