These are the Best Vacation Destinations in 2020 to Combat Overtourism

Overtourism, described as the "perceived congestion or overcrowding from an excess of tourists, resulting in conflicts with locals", entered our lexicon in 2012, but wasn't used widely until 2015. With an increasingly global middle class (who often value travel and experiences over material items), social media FOMO, and the rise of airbnb and discount flying, many moving parts contribute to the overtourism in some of our beloved places. That doesn't mean traveling is out the question. It's just about being more conscious of our decisions when traveling. As a rule, traveling during off peak, taking alternative modes of transportation when visiting multiple countries (instead of just flying), and being mindful of local customs and lives are a small way to combat this larger problem. Let's say bon voyage to traveling thoughtlessly. Even popular sites like Kayak are promoting under-the-radar places to inspire travelers to choose the path less traveled. Here are our picks: