Episode 165: Tackling Overtourism – A Guide to Sustainable Travel
Welcome back to The Family Vacationer. I’m your host, Rob, and today we’re diving deep into a pressing issue in the travel world: overtourism. This year has seen tourism take on new challenges, and overtourism has emerged as a major concern. But what does overtourism mean, and how can we tackle it? In this episode, we’ll explore the impact of too many tourists on our favorite destinations and discuss how we can make a positive difference through sustainable travel practices.
What is Overtourism?
Overtourism happens when a destination experiences so many visitors that it starts to suffer. This usually results in environmental damage, cultural erosion, and a diminished experience for both tourists and locals. Think of it as loving a place to death: the very beauty that draws people in becomes compromised by the sheer volume of visitors.
Examples Around the World
Venice, Italy: This city’s iconic canals and historic buildings are being damaged by the overwhelming number of tourists. The influx has strained the city’s infrastructure and endangered its preservation.
Barcelona, Spain:*Famous landmarks like La Sagrada Família and Park Güell face massive crowds, which affect the quality of life for residents and the visitor experience.
Hawaii and New York City: These popular spots are grappling with the effects of excessive tourism, from the strain on natural landscapes in Hawaii to overcrowded attractions in New York.
What Can Families Do? Embracing Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable tourism is key to reducing the negative impacts of travel while maximizing benefits to local communities and environments. Here’s how you can get involved:
1. Conserve Resource
2. Support Local Economies
3. Be Culturally Sensitive
4. Reduce Waste
5. Minimize Environmental Impact
Practical Tips for Families
1. Plan Ahead
2. Travel Off-Peak
3.Educate Your Family
4. Be Mindful
5. Leave No Trace
Alternative Destinations
Explore these less crowded but equally enchanting destinations:
- Instead of Paris...
- Instead of Santorini...
- Instead of Tokyo...
- Instead of Venice...
Closing Thoughts
As travelers, we play a crucial role in shaping the future of the destinations we visit. By embracing sustainable tourism and considering alternative destinations, we can help preserve the beauty and integrity of these places for future generations. Remember, it's not just about where we go but how we travel that makes a difference.
We're not here to tell you how to think or what to do. The hope is just to raise awareness of these very real issues for your consideration.
That’s a wrap for today’s episode of The Family Vacationer. I hope this discussion on overtourism has given you valuable insights and practical tips. If you have questions or tips of your own, feel free to reach out to us.
Thanks for joining me today, and as always, keep your passports and your hearts open. Safe travels, everyone!
The Family Vacationer
A podcast dedicated to families that travel. So many of our memories come from time spent with our family. We want to help you make the most of your family vacations. We do that by covering travel destinations, travel apps, and gadgets, and talk to travel experts for ways to make family travel less stressful. Who doesn't want that?
Meet the Hosts
Growing up, Rob Jones mainly traveled to Florida for vacation. Those family trips to Orlando and the Gulf Coast are cherished memories that influence him to this day. His entire professional career has involved travel. From working in the music business to event marketing, Rob has traveled to 46 states and five countries. Rob has been married to his wife, Traci, for 16 years and they love to travel with their three children: Ruthie, Nash, and Chase.
Traci's been shaking up the Dawson County School System for four years now, injecting it with her unique brand of energy and enthusiasm. When she's not molding young minds, you'll find her co-conspiring with her sister at Seasonal Events and Design—because who doesn't love a good party?
She's a self-proclaimed beach aficionado, never meeting a sandy shore she didn't instantly click with. And let's not forget her partner-in-crime for the past eighteen years, Rob, who's been keeping up with her antics and their three beautiful troublemakers—Ruthie, Chase, and Nash. Together, they're a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and love.
Support Us
If you like the Family Vacationer content and would like to give us a little pat on the back. How about buying us a cup of coffee? We'd love that!
