Social Distancing: Overtourism vs No Tourism
I like to think that many travel destinations and sights will heal during these times. The world is in a dangerous position right now, and perhaps a change might do it some good.
We still have climate change and can see its effects in many places around the globe. Overtourism was all the buzz recently. It has since subsided and now replaced with no tourism. Lockdowns, quarantines, and stay at home orders are the new normal. Social-distancing will probably extend well in to and be the most remembered word of 2020.
Is Macchu Picchu able to breathe again without trekkers clamoring for that rarefied air? We’ve seen stories of the canals in Venice become more clear without water-taxi and gondola traffic. Mt. Everest is on a spring break of sorts with no climbers to ascend its peak. Picture the Eiffel tower alone against a Parisian spring sky, standing solemn but defiant. She can breathe!
Social distancing is also human distancing, and it just might be vital to saving our treasured sights—a small respite from the tourist swarms complete with their ill behavior better suited for other places. From bathing (sometimes nude) in European fountains to desecrating temples in Indonesia, graffiti aimed at tourists in Greece, Barcelona, and Amsterdam, don’t forgive these transgressions. As they say, “The writing’s on the wall.” but are travelers able to understand the message?
Places like Borocay in the Philipines, and Maya Bay in Thailand, shut themselves down and banned tourists for a set time so they could have “environmental breaks.” Time to pick up trash, time to let the coral and beaches heal and recuperate. A time for human-distancing and to revive.
Think of the Sistine Chapel, The Lourve, or the Taj Mahal. What first comes to mind? For me, it is the crowds. All vying to see Michelangelo’s frescoed masterpiece while ignoring the camera police, masses gathered into a room to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, or queues lining up for that iconic picture of the reflecting pool leading the eyes up to the marbled Taj.
For now, the crowds, they remain silent. The echoes of heavy foot traffic and countless voices in multiple languages are gone.
There are no selfie sticks or vendors, continuous camera flashes, or throngs jockeying for coveted positions while casually elbowing you in the side. No tour guides are waving their multi-colored flags, no touts to offer you the “best deals,” and there are no gift shops for you to arrive in (as if by magic) at the end of an attraction.
Overtourism is currently on hiatus. In Hibernation until the virus passes. What we have left are the sounds of silence.
Today, we can travel on our computers, smartphones, and tablets. Virtual museums, classrooms, and blogs await for our entertainment. We can visit places in our dreams and go along for the ride with our memories. At this moment, we can’t fly on airplanes to far-flung destinations or board a cruise to “paradise” because it’s more than likely shutdown.
Let’s not be selfish and worry only about ourselves. Embrace social and human distancing, be safe, responsible, and stay healthy. There is a lot of good that will come from this situation. That is until we begin to travel again en masse.
Do you have any good social-distancing practices, stories, or thoughts?
Get Ready to Book Your Trip: Helpful Links and Resources
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find and research your airfare needs and to find the best flight deals. It searches worldwide on multiple airlines to help you find the best options.
Book Your Stay
Booking.com is my go-to for finding a place to stay anywhere globally. An outstanding company that I trust and have used for many years. Find accommodation from budget to luxury in cities and countries around the world. If you happen to be backpacking and staying in hostels, I recommend Hostelworld to help you find a place to stay.
Get Travel Insurance
Travel is unpredictable. Anything could happen. A trip interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen items, or personal injury, having comprehensive trip insurance will protect you if anything goes wrong. SafetyWing is a solid choice for most travelers.
Tours, Activities, and Things to Do
Viator (a TripAdvisor company) offers many excellent options to keep you busy wherever you may be, from walking and food tours to sunset cruises and more. Make sure to give them a look and add some fun-filled activities to your itinerary.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend companies and products that I use myself and believe in.
Some interesting thoughts, David. Thanks for sharing.
Ellie & I grew more and more fond of hidden gems over the years and try to avoid the crowds for the most part even during non-Covid times. We also discovered that we don’t really miss overseas travel that much. There are tons of great places to visit in the UK.
Thank you for stopping by. You and Ellie certainly do a good job exploring your surroundings and being active getting out and doing things in the UK. I’m still fixated on overseas travel as there is still so much for me to see.