Brooke Ivey Johnson, Author at journiest

What I Learned as an American Living in London During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Travelling is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Strolling bare-footed on the hot white sand or sipping an ice cold mango daiquiri under the blazing sun on a Caribbean island is a fabulous way to escape your daily ennui.

Or perhaps you’re more in the mood for the buzz of the city. Or maybe you’d love nothing more than to saunter along a bustling street, alive with flashing lights and glowing billboards. Where vibrant restaurants, bars, and nightclubs pulse with excitement at every corner.

Others might prefer something entirely different — perhaps an epic Arctic adventure. Journey to Iceland and visit Tholden Circle’s erupting geysers and Stuðlagil Canyon. Or, fly in an air balloon far above the North Pole!

While there are countless stunning, Pinterest-worthy travel experiences to choose from, opting for popular destinations can take a serious toll on our wallets. Especially in today’s economy, where a week-long trip around the world can cost as much as an entire month’s rent.

The pressure to stay within budget can quickly dampen the whole experience. Travel often brings out our spontaneous side, leading us to splurge on food, drinks, and souvenirs we promised ourselves we’d avoid. When we inevitably go over budget, the guilt and regret can overshadow what was meant to be laid back and fun.

To relieve some of the stressors that come with these obnoxious impromptu vacation spending sprees, many travellers are opting for unexpected adventures that are off the beaten track. Sure, we’re all dying to jet off to Paris, Milan, London and Tokyo… but are the insane prices really worth it when there are so many other beautiful (and cheaper) places to choose from?

But money isn’t the only reason why many hardcore travellers are saying no to obvious choices like Madrid, Hawaii or NYC. There are a host of reasons why nomadic globetrotters are taking the road less travelled. But what are some of the other reasons why Gen Z and Millennials are saying au revoir to the usual fan-favorite destinations?

Young Travellers Avoid Tourist Traps

Photo Credit: Renan Kamikoga (Unsplash)

I used to actively criticize people who turned up their noses at tourist traps. What’s the harm in enjoying the sparkling beauty of the Eiffel tower or the excitement of Rome’s Trevi Fountain? So what if you want to ogle Buckingham Palace before taking a spin on the London Eye? If it makes you happy, what’s the big deal?

And although it can be tonza fun to do the more traditional touristy adventures, my opinion changed significantly the moment I moved to New York City. Especially when Hell’s Kitchen is only a thrilling eight minute walk from Times Square.

When real life got in the way, it would be insanely frustrating trying to make the train to work when an entire family of tourists would stop in the middle of the street for a selfie with an Elmo mascot. Not only is that mascot the stuff of my darkest nightmares, but the surge in tourism has made it increasingly tough for real New Yorkers to go about their daily lives.

It’s a bummer when your home starts to feel more like a commodified theme park version of your city. And while living in a theme park might sound low key kinda fun, it’s far from practical in reality — and gets real old real fast.

Vacationers Are Saying No To Overcrowded Destinations

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Put simply, many seasoned travelers have grown weary of the overcrowding at popular destinations. When you’ve spent all that hard earned cash, it can be extremely annoying when you can’t even see the view — since it’s so freakin’ packed!

There’s nothing worse than throngs of tourists, where the lines are always out the door and the bar scene is so packed that you have to yell over everyone in order to get a word in edgewise. Talk about disappointing… Yeah, no thanks! I’d rather stay at home.

Travelers Value Authentic Experiences

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While it can be thrilling to explore the ivory white marble of the Taj Mahal or the breathtaking beauty of Niagara Falls, these iconic spots often prioritize tourists over the locals who are just trying to live their lives.

With overcrowded tourist hotspots, many travelers feel like they’re experiencing a watered-down version of a location, rather than the authentic experience lived by the locals. Sampling only the prepackaged, commercialized version of a country can feel like a rip-off for some, who would prefer a more genuine taste of what they’re paying for.

Some People Consider Tourist Attractions Unethical

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More ethically conscious travellers are under the impression that tourist attractions are problematic in certain countries for various reasons. Some believe tourist attractions exploit certain marginalized cultures by turning their traditions and practices into a commercialized show. Others consider tourism bad for the environment.

Where Are Young Travellers Headed In 2025?

Photo Credit: Patrick Tomasso, Unsplash

Given all this, many globetrotters are opting for lesser-known destinations to escape overly crowded tourist traps. The latest travel trends spotlight unexpected — yet lovely — locations like Tromsø, Norway, Naha, Okinawa, Japan, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, Tignes, France, Villajoyosa, Spain, and Willemstad, Curaçao, to name just a few.

Gorgeous, uncrowded, relatively cheap, and authentic? Um, yes please! I’ve got my passport, ID, and I’m ready for take off.

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