I feel a deep connection with nature. I love forests, mountains, and those less-traveled places where you can breathe in the silence, feel the authentic atmosphere, and see how the local community respects its surroundings. In recent years, I’ve been trying to distance myself more from mass tourism and gravitate toward something more niche. It makes me feel calmer, slower, better... But this article isn't about that. It's not just about moving away from popular tourist spots. Conscious travel — that’s what I’m talking about — is a way of discovering the world in harmony with nature, without leaving a trace behind.
But can conscious travel and mass tourism go hand in hand? I believe they can. Contrary to popular belief, these two approaches don’t have to be mutually exclusive. How is that possible? More on that below.
I also want to share a few thoughts on the growing trend of visiting more off-the-beaten-path places, which is becoming increasingly popular among travelers. Why is that happening?
And finally – is mass tourism really as bad as it’s made out to be?
But first, let’s start with what conscious travel actually is.
Conscious Travel – How to Explore Without Harming the World
Conscious travel is the key to making our journeys not only exciting but also responsible and beneficial to the places we visit. So, what does that mean for us modern nomads, who explore the world not with maps and the unknown, but with backpacks and smartphones?
Today, when cheap flights make it possible to enjoy your morning coffee in Warsaw and have dinner in Tokyo, traveling has become easier and more accessible. In the era of globalization, you can book a ticket to the other side of the world during breakfast. You can find accommodation online, choosing a room that meets your needs, no matter how specific they are. And how many of us have snagged a €9 flight to the other end of Europe?
But with great power comes great responsibility. So, what can we do to travel consciously?
First – transportation. Flights are one of the main culprits when it comes to CO2 emissions from travel. What can we do? We can, of course, opt for trains, which are not only more eco-friendly but also carry that romantic charm. And if flights are unavoidable (for example, when traveling to South America or Australia, trains aren’t an option), carbon offsetting has become a popular way to counterbalance our carbon footprint. It may not solve the problem entirely, but every step in the right direction counts!
Once you arrive at your destination, consider where you stay. Choosing local guesthouses or hotels that support sustainable tourism is a small step for us, but a huge help to the local community.
Beyond that, go for local cuisine – not just because it's delicious (have you tried local falafel and hummus while in the Middle East?), but because it supports local agriculture and reduces large-scale product transport. So, when you arrive, forget about the big chains. Instead, eat at a small, family-run restaurant. Visit local markets and food stalls.
Travel is also about respect and tolerance. Respecting local customs and traditions is the foundation of conscious travel. Before you go, learn about the norms and rules in the country you’re visiting. Dress appropriately for the local culture, follow local customs, and be polite to the residents. If in Japan everyone takes off their shoes before entering a house, do the same. If in India the left hand is considered unclean, eat with your right. These are small gestures, but they show that you respect and appreciate the culture you're visiting. Tolerance and openness to diversity are the keys to building positive relationships and mutual understanding. Let’s also remember that we are guests – not only in the country we visit but also in its ecosystem. Don’t touch wild animals (yes, a selfie with a llama sounds tempting, but maybe the llama doesn’t want it), and don’t leave trash behind – that should be obvious.
When it comes to souvenirs, choose something meaningful, not just plastic trinkets. Instead of a fridge magnet (which will fall off eventually anyway), pick something unique and handmade by local artisans. Not only are you supporting craftsmanship, but you’re also taking home something truly valuable.
Lastly, remember that travel isn’t a race. In the age of Instagram, it's easy to fall into the trap of “collecting” destinations. But travel isn't about ticking off the most places on the map; it’s about the quality of your experiences. Slow down, listen to the stories of the locals, and soak in the atmosphere. Sometimes a slower journey is more satisfying than racing through an entire continent in a week.
Conscious Travel and Mass Tourism – Can They Be Combined?
At first glance, mass tourism is often associated with crowded beaches, gigantic all-inclusive hotels, and hordes of tourists flooding the most popular destinations year after year. It’s easy to assume that conscious travel and mass tourism are completely opposing concepts. But is that really the case?
More and more popular destinations are starting to recognize the problems caused by an overwhelming number of tourists, and they are introducing initiatives aimed at balancing visitor numbers. For example, limited-entry tickets to national parks, like in Torres del Paine in Patagonia, or restricted access to environmentally sensitive areas such as Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes, show that sustainable tourism principles can be applied even in heavily visited locations.
Conscious travel is not just about choosing lesser-known destinations. It’s also about making mindful choices in places that are popular with tourists. We can support the local economy by staying at small, family-run guesthouses instead of large international chains. We can eat at local restaurants rather than fast-food joints. We can choose to bike, walk, or use public transportation instead of renting a car. These are all small gestures that, over time, can make a significant difference.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations – Why Are More People Choosing Them?
Personally, I’m more drawn to the less-traveled, undiscovered places that haven’t yet been overrun by mass tourism. Why? First of all, these types of journeys offer a sense of authenticity. There’s nothing better than walking through a wild forest, hearing only the sound of birds, not the chatter of tourists. In these niche destinations, you can truly feel like you’re part of something bigger—whether you’re hiking in the mountains of Georgia or exploring tiny villages in the Alps.
Secondly, off-the-beaten-path destinations often provide a deeper connection with the local culture, one that hasn’t yet been transformed by mass tourism. Local traditions, language, and cuisine remain more genuine when you venture beyond the typical tourist trails.
What’s more, by choosing less popular locations, we help relieve the pressure on destinations suffering from overcrowding. We see this in places like Barcelona, Venice, or Bali, where mass tourism is becoming a problem not only for the environment but also for the local residents. By opting for niche destinations, we not only get the chance to discover something new but also support regions that may truly need tourism.
Current tourism trends are closely tied to these niche destinations and choices. Alongside sustainable tourism, we’re seeing the rise of regenerative travel, slow travel, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and even a trend that I personally love: travel to colder climates, known as "chill" or "cold tourism." As we know, climate change is contributing to the melting of glaciers, and many of these beautiful places will soon disappear—or have already disappeared—from our planet.
Is Mass Tourism That All Bad?
Of course not! Mass tourism has its benefits. It allows people to explore the world and experience beautiful moments in places that suit them. Not everyone seeks peace and quiet in remote corners of the globe. Some people thrive on the energy of big cities, famous landmarks, and popular tourist attractions. And that’s perfectly fine. After all, many of these places became mass tourist destinations precisely because of their grandeur, uniqueness, and sheer magnificence. It would be a shame to avoid them just because they attract large crowds. If the crowds bother you, you can always visit during the off-season or go at less busy times of the day.
For the longest time, my biggest dream was to visit Machu Picchu. It’s undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations on Earth. The fact that it's one of the “Seven Wonders of the World” only adds to its allure. While it might not be as crowded as the Great Wall of China—partly because it’s located in the jungle, and although you can reach it by bus from Cusco (not everyone opts for the epic Inca Trail)—I couldn’t imagine skipping such an extraordinary place just because many other tourists would be there. I was lucky enough to visit during the COVID pandemic when, in fact, there were far fewer tourists everywhere. But of course, don’t wait for another pandemic! Choose a less popular month or try to approach the crowds with a calm mindset. In some places, it’s simply unavoidable.
The important thing is to travel responsibly, whether you're visiting popular tourist hubs or more niche destinations. Everyone has the right to explore the world in a way that suits them best. The key, however, is to find the right balance—traveling with respect for the places you visit, for nature, and for the communities that live there.
In summary...
Conscious travel is not just a trend but a way to enjoy the world in a manner that allows others to do the same. It's about caring for the places we visit, as they provide a respite from our routines and daily lives.
Mass tourism doesn’t have to be the antithesis of conscious travel—it’s about the choices we make. By opting for niche destinations, we support local communities, and by traveling responsibly even in popular destinations, we can align our travels with nature. Each of us has an impact on the future of travel and the places we visit—let's keep that in mind.
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