5 Cool (And Unusual) Things To Do In Austin

In recent years, events like the South By Southwest festival have made Austin one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the country. But that doesn’t mean the red carpet is all it has to offer…

1. Museum Of The Weird

Originally the brainchild of local artist-entrepreneur Steve Busti, this funky freakshow lives up to its name. Austin’s Museum of the Weird is an eclectic collection of artifacts that, true to its dime store museum nature, blur the line between real pieces of history and bizarre creations straight from the mind of its owner.

Unlike the more glamorous, high-brow art museums one is likely to find downtown, the Museum of the Weird represents a kitschy, fun, somewhat nostalgic experience reminiscent of a strange circus act. In it, you can find everything from “feejee” mermaids to the campy prop monsters from your favorite horror films of the 60s and 70s. Not only will you get to immerse yourself in a world of true oddities, you will get to experience one of the nation’s last remaining dime store museums.

2. Cathedral Of Junk

We have all heard the phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Perhaps no one place better embodies this statement than the Cathedral of Junk, a collection of discarded relics lovingly curated to represent the city of Austin like no other display could. Much like its name and general premise, the man-made tower enjoys an unlikely location; the backyard of creator Vince Hannemann’s home. For decades (beginning in the late 1980s), Hanneman has scoped out the local region in search of trash to add to the massive art installation that has now grown to form a multi-story castle of sorts.

From a practical standpoint, this is a fantastic activity to add to any trip to Austin. Vince only asks that visitors contribute a $5 donation per adult in exchange for unlimited access to his life’s work. The venue, which has miraculously been deemed structurally sound by the city, has hosted parties, corporate events, and yes, even weddings. Let’s face it: there’s no better way to get in touch with the most authentic side of a city than by exploring a tower made of its trash.

Austin Cathedral of Junk — The Cathedral of Junk. Wikimedia Commons

3. Uncommon Objects

When visiting a new city, how often are you presented with the opportunity to take a piece of its history home with you? With the aptly-named Uncommon Objects antique mall, you can do just that. This quirky collection of vendors combine to form not only as one of the world’s coolest souvenir shops, but also a bit of a tribute to the oddball culture of the city itself.

Even without spending a single dime, shoppers can learn a lot about Austin simply by exploring the 24 different booths set up inside the curiosities shop originally founded by Steve Weiman, a former prop finder for the Chili’s restaurant chain. Weiman’s kitschy Texas taste manifests perfectly in the vintage pinball machines, wall-mounted antler racks, and bold costume jewelry all available for sale at the mall. Whether Americana suits your style or not, one thing is certain: visitors would be hard-pressed to find a better place to hunt for souvenirs to take back home.

4. Congress Bridge Bats

Given that its generally portrayed as a sprawling, hipster-dense Western metropolis, one might not think to associate Austin with stunning wildlife. Fortunately, the city offers something for everyone — even nature lovers. Those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience are sure to find it with the famously massive colony of bats huddled up along the Congress Avenue Bridge. The group, compromised of an estimated 1.5 million Mexican free-tails, makes for one of the largest urban bat colonies in North America. Needless to say, a bat metropolis isn’t something you see every day.

Onlookers hoping to maximize their chances of witnessing the bat colony in flight would serve themselves best by choosing hot, dry nights in August to visit. Fortunately, due to its increasing popularity as a tourist attraction, there are information kiosks located just east of the bridge that can provide guidance as well.

Congress Bridge Bats Austin — www.batsinaustin.com

5. Mueller Sunflowers

In line with the innovative attitude that dominates Austin, this special attraction combines technology, art, and even nature in a way unlike any other. What may initially appear to be just some vague technological figures stationed alongside Interstate 35 during the day come to life at night, bringing a whole new beauty to the humble shopping center they adorn.

These are the Mueller Sunflowers, a futuristic garden of faux-flora made of giant blue LED lights which are powered by solar energy. In addition to acting as a beautiful light display and art installation, the flowers actually serve a purpose as well: the energy they harness is returned to the city’s power grid. Since their birth, the garden has produced enough energy to offset over 450,000 miles worth of carbon emissions from the average American car. That’s a cause worth getting behind.

Austin is a city that boasts a rich tapestry of art, culture, and history just waiting to be explored. In an environment this welcoming, why not try something new on your trip to the city. What you learn may surprise you.

12 Fun Things You Never Knew About Branson, MO

Think you know everything there is to do in Branson? Don’t be so sure. It’s a pretty dynamic place.

1. Branson Has More Theater Seats Than Broadway

Though the town’s population numbers around only 10,000 people, every year it draws around 8 to 10 million visitors from all over the world. Throughout the decades, Branson has been ranked a top destination on various awards lists, including a spot on the Travel Channel’s “Most Christmassy Places in America.” The town definitely lives up to its reputation as the “Live Music Capital Of The World” with over 50 theaters and more seats than the Broadway District in New York City. The range of entertainment is extremely broad and includes magic, music, comedy, and even animal-based performances.

Table Rock Lake near Branson in Missouri. — Grant Terry / Shutterstock

2. Table Rock Lake Offers More Shoreline Than Many Beaches

If you can’t get to the ocean any time soon, enjoy the next best thing at Table Rock Lake. As the largest lake in Missouri, Table Rock has almost as much shoreline as the entire state of California. Among the gorgeous Ozark forests, you’ll find incredible places to hike, swim, relax, or fish. Not only does Table Rock offer great trout fishing all year long, it’s also one of the top bass fishing lakes in the country.

3. It’s An Incredible Place To Be A Golfer

If you’re looking to spend a day out on the golf course, then your only problem in Branson may be choosing which one to visit. The city offers ten championship golf courses, many of which are named after legends of the sport such as Nicklaus, Palmer, and Payne Stewart. Offering courses for players of all levels, the unique hills and valleys of Branson provide fun, interesting layouts, and gorgeous surroundings.

4. You Can Go On The Butterfly Adventure Of A Lifetime

Among the town’s more underrated destinations is The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure. There you’ll find a tropically-themed museum where you can learn all kinds of fun and interesting facts about the rainforest. Best of all, there’s an attached 7,000 square-foot butterfly sanctuary and garden you can walk through, amid thousands of stunning butterflies. They’ll even give you a complimentary feeder filled with nectar so you can offer the little guys a drink.

Purchase your discounted tickets to the Butterfly Palace here.

5. Branson Has The World’s Largest Toy Museum

Take a trip back to the nostalgia of your childhood at the largest toy museum on the planet. You’ll see everything from old cast iron and tin toys to lunchboxes to train sets. With over a million toys, the museum offers a guaranteed blast from the past for people of all ages.

Purchase your discounted tickets to the World’s Largest Toy Museum here.

6. A Peek Into The Victorian Era

Back in 1912, the entire downtown Branson district was ravished by a huge fire that left very few buildings standing. Among the few survivors, however, was Patricia’s Victorian House, which stands as a monument to the late 1800s to this day. When you step through the door, you’ll feel like you’ve walked back in time into a Victorian-era ladies’ shop.

Inside, you’ll find everything from silk floral arrangements to handmade curtains and decor. Whether you’re looking to pick up a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture or some vintage clothing, Patricia’s has you covered. Even if you don’t intend to buy anything, it’s worth a trip just to walk around and take in the atmosphere.

7. You Can Eat At A 100-Year-Old Diner

With over 400 restaurant options in Branson, it can be hard to know which to choose for a great dining experience. If you’d like to enjoy some incredible comfort food and take in a little history at the same time, try the Branson Cafe. Established in 1910, this historic diner has been serving up everything from chicken fried steak to biscuits and gravy for over a century.

Nestled in historic downtown Branson, the café is surrounded by quaint shops and still offers the same unassuming atmosphere as it has for decades. Amid the small town charm, you can also enjoy time-honored desserts like delicious cinnamon rolls and freshly baked pies.

The Titanic Museum in Branson, Missouri. — Titanic Branson

8. Branson Boasts The World’s Largest Titanic Museum Attraction

Alongside the beauty of nature and the thrill of live entertainment, you can also visit one of the most incredible Titanic museums in the country. When you arrive, you’ll receive a boarding pass with the name of an actual Titanic passenger or crew member. Once inside, you’ll find over $4.5 million worth of Titanic artifacts and walk a $1 million exact replica of the ship’s famous Grand Staircase.

The museum makes history come alive by offering guests the chance to touch an iceberg, shovel “coal” in the boiler room, experience different angles of the sloping decks of the ship as it descended, and hear true passenger stories while seated in a lifeboat. Last but not least, you’ll be able to find out the fate of the passenger on your boarding pass inside the Titanic Memorial Room.

Purchase your discounted tickets to the Titanic Museum here.

9. Branson Is Wine Country, Too

Christina Holthuis, the travel blogger behind A Little Nomad, raves about the family-run Curling Vine Winery, where you can embark on an entertaining and free tour.

If you’re into the wine life, she said, “Their knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides make the story and traditions of winemaking fun for all ages. After the tour, you have the chance to sample Missouri-made wines.”

Not much of a wine drinker? Or perhaps you’ve gotten stuck being the designated driver for the outing? No worries, there is something for you too! For all non-wine drinkers, children, and designated drivers, there is a special homemade grape juice option.

Purchase your discounted tickets for the VIP Wine Tasting and Dinner Tour here.

Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area in Branson, Missouri. — Branson Parks And Recreation

10. You Can (And Should) Hit The Trails

If you want to explore the land and take a hike, then Branson is the place to do it. Branson is actually home to several breathtaking hiking trails.

If you’re a beginner looking to simply test the trails, the Table Rock Lakeshore Trail may be the perfect speed. It offers impressive scenery and is easy enough that first timers should be able to get the hang of it while enjoying themselves during their adventure.

According to Josh Creznic, general manager of several Wyndham timeshare resorts in Branson, a little bonus is that “this trail is just a short three miles from our Wyndham resorts, so it’s very centrally located for our guests who are exploring Branson.” This makes it the perfect destination for guests looking for a place to explore that is nearby their lodging arrangements.

Looking for one of the best views in town? Hit the trails at the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area. With 130 acres to wander around in, this park is located right in the middle of Branson. Tyann Marcink, photographer and owner of Branson Family Retreats, explained, “There are rugged hiking trails, a scenic observation deck, and even 315 hand-lain stone steps.”

The view can be even more impressive than the trails. Marcink shared that “the stone steps lead down to a natural waterfall, Owen’s Falls, and there are two caves just past the falls. It feels like you are encompassed by nature, but you are truly right in the middle of Branson, hiking along the cliffs of Lake Taneycomo.”

These trails also offer a bit of variety, from options that offer paved routes and parking lots to several handicapped accessible trails. Maybe you don’t intend on doing much hiking at all, but need to let the kids in your group run off some energy. Good news: There is a playground at the Lakeside Forest trailhead.

The Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area in Missouri. — Missouri Department of Conservation

11. Branson Invites You To Transcend To A Natural Paradise

If you have a knack for nature, then the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area might be a stop worth making during your Branson trip. This is a 1,534-acre nature preserve that offers self-guided trails and an observation tower. Perhaps you want some quality time with that special someone or time for quiet reflection; this is the perfect place to get away from the bright lights of the Branson strip.

Located nearby the Branson Wyndham Resorts, Creznic told TravelAwaits that this spot is “just about five miles from our resorts and just outside of the theatre district, so it’s within easy proximity of some of Branson’s most popular activities, but feels like you’ve been transported to a natural paradise.”

12. The Waters In Branson Are Worth Exploring

Why not add a water experience to your list of things to do? Branson has several outdoor experiences to offer, ranging from ziplining, hiking, fishing, and just simply enjoying the beautiful scenery. Of course if you’ve hit the trails, toured a winery, and climbed the Henning Conservation Area tower, the next best thing is to enjoy some time out on the water. Given Branson’s proximity to Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo, one of the best ways to explore the area is on a boat.

Boat rentals are available throughout Branson from a variety of vendors. Valerie Streif, head of marketing at Get My Boat, said they offer an array of boats to choose from.

“This massive reservoir is perfect to experience on the water, and we’re making it easy to reserve a boat rental — travelers or locals can download our app and book everything from jet skis to pontoons during their stay in Branson.”

Headed to Branson? Here are seven key things you didn’t know about Branson shows, plus the best Branson shows to see in 2019. Make sure to book a stay at one of the best resorts in Branson.

*Updated May 2019 by Traneah Ford

5 Things To Do In Sedona, AZ

Travelers tend to forget about some of the amazing places to visit right here in the United States, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by everything you can do in Sedona!

Make sure you check out our choices for hotels in Sedona before heading out for your next trip to see the beautiful red rocks.

1. Sample Some Sedona Wines

Wine isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when you picture the great state of Arizona, but perhaps it will be from now on! Verde Valley is relatively close to Sedona, and it offers the perfectly balanced dry climate and water access that grapes need to grow and produce fantastic wine.

You can tour the area yourself on the Verde Valley Wine Trail where you’ll get to visit the four primary wineries in the region: Javelina Leap Vineyard, Oak Creek Vineyards, Page Springs Cellars, and Alcantara Vineyards. Of course, you’ll definitely get to try some vino at each one!

The Wine Trail is the perfect combination of hiking, striking natural beauty, and relaxing with a tasty glass of wine at the end of the day. Nearby Montezuma Castle is another local sight worth squeezing into your day if you have time.

A starry night sky over Sedona. — Kenneth Keifer / Shutterstock

2. See The Stars Like You’ve Never Seen Them Before

Sure, you can see stars from almost anywhere you can catch a glimpse of the night sky, but you can’t really see them like you can in Sedona.

Certain parts of the world combine various natural factors to create a perfect stargazing environment, and Sedona is just such a place. With over 300 clear days a year and almost no light pollution, the sky will never look clearer then it does in Sedona. What makes it even better is being able to watch the stars from the high altitudes readily available throughout Sedona. If you’re looking for guidance, companies like Evening Sky Tours will take you to the best stargazing spots while giving you proper telescopes to observe the heavens.

If you like to learn, the tour guides will walk you through the different stars, constellations, and galaxies visible from Sedona, and you’ll get to see them all with your own two eyes. Nothing feels quite as magical as a sky completely lit up with beaming stars.

Cathedral Rock in Sedona. — Keneva Photography / Shutterstock

3. Pay To See Rocks… It’s Worth It

You won’t have to look too hard to find red rocks in Sedona, but although they’re readily available, it’s worth checking out the official Red Rock State Park to see some of the finest specimens in the area.

Spread across 286-acres, there are multiple noteworthy formations that you’ll want to make sure you see, such as Cathedral Rock. It’s one of the most well-known rocks in all of Arizona with a summit elevation of nearly 5,000 feet. Cathedral Rock is one of the most-photographed sights in the area, so make sure to grab a picture or two while you’re there!

If you have limited time in Sedona, you’ll want to make sure that Red Rock State Park is on your list. You won’t see many sights like it in this world.

It doesn’t cost more than $7 to get into the park, and that’s a steal when you think of the memories you’ll walk away with.

4. Dine At SaltRock

At some point along your trekking and wine tours, you’re bound to get hungry. A local favorite is SaltRock, a restaurant that offers some of the finest views of red rocks to go with delicious dishes like their signature Smoked Trout Pate.

Ingredients are sourced from the area and seasoned with items only found in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Southwest cuisine has never tasted better than it does when it’s prepared by head chef Massimo De Francesca.

Wash it all down with one of SaltRock’s classic agave margaritas.

Sedona's arts and crafts vilage at Tlaquepaque. — Autumn Sky Photography / Shutterstock

5. Walk The Streets Of Sedona’s European-Styled Village

You don’t have to go to Europe to feel like you’re there, and when you stroll through the cobble-stoned streets of Tlaquepaque, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported clear across the Atlantic.

The Arts & Crafts Village is famous for its unique aesthetics, boutique shops, and art pieces. As you walk the streets, you’ll see fountains, blown glass, designer clothes made of silk and leather, and a host of other one-of-a-kind items.

Tlaquepaque draws some of the most creative people into one place, and it’s not unusual to see an artist working on a piece in the streets. Bring some spending money so you can pick up a few of these quirky items to take home with you — they make great souvenirs!

The United States has so many hidden gems that don’t get half the attention they should, and Sedona is certainly one of them. Not every destination so perfectly combines natural beauty with a wealth of fun activities, but Sedona does. You might surprise your friends when you declare your travel plans to Arizona, but maybe they’ll be booking their own trip when they hear stories of the amazing things you did and saw.

6 Awesome Things To Do In The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are undoubtedly beautiful. With their laid-back atmosphere, you’ll get a taste of island life without ever leaving the United States. When visiting The Keys, make sure you consider at least a few of these six fun things to do there!

1. The Hemingway House

This literary landmark is where Ernest Hemingway lived for ten years. During his time here, he wrote 70 percent of his life’s work. Nowadays, the Hemingway House serves as a museum dedicated to its onetime inhabitant, with guided tours on offer. Located in Key West, this lovely piece of Florida cultural history is recognized by the Library of Congress and is well known for it’s iconic architecture, lush gardens, and roaming cats! When you’re done with the tour, make sure you grab lunch on the famous Duval Street.

2. Glass Bottom Boat Tours

You don’t need to go scuba diving or snorkeling for a great view of Florida’s coral reefs. Take a tour on a glass bottom boat in Key West instead! This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride on a custom built glass bottom catamaran is something you’ll never forget.

Relax above deck while a tour guide points out landmarks along the way. But once you reach the reef, you’ll head below deck and peer into the turquoise waters below. The boat was designed to allow the best viewing of the only living North American coral barrier (the third largest coral reef system in the world) while providing the least amount of stress to the reef. When you get there, you’ll see that you’re only feet above the reef!

When it’s time to head back to shore, enjoy the panoramic view from the top deck. Catch a glimpse of playful dolphin pods, or take a load off in the fully-air conditioned cabin (equipped with restrooms and a snack bar).

Quick travel tip: Thanks to the hurricanes this past year, the waters may still be a little murky, which may limit your viewing options. If the perspective is limited that day, you will be alerted before you board the tour and will have the chance to collect a total refund. If you choose to stay, you’ll still get to see the vast reefs, and the trip will take you through The Dolphins Playground too!

3. Snap A Photo At The Southernmost Point

When you visit the Keys, you’ll find yourself traveling further and further south until you’re at the continental United States’ southernmost point — just 90 miles away from Cuba. The southernmost point is located in Key West and is marked by a large metal buoy (you can’t miss it). Taking a picture with the buoy is a popular tourist activity, and also offers an enjoyable view of the vast ocean beyond. You can’t see Cuba, but it’s easy to imagine that it lies just over the horizon.

Snapping a photo with the Southernmost Point Buoy is a fairly quick affair, depending on the time of day and how many people are lined up to take a photo. That being said, you’ll want to plan something else into your day. Since you’ll be right near Duval Street, you could check out the local shops and restaurants, or tour the Hemingway House.

4. Sunset Charter

Embarking on a sunset charter cruise is a great way to end a day in the Keys. There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to sunset ocean tours, but our choice would be one that serves hors d’oeuvres and cocktails on a historic schooner. You’ll get to enjoy the intimate setting of sailing into the sunset while sipping champagne or margaritas and snacking on cheese plates and peel and eat shrimp.

5. Butterfly And Nature Conservatory

Learn about the different species of tropical plants and butterflies at the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. With over 50 different butterfly species, you’ll feel like you walked into a fairytale garden. Located in Key West where the weather is already warm, the Conservatory is kept at a consistent 85 degrees, and eighty percent humidity. These warm conditions are what keep the tropical butterflies alive and thriving.

Depending on the time of day you visit the Conservatory you’ll see different species of butterflies. Some butterflies are more active in the morning when they’re warming themselves in the morning sunlight, while others like the Owls become active at night.

6. Dry Tortugas National Park Catamaran Day Trip

Visiting the Dry Tortugas National Park is an all day, 10-hour affair, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. This is your chance to escape the islands on a luxurious catamaran. Enjoy breakfast during the 70-mile trip while listening to a guided tour. Dry Tortugas National Park is located inside Fort Jefferson and is famous for its legends of pirates and sunken gold. Once you’ve finished the 45-minute historic tour of the fort, you’ll get to spend the rest of the day wandering the beach collecting seashells, bird watching, snorkeling, or looking for dolphins and sea turtles.

Adventure awaits in the Florida Keys! What are you waiting for?

Must-Visit War Memorials Honoring U.S. Soldiers

On your travels around the United States, seek out the moments in history that matter to you. These lesser-known memorials are perfect for a vacation filled not just with fun but with a sense of perspective.

1. The National Memorial Arch in King of Prussia, PA

The National Arch is just as deserving of attention as the more popular memorials in Washington, D.C. The National Memorial Arch commemorates the Revolutionary War. Specifically, it’s designed to remember the desperate winter that General George Washington and his troops went through, camped out at Valley Forge.

The memorial is 60-feet high and modeled after a Roman arch that was built to commemorate the conquests of the Emporer Titus. You can find it in Valley Forge National Park, where it has stood since its dedication in June of 1917. Paul Philippe Cret designed the arch, which bears a quote from Washington regarding the dreadful winter he and his troops were forced to endure. It reads, “Naked and starving as they are, we cannot enough admire the incomparable patience and fidelity of the soldiery.”

2. The African American Civil War Memorial in Washington, D.C.

A majority of the visitors coming into D.C. throng to see the National World War II Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, which is understandable — they’re both moving tributes. However, a variety of memorials in the capital don’t receive nearly the attention they deserve. The African American Civil War Memorial is one of them.

The memorial features beautifully detailed statues of the black soldiers who formed the United States Colored Troops, a brigade of brave men who gave their lives in service to a country that was at best ambivalent about their existence. The troop consisted of over 200,000 black soldiers, represented by realistic figures and the retelling of their story. The title of the statue, “The Spirit of Freedom,” still rings bittersweet.

A curved wall surrounds the soldiers. It features the names of every black soldier who fought during the Civil War. Visitors can head to the associated museum to view the African American Civil War Memorial Registry. It holds the family trees of the modern descendants of those brave patriots.

The African American Civil War Memorial Washington — YouTube

3. The Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The memorial honoring the members of the armed services who fought in the Korean War is another attraction that all too often flies under the radar of tourists. It’s haunting and evocative all at once. Nineteen realistic soldiers creep through the bush, cast in stainless steel and clad in ponchos. Day and night, they patrol their triangular field, so true to life that you can almost hear them muttering and shushing each other as the undergrowth crackles beneath their feet.

The 19 soldiers honor not only the 5.8 million soldiers who served during the Korean war, which lasted three years, but also the 103,284 who were wounded and the 54,246 who lost their lives in the course of their service. The field of statues is backed by a memorial wall of black granite, which features etchings of photographs from the National Gallery. Altogether, it’s easily one of the most distinctive and visceral memorials in D.C.

Korean War Memorial Washington — YouTube

4. The Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington, VA

Arlington is home to the sleek Air Force Memorial and the Iwo Jima Memorial, also known as the Marine Corps Memorial. They typically garner the lion’s share of attention, but the Women in Military Service for America Memorial is one of the most beautiful tributes in the city. It honors the three million women who have stepped up to serve and defend their country since its very beginning.

The most notable aspect of the memorial is its curved, sprawling retaining wall, done up in neoclassical style. There’s also a lovely reflecting pool, along with an Education Center where visitors can learn about the over 258,000 women in the military. The roof features tablets made of glass that reveal quotes from and about these noble, courageous women. It’s a relatively new memorial, having only received its dedication in 1997.

The Women in Military Service for America Memorial Arlington — YouTube

5. The Prison Ship Martyrs Monument in Brooklyn, NY

You’ve never heard of the Prison Ships Martyrs Monument, you say? You aren’t alone. It commemorates events that occurred during the Revolutionary War. Even worse than Washington’s dark winter, however, this monument is literally dedicated to martyr soldiers who died on British ships. They were prisoners of war whose deaths did not come easily or quickly.

Located in Fort Greene, it’s a 100-foot Doric column. Both Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmstead designed it. The two men are also responsible for Central Park and Prospect Park, which is in Brooklyn as well. It was crafted in such a way that it acts as a tombstone. The bodies of some of those prisoners of war are interred beneath the column.

In touring areas that are important to the nation’s history, it often pays to peer outside of the box and below the surface to find something new. This history of this country is rich, and there are so many wonderful ways to remember.

6 Popular Destinations Ruined By Tourists

While we all love to travel, the unfortunate truth is that this makes us tourists. Tourists are known to be bothersome to many locals because they increase population density, congest the streets, and have even been known to disrespect historic landmarks. While tourists can improve the economy of many places, unfortunately, some consequences come along with too much popularity.

Here are six destinations that have been damaged by tourism.

1. Venice, Italy

This idyllic renaissance city known for its beautiful architecture and canals has become so overcrowded with tourists that many historical landmarks have become inaccessible. Venice receives upwards of 80,000 tourists per year, and residents are not happy about it. About 2,000 Venice residents leave the city per year, and if they continue to move, then there is a chance tourists could entirely run the area. Part of the issue is the troubling number of cruise ships that sail in and out of the Giudecca canal four or five times a day, producing large quantities of noise and emissions that are bothersome to residents. It is also impossible for the city to house a large number of visitors alongside the native population. With more and more bed and breakfasts popping up throughout town, many locals can’t even find a place to live.

2. The Great Pyramids, Egypt

While visiting one of the seven wonders of the world is an understandable bucket list item, the sad truth is that The Great Pyramids might not be around for much longer. Due to decades of foot traffic, the pyramids and the Sphinx have suffered irreversible erosion damage. The pyramids are so ancient that any attempt to fix the destruction only seems to make the situation worse.

3. Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

The picturesque cove and beaches of the Phi Phi Islands attract as many as 5,000 people every day, arriving by shuttle boats from mainland resorts in Krabi and Phuket. The constant boat traffic threatens to destroy the coral reefs surrounding the islands. Thai authorities announced this year that they will be shutting down the Maya Bay from July to September to give the reefs a chance to heal from the damages. Twenty years ago, not many people knew about the islands, and it was truly a remote paradise. Now the Phi Phi Islands have become a selfie-taking free for all, much to the detriment of the ecosystem.

4. Machu Picchu, Peru

The ancient site of Machu Picchu has also been threatened, not only by tourists, but also by natural disasters such as landslides and fires. The trouble is that officials do not have the resources to predict when a landslide or fire will occur, putting visitors at risk. Like any other ancient side, uncontrolled tourism threatens the integrity of the ruins. According to Luis Lumbreras, an independent archeologist who has studied the ruins for more than 40 years, “Machu Picchu was never made for lots of people… If we put tourists with boots that are jumping, running, climbing the walls, et cetera, that’s the danger.”

5. Santorini, Greece

Santorini attracts more than two million visitors per year, which is more than 130 times its population of only 15,550 people. They come to take in its pristine beaches and beautiful Greek architecture. But the massive number of tourists drain the island of its natural resources such as water. Santorini lacks the infrastructure and services to keep up with the demand of tourists. The cost of living has also increased, making it harder for workers to find an affordable place to live. This is partly due to homeowners renting out their properties to Airbnb, making property rentals more lucrative and inaccessible to permanent residents. With over 70,000 people arriving per day to the island during peak tourist season, locals are finding it hard to host such an overwhelming mob of people all at once.

6. Big Major Cay Islands, Bahamas

You may have heard of “Pig Island,” officially known as Big Major Cay Island, one of the over 365 islands in Exuma, a district of the Bahamas. Big Major Cay has attracted many tourists who want to visit a unique tropical paradise where pigs roam free. Swimming and petting the friendly pigs is all great fun — until they begin to die due from tourists overfeeding them. It is said that there are only 15 pigs left on the island. The island pigs have a special diet, which does not include beer and rum. Tourists have been known to try to feed the pigs alcohol, and even attempt to ride them.

Why have these countries been so overwhelmed by tourists in recent years? It could be due to more affordable airfare, influence from social media, popular TV shows, or access to affordable accommodations through the rise of Airbnb. As tourists, it’s our responsibility to help preserve the natural wonders of the world, so others can enjoy them too. When we travel, we should make sure to understand the rules of the city we’re visiting, and make sure we’re traveling in a sustainable way that’s fair to those who live in our destination year round, and future generations.