• I moved to Portugal 11 years ago and married a tour guide.
• We've traveled all over the country together and have seen places tourists often overlook.
• I think Monsanto feels like the setting of a fairytale, and I love the architecture in Tomar.

Eleven years ago, I flew to Portugal on a whim with one small suitcase. I thought I'd stay for a month or two, but once I settled into my small Airbnb in Lisbon's old town of Alfama, I felt at home and happier than ever.

A few weeks later, I joined a walking tour in a bid to get to know the city better. I became friends with the guide, a young Portuguese man named Rafael, and we fell in love and got married a few years later.

Since then, we've traveled extensively around the country together. Here are five of my favorite places he's taken me in Portugal that tourists often overlook.

Monsanto feels like a fantasy novel come to life.

Imagine a village on a steep, rocky hilltop where stone houses are nestled between huge boulders — that's Monsanto, located near the Spanish border.

When I visited, I felt like I'd stepped into a fantasy novel, so it's easy to see why parts of "House of the Dragon" were filmed here.

The village is home to some fantastic hiking trails, so I recommend bringing walking shoes to take in the stunning views. I saw one of the most breathtaking sunrises of my life here, which was very much worth waking up early for.

In Sabugueiro, you'll share the mountain paths with goats.

Sabugueiro is a small village at the top of the Serra da Estrela mountain range. We spent a week here, and I loved it.

The stream was crystal clear and I enjoyed hearing jangling bells as goat herds walked past me on the trails. The locals were also very friendly and served stewed goat and other regional delicacies in rustic restaurants.

Together, there's something about this town that makes you want to just slow down and breathe in the wildflowers.

Amarante has more to offer than quirky pastries.

The town of Amarante is located about 40 miles inland from Porto, and the first time I visited, penis decorations fluttered above the streets (yes, you read that right).

Street stalls also sold phallic-shaped pastries to passersby to bring them luck in love while floats revering São Gonçalo (Saint Gonzalo) drifted by.

The celebration was all part of the São Gonçalo festival, a vibrant blend of pagan and Catholic influences, fireworks, and drums that I absolutely adored. The festival is held annually the first weekend in June.

That said, I've returned to Amarante outside the festival, too, and think the otherwise tranquil town is worth a visit any time of year.

Tomar is steeped in Templar history.

Tomar is a charming city located about 90 miles northeast of Lisbon. It was founded in the 12th century by the Knights Templar, a Catholic military order.

The city's centerpiece is the imposing Convent of Christ, which was founded in 1160 and located within Tomar Castle.

Both sites are open for tours and filled with intricate architecture, layers of symbolism, and a palpable sense of history that makes me want to study every stone carving.

You can also walk along the walls of the castle to get a bird's-eye view of the surrounding area. Even after several visits, I continue to find something new to explore.

The Panóias Sanctuary reveals eerie Roman rituals.

I'm drawn to strange and slightly eerie places, so I really enjoyed my visit to Panóias Sanctuary in Vale de Nogueiras. The site is dedicated to Serapis, the Greco-Egyptian god of the underworld, and dates back to the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD.

Despite the lack of infrastructure or signage (which only adds to its mystery, in my opinion), it offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient rituals. The sanctuary features human-sized cavities carved into a granite outcrop, along with inscriptions in Latin and Greek.

In my opinion, few places bring you so close to the darker parts of the ancient world like this.

• I've worked as a tour guide in Rome for 18 years, and I've seen plenty of tourists make mistakes.
• To avoid crowds, book your tours in advance and try to see popular spots on weekdays.
• Tweak your internet searches to find more hidden gems, and try to find recommendations from locals.

Rome is wonderful — but it's also a popular travel destination that welcomes millions of visitors each year.

I've been guiding people around Rome since 2007, and part of my job has always entailed navigating visitors through and away from crowds, whether on a food tour or at museums.

Here are my best travel tips for maximizing your time in Rome while avoiding crowds as much as possible.

Skip the early morning tours and ticket slots.

This may seem counterintuitive because most of us are taught
"the early bird catches the worm" and believe that the earlier we go somewhere, the better our odds are of avoiding crowds.

However, this is not the case in Rome. So many people think the same thing, and many tour companies go hard on advertising their morning tours.

In my experience, food tours tend to be less popular between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. If you're planning to tour the Vatican Museums or Colosseum, consider a 2 p.m. tour or one closer to the evening.

However, there's an exception to the rule: It's often best to visit Rome's gorgeous fountains and piazzas early in the morning. The Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Piazza Navona are stunning and often virtually empty before 9 a.m.

Don't assume "skip-the-line" means you'll entirely avoid crowds.

Many tour companies and ticket resellers advertise that you can "skip the line" when you buy a tour or pass through their website.

For the most part, this means these companies can purchase time slots for entrances, which means you skip the main line.

However, at places like The Colosseum and Vatican Museums, you still have to go through security and wait in a separate line with other people who purchased their tickets in advance.

Please go easy on your guide if the line seems long. It could even be a good opportunity for them to share relevant information about the history of the place so you'll feel more oriented by the time you enter.

Tweak your Google searches when looking for suggestions.

In the first few years of being a guide, I saw many travelers booking a diverse swath of tours and visiting more under-the-radar spots. These days, I see many people only hitting the most popular attractions.

I don't want to come across as a finger-wagging oldie shouting, "Back in my day, tourism was better!" — but it has changed.

In my opinion, the way many search engines have shifted their priorities, combined with the rise of paid travel influencers and travel reseller sites, has made it trickier for tourists to find underrated things to do and hidden gems in Rome.

So, instead of searching for something simple or popular, like "things to do in Rome," where you may find mostly sponsored or mainstream guides, take time to hunt for recommendations from locals or smaller travel blogs.

I've had luck by searching more specific queries, like "best places to eat in Rome from local" or "Best carbonara in Rome foodie guide."

This way, you may avoid some crowds and find under-the-radar gems.

Book your tours in advance.

Oftentimes, the more qualified, best guides are booked up weeks and months in advance. So, reserve your tours early.

I suggest looking for smaller group tours to make the most of your time in busy spots and choosing local companies for the best experience.

It's also a good idea to look into interest-specific tours led by experts, like historians, archeologists, or sommeliers.

Personally, I take food tours in every city I visit. They orient me to the culture and flavors of the place, and food guides often have the best recommendations.

In Rome, Casa Mia offers some incredible food and wine tours.

The Sistine Chapel isn't the only place to admire Michelangelo's works.

Many tourists feel underwhelmed or disappointed by the popular experience of visiting the Vatican Museums to admire Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.

During high season, upward of 20,000 people can pour through the Sistine Chapel in a single day. Pushing through crowds of hot bodies while guards shout at you to move along and stop taking photos isn't very relaxing — and you may have few options to actually admire the art.

Fortunately, there are other ways you can appreciate the works of Michelangelo without the hoards of people crossing one more thing off their bucket list

Two easy-to-find Michelangelo masterpieces are The Tomb of Pope Julius II at San Pietro in Vincoli and The Risen Christ at the Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva.

Visit the more popular spots during the week.

When possible, visit the Vatican Museums and Colosseum in the middle of the week.

In my experience, Saturday and Monday are the busiest days at the Vatican Museums, which are typically closed on Sundays. Sunday tends to be the most crowded day at the Colosseum.

If you're in Rome on a weekend, I suggest prioritizing visits to less popular museums and attractions. Fortunately, there are many other cultural sites in Rome that are worth your time.

Don't rely on recommendations from influencers who don't even live here.

I promise many travel influencers have been looking at the same few websites for the best spots in Rome for an Instagram photo or places to eat.

Plus, most aren't privy to local gems and may be paid (or given free meals) in exchange for promoting certain places. They might not be sharing their actual favorite picks — and, if they have a big following, their recommendations can get popular and difficult to get reservations to.

Instead, follow and subscribe to locals for up-to-date information and more thorough suggestions. Some of my favorite resources include The New Roman Times by local Laura Itzkowitz and Understanding Rome by Rome guide Agnes Crawford.

I also like the Romewise Instagram account, which is run by a woman who's lived here for decades.

• We planned to spend a day in Hallstatt, a picturesque town in Austria, but left after a few hours.
• In the last few decades, overtourism has become a rampant problem in the area and we felt it.
• The town's beautiful, but I found the crowds too overwhelming and the tourists too rude to enjoy it.

Hallstatt, Austria, hugs the tight shores of an alpine lake against the backdrop of towering, snowcapped mountains.

For the few hundred people who live in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's a salt-mining village. However, for the millions of tourists who visit — sometimes up to 10,000 a day during busy season — it's a fairy-tale town with swan boats and picturesque views.

Before our trip, I'd read horror stories about tourism in Hallstatt, from visitors wielding selfie sticks and fighting for views to locals protesting against overtourism by blocking the main tunnel road into town.

Perhaps against our better judgment, my husband and I still wanted to see the town for ourselves. So, on a recent monthlong trip to Germany and Austria, we took a day trip from Salzburg to explore the village.

Hallstatt was beautiful, but our experience there was far from perfect.

We got there early, but crowds swelled shortly after

My husband and I had done our research, and we're early risers, so we were in our rental car by 7 a.m. and parked at Hallstatt by 8:15.

The parking lot outside the city center was mostly empty, as many of the cars belonged to overnight guests.

We hightailed it into the city center so we could experience the quiet streets of the lakeside town before it exploded with people. We watched swans and ducks play on the water, grabbed an espresso, and took our time enjoying the architecture.

By 9 a.m., though, the place looked entirely different. Bus after bus arrived, dropping off gobs of people who flooded the streets.

By the time we left, you could've told me we'd left Hallstatt and were in Fantasyland at Disney World during spring break — and I might've believed you.

Many tourists seemed to be on their worst behavior in Hallstatt

During our short time in Hallstatt, we encountered rude tourists from around the world.

First of all, the streets in the city center are closed to traffic (and this is clearly marked). It creates a walkable area that's primarily just for pedestrians and hotel shuttles.

However, we watched many people driving down the narrow streets anyway — and pedestrians had to quickly walk out of the vehicles' paths each time.

Numerous signs on private residences asked tourists to be quiet and respectful since real people with real lives lived there. However, many visitors seemed to ignore these requests.

We saw dozens of tourists shouting in a range of languages and laughing as they snapped photos in town. Some even climbed up staircases to private homes to pose for pictures as if they lived there.

As we wandered, we frequently bumped into people who'd stopped in the middle of the walkway to snap photos. We often got stuck waiting for tourists to finish having photoshoots in front of buildings and fountains just so we could pass.

The famous viewpoint was filled wall-to-wall with tourists, but we found a better way to see the village

The panoramic viewpoint, also called Aussichtspunkt, offers stunning views of the lake, mountains, and village nestled in between.

Many famous pictures you've seen of Hallstatt were likely taken from this spot — but, in reality, it felt nearly impossible to truly enjoy this view.

This area was loud and packed with tourists swinging selfie sticks — this was not the peaceful, picturesque experience we'd imagined.

We fought our way to the front of the overlook, snapped a picture, and quickly moved out of the way to let another family have their moment.

Others didn't quite seem to understand the etiquette, as they'd stand there and take photos for five to 10 minutes, despite the swelling crowds behind them.

Eventually, we headed nearby to a rental place with motorized boats and took one out into the middle of the lake to escape the crowds.

Here, we found peace and quiet — and stunning views not just of Hallstatt, but also of the castle across from it. It was the best, most peaceful hour we spent in town.

After, we found ourselves eating overpriced and underwhelming pizza in the town square. It felt outrageously expensive compared to what we ate in the other parts of Austria we'd toured.

Honestly, though, I couldn't be mad at the prices — if tourists are going to wreak havoc on their city, locals may as well charge them a premium.

After 4 hours, we'd had more than enough of the city

We originally intended to spend a whole day in Hallstatt. By the time we left, we'd been there four hours — and that felt like more than enough.

Luckily, we found a nearby hike around Lake Gosausee. The flat loop hike offered stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains. We even found a spout along the trail that spit out fresh mountain water to taste.

Looking back, I'm still glad we stopped at Hallstatt. The place is so stunningly beautiful that you need to see it to believe it.

I can't say I'd go back, but if anyone plans to visit, I suggest they arrive early, rent a boat to take in the views, and then, after a few hours, head to lesser-known alpine towns and mountain hikes nearby.

• After living on the Amalfi Coast for 17 years, I've seen many tourists make the same mistakes.
• Instead of taking a day trip, tourists should plan to spend more time on the Amalfi Coast.
• I also recommend visiting spots outside Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.

I believe every trip to the Amalfi Coast should be just as beautiful as the coastline itself.

Like the roughly 5 million travelers who visit each year, I fell in love with the Amalfi Coast while on vacation. In fact, I loved it so much that it's now been my home for 17 years.

However, during my time living on the coast, I've seen tourists make the same mistakes over and over again. Luckily, many blunders can be avoided with some simple tips.

Here are the seven most common mistakes I see tourists make while visiting the Amalfi Coast.

Choosing the wrong season to travel to the Amalfi Coast

Tourist season on the Amalfi Coast typically runs from Easter through October. Although the coast is beautiful throughout the year, it's important to keep in mind that many hotels, restaurants, and shops close during the offseason.

Additionally, the ferry service connecting the Amalfi Coast villages only runs during tourist season.

If you're dreaming of a classic beach vacation, the best time to visit is from July to September. Although April, May, and October are excellent times to visit, the sea might be too chilly for some swimmers.

Renting a car and attempting to take on Amalfi Drive

Driving the famously narrow and zigzagging Amalfi Drive is not for the faint of heart. It's also not a fun experience for most drivers — including the locals.

Given the crowded roads and expensive (or nonexistent) parking, tackling the drive as a tourist is not a good idea.

Instead, opt for the ferries that connect many of the villages along the coastline. If you're a driving enthusiast and the experience is one you'd like to try, I'd suggest driving along Amalfi Drive during the offseason.

Seeing the Amalfi Coast on a day trip

The beauty of the Amalfi Coast is no secret, and visitors come from around the world to see the pastel-hued buildings and swim in the turquoise sea.

But with travelers arriving every day by ferries, buses, and cruise ships, the narrow roads and small villages are easily overwhelmed, especially during the high season.

To avoid getting caught up in the day-tripping crowds, I recommend planning a longer stay. This way, you can enjoy the peaceful mornings and relaxed-evening ambiance. You'll likely enjoy your vacation more, and it's better for the local economy, too.

Only visiting the three most popular towns

While Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are the three most popular destinations, the Amalfi Coast is made up of 13 distinct villages. From tiny seaside gems to villages nestled in the mountains, there's so much more to discover.

Explore the ruins of an ancient Roman villa in Minori, enjoy the coastline's longest beach in Maiori, try locally caught anchovies in Cetara, taste wine from century-old vines in Tramonti, and shop for colorful ceramics in Vietri sul Mare.

Forgetting to carefully check accommodation details before arrival

Nothing ruins a trip to the Amalfi Coast like a bumpy arrival. For example, many tourists are surprised to find their accommodation is located far outside the center of a village. Before booking, and certainly before arriving, be sure to check the exact location of where you're staying.

Keep in mind that many of the villages on the Amalfi Coast have several frazioni (hamlets). Although they're part of the larger village, these smaller villages can be located well outside the historic center.

If you're looking for a quiet getaway, this can be a pleasant surprise. However, it can be far less convenient for transportation and shopping.

Likewise, steps are a way of life on the Amalfi Coast. Be sure to check the number of steps it will take to reach your rental and arrange for assistance with luggage in advance.

Not wearing proper footwear for hikes

The Amalfi Coast has two sides — the sea and the mountains. Hiking paths offer incredible views that are well worth the many steps.

The Path of the Gods, which is located above the towns of Praiano and Positano, has become extremely popular in recent years. However, injuries and even deaths happen every year along this popular hike.

It's important to always stay aware — even with the distractingly beautiful vistas — and to wear proper footwear. While many of the hikes in the area don't require hiking boots, you do need comfortable and supportive shoes with good tread.

If you want to hike but aren't very experienced, a local trekking guide can help you plan ahead and enjoy a hike that is safe and right for you.

Not taking time to uncover the local history

While a day (or two or three) at the beach is a must, the Amalfi Coast has a surprisingly rich history that many visitors completely miss.

Uncover the area's ancient Roman past at the Museo Archeologico Romano di Positano, where visitors can see the ruins of an ancient Roman villa that was destroyed by the same 79 AD eruption of Mt. Vesuvius that covered Pompeii.

Next, stop at the Cathedral of Amalfi to visit the peaceful Cloister of Paradise and the excellent museum and crypt.

Meander through town to the top of the valley to visit the Paper Museum, set in a 13th-century mill, to learn more about the town's important handmade paper tradition.

If you're curious to know more about the Amalfi Coast, hiring a local tour guide will bring the past to life.

This story was originally published on May 17, 2024, and most recently updated on March 18, 2025.

• As someone who's lived in Dublin for 10 years, I know how to avoid the tourist traps.
• If you're on Grafton Street, I recommend making a right or left to check out lesser-visited spots.
• I also suggest taking a day trip to one of Ireland's beach towns.

My home city of Dublin is a popular tourist hot spot. Roughly 6.6 million people visited the Irish capital last year, but unfortunately, many seem to end up in the same overpriced, overhyped tourist traps.

Having lived in Dublin for 10 years — and in Ireland my whole life — I can attest to the spots worth seeing and, more importantly, the ones worth avoiding.

Here are the four things I recommend all tourists do to experience the city like a local.

Visit the right spots in the Temple Bar neighborhood.

Temple Bar is Dublin's main tourist neighborhood, where pints of beer can get expensive.

That said, it's quaint and full of Instagrammable moments, meaning its appeal is strong. So, if you find yourself in the vicinity, don't fret: there are places worth visiting.

For example, I recommend skipping the expensive tourist bars and checking out some local gems. For example, The Porterhouse is a small Dublin chain that brews its own craft beers.

I suggest checking out Doyle's if you're looking for a spot with great live music. Every Tuesday, the bar runs an acoustic night known as the Ruby Sessions, which has hosted artists like Ed Sheeran, Mumford & Sons, and George Ezra. It's a real hidden gem and very popular with locals.

The Project Arts Centre also runs excellent comedy and arts productions throughout the year.

Skip public transportation and get around on foot instead.

Ample trams and buses run through Dublin day and night for those who need them, but in my opinion, the best ways to see the capital are by foot or rental bike.

For example, there's no better way to see the city's incredible streetscapes (my favorite is Henrietta Street), historical bridges (two dozen of them cross the River Liffey), and parks.

And while you're exploring, don't forget to look up. I find that many tourists keep their eyes locked in front of them. When in Dublin, though, be sure to glance up occasionally to witness the beautiful architecture.

Venture outside the boundaries of Grafton Street.

Grafton Street is a main tourist spot in Dublin, where the city's hustle and bustle is met with roars from flower sellers, street performers, and busy department store shoppers.

Although a walk down this pedestrianized street is on most tourists' lists, I recommend taking a swift left or right when you can, as a myriad of hidden treasures are near.

Less than five minutes away in one direction will bring you to Drury Street, a place full of vintage stores, top-class cafés, and George's Street Arcade, a haven for those with a penchant for old records, good cheese, fine jewelry, and more.

Less than five minutes the other way brings you toward Baggot Street, an area of national museums, quaint parks, and some of the best Guinness in the city.

Take a day trip to one of Ireland's beach towns.

One of the best things about living in Dublin is its proximity to great beaches. The DART is Dublin's light rail system that circuits Dublin Bay, linking the city center area to coastal suburbs in under 40 minutes.

Head north to Howth for fresh seafood and rugged coastal walks or south to Sandycove, where James Joyce set the first chapter of "Ulysses."

For those renting a car, venture toward the Vico Road for breathtaking views of Dublin Bay.

• I was born and raised in Paris and know the best ways for tourists to blend in with locals.
• Wearing a beret is typically a surefire way to spot that someone is a tourist.
• Greeting people in English and waiting for the check at a restaurant make tourists stand out.

It's no secret that Parisians have a reputation for being a little standoffish if you don't know how to properly approach them.

However, as someone who was born and raised in Paris, I know that blending in with the locals is a good way for tourists to have a positive experience while visiting the French capital.

Here are five mistakes I advise against making if you want to experience Paris like a local.

Wearing a beret

I'll admit it — berets are cute. However, if you don't want to stick out like a sore thumb on your visit to Paris, I'm sorry to say you'll need to skip the souvenir-shop beret.

Most Parisians don't wear this stereotypical hat, and sporting one feels like a sure sign that someone is a tourist.

On a similar note, as a general guideline, I recommend avoiding anything the title character in "Emily in Paris" would wear or do.

Eating at restaurants where the staff really try to lure you in

If staff members are posted outside a restaurant with a handful of menus and call out to you as you pass by, you can almost guarantee the food will be overpriced and subpar.

In my experience, the same goes for any restaurant where the menu is offered to you in English before French. That's why I typically recommend steering clear of overly touristy restaurants.

However, I do think some popular tourist spots, like Les Deux Magots and the Café de Flore, are worth visiting. Both are unbeatable for a weekday breakfast of a croissant, coffee, and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

Waiting patiently for your check at a café or restaurant

Although many Americans are accustomed to being served their bill before deciding whether they want dessert, in Paris, the check is typically only brought to you if you explicitly ask for it.

If you wait patiently to be invited to pay, you could sit there for a long time.

Sticking exclusively to tourist hot spots

One of my favorite things to do in Paris is roam the side streets aimlessly. However, you'll miss out on this experience if you head directly to famous monuments and museums.

Instead, take the long way to your destination, turn off the major avenues, and take in the architecture and charming little shops.

Paris is compact and designed for walking, so you'll never get too far off track, even if you're lost.

Greeting people in English

You definitely don't need to be fluent in French to visit Paris, but it's always polite to learn a few basic phrases and greetings.

Although this is a considerate practice in any non-English-speaking country, I've noticed Parisians particularly resent a lack of effort on this front.

As long as you do your best to initiate the conversation in French, it's often fine to then immediately switch to English — some locals will be eager to practice their language skills with you and appreciate you meeting them halfway.

• My husband and I have gone on more than 50 trips to Las Vegas in the past 20 years. 
• I've seen first-timers repeat mistakes, from missing hotel deals to refusing to leave the Strip.
• With careful planning, travelers can stay within their budget and have a great time in Sin City.

With over 50 visits to Las Vegas under my belt, I consider myself an expert in all things Sin City.

Early in our marriage, my husband and I started traveling to Las Vegas every June to celebrate our anniversary. The summertime trips were so fun that we added an annual Christmastime Vegas visit to our calendars too.

We still couldn't get enough, so we returned to the city more and more frequently over the past two decades.

I love Las Vegas, so I'm always disappointed when I hear people complain about it, especially when many of their negative experiences could've been avoided.

Here are the common mistakes I watch many first-time visitors make, along with tips on how to avoid making them yourself.

Not creating a budget or deciding what to splurge on in advance

Between the casinos, shows, and restaurants, the cost of a vacation in Las Vegas can add up.

With a little planning and prioritization, you can enjoy your trip to the fullest without blowing through your budget.

When we craft our trip itinerary, my husband and I always decide where to splurge and where to save. Since we love delicious food and special dining experiences, we make sure to account for the costs associated with meals at restaurants like Michael Mina, Toscana, and Brezza. 

If you don't want to dish out money on high-end dining, you can still get great food at more casual joints such as Eataly, EggSlut, Evel Pie, or Famous Foods Street Eats. 

The Strip can get pricey, so you can also save a bit of money by heading downtown. There, you'll find the Fremont Street Experience, nostalgia-filled hotels, The Mob Museum, and an array of more affordable bars and restaurants. 

Booking a hotel without checking for more affordable dates

Hotel prices in Las Vegas rise and fall throughout the year. Sometimes they soar due to massive conventions happening around town. Other times, they drop because of scorching temperatures and post-holiday lulls. 

If your schedule is flexible, check hotel rates for a variety of dates to find the best deal before you book. Rates are usually less expensive on weekdays than on weekends, so take advantage of any flexibility in your schedule. Plus, lower prices often mean the hotel will be less crowded.

Some of my favorite hotels on the Strip include Aria Resort & Casino, the Bellagio Hotel & Casino, NoMad Las Vegas, and Resorts World Las Vegas.

 

 

Forgetting to make reservations at popular restaurants

If you're hoping to try some of the most popular restaurants in Las Vegas, make reservations in advance. I've learned from experience that some can get fully booked months in advance.

Spago, Wolfgang Puck's flagship restaurant in the Bellagio, serves a brunch that's all the rage. Plan to make reservations a couple of weeks beforehand if you want to try it.

A table at The Mayfair Supper Club, also located in the Bellagio, has become one of the hottest tickets in town. Make a reservation at least a week in advance, especially if you want to go on a Saturday or Sunday.

Paying full price for shows and attractions without looking for deals

Las Vegas used to be all about gambling, but it's evolved into a multifaceted entertainment hub.

There are shows and concerts every night of the week, and visitors can find a variety of things to do in Vegas, from touring museums to riding roller coasters. 

The ticket prices for these attractions can be pricey, but you can often find deals if you're resourceful. You may want to try checking discount sites like Groupon and Travelzoo. Tix4Tonight also sells discounted tickets for same-night shows at booths on the Strip and downtown.

Overpaying for basics and travel essentials at hotel gift shops

One time, we forgot to pack sunscreen when we traveled to Las Vegas. Although we could've replenished our supply in the hotel gift shop, I've found that the basic goods sold in the resorts can get expensive.

So, we walked to one of the many nearby drugstores, which sold the bottles at prices comparable to those at our convenience stores at home. 

If you're looking to purchase snacks or beverages, I recommend stopping at ABC Stores on the Strip or downtown. The convenience store's prices are usually more affordable than those at resort shops.

Not properly preparing for all of the walking the trip can entail

Many people underestimate the amount of walking they're about to do when they arrive in Las Vegas.  

We needed at least 10 minutes to walk from one end of the Bellagio to the other. Walking the entire length of the Strip along Las Vegas Boulevard can take about 90 minutes.

There are almost no pedestrian crosswalks on the busy street. Instead, people travel up and down the Strip using stairs, escalators, and pedestrian bridges. The setup creates a safe route for pedestrians, but it does require more roundabout traveling.

I recommend packing comfortable shoes and allowing yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.

If you're unable to walk (or you just don't want to), you can still use other ways to get around the Strip, which is wheelchair accessible. The monorail, buses, and trams run frequently, with stops at the major resorts and attractions. 

Spending most of your trip driving around the city and paying for parking everywhere you go

After we park our car at the hotel, we almost never move it until we check out. We prefer to pay for parking only once and don't want to worry about car logistics if we're out on the town.

We get around mostly by walking. We also use rideshare apps. Most hotels have signage directing guests to designated Uber and Lyft pick-up spots, which are often separate from the hectic main entrances.

We also take the free trams, which stop at many of the resorts on the Strip. In my experience, they're a safe and efficient mode of transportation. Since hotel signage makes the departure point clear, they're also easy to navigate.

In addition, if you came to Las Vegas without a car, I don't recommend renting one if you plan to spend most of your trip in the city itself. 

Skipping local museums

For years, I laughed at the idea of visiting a museum in Las Vegas, but I've since changed my tune. Now, it's one of my favorite things to do there.

The Neon Museum features vintage signs from famous hotels, restaurants, and bars. The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Arts hosts rotating exhibits, so be sure to check the schedule online.

I also suggest checking out Perception, a 17,000-square-foot digital art museum. 

Never leaving the Strip

Enjoy the Strip, but don't be afraid to take some time away from it.

When you're ready to trade the Strip's nonstop commotion for some nature, head 30 minutes to Red Rock Canyon or an hour to Valley of Fire State Park. Both spots are great for sightseeing and hiking. 

Visitors should also consider driving an hour from the major resorts to tour the Hoover Dam in Boulder City. When it was built in the 1930s, it was the world's largest dam — and it's still worth visiting now.

This story was originally published on August 15, 2022, and most recently updated on February 12, 2025. 

• We asked travel planners which popular destinations they wouldn't prioritize visiting this year.
• They said that although Santorini and Venice are stunning, crowds can detract from their beauty.
• It's becoming harder to score bookings in St. Barts — which may be making it too exclusive.

It can be hard to narrow down your list of dream vacation spots, but some of the most popular locations may not be as bucket-list-worthy as they seem.

Business Insider spoke with two travel planners to get their thoughts on which popular destinations they feel aren't worth the hype right now.

Here are the cities travel planners plan to skip in 2025.

Santorini has been overwhelmed with cruise ships and tourists.

Though Santorini is a lovely island, Beci Mahnken, the president and CEO of MEI-Travel, said crowds were making it increasingly hard to relish in its beauty.

"Cruise ship arrivals and social media have transformed this idyllic island into a crowded backdrop for selfies," she told BI. "The charm of its cobblestone streets and caldera views can get lost when you're elbowing through crowds in Oia at sunset."

In an effort to combat overtourism, Greece recently began taxing short-term rentals and charging a levy to cruise ship passengers.

If tourists do visit, Mahnken suggests they prioritize booking local experiences, like visits to small museums and cooking classes hosted by native chefs.

Though Venice offers breathtaking views, it can be overstimulating.

There's no denying that Venice offers alluring views, especially with its many canals and beautiful bridges.

However, with the tens of millions of tourists it attracts each year, the small island city can become overstimulating.

"People think of Venice as a dreamy escape with gondola rides and quiet canals," Mahnken said. "In reality, it can feel more like a theme park — stunning but overwhelmingly crowded."

Many people have likened Venice to tourist attractions like Disney World, and the city is even trying to reduce overwhelming visitor numbers by bolstering its tourist-tax policy through 2025.

Miami can feel overwhelmed by bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Stephanie Cavazuti, a travel advisor at Fora, told BI she didn't plan to visit Miami in 2025.

The popular Florida city welcomes millions of tourists each year — but if you're not there to party, it may not be the vacation destination you dreamed of.

"Every single bachelor and bachelorette party seems to be in Miami at all times," she said. "I hope Miami becomes less popular this year so travelers can stop complaining about the crowded beaches and constant club music."

In the meantime, she encourages tourists to explore other beachy areas that offer a similar vibe with a quieter atmosphere.

Lately she's been discussing Asheville, North Carolina, and Rosemary Beach, Florida, with her clients as alternates.

Visitors routinely crowd the same few attractions in Paris.

Though Paris is filled with iconic attractions, more often than not, those attractions are filled with tourists.

For example, the Louvre was built to withstand 4 million annual visitors, but more than 8 million came through in 2024. Last month, the museum's director told the French culture minister that visiting the 18th-century landmark has become a "physical ordeal" because of the crowds and building disrepair.

If you're set on visiting Paris this year, consider doing more research to find restaurants, activities, and sights off the beaten path.

"If fewer people flocked to its most famous landmarks, visitors might have a chance to discover the Paris locals love — its vibrant neighborhoods, hidden cafés, and lesser-known museums," Mahnken said.

She recommended spending some time exploring the village-esque neighborhood of Les Batignolles and ambling through the eclectic Musée des Arts Forains.

There seem to be too many people planning trips to St. Barts.

St. Barts is gorgeous, but there's so much more to the island than the ubiquitous photo ops in popular areas like Nikki Beach and Shellona.

Cavazuti said she thinks those stunning Instagram posts may be attracting too many tourists as hotel and dining reservations are becoming harder to score.

"You have to book so far in advance now — particularly for festivals and spring break — that the exclusivity feels a bit much," she told BI.

Though she doesn't necessarily recommend booking a trip this year — if you can even get a reservation at this point — she hopes future tourists explore beyond the hot spots.

Her top recommendations are renting a Moke vehicle to see more of the island beyond its famous beaches and visiting the charming Gyp Sea beach club.

• I've lived in Florida for over 25 years and love exploring the state's many beautiful spots.
• In my opinion, popular spots like Miami and Orlando are worth visiting.
• I suggest heading to Sanibel and Captiva Islands or the panhandle for a relaxing beach vacation.

Florida is so much more than theme parks and sandy beaches — it's a place I've fallen in love with over the last 25 years for its gorgeous views, amazing weather, and the excitement of always finding something new to explore.

As someone who has lived in Orlando for decades, I've traveled Florida from coast to coast and have learned of lots of hidden gems along the way.

Here are seven places in Florida no tourist should miss.

Visiting St. Augustine feels like stepping back in time.

If you love history, St. Augustine, located on the northeast coast of Florida, is a dream destination. Known as the oldest continuously-settled city in the US, its brick streets and Spanish colonial architecture transport you back in time.

Start with a tour of the Castillo de San Marcos, a centuries-old fort overlooking the Matanzas River. Then, wander through the shops and restaurants on St. George Street.

There's more to Miami than the nightlife.

Stunning beaches, incredible nightlife, and a mix of art and culture make Miami a must-visit destination. I recommend exploring the colorful murals of Wynwood Walls, diving into Cuban culture in Little Havana, and strolling through the Art Deco buildings of South Beach.

Foodies will love Miami's Latin flavors and eclectic-dining scene, and of course, no trip is complete without soaking up the sun on Miami's pristine beaches.

For a quieter Miami experience, I suggest heading to nearby Key Biscayne or visiting the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands offer the perfect relaxing getaway.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands on Florida's Gulf Coast are the perfect destinations for a slower-paced getaway.

Famous for their beautiful beaches and seashells, these islands are great for cycling and kayaking. I also suggest visiting the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island to spot wildlife like manatees and colorful birds.

These islands offer a laid-back vibe with incredible sunsets and some of the freshest seafood you'll ever taste.

Orlando vacations are popular for a reason.

No list of Florida destinations would be complete without mentioning Orlando. It's consistently one of the most-visited cities in the US — and for good reason.

Home to popular theme parks like Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld, Orlando is the ultimate playground for families.

Beyond the parks, I recommend spending the day pedaling on a swan boat on Lake Eola or kayaking in crystal-clear waters at the nearby Wekiwa Springs State Park.

The city also has a thriving food scene, making it a great destination for foodies.

There's so much to do in Key West.

Key West, which is home to the southernmost point in the continental US, offers a laid-back vibe with plenty of character.

Visitors can explore Ernest Hemingway's home, indulge in fresh seafood, and sip cocktails as they watch the sunset at Mallory Square.

For a quieter side of Florida, visit Mount Dora.

Known for its boutique shops, antique stores, and waterfront views, Mount Dora is a charming small town located less than an hour north of Orlando.

If you're visiting during the weekend, I suggest heading to Renninger's Flea Market & Antique Center for unique finds and vintage treasures.

Don't miss a sunset boat tour on the lake or a walk along Mount Dora's historic downtown streets. It's a quieter side of Florida that feels like a step back in time.

Florida's Emerald Coast is one-of-a-kind.

Known as the Emerald Coast, the Florida panhandle is a must-visit destination. Its white-sand beaches, emerald-green water, and countless quaint beach towns make it an amazing way to explore some of Florida's most stunning locations.

Destin is one of my favorite spots in this area. It's a paradise for beach lovers, with plenty of water sports, fishing, and family-friendly activities.

Just a short drive from Destin, 30A features quaint seaside towns like Seaside and Rosemary Beach, where you can enjoy boutique shopping, outdoor concerts, and some of the most beautiful views in Florida.

• Bad Bunny's new album, "Debir Tirar Mas Fotos," dropped earlier this month.
• It features traditional folk music from Puerto Rico, where the artist is from.
• The lyrics touch on the gentrification of Puerto Rico and draw a stark parallel with Hawaii.

Pristine sandy beaches, lush green rainforests, and azure waters that stretch as far as the eye can see.

To some, Hawaii is a paradise — but Bad Bunny has a different view.

His new album "Debir Tirar Mas Fotos," or "I Should've Taken More Photos," notched up more than 150 million streams in its first week of release this month, overtaking Taylor Swift on Billboard's Top 200. He's been one of the most-streamed artists on platforms such as Spotify for several years.

Infused with traditional Puerto Rican folk music like plena, salsa, and bomba and featuring independent artists from the island like Los Pleneros de la Cresta and Chuwi, "Debir Tirar Mas Fotos" is an homage to Puerto Rico. It shows that Bunny no longer has to "lean on reggaeton" to dominate the charts, Nuria Net, a Latin music and culture journalist, told Business Insider.

But aside from the catchy rhythms and Bunny's viral moments promoting the album on TV chat shows, "concern pervades this entire record," Petra Rivera-Rideau, associate professor of American studies and co-creator of the Bad Bunny Syllabus, told BI.

It's most obvious on track 14, "Lo Que Pasó a Hawaii," which translates to "What happened to Hawaii" — a song reflecting growing concern among some Puerto Ricans that their island is in danger of suffering the same overdevelopment as Hawaii.

A symbol of displacement

Those who grew up in Puerto Rico say it wasn't uncommon to hear Hawaii mentioned in debates around statehood — a question the island has wrestled with for more than a century.

Like Hawaii, Puerto Rico was annexed to the US in the late 19th century. While the former went on to become a fully-fledged state, the latter remains a territory with limited voting privileges.

"There was a tendency of comparing," said Daniel Nevárez Araújo, a professor at the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras and coauthor of "The Bad Bunny Enigma: Culture, Resistance, and Uncertainty," recalling his childhood.

For those in favor of statehood, Hawaii was often held up as a "model example of what Puerto Rico should be — progress and fully American," Net said.

But the comparison has become more complicated in recent years, Illeana Rodriquez-Silva, an associate professor of Latin American and Caribbean history at the University of Washington-Seattle, told BI.

She said a wave of affluent settlers from the US mainland came in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, which destroyed tens of thousands of homes in 2017 and forced about 130,000 people to relocate.

Lured by tax breaks that sought to help Puerto Rico bring in investment and entrepreneurship, they bought up property and land, Rodriguez-Silva said.

"That's when I started hearing, 'we're going be like Hawaii,'" she said. "And what they are referring to is this moment in the late 19th century where US white elites were able to come in and actually start taking land" in Hawaii, she added.

Just as some Hawaiians lament tourists treating their islands like theme parks and increasing the cost of living, Puerto Ricans started feeling the impact of gentrification, Nevárez Araújo said.

"If you look at Rincon, Aguada, even Mayagüez, Aguadilla, there's a massive exodus of expats coming here buying properties," he said. "Everyone else can't afford to go to the grocery store."

Nevárez Araújo said Bad Bunny is vocalizing concerns that the island is "slowly being emptied out" and becoming a place that's "not for Puerto Ricans."

Tempered optimism

On "Lo Que Pasó a Hawaii," Bunny calls on Puerto Ricans to retain their flag and not forget their roots.

It's a stark warning, but in "subverting the narrative" that the island should aspire to be like Hawaii, Net said it offers hope and pride to Puerto Ricans who have grappled with a "nagging feeling that nothing we do is ever good enough."

Rivera-Rideau said the song also captures the political spirit of a new generation of Puerto Ricans, who, like Bunny, grew up seeing the island's problems mount and now want change.

"His concerns about electricity and infrastructure, gentrification, tourism, the economy, opportunities, growth for the future — those are concerns that many Puerto Ricans have," she said.

In recent years, events like the ousting of the island's former governor Ricardo Rosselló after widespread protests have shown that "young adults are really energized," Rivera-Rideau said.

In "Marketing Puerto Rico," Bunny runs a risk of attracting more mainlanders, people who listen to the music simply because they find it "exotic" and catchy, Nevárez Araújo cautioned.

Still, for many young Puerto Ricans, "Debir Tirar Mas Fotos" is "the closest they will get to voicing those fears and those anxieties" about the island's future, he said.

Some TikTok users have taken to posting photos and videos of people and places they've lost, set to the album's title track, indicating that Bunny's music is resonating on the island and further afield.

"Many of these songs are pointing out the story of displacement," Rodriquez-Silva said. "That is something that is so real to many of us today."

• Japan Airlines is offering a same-day luggage delivery service for visitors to Tokyo.
• The service costs $29, and the airline says it will help combat "congestion" on public transport.
• The weak yen has made Japan a popular destination for visitors from countries including the US.

Japan Airlines is offering to deliver luggage to your hotel or accommodation when you visit Tokyo.

The same-day service costs 4,500 yen ($29) per suitcase and is available from terminal three at Haneda Airport.

JAL said the initiative will help "address social issues such as congestion in public transportation and the shortage of storage lockers," as well as making life easier for tourists.

The "Baggage-Free" service, which is also available for Japanese residents, covers 14 districts in Tokyo including Shinjuku.

Millions of visitors have been flocking to Japan to take advantage of the weak yen.

The Japanese government expects to surpass its target of 32 million visitors this year following a very busy summer, with a record 3.2 million tourists in July, about 66% more than the same month in 2023.

Just over 250,000 Americans visited in July, up 26% year-on-year.

Amrita Banta, managing director of luxury insights firm Agility Research & Strategy, previously told BI that luxury and designer stores in Tokyo were proving popular.

Banta, who visited Tokyo in the summer, said high-end stores started admitting customers by appointment to cope with demand.

Neighborhoods such as Shibuya and Harajuku in Tokyo are busier than ever, with higher prices at restaurants and hotels triggering frustration and anti-tourist sentiment among some residents.

Some places in Japan are taking steps to mitigate the impact of over-tourism.

In May, a mesh barrier was erected in the town of Fujikawaguchiko to block views of Mount Fuji for tourists gathering in crowds, leaving trash, and ignoring traffic signs.

Foreshadowing its luggage delivery service, JAL started offering tourists free flights in September to lesser-known destinations in Japan.

That move may not help solve the overtourism problem, Ben Julius, the founder of tour operator Tourist Japan, previously told BI.

"The majority of visitors are first-time visitors. And when people visit Japan for the first time, they won't miss the must-see cities," he said.

• Christian Louboutin is working to protect his secret hideaway in Portugal from overtourism.
• The French designer's aim is to prevent the town of Melides from becoming the next St. Tropez.
• But the area is becoming an A-lister hot spot, drawing the likes of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Christian Louboutin is trying to keep a tiny town near the coast of Portugal low-key, but as real estate developers open five-star resorts and sprawling golf clubs nearby, drawing A-listers and royalty, his effort might be in vain.

The French designer, 61, told Bloomberg that the rural village of Melides, nestled within the Alentejo region of Portugal, is grappling with an influx of tourism and the impacts of climate change.

Louboutin, who came across Melides over a decade ago, has a personal stake in the town with a population of around 1,500.

Not only does he own a home there, but in 2023, he opened a 13-room boutique hotel in Melides with plans to open a second.

While stopping tourism completely isn't part of his mission, Louboutin is dedicated to preserving the Melides he first fell in love with.

"People are touched by authenticity and we need to keep it that way," Louboutin told Bloomberg. "Don't expect Melides to become like St. Tropez. It's not going to happen."

Representatives for Louboutin did not immediately respond to BI's request for comment.

A best-kept secret no more

But whether Louboutin likes it or not, the once-upon-a-time lowkey getaway is now squarely on the map — thanks in part to the development of a series of luxury resorts and private members clubs nearby.

Just a 15-minute drive from Melides lies Costa Terra, a 722-acre luxury resort community and gold club built by US real estate developer Discovery Land Company.

The company is headed up by Mike Meldman, who cofounded Casa Amigos with George Clooney.

The Telegraph reported that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited the club last year. Since then, speculation has been rife that the couple, who are based in Montecito, California, bought a property within the gated community.

The Sussexes aren't the only A-listers rumored to have bought into Costa Terra — reports have also associated George Clooney, Paris Hilton, and Sharon Stone with the development.

Representatives for Costa Terra did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Alongside Costa Terra, several other glitzy developments are cropping up near Melides, including a 175-house residential project under development by Vanguard Properties and one on the Tróia peninsula built by Inditex billionaire Amancio Ortega's daughter.

Priced out

Vitor Paiva, a license partner at the Comporta branch of real estate agency Engel & Völkers, says the Portuguese government has set limits on touristic beds that prevent the area surrounding Melides from becoming as saturated with tourists as hot spots like St. Tropez or Monoco.

However, Paiva said the tourists that are now coming to the area are more affluent and "sophisticated" than those before, which means the small villages are changing from their rustic roots.

"New investors, customers coming, they ask for more modern services," he told BI. "They want to have the very good beach restaurants, luxury restaurants, high-quality services."

As a result, some locals in towns in the region are feeling priced out, Paiva said.

"Local restaurants are closing, even the small coffee shops for the locals, they are closing and being upgraded with more sophisticated coffee shops," he said. "In some cases, we are seeing the locals struggle."

In Melides, the idea of a rustic town remaining a secret oasis is slipping away.

But Louboutin isn't giving up on his aim to protect it.

He cofounded Intertidal Melides, a community-led organization rallying local landowners and business owners to preserve the local environment.

"Tourists come here for the beauty of this place," Louboutin told Bloomberg. "So we need to just keep it that way."