Overtourism is Here to Stay, But We Can Do Better

We are at a time where analyzing how we got to a place where overtourism is causing local communities to demand governments to do more to turn tourists away, and when that is not successful taking matters into their own hands, is essentially useless. However, the time is right to harness that energy to finding a better balance, because overtourism is not going anywhere any time soon.  

It’s a small victory that we are starting to be asked by clients how they can go on their vacation without contributing to someone else’s misery. Here are just a few things we recommend: 

• Stay in hotels instead of vacation rentals 
  Short-term vacation rentals can be cost-effective for tourists, but they also reduce the availability of long-term housing for residents. Choosing hotels helps to prioritize the well-being of local communities and respect the integrity of neighborhoods. DIG DEEPER: Let us help you source hotels with solid sustainability practices.  

• Shop and eat local 
  Choosing small, family-owned businesses allows the money to stay in the community instead of going into the pockets of big international corporations. This not only boosts the local economy by creating more jobs, it keeps these families and traditions in place. 

• Learn the local culture and traditions 
  Instead of replicating patterns and behaviors from your home country, try to immerse yourself in the culture of the city where you’re staying, to help preserve its identity. Educate yourself about the customs and values around you and try to participate in a way that’s respectful and not appropriative. DIG DEEPER: Something as easy as learning a few key phrases in the native language can go a long way. Through our Going for Good initiative, we can also introduce you to volunteer opportunities and other ways to directly give back to the community you are visiting. 

• Travel slowly and during the offseason. 
  Although it is tempting to cross as many countries as you can off your bucket list, it’s important to remember that slow travel is better for the environment and the local economy of the place you are visiting. By traveling off-season, you help to provide a more consistent income for businesses all year round, and prices tend to be lower for you. 

We started Bella Adventures with a pledge to be responsible stewards of this wonderful industry. To ensure our clients enjoy all the world has to offer, while leaving those destinations better for their journey. It’s a work in progress, but we are here to help. Reach out to us if you need help making your next vacation an impactful one for all.