The idea of heading out on a vacation abroad is to enjoy a new culture and spend time relaxing and enjoying yourself. So, the last thing you need is an ocean of tourists spoiling your vacation and making you regret going on one! Well, the good news is you can avoid crowds and prevent them from marring your vacation by using these tips.
- Plan Your Vacation
There is a reason why places abroad have peak tourist seasons. These are times when maximum visitors throng to these places for different reasons. It could be to enjoy the salubrious climes, nature or be part of local festivities. Instead of planning a vacation during the high tourist season, it is best to visit your destination during the off-season period. This way, you will avoid crowds and still be able to enjoy the main attractions. You may want to do some online research before doing your booking to find the off-season period for your chosen destination.
- Book tickets in advance
International travel does not necessarily mean taking a budget airline that is packed with loud passengers. You can still fly on regular airlines afford ably if you know how to get the best deals. Keep an eye out for discounts and deals on regular airlines and snap them up when the opportunity arises. This way, you will avoid overcrowded budget airlines and yet reach your destination at an affordable price. Alternatively, you could also think of other modes of transportation such as train or bus. Besides, travelling by your own car could be an option, and probably the best way to avoid crowd during transportation.
- Avoid Queues by Booking in Advance
The bane of international travel is long queues at attractions, such as museums and historical monuments. These queues comprise of people who want to buy their tickets to enter the attractions. You can avoid these frustratingly long lines by purchasing tickets to the attractions you want to visit before you leave your home. Use the power of Internet to book online and be sure to take a print out of the tickets and pack them with your other belongings.
- Get there Early or Just Before Closing Time
In case you forget to buy your entry ticket in advance, you still do not have to worry about crowds. You can easily avoid by going to the attraction early in the morning. Usually, most holidaymakers are still waking up and enjoying their breakfast, so you will be able to get in the moment the doors open for the day. Alternatively, you can go to the attraction later in the day, after lunch or in evening.
- Visit Popular Tourist Sites During the Week
Many people tend to have work and take their kids to school. So the local crowd is often missing during the week at popular tourist sites if you plan your visit during the week. This means shorter queues for entry tickets, thinner crowds and an opportunity to spend more time at the attractions without trying to beat a hasty retreat! While the local schools may organize trips for their students, most schedule these trips for the morning and then leave by early afternoon. So you can plan your visit for late afternoon, if you like.
- Off-the-Beaten Path Attractions
Rather than visiting the usual attractions which attract crowds, try to go to off-the-beaten path attractions. Of course, it would require you to do your research well, so that you know where to find these attractions and how to get there. These attractions can be educating and interesting, as they would be the best places to showcase local culture without being affected by any of that touristy stuff and you will also not have to worry about crowds spoiling your experience.
- Short-term Rentals
Many people find hotels oppressive because of their guests - too many people crowding the swimming pool or dining area. If you too feel the same, you can opt for short-term rentals in the area. Whether you are traveling around Asia or Europe, you will be able to find these vacation rentals easily. Not only will you have privacy, you can save money on cooking your own food. Above all, you never have to worry about sharing your space with anyone else.
- Forget About Travelling During School Holidays
The worst time to travel abroad is during school holidays. This is the time when you find crowds at every nook and cranny. So give Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter a miss. Instead plan your vacation for other months. Also, find out the school holidays in the destination you intend traveling to, as the local crowds will be flocking to attractions. And, that is the last thing you need if you are looking to avoid crowds.
Being able to have a memorable vacation abroad does not necessarily mean you have to accept hordes of tourists. If you plan your vacation in advance and put in some research, you will be able to have a crowd-free vacation that will rejuvenate you and serve its purpose to entirety.
