17 Jul Keep Your Space: Crowded Vacation Spots to Avoid

Planning a vacation can be a lot of work. You have to find good rooms, affordable flights, ground transportation, and more that can cause unnecessary stress. Most importantly, you have to chose where to vacation, which will ultimately determine what kind of experience you have when you’re there. Some crave the excitement of a big city or a place where there’s always something happening—others prefer a private getaway where they can unwind and relax.

If you fall into the latter category, you likely do not want to end up in a packed destination. We compiled a list of crowded vacation spots you may want to avoid if you seek peace and quiet on your trip.

1. New York City

Number one on our list needs no introduction. New York City is one of the most eclectic and diverse vacation destinations on the globe, but the city of almost 9 million is sure to be busy no matter where you go. Tourist hot spots like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty often see thousands of visitors each day, making it near impossible to escape the crowd while seeing The Big Apple.

Alternative: Visit upstate New York instead. The Catskills and Adirondacks are replete with beautiful mountain views and quiet wooded glens. The Finger Lakes region is well-known for its wineries, providing an entertaining and peaceful experience.

2. Tokyo

Japan’s largest city is the nation’s center for commerce, culture, and of course, tourism. Because it is one of the largest tourist destinations in Asia, Tokyo often sees 500 million visits per year from international and domestic tourists alike, constantly making it a busy place. Just traversing the city’s neighborhoods can be stressful for those who prefer solitude.

Alternative: Explore the Pacific. There are other Asian nations which can provide more serene, more peaceful environments. Thailand is well-known for its beaches and beautiful coastline, as well as Indonesia. You may also prefer to travel to one of the Pacific island nations, like Fiji, where you can raft, hike, swim, and explore.

3. Paris

The City of Lights is a must-see destination on many travelers’ lists, but the quaint elegance of Paris can wear off fast. Although Paris is romantic, it is also a bustling metropolis of more than 2 million, with ten times that number visiting each year. Tourist traps like the Lourve, the Eiffel Tower, and the Arc de Triomphe can become congested with crowds at any time of year. While you may want to see Paris, the sheer number of people could cause stress—something you definitely shouldn’t have to deal with on your trip.

Alternative: Stay outside the city. Northern France is home to many quiet vacation spots, just a short distance from Paris. You could travel to the city for a day or two, then retreat back to more peaceful accommodations when you’re done.

4. Venice

One of Italy’s oldest and most unique cities, Venice attracts large amounts of tourists each year. The distinct architecture, layout, and Renaissance atmosphere of the city makes it a desirable location, but Venice often experiences crowd problems. Since Venice is an old city built on a series of small islands, the city itself becomes small. Between the canals and the structures built close together, it is easy for crowds to form and even easier to miss out on important attractions in the city.

Alternative: Venice is sought-after due to its unique reputation, but you can find similar, more underrated spots in Italy that are less dense. Trieste is located on Italy’s East border, and offers a similar experience. On the opposite coast, Cinque Terre is often overlooked as one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations.

5. Rio de Janeiro

South America is currently seeing an explosive growth in tourism, and many destinations there are cashing in on avid travelers. One of those destinations is the beautiful Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. While Rio is breathtaking, it can also get very packed due to its status as one of the premier destinations on the continent.

Alternative: Head further South. Past the craze and the hustle of Rio de Janeiro, the cities of Montevideo, Uruguay, and Buenos Aires, Argentina give travelers an authentic South American experience without the traffic. Separated by the Rio de La Plata, the neighbor cities charm visitors with their unique Art Deco architecture and their quaint, European kind of atmosphere.

6. Orlando

Although Orlando is a destination that can provide years of amazing memories, it is one of the most frequented travel destinations in the world. With the many theme parks in the area, it is a perfect place to visit for travelers with families. However, these parks are often packed year-round, and there’s little opportunity to find secluded spots where you can unwind.

Alternative: If it’s magic, thrills, and memories you’re after, you really can’t pass up Orlando. However, the secret to peace and quiet lies in the type of accommodations you have. Hotels can get packed, noisy, and pricey—but you can find much more space for much less by renting a suite or an entire villa to call your own. Check out some of our resort rental deals to find the ideal private accommodations for your next trip.