Three Ways to Avoid Crowds While Traveling
I hate crowds. Yet the record number of travelers to popular European destinations this summer made it clear “revenge tourism” is still a thing. A photo that epitomized this (and simultaneously broke my heart), was in a Wall Street Journal article. It showed hordes of tourists in Vernazza, Italy- one of the five towns of Cinque Terre. I was there in the late ‘90’s when it was still a destination primarily visited by Italians. The towns are small - you can walk through each one in 15 minutes. Seeing that many people crowding the streets was incredibly disheartening. I don’t blame people for wanting to go. I just don’t want to be there when everyone else is.
Knowing this issue exists is the first step to avoiding it. Here are 3 ways to enjoy the beauty of your chosen destination without having to fight enormous crowds.
1. Active (Hiking/Biking/Multi-Sport) Vacations - Becoming one with nature is a great way to avoid crowds. I love active vacations, especially because they allow you to experience the beauty of the world without being surrounded by other people. The two trips below are great examples. And while these may not be right for you, there are thousands of options perfectly suited to all types of travelers. You just have to find your perfect match.
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - This journey was special - 4 days and 3 nights hiking through unparalleled natural beauty with spectacular panoramic views. We had the added bonus of camping under the stars, which created an even more immersive experience. Machu Picchu can be reached by train so you will eventually run into other people (you will recognize them immediately- they dress, and smell, better than you do) but that’s the end of the line. By then you will have already spent the majority of your trip with only the sun, moon and stars for company.
The W Trek in Patagonia, Chile - Similar yet different from Machu Picchu, the W trek has its own challenges/rewards. Located in Torres del Paine National Park, this trip takes you through jagged, snow-capped mountains, blue glaciers and vast plains. The scenery is stunning and you’ll see more guanacos than people.
2. Charter a Boat - Nothing avoids crowds and gives more control over your destiny than chartering your own boat. In places like Greece, Croatia and the British Virgin Islands it’s actually ideal since you will see/experience more in a shorter period of time. It’s the perfect option for families/friends to drop their hectic schedules and spend quality time together. And, depending on the size of your group, it can also be a cost effective choice given the expense of hotels in high season.
3. Choose the Road (or Country) Less Traveled - A few years ago my niece was living in Bolivia. It was a country I’d never considered visiting but decided to go since she was there. We had a blast and experienced surprising adventures we never would have otherwise including cycling down Yungas Highway (or “Death Road” as it’s commonly known), climbing through the bizarre rock formations of Ciudad del Encanto, watching the sunrise on Isla Incahuasi and taking some crazy photos at the famous Bolivian salt flats. The world is large with lots to see….don’t limit yourself to the places everyone else goes. Plus, who doesn’t want the bragging rights that come with being the first to visit the coolest (and lesser known) places on earth?
