Overcrowded Destinations To Dodge In 2025

Tourism is great…until it’s not. And that’s where Fodor’s infamous “No List” comes in to remind us that sometimes, staying home may actually be the best way to travel responsibly.

This annual roundup (that recently dropped for 2025) highlights destinations around the globe where tourism is putting a little too much strain on local communities, resources, and the environment.

Think overrun beaches, fragile ecosystems gasping for air, and residents barely getting through their day without dodging tourists with cameras.

But this isn’t about shaming travelers (well, maybe just a little); it’s about encouraging everyone to pause and think before booking that next flight. Because the list shines a light on the places begging for a break from overcrowded streets and exploited resources, offering a nudge towards more sustainable travel choices.

If you want to see the full list, you can visit Fodors. But here are a few we found particularly interesting and wanted to share.

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Overtourism In Asia

Brace yourselves as we spotlight a few of the Asian destinations that could really use a breather in 2025.

Bali, Indonesia

Thinking of Bali for 2025? Think again. This dreamy hotspot is creeping towards a “plastic apocalypse,” and no, that’s not the title of a blockbuster movie.

Unchecked development has trashed its beaches and shredded its cultural identity faster than you can say “eco-tourism.” Those cliffside villas with infinity pools? They’re not exactly helping the whole sustainability vibe.

Bali doesn’t need more tourists – it needs less. So catch it on an interesting travel documentary, not your flight itinerary.

Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui. With its perfect beaches and wellness retreats, it’s ready to star in your holiday fantasies…and fall apart while doing so.

Thanks to endless media buzz, this island is bracing for an absolute crush of tourists in 2025. But spoiler alert: the local infrastructure is waving the white flag.

Green spaces? Vanishing. Water quality? Questionable. You might want to stick to browsing its pictures online. Trust me, your conscience will thank you.

Mount Everest, Nepal 

Do you really need to be in a traffic jam at 29,000 feet? At this point, climbing Everest feels less like adventure tourism and more like the plot of “Survivor Mountain Edition.”

Trash? Everywhere. Safety? Hilariously questionable. Oxygen? Limited, in more ways than one. Oh, and locals have had it with cleaning up after you.

Instead of joining this human conga line to the summit, maybe just frame a flattering stock photo of it on your wall.

Overcrowded In Europe

If you’re planning a European getaway next year, here’s a handy list of destinations you might want to sidestep.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona might evoke dreamy visions of Gaudi and tapas, but its locals are slowly plotting your demise (metaphorically…at least, we think).

Thanks to tourism, housing prices have soared into another galaxy, leaving residents debating between eating or keeping a roof over their heads. Charming, right.

And mass tourism has turned its cobblestone streets into an overcrowded nightmare. Do Barcelona a favor and “visit” virtually. That YouTube walking tour? Just as charming, I swear.

Venice, Italy

Know what’s not romantic? Venice slowly sinking – while waves of tourists smother it.

With cruise ships dumping daily hordes and cheesy gondola selfies clogging your social feed, Venice is a case study in overcrowding hell.

The locals are fleeing in droves. And the environment is drowning…literally. So skip making Venice your personal photoshoot and look for lesser-known Italian gems. Plus, they might even have locals who are still happy to see you.

Lisbon, Portugal

Think Lisbon is all pastel tiles and soulful Fado music? Sure, unless you live there.

Thanks to jaw-dropping tourism numbers, every second building will soon be a vacation rental. Locals are becoming nomads in their own city, grappling with skyrocketing rents and a vanishing sense of community.

Affordable coffee at a charming corner cafe? Dream on. Maybe settle for just mailing Lisbon-themed postcards next year.

Other Areas With Overtourism

And finally, a couple of other locales around the world to give some space to in the upcoming year.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca – a bold splash of color, culture, and culinary wonders – is treading on thin ice. Tourists vying for social street cred are making its natural and cultural gems wither away faster than a wilted bouquet.

Sustainable tourism? Still a work in progress. And the artisanal ruana you couldn’t leave behind? Locals might be wondering if it was worth it. Love Oaxaca from afar…at least for now.

British Virgin Islands 

Picture this (hypothetically, of course): coral reefs gasping for breath and fragile ecosystems screaming, “Enough!” That’s the real memo from the British Virgin Islands.

Overdevelopment for luxury resorts is eating up the environment faster than you can book that beachfront suite.

Supporting sustainable tourism should top your to-do list if you’re still tempted to book. But better yet, direct your wanderlust to eco-friendlier shores.

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