The beautiful canals of Venice, the old town of Dubrovnik and the white sandy beaches of Ko Phi Phi will surely bring visitors unforgettable experiences. However, the number of tourists coming here is too crowded, accidentally becoming a nightmare for not only tourists but also locals.
Your trip will be more comfortable and enjoyable if you try the following options instead of trying to squeeze into the 5 most crowded destinations in the world. Is there any place more romantic than Venice? Where can trekking enthusiasts go instead of Machu Picchu?
Instead of Venice (Italy) go to Annecy (France)
It is no coincidence that the beautiful city of Venice is always at the top of the list of the most crowded tourist destinations in the world. The charming canals, impressive art and architecture, and friendly locals are what make visitors remember this place forever. However, the skyrocketing number of tourists and over-exploitation of tourism have put Venice in a state of "alarm", forcing local authorities to take action to promote sustainable tourism.
So instead of heading to Venice, consider a trip to the small French town of Annecy, you won't regret it. Annecy sits at the foot of the Alps, hugging the shores of Lake Annecy - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dotted with colourful 16th-century roofs lining the canals.
In the summer, the town gets busier, but still relaxed enough to enjoy a coffee at La Barista Café, stop on the Point des Amours bridge and explore the Palais de l'Isle, a former prison-museum. You can rent a small boat and soak up the picturesque scenery that rivals Venice.
Instead of Ko Phi Phi (Thailand) go to El Nido (Philippines)
Since appearing in the movieThe BeachDiscovered by Danny Boyle in 2000, Ko Phi Phi has welcomed up to 5,000 visitors a day, mainly for boat trips. The once beautiful Maya Bay has become a must-see for every tourist, but its popularity has taken its toll, especially on the ecosystem of creatures and coral reefs.
For a similar experience, head to the island paradise of El Nido located at the northern tip of Palawan Island, Philippines, which is the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago and home to the country's largest marine reserve.
Island hopping tours include an ecotourism development fee that goes towards preserving the area’s natural habitat, protecting over 400 species of coral, 850 species of fish, 5 species of sea turtles and 100 species of wild birds. So, enjoy your trip knowing that whether you choose to swim, snorkel or do any other activity, you’ll be doing your bit to preserve the ecosystem.
Instead of Cinque Terre (Italy) go to the village of Tellaro
If you often surf Instagram and accidentally come across the image of white waves lapping, below are tall colorful houses lying side by side, then that is the famous Cinque Terre of Italy. This village built in the 19th century is one of the most popular destinations in the world.
But instead of crowding there, why not choose the fishing village of Tellaro in southern Italy for your exploration? Don't miss the quaint pink Church of St George's, perched on a rocky peninsula, where the Sagra del Polpo (Festival of the Octopus) takes place every August. Stroll through narrow alleys lined with wooden rowboats and enjoy the town's laid-back charm. At the end of the day, find a bar and join the locals for dinner, soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Instead of Dubrovnik (Croatia) go to MUSCAT (OMAN)
Is the setting of the famous movie seriesGame of Thrones, but without that, the ancient beauty of the city walls stretching all the way to the medieval Onofrio Grand Fountain is enough to make Dubrovnik (Croatia) attractive in the eyes of tourists. However, due to the large number of tourists, this old town is at risk of losing its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Where else can you immerse yourself in history as rich as Dubrovnik? A visit to Muscat, Oman is perfect. You’ll enjoy getting lost in Mutrah Souq, one of Oman’s oldest markets, selling everything from Arabian perfumes to daggers and Omani sweets.
The 16th-century Al-Mirani Fort, next to the harbor in Old Muscat, is a must-see for history buffs. Don’t be alarmed by the clattering sounds, which are made by friendly dolphins as they dive into the sea.
Instead of Machu Picchu (Peru) go to Choquequirao
It is not easy to get a ticket to Machu Picchu - one of the most famous destinations in the world located in South America. During the peak tourist season, you have to book months, even years in advance to visit this destination, and of course, you cannot avoid the situation of standing in long lines with millions of other tourists.
Meanwhile, Choquequirao, dubbed Machu Picchu’s “little brother”, is a much more perfect alternative. Here, the remaining Inca architecture from the 16th century will really make you feel like you are in Machu Picchu, but beware of the uninvited guests: wild boar around.
You can reach Choquequirao by trekking, with a two-day hike if traveling from Cachora, or choose to travel by cable car to save time.
