Popular tourist destinations are increasingly facing overtourism, record-breaking heat, traffic chaos, and skyrocketing prices. In some destinations, a summer vacation in 2026 may turn out to be significantly more expensive, stressful, and less comfortable than tourists expect. Learn more about 7 popular destinations that are better replaced with quieter alternatives this summer

The Visit World travel guide is your key to safe and thoughtful travel, where no document or life hack will be overlooked

ORDER GUIDE

The summer of 2026 promises to be one of the most challenging tourist seasons in recent years. In many popular countries in Europe and the United States, local authorities are already openly discussing infrastructure overload, a shortage of housing, and problems caused by an excessive influx of tourists. The situation is particularly acute in Spain, Italy, and Greece, where residents are increasingly protesting against overtourism, and some cities are even introducing new restrictions and tourist taxes.

Record-breaking heat waves, large-scale repairs to transportation infrastructure, and preparations for major international events are creating additional difficulties. As a result, even famous resorts and tourist capitals can turn into places with hours-long lines, overloaded transportation, and sky-high prices. Below are 7 destinations where you should think twice before booking a trip this summer.

In our previous article, we wrote about 5 European countries that tourists are hardly visiting in 2026.

Discovering a new country for yourself without the help of travel agents or intermediaries is very simple. All you need is a checklist or a “Travel Guide” from Visit World – a step-by-step guide with all the key information for your trip.

The guide contains information on visa requirements, visa-free entry rules, permitted periods of stay and a list of required documents.

After completing the form, the guide will be sent to your email in PDF format in just a few minutes.

Choose a country and get your travel guide today.

Cities in the U.S. preparing for the 2026 World Cup

Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Kansas City will be significantly less comfortable for regular tourists this summer due to active preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Large-scale work is underway in many areas to modernize transportation, reconstruct roads, and upgrade tourism infrastructure. This is already leading to serious traffic jams, overcrowded public transportation, and difficulties getting around the city.

Prices have become an additional problem. The cost of hotels and short-term rentals in some parts of the U.S. began to rise sharply even before the tournament began. This is particularly noticeable in Los Angeles, where the tourist season is traditionally expensive anyway. In popular areas, finding affordable housing in the summer of 2026 is becoming increasingly difficult, and the strain on airports and transportation hubs is only intensifying.

In Kansas City, the situation is less critical, but the city is also actively upgrading its infrastructure for the upcoming tournament. As a result, some tourist areas and roads may be partially restricted to visitors. In Atlanta, additional challenges are posed by high temperatures and seasonal congestion at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport—one of the busiest in the world.

The best alternative: Olympic National Park in Washington State or the less touristy cities of the U.S. Northwest, where the climate is much more comfortable in the summer, crowds are smaller, and housing prices are more stable.

Learn more about the TOP 10 budget-friendly alternatives to the Maldives that will surprise even seasoned travelersby following the link.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has been on the list of Europe’s most overcrowded cities for several years in a row, but the situation could become even more challenging in the summer of 2026. The city is simultaneously facing a record number of tourists, a housing shortage, and intensifying protests by local residents against mass tourism. In some neighborhoods, residents are openly advocating for restrictions on short-term rentals and a reduction in tourist traffic.

Tourists will face the most problems in the central districts and near the beaches. During peak season, Barcelona regularly experiences massive lines at popular attractions, an overloaded metro, and crowded beaches where there is sometimes literally no free space. Additionally, prices for housing, restaurants, and transportation are rising.

The heat is a separate issue. In July and August, temperatures in the city increasingly exceed 35°C, and due to the abundance of concrete and tourists, the city center gets extremely hot even in the evening. For many travelers, such a trip turns out to be much more exhausting than expected.

The best alternative: Valencia—a less crowded city on the Spanish coast with more comfortable beaches, lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere even during peak season.

We previously reported that Spain is tightening rules for tourists at popular resorts due to mass tourism, noisy parties, and complaints from local residents.

Venice, Italy

Venice continues to grapple with overtourism, and in the summer of 2026, the city is once again expecting a record influx of tourists. Due to the huge number of day-trippers, authorities have been imposing an entry fee for tourists on peak days for several seasons in a row. However, even this does not solve the main problem—the city’s narrow streets and canals simply cannot handle such a load.

In the summer, getting around the center of Venice often turns into a never-ending line. Near the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square, and the main piers, tourists literally have to push their way through the crowds. The heat and high humidity create additional difficulties, making long walks through the city exhausting.

Another problem is prices. During the high season, hotel rates in Venice can be several times higher than in less popular Italian cities. The same applies to restaurants, gondolas, and even basic tourist services. As a result, many travelers end up spending significantly more than they planned but don’t get a comfortable vacation.

The best alternative: Trieste—a charming Italian city on the Adriatic Sea with beautiful architecture, fewer tourists, and much more affordable prices, even in the summer.

In our previous article, we wrote about 5 authentic Italian islands worth visiting in 2026.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini remains one of Europe’s most popular islands, but precisely because of this, summer vacations here are increasingly disappointing for tourists. During peak season, the island is literally overflowing, especially on days when cruise ships arrive, when the narrow streets of Fira and Oia are filled with thousands of people at once.

Queues here become part of the vacation experience: at restaurants with sunset views, the cable car, popular photo spots, and even public transportation. Due to the massive tourist influx, prices for accommodation and food in the summer of 2026 remain among the highest in Greece, and finding a good hotel at a reasonable price at the last minute is nearly impossible.

The heat is a separate issue. Greece regularly faces heatwaves, and on the islands, the situation is exacerbated by a lack of shade, water shortages, and overburdened infrastructure. Local authorities even issue specific safety recommendations during heatwaves due to the risks for tourists.

The best alternative: Naxos Island – a less touristy destination in Greece with more spacious beaches, lower prices, and a much calmer atmosphere even in the height of summer.

In our previous article, we wrote about the TOP 5 uncrowded Mediterranean resorts where you can relax without lines or noise.

Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca is once again among Europe’s most overcrowded tourist destinations this summer. The island has been suffering from overtourism for several years, and locals are increasingly protesting against the massive influx of tourists and unregulated short-term rentals. During peak weeks of the season, popular areas are literally overflowing with people.

The biggest problems arise on the beaches and in the coastal tourist towns. Finding parking is nearly impossible, roads are regularly gridlocked, and prices in restaurants and hotels skyrocket during the season. Some beaches in Mallorca are already imposing visitor limits due to overcrowding and environmental concerns.

Tourists are also increasingly complaining about the loss of that “Mediterranean atmosphere” that used to draw them to the island. Due to the crowds, noise, and high prices, a vacation here in July and August may turn out to be significantly less comfortable than expected after seeing the beautiful photos on social media.

The best alternative: Menorca – a quieter Balearic island with clean beaches, fewer tourists, and a more relaxed atmosphere for a summer vacation.

Learn more about the 3 cheapest European resorts for a seaside vacation in 2026 by following the link.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik has long been one of Croatia’s main tourist “postcards,” but in the summer, the city often struggles to handle the influx of visitors. The situation becomes particularly challenging on days when cruise ships arrive, as thousands of tourists flood into the old town at once. Due to the narrow medieval streets, the center quickly turns into a solid crowd.

During peak season, tourists regularly face hours-long lines at popular spots, packed restaurants, and sky-high prices. Accommodation costs in July and August can be among the highest on the entire Adriatic coast, and finding a good hotel closer to your travel dates is nearly impossible.

The heat makes the situation even worse. The cobblestone streets of the old town get very hot during the day, and due to the dense buildings, the air often remains heavy and stifling even in the evenings. As a result, many tourists spend more time in lines and traffic jams than enjoying the city itself.

The best alternative: Split or Šibenik—less crowded Croatian coastal cities with beautiful architecture, atmospheric waterfronts, and a much more relaxed pace of life in the summer.

In our previous article, we talked about 5 places in Croatia where you can relax more peacefully and see the country from a different perspective.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali remains one of the world’s most popular beach destinations, but its very popularity is increasingly becoming the island’s main problem. In many tourist areas, especially in Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud, tourists face constant traffic jams, overcrowded beaches, and severe infrastructure overload.

One of Bali’s main problems is transportation. Due to narrow roads and a huge number of cars and scooters, even a short trip can take over an hour. During peak season, traffic jams have become so common here that tourists often plan their day with extra time built in for literally every trip.

The island is also regularly criticized for its trash and environmental issues. During the rainy season, large amounts of plastic and waste accumulate on some beaches, and popular natural sites suffer from excessive tourist traffic. At the same time, prices for accommodation, cafes, and services in Bali have risen significantly in recent years due to huge demand from tourists and digital nomads.

The best alternative: Lombok Island—a quieter destination near Bali with beautiful beaches, fewer tourists, and a more relaxing atmosphere.

Learn more about the best Mediterranean islands for a vacation without crowds of tourists by following the link.

Are you planning a trip and want to prepare without unnecessary stress? Visit World's travel guide contains key tips for travelers: rules of entry and stay, current requirements for tourists, basic safety, transportation and accommodation. Such a guide will help you quickly navigate a new country, avoid common mistakes during your trip, and plan your route taking into account practical nuances that often go unnoticed by tourists.

We remind you! Popular tourist destinations can be a trap. We have already told you which 8 places in the world Fodor’s advises to avoid in 2026 due to overtourism, environmental risks and social tension – and what alternatives to choose instead.