I think this is so important to consider! It reminds me of lists I've seen from the National Park Service in the U.S. about certain National Parks that absolutely overrun with visitors now, especially after the lockdown years when many people rediscovered the joy of the great outdoors. Certain high profile destinations were really suffering from crowds (both in the park and the surrounding community) while lesser known ones which are arguably similar and equally amazing languished. At one point they had published a list that went sort of like, "Love Zion? Go to Canyonlands instead!" etc. And it would be so great to have a list that was something like, "Considering Barcelona? Consider [x] instead!" "Thinking about Hawaii? Here are 3 hidden gems to consider instead!" etc. Obviously doesn't address everything you listed but it's something I've been thinking about a lot in terms of "My time on this mortal coil is limited and I'm never going to get everywhere amazing anyway, what's out there that I'm missing simply because it's not a high-profile destination so I've never heard of it?"
What a good article. I started reading it with my back up thinking it was mighty privileged to be suggesting that travel might not be entirely beneficial. This is as a human who's been dying to go overseas for like 20 years. When I kept reading my smile kept growing. LOVE the idea of what might be gained by staying around home for a week instead of finding somewhere to drive to.
Rebecca, this post made my whole body relax. When I was in my 20s I was a prolific traveller, but as I've gotten older I've wanted to stay closer to home. These days I mostly only travel to see friends and family, and if they weren't *elsewhere* I think I would be happy to never travel again.
I think this is so important to consider! It reminds me of lists I've seen from the National Park Service in the U.S. about certain National Parks that absolutely overrun with visitors now, especially after the lockdown years when many people rediscovered the joy of the great outdoors. Certain high profile destinations were really suffering from crowds (both in the park and the surrounding community) while lesser known ones which are arguably similar and equally amazing languished. At one point they had published a list that went sort of like, "Love Zion? Go to Canyonlands instead!" etc. And it would be so great to have a list that was something like, "Considering Barcelona? Consider [x] instead!" "Thinking about Hawaii? Here are 3 hidden gems to consider instead!" etc. Obviously doesn't address everything you listed but it's something I've been thinking about a lot in terms of "My time on this mortal coil is limited and I'm never going to get everywhere amazing anyway, what's out there that I'm missing simply because it's not a high-profile destination so I've never heard of it?"
What a good article. I started reading it with my back up thinking it was mighty privileged to be suggesting that travel might not be entirely beneficial. This is as a human who's been dying to go overseas for like 20 years. When I kept reading my smile kept growing. LOVE the idea of what might be gained by staying around home for a week instead of finding somewhere to drive to.
Rebecca, this post made my whole body relax. When I was in my 20s I was a prolific traveller, but as I've gotten older I've wanted to stay closer to home. These days I mostly only travel to see friends and family, and if they weren't *elsewhere* I think I would be happy to never travel again.