Avoid Crowds At These Lesser-Known Destinations

Overtourism has become more prevalent in recent years. But you can skip the crowds with just a few changes to the itinerary.

Since international borders reopened a few years ago, the tourism industry has well and truly bounced back. But some places have been hit particularly hard, with overtourism rearing its ugly head.

The allure of some hotspots can be hard to resist, and you may think by skipping them, you’re going to miss out. But if you visit these cities instead, not only will you avoid the crowds, but you may even prefer the experiences.

Instead of Amsterdam, try Leiden

Amsterdam in the Netherlands has been a tourism hotspot for years. With its winding canal system, dreamy houseboats and Gothic architecture, the city has long outshone many other Dutch destinations.

the winding canal system in Amsterdam — Amsterdam is renowned for its winding canal system. (Image: Eirik Skarstein)

So much so that the city council implemented an Amsterdam ‘Tourism in Balance’ ordinance in 2023. According to the European Tourism Association, the huge influx of tourists has meant that “the quality of life in busy areas is declining and some neighbourhoods in popular areas are at risk of losing their identity."

the charming cityscape of Leiden, Netherlands — Leiden has its own stunning canal system.

If you’re planning on visiting Amsterdam in 2024, this may sound like bad news. However, other cities in the Netherlands are just as beautiful, brimming with art, history and culture.

One such city is Leiden in the province of South Holland. Known for its centuries-old architecture, tulip gardens and stunning canal system (yes, it has one!), this city truly is the lesser-known version of Amsterdam. And what’s more, it’s just waiting to be discovered.

flowers at a bridge over a historic canal in Leiden, Netherlands — The city of Leiden is brimming with charm.

Instead of Athens, try Larissa

Athens is another European hotspot that’s on the bucket list of many travellers. But in 2023, one of the city’s most popular and arguably delicate landmarks, the Acropolis, was so packed with visitors that officials had to introduce an online booking system and numerical cap on crowds.

the view of Acropolis of Athens with Parthenon and Erechtheion from Filopappou hill — The Acropolis of Athens is perched on a limestone hill. (Image: Constantinos Kollias)

The booking system has since been introduced to 25 other sites across Athens, with a first-in-best-dressed policy. With so many amazing sites to see and only so much time available, this means you may unfortunately miss out.

Don’t fret, though. The town of Larissa is only a four-hour drive away and can definitely scratch the same itch. The city has an ancient industrial and agricultural history that can still be admired today.

the old historical village of Ampelakia, Larissa, Greece — See the old historical village of Ampelakia in Larissa, Greece.

Check out the Ancient Theatre of Larissa, which dates back to the beginning of the fourth century BC. Other popular landmarks include the Bezesteni of Larissa, Platamon Castle and the Metropolitan Church of Agios Achillios.

the village of Agia in Larissa, Greece — The picturesque Agia village in Larissa is surrounded by lush valleys.

Instead of Bali, try Krabi

The beachy, laidback vibes of Bali have long been desired by travellers, with the tiny island nation seeing over four million tourists in 2023 alone.

Last year in spring, the tourism tidal wave caused provincial governor Wayan Koster to introduce a dos and don’ts list attached to tourist passports. As of February 2024, a new tax will also be introduced for international tourists entering Bali.

rice paddies in Bali, Indonesia — Bali is a popular destination. (Image: Niklas Weiss)

While implementing rules to combat overtourism is necessary, you may be keen to opt for somewhere else – unique, tropical vibes included. And that’s where Krabi in Thailand comes in.

boats moored on the shore in Krabi, Thailand — Skip the crowded shores of Bali and head to the idyllic sands of Krabi instead. (Image: Sumit Chinchane)

Famous for its exotic beaches and isolated islands, the resort town of Krabi remains a hidden gem to most of the world. Picture this: coral reefs, crystal-clear waters and cheap cocktails, all without the crowds. Add in natural hot springs, sea caves and ancient limestone cliffs, and you’ll have forgotten all about Bali.

an aerial view of Krabi, Thailand — Krabi has it all, from limestone cliffs to breathtaking scenery. (Image: Evan Krause)

Instead of Barcelona, try Toledo

Barcelona in Spain was one of the cities most impacted by mass tourism in 2023. Due to this overcrowding, Barcelona had to ban new hotels in the city centre and restrict short-term room rentals.

What’s more, the city’s northern port terminal closed to cruise traffic in October, affecting approximately 340 annual cruise dockings. For such a beautiful city, it’s not hard to see why overtourism has become a problem and how its affecting Barcelona and its residents.

Crowds of people flock to the famous Park Güell in Barcelona. (Image: Daniel Corneschi)

Don’t want to become part of the problem but mesmerised by the Spanish charm? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Just over an hour’s drive out of another of Spain’s most popular cities, Madrid, you’ll find Toledo.

the view of Alcazar of Toledo within the city — Alcazar overlooks Toledo.

An ancient city overlooking the plains of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo is the less-popular but just-as-cool cousin of Barcelona. You’ll find ancient cathedrals and monasteries bearing the same Romanesque architecture style. Museums are overflowing with history and culture. Plus, there’s an epic underground foodie scene just waiting to be discovered.

a wide top view of Toledo, Spain — Be in awe of the architecture in Toledo.

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Instead of Paris, try Bordeaux

The city of Paris has been romanticised by the tourism industry for decades, becoming synonymous with love. But recently, the city has been loved a little too hard. And with the 2024 Summer Olympics just around the corner, the number of visitors is only set to increase.

Lines for the Eiffel Tower are only getting longer. The Louvre already has a daily visitor limit of 30,000. Trying to find a spot along the Seine? Good luck.

an aerial view of Paris cityscape — Paris is a hotspot tourists set their eyes on. (Image: Alexander Kagan)

However, you don’t have to visit Paris to fall in love with France. Head south-west to the city of Bordeaux and you’ll be just as captivated. The gorgeous Garonne River runs through this port city, which is at the centre of the world-renowned wine region.

the Porte Cailhau, one of the main entrances to the old city, in Bordeaux, France — Head to the castle-like Porte Cailhau entrance in Bordeaux, France.

Its gothic architecture rivals any Parisian street, with galleries and museums offering a true cultural experience. Forget the crowds of Luxembourg gardens, enjoy swathes of grass all to yourself at the sprawling Jardin Public. Want Notre Dame? Visit the Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux. Trust us, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

the Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux, France — Set your eyes on the magnificent Place de la Bourse. (Image: Juan Di Nella)

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

Avoid overtourism at these lesser-known destinations

Overtourism has become more prevalent in recent years. But you can skip the crowds with just a few changes to the itinerary.

Instead of Amsterdam, try Leiden

Instead of Athens, try Larissa

Instead of Bali, try Krabi

Instead of Barcelona, try Toledo

Instead of Paris, try Bordeaux

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