Holidaying off the tourist trail Mobius Wealth Management MWM Spring 2024

Published on September 25, 2024

Holidaying Off the Tourist Trail: Discovering Hidden Gems

When we dream of an overseas holiday, our minds often drift to iconic landmarks, bustling cities, and well-trodden tourist paths. While these destinations have their appeal, they come with their own challenges. With travel booming, there are significant advantages to venturing off the beaten track and seeking out the hidden gems that offer unique experiences.

Travel is Booming – And Creating Some Headaches

We Aussies love to travel, and the numbers prove it. Last year, nearly 10 million of us headed overseas, marking a 12% increase from the previous year, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down.^[i] Globally, international travel is expected to soon exceed pre-pandemic levels and surpass 2 billion travelers.^[ii]

While this resurgence in travel is exciting, it’s also placing significant strain on some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Rising prices, long queues, environmental damage, and even tension between locals and tourists are all becoming more common. In cities like Barcelona, frustrated locals have been making their feelings known, and Florence recently banned new short-term holiday rentals in the city centre to combat the impact of over-tourism.

By exploring lesser-known destinations, not only can you avoid the headaches of overcrowded tourist spots, but you’ll also be helping relieve pressure on these places and supporting communities that would welcome more visitors.

Supporting Communities That Need It

Tourism is a crucial part of the economic growth for many regions around the world, especially in areas that aren’t already overrun with tourists. By spending your travel dollars in these places, you’ll be directly contributing to local economies, helping support small businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs. In turn, this helps ensure that these communities can thrive and remain unique destinations for future travelers.

Of course, there are plenty of other reasons to seek out hidden gems beyond just supporting local economies.

Authentic Encounters

Traveling to less touristy places allows you to have more authentic experiences and connect with the local culture. Away from the usual tourist hotspots, you’ll find communities that have held on to their unique traditions, cuisines, and way of life. Picture yourself wandering through a local market where the vendors are selling fresh produce and handmade crafts or finding a small café where the owner shares stories of the town’s history. These types of genuine encounters create lasting memories and give you a real sense of what life is like for the locals.

Unspoiled Natural Beauty

For nature lovers, venturing off the beaten path offers a chance to discover some truly breathtaking landscapes. Imagine secluded beaches with powdery sand and crystal-clear waters, hiking trails through lush forests, or panoramic views without the crowds of selfie sticks. These unspoiled locations allow you to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty and capture stunning photographs without the distractions that often come with more popular destinations.

Affordable Adventures

Another benefit of traveling to less touristy destinations is the potential savings. Popular tourist spots tend to have inflated prices for accommodation, dining, and activities due to high demand. In contrast, destinations that are still under the radar often offer more affordable options, from charming family-run guesthouses to local eateries serving delicious and budget-friendly meals. You can enjoy incredible experiences without breaking the bank.

Destination Dupes

If you do a little research, you can find alternatives to some of the world’s most over-touristed locations. For example:

Instead of visiting Venice, which is struggling with the weight of tourism, consider the town of Trieste, an old port town by the Adriatic Sea.
If you’re after stunning beaches and clear aqua waters, the island of Palawan in the Philippines is a fantastic alternative to the Maldives.
For a more affordable and less crowded alternative to St Tropez, head to Bodrum on Turkey’s beautiful coast, where you can still find glamour and luxury without the tourist overload.

By doing a bit of homework, you can uncover hidden gems that offer the same types of experiences as their famous counterparts, but without the crowds or the environmental impact.

Think Outside the Square

While it’s understandable to want to tick off the iconic destinations on your bucket list, exploring lesser-known places can provide a wealth of unique experiences. Not only do these hidden gems offer authentic encounters, unspoiled natural beauty, and affordable adventures, but they also benefit the local communities in a meaningful way. So, next time you plan an overseas holiday, think beyond the obvious destinations and start discovering the world’s hidden treasures.