Let’s have an honest conversation about over-tourism challenges and even local protest in some European citys so you can make better decisions and have strategies to navigate or avoid over-tourism.
Since we have lived and traveled in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco since 2002, I think our perspective is informed and useful. So where should you think twice in our region?…
Barcelona, Lisbon, the Algarve, Marrakesh, Malaga/Costa del Sol and Mallorca can be crowded during the summer high season when vacation travel is at its peak.
To be fair, for many local residents who live in our near the historic areas it is quite frustrating to encounter non-stop, tourism crowds from cruise ships and mass market group bus tours.
This leads to local inflation for everything and their favorite restaurants, cafes, and bars many times becoming tourist traps. But there are strategies to navigate this, be responsible and promote positive impact by having the right plan in place ahead of time.
See more from Magical Private Travel founder Dan O´Beirne here visiting a beautiful, rustic, historic and savory region of Spain.
The best way to avoid over-tourism and make a positive local impact is go off the beaten path. This is a viable choice because there are beautiful, lesser known gems that are very attractive, often in rural areas of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
What are our selection criteria off the beaten path destinations you may ask?…
At our private tour and travel agency we choose regions and destinations based on this checklist:
- attractive, historic sites some UNESCO listed.
- safe and accessible with friendly local people.
- interesting local traditions and festivals.
- comfortable deluxe hotels.
- beautiful landscapes, perhaps with historic trails.
- unique locally-made traditional art or artisan production.
- high quality delicious regional food and possible wines.
The big advantage elected off-the-beaten-path travel itinerary is you can experience all the charms and beauty with more authenticity, better food and locals who welcome you. It is also arguably much more fun since you’re not dealing with long lines, pesky tourist trap restaurants and slow mass market tourist groups following a guide with a flag.
Extremadura is a rustic, historic region of western Spain. By the way, Extremadura is adjacent to the Portuguese Alentejo region, which is equally attractive for savvy travelers.
With our expert Spain, Portugal or Morocco private tours, you enjoy more and avoid over-tourism, your way.
Your tailor-made dream trip of a lifetime begins with the #1 ingredient: your interest, your people and your dreams. Imagine doing only the things you love with your tailor-made itinerary. You’ll also be making more of a positive impact because the local communities in the off-the-beaten-path areas are happy to see you.
Our off-the-beaten path travel itineraries for Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are handpicked for unique experiences like history, art and culture, architectural beauty, food, wines, olive oils, local artisan products or guided active fun in a beautiful natural setting.
Make your travel dreams for Spain, Portugal or Morocco a reality. Why settle for mass market when you can have an expert personally craft the perfect personalized itinerary just for you?
For all your optimal availability, we suggest planning 6 to 12+ months ahead. Then we can best connect you with the top guides, best hotels, and best experiences your way. You’ll also be contributing to local economies in less characteristic, but charming areas, and avoiding over tourism. We will also be able to better protect you from frustration, stressful surprises, tourist traps, and missed opportunities for authentic experiences.
Happy customers are the best advertising. As an American-owned award-winning agency with 20+ years in Spain private luxury tours and Portugal private luxury tours, we love the many customer reviews & referrals we get!
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