Watercolor by Sally Kilbridge
A World Guide to Popular Destinations & Their Uncrowded Alternatives
USA & CANADA
MEXICO & CARIBBEAN
CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA
EUROPE
ASIA
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST
AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND/PACIFIC
POLAR REGIONS
Overtourism News & Views
Last year, Orlando once again became the most visited destination in the country. A whopping 76.7 million people traveled to Florida’s theme park hub. With fewer than 3 million residents in the metro area, that’s 23 tourists for every local. It’s a dramatic ratio, . . . READ MORE
If you’ve paid any attention to Europe lately, you know that this summer’s weather has smashed previous records. In early summer, temperatures rose above 100°F in France, Germany Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium — even in . . . READ MORE
At its most basic, AI absorbs huge amounts of data, organizes it, and then uses the information to respond to a human command. It works well when you ask something like “How long do I roast a chicken . . . READ MORE
Thanks to its iconic status and current (relative) affordability, overtourism is plaguing Japan. While arrivals from China are down from last year, visitors from the U.S., Scandinavia, and Hong Kong are making up the difference. . . . READ MORE
People love Yosemite National Park. So much so that during the pandemic, when travel to the park exploded, health-minded officials initiated a reservation system. It was simple: visitors went to the National Park Service’s website . . . READ MORE
Planning a vacation can involve a lot of research, calculation, and key-pounding. It can also be fun. Our new Without the Crowds quizzes are here to put a smile on your face while helping you put together your next getaway. . . .READ MORE
I ❤️ this website!!
I love your work!
And we love your exquisite choice of words. Bob & Sally
What a splendid idea for a travel site. I certainly enjoy less crowded places to the popular but overwhelmed places. I wish you well.
Thanks for your kind words, Robert. And please keep an eye on Without the Crowds for the latest in uncrowded travel destinations. Bob & Sally.
Love your site! Thank you
That’s what we like to hear, Karen. Much appreciated. Bob & Sally
This is a great resource! Can’t wait to dive into it!
Can’t wait to have you dive into it.
Clever ideas for book and websites. Kudos to your wife for artwork.
Thanks Wesley
Love this! Such a timely idea–and Sally’s artwork is lovely!! Congratulations!!
Thanks, Geri. And just want to make sure: You don’t think the traveler standing in line with the statues on “Easter Island looks like me, do you? Bob
Great idea, I loved the alternates, I’ll definitely follow , nice paintings, kudos to Sally.
Did you ever notice that the alternates often turnn out to be the best things in life?
I have just had a quick look at this website. I like what I see. So much so that I will share it with my son and daughter. Both are now independent travellers. They are always lamenting the fact that I got to travel at a time when there were fewer people (they are correct), so it is good to see less touristy options still available.
Ask your son and daughter to be on the lookout for a “One Traveler’s Experience” we can use on the website.
I love this idea — so refreshing and needed! Congratulations.
You make us blush with gratitude. Thanks, Meryl
Ahoy! What a super resource for doing travel the right way!
Thanks, David. We appreciate your comment.
Excellent informative site. Well done to both of you. Would like to see also something about Turkey
Thanks. We hope to do Turkey soon.
Hey Bob,
I just saw your Facebook message and hopped on over here. This is a REALLY clever idea. As a native California, you have me intrigued by your “instead” guide. Also, Tom and I want to go to Japan this year, but seems everyone else does too, so I liked that section. Kudos for entering the “chatter” so elegantly.
Sally, LOVE the art work, my only comment–your guy should loose the baseball cap–so American!
Hi Cathie,
Nice to hear from you. Thanks. And you gave me something to think about with the cap. I think the guy is supposed to be me, and I don’t even wear a cap. Bob
What an inspired look at the world! Thanks, Sally & Bob. And thanks Joe Montezinos, my old Coconut Grove friend, too.
Any more thoughts on London without the crowds?
Cheryl, Kind words from old friends are the best. Thanks. Finding serenity in London is always a challenge, but to help you chose among the premier museums, check out our pages on the The British Museum and the V&A. Bob & Sally