8 popular destinations you should avoid in 2026 — discover their stunning, eco-friendly alternatives

Travel in 2026 is no longer just about ticking destinations off a bucket list. As overtourism, climate stress and growing local backlash reshape global travel, several once-dreamy locations are now being flagged as places travellers may want to rethink visiting. According to a curated list by Travel and Tour World, destinations ranging from fragile polar ecosystems to overcrowded urban neighbourhoods are facing mounting environmental and social pressure — making the true cost of mass tourism impossible to ignore. The list highlights eight destinations under severe strain, prompting renewed calls for more responsible, sustainability-led travel choices. The good news? There are equally breathtaking alternatives that let you experience similar landscapes and cultures without adding to the crisis. Here’s what’s happening — and where to go instead.

1. Antarctica: A Fragile Frontier Under Growing Pressure
Antarctica has long symbolised untouched wilderness, but record-breaking visitor numbers are changing that reality. Tourism to the icy continent has surged in recent years, with tens of thousands arriving annually on cruise ships. Scientists warn that even limited human activity can disrupt penguin colonies, seal habitats and delicate food chains. Beyond environmental risks, Antarctica offers virtually no emergency infrastructure. Medical evacuations can take days — or may not be possible at all. With growing concerns around wildlife disturbance, emissions and safety limitations, experts are urging travellers to pause visits in 2026.
Sustainable alternative: New Zealand
New Zealand delivers the same sense of raw beauty and adventure — glaciers, fjords, wildlife and remote landscapes — without placing stress on a near-pristine polar ecosystem. Its conservation-led tourism model makes it a responsible choice.

2. Glacier National Park: Climate Change Meets Crowd Control
Glacier National Park’s popularity has exploded over the past two decades — and the pressure is showing. Visitor numbers have more than doubled, trails are overcrowded, and vehicle congestion has forced the introduction of timed-entry systems. Even more concerning is the rapid disappearance of the park’s glaciers. Scientists warn many may vanish entirely in the coming decades, with tourism-related emissions accelerating the damage. What was once a quiet wilderness increasingly feels like a theme park during peak season.
Sustainable alternative: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Equally dramatic mountain scenery, abundant wildlife and fewer crowds make Grand Teton a more balanced option for travellers seeking nature without the crush.

3. Canary Islands: Paradise at a Breaking Point
Spain’s Canary Islands are grappling with overtourism on multiple fronts. From rising rents that push locals out to water shortages and overcrowded beaches, residents have staged protests demanding limits on tourism growth. Environmental groups warn that coastal ecosystems and marine life are under strain, while infrastructure struggles to keep pace with visitor numbers. When locals begin asking tourists to stay away, it’s a sign that balance has been lost.
Sustainable alternatives:
Balearic Islands (especially Menorca) for calmer Mediterranean charm
Basque Country for culture-rich coastal towns, slower travel and strong local identity

4. Mombasa: When Cruise Tourism Overwhelms a Coastal City
Kenya’s historic port city has become a victim of its own success. Cruise ships unload thousands of visitors at once, overwhelming beaches, roads and sanitation systems. Coral reefs are suffering from unregulated boat traffic, while waste management struggles to keep up. Local voices increasingly warn that tourism growth has outpaced infrastructure — leaving residents to bear the environmental and social costs.
Sustainable alternatives:
Diani Beach for quieter, cleaner coastlines
Lamu Island for heritage, culture and slow island living

5. Mexico City: Cultural Richness Under Urban Strain
Mexico City remains one of the world’s most exciting capitals — but its tourism boom has come at a cost. Short-term rentals have driven up rents, displacing residents. Traffic congestion ranks among the worst globally, while water and waste systems are stretched thin. Safety concerns in heavily touristed neighbourhoods and the erosion of local culture have prompted advisories urging travellers to tread carefully in 2026.
Sustainable alternative: Oaxaca City
Oaxaca City delivers rich cultural experiences, from historic architecture and vibrant festivals to world-class cuisine, offering authentic Mexican charm without the overcrowding, traffic, high costs, or urban chaos of Mexico City, making it an ideal sustainable travel alternative.

6. Isola Sacra, Italy: Tourism vs. Wetlands
Located near Rome, Isola Sacra has become controversial due to proposed cruise terminal development. Environmental groups warn the project could damage protected wetlands critical for migratory birds and flood control. With local protests and environmental reviews underway, experts suggest travellers avoid the area until sustainability concerns are resolved.
Sustainable alternative: Sardinia
Sardinia offers unspoiled beaches, rich history, and nature-focused experiences, making it a responsible and sustainable Mediterranean escape that lets travellers enjoy stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and authentic local life without contributing to overcrowding or environmental strain.

7. Montmartre, Paris: A Neighbourhood Losing Its Soul
Montmartre’s cobbled streets and artistic legacy draw millions — but residents say the charm is slipping away. Rising rents, souvenir shops replacing local stores and daily crowd surges have transformed the area into what some describe as an “open-air museum.” City authorities are now exploring crowd limits, and travel experts recommend easing pressure on the neighbourhood.
Sustainable alternative: Lyon
France’s culinary capital combines rich history, vibrant culture, and charming, livable neighborhoods, offering an authentic experience with excellent food and attractions — all without the crowds and congestion of Paris.

8. Jungfrau Region, Switzerland: Alpine Beauty Under Strain
The Jungfrau region’s breathtaking peaks now face packed trains, eroding trails and stressed alpine meadows. Authorities are considering visitor caps as tourism strains housing, transport and fragile ecosystems. When mountain villages struggle to support daily crowds, sustainability becomes a serious concern.
Sustainable alternative: The Dolomites, Italy
Dramatic alpine landscapes, yet quieter, less crowded, and perfect for responsible exploration, offering stunning peaks, lush valleys, and outdoor adventures without the pressure of mass tourism.

Why Choosing Alternatives Matters in 2026
Travel isn’t slowing down — but how we travel must change. Overtourism doesn’t just damage landscapes; it reshapes communities, erodes culture and threatens the very experiences travellers seek. By choosing less crowded destinations, supporting conservation-led tourism and travelling more intentionally, travellers can protect the places they love — and discover new favourites along the way. In 2026, responsible travel isn’t about giving up beauty. It’s about finding it where it still has room to breathe.