Viral Travel Spots That Aren’t Worth Visiting Anymore Due to Over-Tourism
No matter how you plan that perfect shot at a famous travel hotspot, the reality is you’ll find yourself wedged between a hundred selfie sticks. Some viral destinations have become victims of their own fame. If a place looks too good to be true on Instagram, chances are it might just be. Keep reading before you book that next trip.
Machu Picchu, Peru
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What was once a peaceful, mist-covered wonder of the Inca civilization is now where you’ll spend more time dodging selfie sticks than absorbing history. With over a million visitors annually, the Peruvian government had to enforce entry restrictions on Machu Picchu, but that hasn’t stopped the crowds from pouring in.
Rockefeller Center, New York City
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If you’ve ever pictured yourself twirling around the iconic Rockefeller ice rink or gazing at the Christmas tree in a magical moment of solitude, forget it. That iconic tree is pretty, but it might not feel worth it after battling thousands of tourists for a glimpse.
Banff National Park, Canada
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Yes, Banff is stunning, but you’ll have trouble enjoying it when the parking lots are full by sunrise. Over five million visitors flood this once-pristine national park yearly and overwhelm the ecosystem. The famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake now require shuttle reservations to manage the chaos.
Santorini, Greece
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This Greek island might be Instagram’s darling, but behind the perfect blue domes and whitewashed buildings is a tourist invasion. Cruise ships dump thousands of visitors daily, who crowd the narrow streets of Oia. Local businesses have started pushing back by urging for tighter tourism controls.
Phuket, Thailand
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Phuket has everything—stunning beaches, nightlife, and Thai cuisine. But it also has packed beaches, traffic jams, and a price tag that doesn’t match its old charm. Even hidden gems like Maya Bay had to close temporarily due to the environmental damage caused by too many visitors.
Takeshita Street in Harajuku, Tokyo
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Takeshita Street was once the heart of Tokyo’s quirky fashion scene, but now? It’s more about squeezing through massive crowds than appreciating Japan’s famous street style. Most of the shops cater to visitors rather than locals, and those renowned crepe stands are full of long lines and overpriced snacks.
Trevi Fountain, Rome
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Throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain is supposed to bring good luck, but these days, it mostly brings frustration. This pushed local authorities to impose strict rules to manage. Rome is filled with other equally impressive fountains and stunning piazzas that don’t require fighting for a spot—Piazza Navona’s Fountain of the Four Rivers is a great alternative.
Oia, Santorini
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Santorini’s whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches look as dreamy in real life as they do on Instagram—if you can see them past the sea of selfie sticks. Oia at sunset has become a sport, with tourists climbing rooftops for the perfect shot. Hotel prices have skyrocketed, and the island’s infrastructure is struggling to keep up.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
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Dubrovnik’s medieval walls and red-roofed charm made it the perfect setting for Game of Thrones, but its popularity has come at a cost. Cruise ships bring thousands of visitors into the Old Town daily. For a less crowded alternative, try Šibenik or Korčula—both have stunning historic architecture without the madness.
Bali, Indonesia
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Bali’s reputation as a paradise has led to an invasion of tourists, influencers, and digital nomads. Traffic in hotspots like Canggu and Ubud is a nightmare. If you’re after peace and natural beauty, try the nearby islands of Lombok or Flores.
Kerala, India
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Kerala’s backwaters and lush greenery have made it a bucket-list destination, but the rapid influx of tourists has strained its natural beauty. Popular spots like Munnar and Alleppey see heavy traffic that diminishes the peaceful vibe. For some valuable peace and quiet, try the lesser-visited Wayanad region, which still offers stunning landscapes without the crowds.
Oaxaca, Mexico
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You might be disappointed if you picture quaint cobblestone streets and secluded cultural mayhem in Oaxaca. The city, famous for its Day of the Dead festivities, diminishes its authenticity during significant celebrations. Local traditions are increasingly commercialized, and prices have soared as more tourists flood.
Grand Canyon National Park, USA
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Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the USA. It attracts over five million visitors annually, which causes significant wear and tear on its trails and facilities. Of course, the views remain spectacular, but finding a moment of solitude is becoming rare.
Jemaa el-Fnaa (Market Square), Marrakesh
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At the heart of Marrakesh, Jemaa el-Fnaa once offered an authentic slice of Moroccan life. Now, it has turned into a commercial hub with inflated prices and staged performances. Sure, it is still a spectacle, but the square’s transformation has left many travelers feeling more like walking wallets than welcomed guests.
Oktoberfest, Munich
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Many thought Munich’s Oktoberfest was just about authentic beer and Bavarian culture. But this legendary festival now attracts millions. This means the charm of clinking steins with locals is often lost in the sea of international tourists each fall. Those searching for a taste of authentic German festivities might find the commercial atmosphere too frothy.