Planning a trip in 2025? You might want to skip these overcrowded hotspots in favour of quieter, equally stunning alternatives.

Travel is booming again in 2025, but that’s not all good news. Some of the world’s most iconic destinations are buckling under the pressure of overtourism — with long queues, overwhelmed locals, and fragile landmarks bearing the brunt. If your idea of a holiday doesn’t involve shoulder-to-shoulder crowds or battling for a photo op, it might be time to rethink your bucket list. We’ve picked six overcrowded spots to avoid this year, along with less chaotic alternatives that offer just as much charm, culture, and scenery — minus the stress and sea of selfie sticks. Your sanity will thank you.

Here Are 6 Overcrowded Destinations Around The World And Their Alternatives:

1. Venice, Italy

The City of Canals has been dealing with overtourism for years, and it’s only getting worse. In 2024, Venice introduced a minimal day-tripper fee during peak times — and it’s still swamped. With over 20 million visitors annually (pre-pandemic numbers are back), locals are fed up, and you’ll feel it.

Alternate Destination:

Trieste, just two hours away by train, offers waterfront charm, Austro-Hungarian architecture, and a far more relaxed pace. It’s Venice without the elbow-jabbing gondola gridlock.

2. Machu Picchu, Peru

Peru has announced new daily visitor caps for Machu Picchu (just 4,500 per day) and a stricter permit system. The site has suffered major wear from the hundreds of thousands who visit each year. In 2023, UNESCO even threatened to put it on the endangered list due to overcrowding.

Alternate Destination:

Choquequirao, dubbed the “sister city” of Machu Picchu, is similarly spectacular but sees a fraction of the foot traffic. It’s a challenging trek to reach — which is exactly why it’s still peaceful.

3. Bali, Indonesia

Bali’s tourism boom has spiralled into an environmental crisis. In 2023, the local government introduced new “tourist etiquette” rules after a string of incidents involving disrespectful behaviour. Beaches are crowded, traffic is a nightmare, and locals are pushing back hard.

Alternate Destination:

Lombok, Bali’s quieter neighbour, has similar beaches and surfing without the Instagram-fuelled circus. Or check out Flores for untouched nature and the gateway to Komodo National Park.

4. Santorini, Greece

The whitewashed buildings and caldera views may be stunning, but Santorini is bursting at the seams. With up to 10,000 cruise passengers per day during peak season, it’s become more of a backdrop for social media than a Greek island experience.

Alternate Destination:

Head to Milos or Naxos. Both islands have charming villages, turquoise waters, and half the crowd. You might even score a table at a seafront taverna without booking weeks ahead.

5. Kyoto, Japan

After Japan reopened in late 2022, tourism surged — and Kyoto bore the brunt. In 2024, Gion residents called for tourists to stop photographing geishas and even restricted access to certain streets. The city is overwhelmed, especially in cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.

Alternate Destination:

Check out Kanazawa, sometimes called “Little Kyoto”. It’s home to one of Japan’s top three gardens, a preserved samurai district, and plenty of traditional charm — minus the crowd control signs.

6. Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland’s tourism has grown over 400% in the last decade. Most travellers head straight for Reykjavik and the Golden Circle, leading to packed car parks, overwhelmed hot springs, and serious strain on fragile ecosystems.

Alternate Destination:

Venture to the Westfjords, one of Iceland’s least visited regions. It’s rugged, remote, and breathtaking – and you’ll feel like you have it to yourself.

Tourism should benefit both visitors and the places they visit. As travellers, it’s on us to make mindful choices. So skip the overcrowded icons and seek out the next great (but still under-the-radar) spot – you’ll have a better trip, and the planet will thank you for it.

With smart multi-use picks and expert-approved formulas, you’re ready to glow from gate to getaway.

Whether you’re off to the hills for a weekend breather or chasing sunsets by the sea, your May getaway calls for beauty that’s as light, breezy, and effortless as your travel wardrobe. This season, it’s all about fresh, minimal makeup that lets your skin breathe and your natural glow shine through.

From airport runs to golden-hour selfies, we’ve rounded up the ultimate makeup must-haves for your travel kit to keep your look flawless from takeoff to touchdown.

1. Start with a Glow-Boosting Base

Monica Khullar, HOD Training, Max Factor, says, “When you’re hopping from airport lounges to sun-drenched patios, skip the heavy foundation. Opt for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream with built-in SPF.” These multitaskers hydrate, even out skin tone, and offer sun protection—all in one lightweight layer. Perfect for humid climates and long travel days, they offer coverage without the cake.

Priya Sachan, Beauty Expert, Fashion Colour also recommends kicking things off with a hydrating face mist. “A refreshing mist instantly revives tired skin during or after travel. The Fashion Colour Green Tea Face Mist is soothing, lightweight, and fits easily into your tote. It’s like a mini spa break on the go,” she says.

2. Control Shine Without Weighing Down

Traveling through warmer climates? Ditch the full-coverage foundation. Instead, Sachan suggests a compact powder that offers a light matte finish without clogging pores. “The Fashion Colour Oil Control Compact Powder is great for quick touch-ups. It keeps your skin looking natural, not cakey—perfect for humid or tropical destinations.”

3. Multipurpose Products Are Your Best Friends

Khullar recommends streamlining your kit with a multi-use makeup stick, “Packing light doesn’t mean compromising on glam. A good multipurpose stick can add a flush to your cheeks, a tint to your lips, and even a bit of colour on the lids.” It’s the easiest way to add dimension without overpacking.

Sachan adds, “Stick to products that multitask—lip and cheek tints, brow definers that double as eyeliners, or travel-sized palettes. The less you carry, the lighter you feel—literally and mentally.”

4. Highlight the High Points

For that effortless ‘vacay glow,’ both experts agree—highlighter is non-negotiable.

Khullar recommends a travel-sized cream highlighter to give your skin that dewy radiance on the go, “Sunlight catches different angles when you travel, and a bit of glow brings your look to life.”

Sachan agrees, “The Fashion Colour Highlighter has a soft shimmer that’s buildable and subtle. Just a dab on your cheekbones, brow bones, or cupid’s bow can make your travel selfies pop.”

5. Mini Mascara, Major Impact

Minimal makeup still calls for statement lashes. “Even a bare face feels complete with a swipe of mascara,” notes Khullar. “Opt for a travel-size version that defines and lifts without smudging—ideal for humid air or spontaneous dips in the pool.”

6. Lock It In, Dew It Right

No one wants their makeup melting midway through a beach day or hike. “A good setting spray is essential,” says Sachan. “The Fashion Colour Liquid Glow Setting Spray keeps your look intact and adds a fresh, dewy finish—like a vacation glow in a bottle.”

Quick Travel Beauty Tips

Both experts agree on these on-the-go essentials:

Keep all your products in a compact, organized pouch.

Always carry micellar water or cleansing wipes to refresh on the move.

Stay hydrated—inside and out. Glowing skin starts with water.

Travel Light, Glow Bright

Whether you’re chasing sunshine, mountains, or city lights, your makeup kit should be as effortless as your holiday plans. As Khullar puts it, “Glowing skin, bright eyes, and a swipe of lip tint are all you need to carry that vacation glow wherever you land.”

With smart multi-use picks and expert-approved formulas, you’re ready to glow from gate to getaway.

Are you feeling dragged down by seasonal affective disorder? You’re not the only one. People all over North America suffer during the fall and winter every year. The lower levels of sunlight lead to higher levels of dissatisfaction. Luckily, the United States is a huge country, which offers a wide array of scenery all year. People looking to get away should consider these six places in the U.S. for a winter vacation.

Hawaii

It’s possibly the most obvious choice for people looking for a change of pace in winter. Hawaii is an island paradise, and it’s the ideal location for people suffering through northern winters.

Hawaii is close to the equator, meaning winter days aren’t significantly shorter than they are in summer. The weather is also very forgiving. Besides short rain showers, you should be in for clear skies. The beaches in Hawaii are some of the world’s best. You can also check out the Pearl Harbor Memorial or sample traditional Hawaiian cuisine.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has some of the most breathtaking mountain views anywhere in the U.S. And due to its proximity to those mountains, it offers incredible snow sports. You can easily access top-notch skiing and snowboarding slopes. But since Salt Lake City isn’t a resort town per se, so staying there won’t bomb your budget. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the winter weather rather than stew inside, hiding from the cold.

Enjoy the Winter!

New Orleans

New Orleans is a one-of-a-kind city. The French quarter boasts some of the most robust tourism opportunities anywhere. You can even plan your vacation to overlap with Mardi Gras, which occurs in February this year. There’s so much variety here, you may want to take an extended trip. If this is the case, make sure your home is in order before you pack up and leave. Compare homeowners insurance rates to ensure you’re totally covered.

Orlando

Orlando, Florida is home to one of America’s most memorable landmarks: Disney World. This is the ultimate destination for families with kids. It’s also great to visit in the winter due to more temperate weather and shorter lines. Don’t worry too much about expenses. There are a lot of hotels surrounding the theme parks; so, you should get a competitive rate.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is one of the least-frequented destinations on this list. That doesn’t mean that it can’t stack up against the competition. You will get to experience some fantastic southwestern architecture throughout the area. Additionally, it offers the draw of warm weather, as well as nearby skiing areas. Santa Fe can really offer the best of both worlds when it comes to winter vacations.

Denver

You might not immediately think of Denver when you consider vacation destinations. But this city has a lot to offer travelers. Like other cities on the list, it’s close to ski slopes and mountain hikes. Denver has undergone many changes over the past few years. A lot of new people have moved there and brought bustling culture and nightlife.

Winter is one of the best times to take a well-earned vacation. Break out of your cycle and get away to one of these fantastic destinations.

From camping in nature and braving bikes to traveling off-season and eating loads of hummus, travel in Israel doesn’t have to be super expensive.

Despite being a fabulous destination, Israel is unfortunately not the cheapest place on the planet. Sky-high hotel prices, super-expensive restaurant checks and rip-off cabs are often the hallmarks of a vacation in our little corner of the Middle East.

Luckily, though, it doesn’t have to be so. From old-fashioned concepts such as hostels and camping to smartphone-savvy solutions such as ridesharing apps or electric scooters, there are plenty of ways to make your trip that much more affordable and not at all less fun.

Check out our top tips below and, most importantly, welcome!

1. Stay at a hostel for a nostalgic feel

Before Israelis began regularly escaping the country for a breath of fresh air, annual summer holidays often meant staying a week or so at a local youth hostel. And despite the fact that we’re all apparently flocking to Dubai right now, the Israel Youth Hostels Association is still very much in existence, offering relatively affordable stays in top locations.

Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Ein Gedi, Masada, the Sea of Galilee, Eilat and many other areas boast these hostels, which give you basic yet comfortable and clean accommodation, breakfast and often additional facilities such as swimming pools. Not too shabby at all.

2. Camp in the middle of nature

Camping is another great way to travel Israel on a budget, since the country is absolutely loaded with camping sites bang in the middle of gorgeous nature spots. An overnight stay in a formal, authorized camping site isn’t free of charge, but usually guarantees clean surroundings, bathing facilities and lighting. Just make sure you pick a camping site where karaoke is forbidden, otherwise you’ll be spending the night wishing you were cocooned deep inside a five-star hotel.

3. Couch surf and make some new friends

Like so many other places around the world, Israel also has a vibrant couch-surfing community. There are some 100,000 hosts in the country, all ready to give up their spare bed or sofa and give you a chance to get to know and connect with us locals. This is a great choice for travelers preferring an urban stay, and can really cut down on expenses. Plus, there’s likely to be good coffee in the morning.

4. Eat hummus, falafel and other street food

Yes, Israel has a dazzling array of fantastic high-end restaurants. But that doesn’t mean you have to eat in them (although you really should, at least once). This is because Israel has an equally dazzling display of delicious street food such as hummus, falafel, sabich and shawarma – all of them pretty cheap, really good, relatively healthy and even somewhat vegan. We recommend that you opt for the busiest-looking places to guarantee freshness and taste.

5. Download Moovit and get to know public transport

It’s not wholeheartedly that we’re recommending Israel’s public transport, which is slightly notorious for its inability to arrive on time or with enough space to comfortably seat you. But it is a whole, whole lot cheaper than hailing a cab and really not that difficult to use. (And don’t worry about language barriers – you’ll definitely find a fellow passenger kind enough to tell you where to get off.)

The Moovit app presents bus and train schedules and routes, even carpools, in English as well as an option for paying for your ride; otherwise, buy a Rav Kav public transportation card at the airport and load it from your credit card for use across the country.

6. Do like locals and rent a bike or electric scooter

If you’re in Tel Aviv, this is an absolute must. Not only is this a cheap and super-efficient way to get around the city, but you’ll also manage to pass yourself off as a local at the same time. The city is strewn with bikes and scooters for rent everywhere, and they’re super simple to use and enjoy. But please keep your helmet on and adhere to traffic regulations to avoid any mishaps, which are unfortunately aplenty. Otherwise, we’ll have to write up a 101 guide to a trip to Israeli ER – an interesting yet hopefully unnecessary possibility.

7. Go food shopping at the market, it’s the best

Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Acre, Ramla and Beersheva are all home to outdoor markets. While some of the items on sale are rubbish, they sell really great fresh produce, sweets, breads and drinks, and are perhaps the ultimate place to stock up for a picnic or dinner. They’re also usually less expensive than supermarkets and convenience stores, and also make for a more authentic marketing experience. An absolute must for any visitor to Israel, not just those on a budget.

8. Travel out of season where possible

Israel is usually packed with tourists around Christmas and the summer holidays, making these two seasons rather expensive. However, what these premium-paying visitors don’t know is that it’s actually much nicer to be here in the fall and spring, when temperatures are usually moderate and the prices significantly lower. We therefore highly recommend an off-season visit – chances are that the weather will be just great, and if it isn’t, you can always pop into a good museum or two.

9. Don’t change money at the airport

Unless you enjoy getting ripped off, consider changing your local currency into New Israeli Shekels either prior to the departure or once firmly inside the country’s borders. The exchange rates at the airport are somewhat horrific, and you don’t want to start your travel with less money than you have to.

10. Start and end your holiday in Eilat

Israel’s southernmost city, Eilat, is a worthy destination on any visit to Israel – think gorgeous beaches, snorkeling in the coral reef, tax-free shopping and plenty of hiking opportunities. And if you are traveling from a European country with direct flights to and from the nearby Ramon Airport, it can be much, much cheaper than getting in and out of the country at Ben-Gurion. And the Israeli government recently announced that it will grant airlines operating direct flights to Ramon subsidies per passenger, meaning that flights to the area will likely increase.