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Whether it\u2019s \u201cchaotic\u201d scenes at Buckingham Palace or feeling like a \u201csweaty sardine\u201d in the world\u2019s most beautiful village, some top destinations have struggled with overcrowding this summer.<\/p>\n
As travel restrictions fade into the past, more tourists than ever seem to be heading out to explore. Unfortunately, this means some destinations have become overcrowded.<\/p>\n
Express.co.uk\u00a0spoke to Sarah Faith, senior values writer at Responsible Travel, to find out how British tourists can escape the crowds.<\/p>\n
Sarah told\u00a0Express.co.uk\u00a0: \u201cTravelling outside of peak times is one of the best ways to avoid the crowds in popular destinations. But you could also get off the beaten track a bit.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s more to these places than the box office tourist sites. Find out what the locals love, explore the surrounding villages or spend time browsing local farmer, artisan and flea markets.\u201d<\/p>\n
READ MORE <\/strong> Locals take to the streets in Majorca to protest against tourism<\/strong><\/p>\n \u200cAlthough tourists often feel pressure to tick off a destination\u2019s top sites, they could have a more rewarding experience heading to quieter spots.<\/p>\n Sarah added: \u201cYou\u2019ll have more room to breathe, and have a more authentic experience too. Plus, you\u2019ll help spread out the weight and benefits of tourism more. A win for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n However, when it comes to getting off the beaten track, Sarah says there are a few factors tourists should consider before booking a holiday.<\/p>\n She told\u00a0Express.co.uk: \u201cThere are plenty of quieter destinations that offer exceptional culture and landscapes.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s important though that we don\u2019t just transfer the problems of overtourism to another place. You can make sure your holiday supports local people by choosing locally owned guesthouses rather than Airbnbs run by out of town professional hosts, eating in restaurants that serve locally sourced produce and hiring a local guide to show you around.\u201d<\/p>\n While Airbnbs can be a convenient option, locals in some top destinations have complained the properties price them out of the housing market .<\/p>\n Sarah said: \u201cPlaces like Barcelona, Venice and Dubrovnik are great to visit, but they\u2019re people\u2019s homes too.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen tourism takes over, it prices local people out of the housing market, closes local amenities and erodes the local culture and social identity that made us want to visit in the first place.<\/p>\n \u201cLocals might be the first to lose out from overtourism but left unchecked, it kills off the tourist experience too. It\u2019s in everyone\u2019s interest to tackle the problem.\u201d<\/p>\n France recently launched a campaign to encourage tourists to visit some of the country\u2019s hidden gems. Leading attractions such as Mont St Michel have been overcome with crowds.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/25\/590x\/secondary\/TRAVEL-Tourist-crowds-4923416.jpg?r=1692893670097\")
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\u2018Stifling\u2019 crowds at one of France\u2019s top attractions leave tourists fuming[NIGHTMARE] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/25\/590x\/secondary\/TRAVEL-Person-eating-olives-4923422.jpg?r=1692893670172\")
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