TravelAwaits

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Overtourism: Which Locations Get the Worst Ratings from Tourists?

Overtourism: Which Locations Get the Worst Ratings from Tourists?

If you’ve ever been to Barcelona, Spain, you might have seen signs saying ‘tourists go home’. I’ve seen newer headlines that covered locals wielding water guns at tourists.

Both are ongoing symptoms of overtourism, which is a growing problem—especially in Europe.

From protests from locals to skyrocketing fines for visitors, tourists are feeling the impact of overtourism in many hotspots around the world. It can be a frustrating experience for everyone involved.

Especially for tourists who seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even when they don’t do anything wrong and they’re spending their hard-earned money, they tend to take on the brunt of overtourism sentiments.

As someone who lives in the center of a city battling overtourism (Barcelona), it’s not fair for any group involved.

So let’s dig into the world of overtourism, exploring how it starts, why it isn’t your fault, and which places you might need to cross off your list as a tourist. (Plus, alternative options!)

How does overtourism happen?

Want to hear the messed up part about Barcelona’s current overtourism problem?

It’s the result of an elaborate and multi-decade plan from the local government. While officials certainly didn’t plan on meteoric and unchecked growth, tourism as it exists today has permanently impacted the city from a social, cultural, and economic perspective.

Plans to boost tourism usually involve improving public transportation, expanding ports to welcome cruise-liners, and granting private licenses to hospitality businesses.

Once the ball gets rolling, it can be hard to stop. And it can yield serious problems for locals.

Unchecked growth in tourism creates housing problems, boosting scarcity and prices. Airbnbs, for example, helped revolutionize the concept of lodging. But irresponsible hosts who don’t obtain the appropriate licenses for their rentals exacerbate existing housing problems.

In cities with historical appeal, mass tourism also clogs and degrades historical neighborhoods. Unchecked growth also tends to put tourism revenue into a few select hands, usually through guide groups, hotels, and restaurant chains.

Oh, and pollution. From planes to cruises, overtourism dirties a city’s air quality and water quality.

If you want to steer clear of cities and areas that are going through a period of overtourism, then consider visiting an alternative option (listed below). The first three locations have been battling overtourism for years, while the next three are creating plans to minimize its impact in the next decade.

Places battling overtourism

Venice

If you’ve visited Venice, you might have wondered where its locals live. Unfortunately, Venice is a prime example of how overtourism makes a city unlivable and drives away its native population.

For decades, the city has attempted to regulate its tourism numbers. As of June 1, 2024, the city now limits the group size to 15, with tourism authorities also rolling out data collection plans to better measure tourist impact.

Alternatives: Verona or Padua

Barcelona

For well over a decade, Barcelona and its mayors have been attempting to curb the growth of tourism in the city.

One of the more robust actions being taken now is to rescind 10,000 Airbnb licenses—though I have no idea how that happens when homeowners have full reign to set up an Airbnb account right now. The city has also banned Uber in an attempt to stop catering to tourists.

I live in the center of this city and can tell you—the vibe is not good for tourists as of summer 2024. As in, I’ve started to recommend my friends and family head elsewhere. 

Alternatives: Girona or Valencia

Amsterdam

Amsterdam has been attempting for a decade to lower the number of tourists that visit—and to change its tourist demographic.

The city has a reputation for partiers and young travelers thanks to its weed-friendly and shrooms-friendly cafes, along with its red light district. This has led to a ‘low quality’ tourist problem.

That means that those who show up simply want to party—and they aren’t worried about taking care of the city or respecting it while they do. The former head of marketing for Amsterdam even went on to blame low-cost airlines like Ryanair.

Alternatives: Hamburg or Rotterdam

Places looking to curb tourism

Iceland

I’m stunned to hear that Iceland is taking a hardcore approach to start fighting over-tourism—mostly because I remember seeing and hearing non-stop ads from WOW Air back in the 2010s. Seemingly overnight, Iceland was on the map for global travelers.

After it went bankrupt, the country saw lagging tourism numbers. But they’ve since risen—enough that Norway now wants to impose a tourism tax. Much of this push seems to be focused on Iceland’s goal of being carbon neutral by 2040. 

Machu Picchu

Located high in the Andes Mountains, the Incan city of Machu Picchu is high on many tourist lists. But Peru’s government has been working overtime in the last few years to limit the destructive impact of tourism.

This year, the government lowered the number of daily visitors to 3,500—half of what it was prior to the pandemic. Also, tourists aren’t allowed to wander anymore. All guests must stay with their tour groups.

Mount Everest

Did you know that the vast majority of satellites that humans have launched into our atmosphere are still there? That’s right. Our planet is surrounded by a halo of trash.

It always reminds me of how Mount Everest must look. Our planet’s highest peak has been a tourist destination for a few decades—a deadly one, at that.

Not only will you find gear littered around Mount Everest, but you’ll even find corpses. Because climbing the mountain is so dangerous, those who fall along the way are left where they lay. But the real issue is trash and pollution. There are literally tons of waste located around base camp, which continues to accrue year after year.

Wellness Retreats: Factors to Think About Before Booking

Over the last decade, interest in wellness retreats has skyrocketed. The trend took off with even greater gusto following the 2020 lockdown.

Since the shroud of the pandemic lifted, travel fever has renewed around the world. Along with tropical vacations and European adventures, a new trend has emerged: wellness retreats.

Previously, wellness retreats tended to revolve around self-discovery—a type of Eat, Pray, Love-esque journey that comes after a grueling divorce, sudden loss, or other lifestyle change.

That’s not the case today.

Tourists are tired of zipping around cities just to wait in lines and fight crowds. They’re not solely interested in old museums and ancient ruins.

Increasingly, the average traveler is on the hunt for relaxation.

But if you’re heading on a wellness retreat, you need to do your research. They’re incredibly varied, from location to spiritual practices to demographics. And if you actually want to relax, you need to find the right wellness retreat. Here’s how to do that.

How to find the right wellness retreat

There’s a pretty straightforward solution to finding the perfect wellness retreat: just read the itinerary.

Be on the lookout for wake-up calls and curfews. If you’re not a morning person, there’s no reason to think you might become one during the retreat. Similarly, look for things like meal times. Some retreats take a more ascetic route to cuisine.

Or maybe you want a wellness retreat that doesn’t have a tight schedule. There are dozens of wellness hotels designed for you to choose your own relaxation adventure, so to speak. Others might have voluntary events scheduled throughout the day, from yoga to cold plunges to massages.

If you’re not actively relaxed by the idea of that schedule (or the absence of one), then it’s not for you—it’s really that simple.

But if you’re a little unsure about whether a retreat or relaxation-centric hotel is right for you, then look through reviews on a trusted third-party site. Those should give you a pretty solid insight into whether the retreat met expectations.

But if you want even more context, here are the most common considerations that wellness retreat enthusiasts look for.

Social elements

For some people, a wellness retreat might involve solitude—and even silence. For others, it might involve interacting with other attendees.

There isn’t a right answer here, but if you tend to tilt toward either extreme, then make sure to look for things like group activities, shared lodgings, and device-free zones.

Mother Nature

You should immediately be able to gauge how nature-based a wellness retreat is based on its advertising. That being said, there’s great variation in how wellness retreats interact with Mother Nature.

Most offer views and immersion in beautiful landscapes to improve the overall atmosphere—nothing more. Other wellness retreats take a more hands-on approach through hikes, river walks, and more.

Make sure you won’t be signing up for any activities that are out of your comfort zone.

The student factor

Some people who go on wellness retreats really want to drop off the map. Unless they’re interacting with a massage therapist or another wellness attendant, they might not want to see a single soul.

On the other hand, many wellness retreats—especially those with a focus on group activities—tend to include classes. These commonly explore topics like breathwork, meditation, and possibly yogic thinking.

Or maybe the focus is on mental wellness rather than physical and spiritual. Some retreats focus on overcoming certain obstacles through group meetings. A women’s-only retreat, for example, might include heart-to-heart sessions in which attendees open up about trauma and grief. The goal is to share personal experiences with the goal of empowerment and growth.

Make sure you know whether you’re expected to follow along, in other words.

Yoga, meditation, and more

That brings us to another point: New Age elements.

Many wellness retreats are designed to help attendees gain a greater understanding of themselves, their lives, and their path in this world.

These retreats often touch on spiritual topics, which could be based on religious beliefs, New Age ideals, and more. Once more, there isn’t a right answer—but if you’re a little suspicious of crystals and asana, then maybe stick to a more neutral retreat.

Best Airbnb Rentals from World-Renowned Architects

When Airbnb first hit the market, it reintroduced and revamped the idea of a homestay.

Hosts could rent out their entire place or a single room. And homes didn’t necessarily need to be hotel-quality—they just had to have all the basics a traveler would need.

Within a few years, Airbnb hosts started launching imaginative new projects. Some were redesigning their homes with specific demographics in mind. Others were looking for rundown places ripe for renovation.

The select few were even eyeing high-profile homes, including those from world-famous architects.

After all, how often does someone get the chance to rest their head in a home designed by a top-notch architect?

If you’re using Airbnb to search for rentals from world-renowned architects, then you have more options than you might think. Want to kick back in some of the coolest homes in the world from some of the coolest minds to ever work in architecture?

Here’s where to go.

Vertical Forest by Stefano Boeri

Milan, Italy

As a huge fan of eco-centric design, I’ve been keeping an eye on this project for years.

Milan’s Vertical Forest was completed in 2014 with over 1,500 perennial plants dotting its walls. I’m convinced these types of urban forests are the future—not only do they help cool temperatures in hot months, but they also support CO2 absorption. (Plants eat it carbon.)

Ten years on, the Vertical Forest’s early plant life is maturing, adding more complexity and depth to the building’s design. And this should be your main focus.

Though the apartment rental from Airbnb is wonderfully appointed (seriously, it’s top-notch), it’s the balcony experience I’m after. Just keep in mind that most of the plants go dormant in winter, meaning you should focus on visiting in spring and summer.

Book here

Schwartz House by Frank Lloyd Wright

Two Rivers, USA

You’ve probably heard about Frank Lloyd Wright, the American architect who ushered in an era of organic architecture and mid-century modern design.

You’ll notice that he worked on quite a few homes around Wisconsin—his home state.

With his work at Schwartz House, Wright wanted to focus on the environmental elements of the surrounding area. The home sits on a river where many birds, including sandhills, are known to hang out.

But there’s also a strong emphasis on home living here, what Wright himself described as ‘a little private club’ for the family.

Book here

La Muralla Roja by Ricardo Bofill

Calpi, Spain

La Muralla Roja is one of the most iconic and recognizable feats in architecture. Its postmodern design confuses many who believe it’s a very recent work.

In reality, this project was completed back in 1973, a full half-century ago.

Bofill was inspired by the casbahs common to North Africa, which means you’ll find courtyards and plazas throughout. (And a seriously beautiful pool on the roof.)

But the most stunning element of this piece of architecture is its red color.

In fact, color plays a crucial role throughout the rental. The apartment is outfitted with bright red accents that complement the unique layout. Though it’s not the nicest apartment I’ve seen, it’s definitely in amazing condition given this construction is about to celebrate its 50th.

Book here

Earthship in Atlantic Rainforest by Marko Brajovic

Paraty, Brazil

I’ve been waiting to talk about Earthships for a while—and here’s my chance.

Earthships are a novel concept in home design that explores ways in which architecture can be integrated into its environment. It’s like organic architecture, except it’s also concerned with eco-friendly plumbing, electricity, and so on.

Earthships are closely tailored to the environment they’re built in—no one-blueprint-fits-all format.

This Earthship in Brazil takes you straight into the heart of our planet’s most diverse rainforest. That means you can take full advantage of this rainforest escape without worrying about your environmental impact.

Which is good—because you may not want to leave. Normally, Earthships are very rustic, but this is a high-design and ultra-lux experience from the experimental Marko Brajovic. One that opens itself to the wonders of the Amazon.

Book here

Casa WO-Oasis by Ludwig Godefroy

Zicatela, Mexico

Raw concrete, moats, and palm trees welcome you to Ludwig Godefroy’s insane Zicatela project.

Seriously—you’ll need to cross a footbridge over a pool just to enter, which should clue you in to the fact that this rental isn’t like others on Airbnb.

The open floor plan is more like an open-air layout. There are skylights and open-air porticos. But don’t worry, there are both fans and AC available to help you beat that summer heat.

Book here

The Kellogg Doolittle House

Joshua Tree, USA

It’s not a Hollywood set—it’s the magnum opus of one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most talented apprentices, Kendrick Kellogg.

Organic architecture is a great way to describe this Joshua Tree desert construction… but it fails to convey the scale of this rental. It’s absolutely massive and, at the right angle, looks like the ribcage of a mammoth creature.

That’s the curveball here: it’s organic and grand—but it’s got an edge of brutalism that will either endear you or turn you off. (It was finished in the late 80s.)

In case you can’t tell by this review, this rental is all about drama. (And lux features—but what else would you expect from high design in Joshua Tree?)

Book here

5 US RV Parks to Keep on Your Radar

RVing is one of the most unique and adventurous ways to travel.

It’s all about freedom and the open road.

Those who live in an RV or own one can set off into the horizon whenever they feel like it. They can swap views as they travel from region to region, from high-altitude mountain views to beachy escapes. And they can do it all over again next week if they choose.

But that doesn’t mean RVs don’t come without their fair share of challenges.

One of the most perennial obstacles for RVers is finding a great RV park. Some might come with very basic features but offer stunning views. Others might be perfect for a luxury RV but lack atmosphere and character.

The best RV parks offer a balance that’s similar to any other good lodging: a solid location, a good range of amenities, and a little je ne sais quoi just to get the vibe going. Oh, and you probably want to make sure your neighbors aren’t crazy.

So, where should you go to set up shop? Here are five of the most luxurious, unique, and highest-rated RV parks in the US.

Wine Country RV Resort, Paso Robles

Wine Country RV Resort

Paso Robles, California

Alert, alert, alert—there’s a wine garden on the premises!

That’s a big deal in a state like California, which regularly produces some of the US’s tastiest wines. But there are a few other reasons to set up your rig at Wine Country RV Resort.

First, it’s located near some of the state’s best hot springs, too. Second, it’s only a few miles away from Hearst Castle. (If you know anything about Patty Hearst or Citizen Kane, then you might be interested in a visit.) Third, there’s a gaming room on the grounds, which sounds pretty cool.

Check out Wine Country RV Resort.

Good Sam Campgrounds

Y Knot Winery RV Park

Glenn’s Ferry, Idaho

Don’t like wine? Don’t worry about it. Y Knot RV Park is also near a nine-hole golf course. If you don’t like wine or golf, then I’d direct you to the nearby natural wonders, like Sawtooth National Park and Craters of the Moon National Monument.

Like you might have guessed, this RV park is located on the grounds of a winery and a golf course. The views aren’t too shabby, either. Y Knot Winery RV park is situated almost smack in the middle of the Snake River Valley.

Still, the focus should be on the winery and golf course. It’s locally owned and operated with tours running seven days a week. But if you’re coming through during winter, then you won’t be out of luck. This RV park offers a dozen fully winterized spots.

Check out Y Knot Winery RV Park.

TripAdvisor

Sandy Pines Campground

Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport, Maine keeps coming up on my radar.

First as a picturesque alternative to Martha’s Vineyard. Then as one of the coolest places you can vacation in the US in summer (I’m talking temperature and vibes).

I’m writing about Kennebunkport once again—this time for its top-tier Sandy Pines Campground, which doubles as an RV park.

Let me cover this cozy, coastal town first. Kennebunkport has Gilmore Girls-level small-town charm with a seriously long list of romantic summer activities. Sandy Pines is an extension of this atmosphere.

Plus, visitors have access to modern amenities like Wi-Fi, bike and paddleboard rentals, and even a heated pool.

The best amenity? It’s pet-friendly. Or maybe you’re more intrigued by the covered wagons you can rent for the night.

Check out Sandy Pines Campground.

TripAdvisor

Odetah Camping Resort

Bozrah, Connecticut

Looking for some spa treatment with your RV stay? Then look no further than Odetah Camping Resort.

This location has a full-service spa on its grounds, offering massages, pedicures, facials, and more. As with Sandy Pines, it’s a fully-fledged campground with plenty of space for RV setups.

And those spa treatments I just listed are the tip of the iceberg.

If you want an exciting RV park stay with a long list of activities, then Odetah is perfect for you. Seriously, its list of amenities is extensive. There’s a movie theatre, mini golf, two restaurants, a jacuzzi, and a large pool where DJs come to play.

I’m a big fan of the latter. Every campground I’ve stayed at in Spain has had an outdoor pool and DJs that play parties there. It’s a time for kids to go wild and parents to sit back, have a drink, and enjoy the weather. (Assuming it’s summer, at least.)

Check out Odetah Camping Resort.

TripAdvisor

Grand Canyon Railway RV Park

Williams, Arizona

Who says you need to sacrifice over-the-top and super-lux amenities at an RV park

That’s certainly not the case at the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park. While most guests are probably focused on staying close to the Grand Canyon, you might want to actually stick around for a while.

Almost everything about this park is elevated—even its fire pits look high-design. But the cherry on top is that every single RV has access to a high-definition TV and wireless Wi-Fi.

That’s something I haven’t seen anywhere else—and is definitely worth rerouting for. (I imagine this place is packed during the Super Bowl and for similar events.)

Check out Grand Canyon Railway RV Park.

A Guide to Italy’s 2025 Jubilee: What Do Tourists Need to Know?

Italy is one of the world’s most-traveled destinations.

Last year, France, Spain, and the United States drew in more tourists than Italy by the millions. But it’s worth pointing out how small Italy is compared to these countries. Spain is 68% larger, while France is 83% larger. The US is thirty times the size of Italy.

That means you might feel like you’re surrounded by tourists in Italy even if there are fewer. If you’ve been to Venice or Rome, then you’re already aware of how this can impact your trip. (Probably for the negative, let’s be honest.)

Next year, tourists will be facing even more crowds in Italy—especially in Rome.

You have the Catholic Church to thank. The Vatican recently announced a Jubilee in 2025, which is a Holy Year that Catholics around the world will observe.

So what does that mean for tourists heading to Rome (or Italy in general) in 2025? You need to start getting ahead of the game. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s a jubilee?

A jubilee is a holy period that usually involves acts of forgiveness, mercy, and more. In other words, it’s a time for Catholics to improve community ties and put their beliefs into practice.

It’s also a popular time for Catholics around the world to make their pilgrimage to the Vatican. Most do so in the hopes of seeing their spiritual leader, the Pope. (He’s called Papa by many in Italy, in case you didn’t know.)

I was raised Catholic, so let me take a bit of the mysticism out of the jubilee for anyone worried about sharing Rome with pilgrims.

The jubilee is a time of spiritual growth and practice, but that doesn’t mean it’s about silent penance. It’s a jubilee—just like the name suggests, there’s plenty of joy and celebration involved.

Let me paint a better picture. A few years back, a restauranteur named Enzo Caialli made the Pope a special pizza for his visit to Napoli.

He jumped the barricade to wait for the Pope to drive by in what is lovingly known as the Popemobile. The Pope—who is the highest spiritual power on Earth for Catholics—accepted the pizza without a second glance from security.

I can’t promise you’ll see Caialli hand-deliver another papal pizza if you visit Rome in 2025. But I think this paints a good picture of modern Catholicism. In other words, don’t fear the jubilee.

How will the jubilee affect travel in Italy?

Most of the jubilee’s activities and events are focused around Vatican City, meaning Rome will be overrun with added tourists. Jubilee attendees will also be heading to the ‘Holy Doors’, which are located at Rome’s four major basilicas. 

According to Roman news sources, the city is preparing to host around 35 million pilgrims throughout the year. The last time the Catholic Church hosted a jubilee (in 2016), the city welcomed around 20 million tourists.

For context, 35 million is around half of the average number of tourists Italy normally receives. For tourists heading to Italy in 2025, that means you need to plan well ahead of time—similar to a visit to Paris for the Olympics.

Here’s how to get ahead:

Book your hotel in Rome as far out as possible, along with any train and plane tickets. The summertime and holiday seasons are expected to be the busiest for pilgrims and tourists alike.

But keep in mind that officials in Rome are working around the clock already to improve its public transportation in anticipation of next year’s jubilee. Additionally, they’re adding more public services like bathrooms, creating added underground parking facilities, and undertaking major cleanups around the Vatican.

Can tourists join the jubilee?

All are welcome at the jubilee. In fact, some tour companies are hosting jubilee-specific sightseeing, religious, and historical tours in anticipation of next year’s event.

I imagine these are designed for Catholics—especially those that are led by priests or fathers.

However, that might not be the case across the board. If you’re interested in joining a jubilee-centric tour, ask your guide if the itinerary is suitable for non-Catholics.

Medieval Magic: Inside Airbnb’s Highly Rated 17th-Century Villa

In case you didn’t know, Airbnb has a whole section dedicated to OMG-caliber rentals. Seriously, that’s what it’s called. (Don’t worry about reading through all the listings—that’s what I’m here for.)

Whether or not you look under Airbnb’s OMG category, you’re likely to find a few highly intriguing offers. I’m usually delighted by these—enough that I write about them.

If you read my article on Airbnbs for your alter-ego, then you might have noticed a medieval villa from Goult, France.

It’s got a near-perfect rating and is listed as a Guest Favorite—beating out the other 90% of Airbnbs in France. It’s even been shouted out in major publications like The Daily Mail.

Billed as ‘a remarkable 17th-century house with a terrace lap pool’, there’s a lot to gush over when it comes to this Airbnb. Almost every surface is covered in crawling green ivy, stately vases and sculptures, and metallic ornamentation.

There are skylights, pools with wooden planks crossing over them, and enough eclectic furniture to fill a few antique shops.

The question is—what is this place? And what types of travelers would enjoy its endless whimsy?

Enter the magical garden

This Airbnb blends the magic of medieval architecture with modern touches. Though the stonework is probably what will catch your attention first, there are high-design touches throughout, such as glass partitions, bespoke woodwork, and comfortable seating and bedding.

That being said, I doubt guests are overly focused on the kitchen, bedroom, or even bathroom. The magic of this stately villa lies in its gardens, semi-indoor pool, and beautiful old stonework.

Think: trees and ivy crawling through stone porticos while the light plays on the surface of the 12-meter pool. Oh, and an endless series of metallic charms and lanterns, half-hidden amongst luscious plants.

You’re not stepping into another world – just a painstakingly curated oasis.

The rental’s incredible design comes from host Xavier Nicod. I couldn’t get his website to load, but it looks like he’s a respected antique dealer and designer.

I think his work on this Airbnb paints a fairly strong portrait: Nicod has a penchant for mysticism, and he knows how to bring his visions to life.

Who is this rental for?

I have to be blunt: I’m one of those people who prefers to know how a space is laid out before I rent a place. (I don’t sleep well.) Though I’ve been obsessed with Nicod’s Airbnb, I’m not positive about the layout.

That being said, I’d still book this Airbnb in a heartbeat.

That brings me to my next point: this Airbnb is ideal for just about any traveler. Want a peak into historical dwellings? Or a delightfully playful escape? Or a place with an indoor pool? Or a place you simply won’t find elsewhere?

You get all that at Nicod’s charming 17th-century villa… and more.

But don’t take my word for it. Let me share a few reviews from this rental.

In July 2024, Natalie from Minnesota wrote, ‘This Airbnb was like staying in a dreamer’s magical world.’

Brianna from New York also gushed, ‘This stay at Xavier’s magical place exceeded my expectations and completely gifted us an experience we will Never forget.’

According to John from Portland, ‘A brilliantly renovated, incredibly funky and artistic house that keeps its ancient feel.’

Florence from France said, ‘Everything leads to daydreaming…’

Clément wrote, ‘6 stars out of 5.’

I would include a few critiques here to balance things out, but I can’t find one amid the 100+ reviews on Airbnb. Enough said.

Caught your interest? Book this delectable stay today.