Overtourism Is For Real: How Can You Help?

Travel promotes understanding, expands our minds, makes us better people, and boosts local economies and communities, but the rapid growth of travel has led to overtourism in certain regions and destinations. ___1___Certainly not. The loss of what travel offers would be unacceptable in today’s world. Here are some tips on making wise decisions to minimize pressure on the places we visit and improve our experience.

·Choose mindfully. Overvisited destinations are that way for a reason: they’re special. With so many online posts featuring the same places, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out. Go somewhere only when the landscape, culture or food deeply draws you. ___2___

·Get creative. The best way to ease pressure on over-touristed destinations is to go somewhere else. Though overtourism is described as a problem affecting the entire world, it’s actually concentrated to a small number of extremely popular spots. That means you have tons of less-visited options to choose from. ___3___ Why not try a regional alternative or check out a popular destination’s lesser-known sights?

·___4___ Minimize impact and maximize experience by skipping major holidays or rush hour. You’ll compete with fewer tourists, save money, experience a different side of a popular place, and boost the economy when tourism is traditionally slower.

Visiting a place that others call home is a privilege (荣幸). Do your part to preserve what makes a destination special in the first place. ___5___ You may be amazed how much closer you’ll feel to the people there.

A. Visit during off-peak times.

B. So, should we stop traveling?

C. Travel for you and no one else.

D. Can overtourism be avoided then?

E. You can still find relatively undiscovered places.

F. You’ll find yourself virtually alone, or close to it.

G. Consider giving back to the communities you’re visiting.