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PLACES

Overtourism Suffocating Beautiful Destinations

Recently UNESCO is waved the red flag at Italy, threatening to blacklist Venice, if it doesn't step up to preserve its precious historical sites.
The floating wonder, cherished by travelers for ages, is at risk of losing its prestigious UNESCO status. It's a wake-up call for Italy to start safeguarding its cultural gems, or else Venice might face serious consequences.

Going to the hottest places like Italy & Bali may have been trend, & benefitted the respective countries, but now the same places are suffering from Overtourism. It refers to the excessive number of tourists flocking to popular destinations, putting immense pressure on local infrastructure, culture, and environment.

Why the -ve growth ?

➤ Budget airlines offering cheap flights to various destinations have lured in hordes of tourists who might not have considered those places before.

➤ The rise of Airbnb has flooded destinations with thousands of available beds, often without proper planning, permits, or even taxes, adding to the tourism influx.

➤ As society's disposable income has increased and the population grows, people are more eager to travel frequently and to more distant places.

➤ Don't forget about the media's influence! With enticing travel articles, stunning photos, and social media's 'Insta-tourism' culture, certain places become trendy hotspots practically overnight.

Negative Campaigns, Increasing Tourists taxes, No waiting Zones, Capping Arrival Quotas, have been done by Amsterdam, Venice, Portofino, Bali respectively to combat Overtourism. Although nobody is going to completely stop traveling, It’ll definitely help traveling in a much better way, way that you don’t feel squished in a sea of crowd.

In the section below, we'll reveal how to outsmart the crowds, seek hidden havens, and savor authentic experiences.

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Your Weekly Travel Roundup about the best of travels

Warnings

1. Sea of Blood - A daring campaign named "Don't Visit Faroe" has surfaced, calling on travelers to steer clear of the island's shores. The once serene destination is now at the epicenter of an ethical storm, due to their controversial whale and dolphin hunting practices. "These hunts aren't advertised in the travel brochures... We want to make sure everyone knows what is happening.”

2. Cigarette for $2000 - If you’re caught smoking on the sandy shores of Barcelona, you might face the risk of burning up $2000 up in smoke as a fine. 28 Baleric Island beaches have banned smoking like Playa de Talamanca in Ibiza, Platja Gran in Menorca, & Sant Joan in Mallorca & more.

3. Eyebrow Raising - concerns about privacy & data protection soar, after a complaint was filed against Ryanair alleging the for Irish no-frills airline was pushing customers to undergo an "invasive facial recognition process".

Attractions

🏝️ Mind-Blowing Getaway - Remember the renowned physicist from the recent box-office hit ? Well, turns out Robert Oppenhiemer sought a getaway on St. John Island, at The Virgin Islands National Park where.
“The water’s so crystal-clear you can go in up to your neck and see your toes.” says Bridgette Key, owner of Palm Tree Charters.
From guided hikes in lush rainforests to snorkeling with a diverse array of marine life, this island is a paradise for eco-enthusiasts. Explore Trunk Bay's underwater snorkeling trail & soak in the fascinating history & charm of the Annaberg Sugar Plantation ruins.

👛 Fat Wallets Only - If you decide to check out this tiny Caribbean gem, get ready for a daily dose of financial gymnastics, because it'll cost you a jaw-dropping $1,852 a day. Gustavia is the place where money meets paradise!, says Travel company Florida Panhandle after analyzing data from over 100 vacation spots. Swipe your platinum credit cards at high-end boutiques & get your shades onn for sandy beaches to strut your stuff are just a few things to do here.

🏆 And the Winner is - Drumroll intensifies. The Indiana Dunes, gets the most Instagrammable national park award. Covering over 15,000 acres & boasts a whopping 50 miles of trails, winding their way through sand dunes, forests, & grasslands.
The camping season typically runs from Apr 1st until Oct 31st.

Deals

• Want to be a Digital Nomad ? Here are 38 Remote Jobs Without Degree or Experience.

• Last chance: Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles with these Delta credit card welcome offers.

• Buy Now, Pay Later while booking at these 16 Airlines.

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📰 Read

 • Key Travel Advisories Announced in July

👁️‍🗨️ Watch

 • Wild Dingo Bites Sunbather.

😲 React

 • Frontier Hit with 100 Million Lawsuit

MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST

Stepping Into Nature’s Canvas

📍 Zion National Park,
Utah, 🇺🇸 USA

Over 3,200 Excellent Tripadvisor Reviews | See 360 degree video

Picture this: Towering red cliffs, carved by the Virgin River over millions of years, create a mesmerizing backdrop for your exploration.
Delve into hidden gems like The Narrows, where you'll wade through the river between soaring canyon walls, & dare to conquer the legendary Angel's Landing hike, offering breathtaking panoramic views. With over 1,000 species of plants, creatures like bighorn sheep & peregrine falcons roam the wild.

With an itinerary that’ll leave you satisfied, there are a number of activities to choose from like..

🌄 Catch the Sunrise at Canyon Overlook: Start your day with a breathtaking view that'll leave you in awe of nature's beauty.

🚶‍♂️ Hike the Narrows: Strap on those water shoes & wade through the Virgin River as you venture deep into the majestic slot canyons. It's a thrilling & refreshing experience you won't forget!

🥾 Angel's Landing: Lace up your hiking boots & conquer the famous Angel's Landing trail. The breathtaking views from the summit are well worth the heart-pounding climb.

🏊 Emerald Pools: Take a leisurely stroll to the Emerald Pools & revel in the beauty of cascading waterfalls & lush greenery. It's the perfect place to relax & soak in nature's serenity.

🧗‍♂️ Canyoneering: Are you up for an adrenaline-pumping adventure? Try canyoneering through the park's narrow gorges & discover hidden treasures along the way.

💧 Weeping Rock: Stand in awe as you witness the unique spectacle of water seeping through the rock, creating a "weeping" effect. It's a natural wonder you have to see to believe!

👣 Watchman Trail: Catch the sunrise or sunset on the Watchman Trail, & watch as the colors of the sky dance over the stunning landscape - it's a photographer's dream!

👣 Riverside Walk: Take a relaxing stroll along the Riverside Walk & embrace the tranquility of the Virgin River gently flowing beside you.

✨ Stargazing: After the sun sets, lie back & gaze at the star-studded sky. Zion's dark skies offer an incredible opportunity to witness the universe's beauty.

🏕️ Camping: Spend the night under the stars at one of the park's campgrounds & wake up to the sounds of nature surrounding you.

Here are 2 other destinations that complement the Zion experience:

• Bryce Canyon National Park: Just a short drive away, Bryce Canyon offers a surreal landscape of hoodoos & natural amphitheaters. Take the scenic drive along the rim, go for a hike into the hoodoos on the Navajo Loop Trail, & catch the sunrise or sunset at Inspiration Point for an otherworldly experience.

• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: This vast wilderness area is a treasure trove of slot canyons, arches, & stunning geological formations. Explore the mysterious slot canyons like Peek-a-Boo & Spooky Gulch, witness the beauty of Calf Creek Falls, & stargaze under some of the darkest skies in the country.

Your itinerary could look something like this:

✔️ Day 1-2: Bryce Canyon National Park (Navajo Loop Trail, Inspiration Point)

✔️ Day 3-6: Zion National Park (Narrows, Angel’s Landing, Weeping Rock etc.)

✔️ Day 7-9: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (Peek-a-Boo & Spooky Gulch, Calf Creek Falls)

Recent Review - One of the first things that struck me about Zion National Park was its incredible diversity. The park is home to a remarkable array of ecosystems, ranging from towering cliffs and majestic canyons to lush forests and meandering rivers. Each turn along the trails revealed a new and breathtaking sight, leaving me in constant wonder.

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EASE YOUR TRAVELS

Avoiding The Crowds

🗓️ Embrace Off-Peak Travel: Travel during off-peak seasons to escape the tourist mayhem. Not only will you enjoy lower prices and shorter queues, but you'll also experience a more authentic & laid-back atmosphere.

🥈 Discover Hidden Gems: Seek out lesser-known destinations for unique adventures & a sense of discovery. You'll forge unforgettable memories away from the crowds & have bragging rights as a true explorer.

🌄 Early Birds Catch the Sights: Rise with the sun to explore popular attractions before the crowds swarm in. The morning serenity will give you the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos. Capture stunning photos without hoards of tourists photobombing.

📋 Mix Up the Itinerary: Flip your travel itinerary upside down by starting with less popular spots & ending with famous landmarks. This way, you can gradually ease into the tourist flow.

📲 Use Tech: Leverage travel apps &websites to find real-time crowd data & visit attractions during quieter hours. Smart planning means less waiting & more exploring!

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TRAVEL & BEYOND
Staying Connected with the world beyond your travels..

1. Justin Trudeau announces seperation from his wife after 18 years.

2. Lizzo accused of sexual harrasment by former dancers.

3. Jake Paul Vs. Nate Diaz - Fight Card, Date, Odds, Location, PPV Price, Rumours, Complete Guide.

4. Loki Announces New Trailer for season 2.

5. For PC’s - Baldur’s Gate 3 Launch Trailer.

GUESS THE PLACE

This Country is The
Most Popular Tourist Destination in the world for 2023.

- - A - C -

Last week’s answer to:
This Country is Home to the Coldest City in the World. - Russia.

• Yakutsk has an average annual temperature of −8.0 °C (17.6 °F), winter high temperatures consistently well below −20 °C (−4 °F), & a record low of −64.4 °C (−83.9 °F).

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