Mediterranean locals are fed up with tourists- how to adjust your vacation

Cascais, Portugal

For years now, social media has been flooded with hundreds of thousands of posts of major attractions, traveling to the same places to do the same things. Now, travel 'deinfluencing' is taking charge, showing the reality of the most popular destinations. Misleading filters are debunked, and cameras pan out to reveal enormous crowds.

Traveling is a main goal for some, but for others, it's just something they have to do. Visit the place, eat the viral food, take selfies, and share your opinion. I think the pressure to travel is one of the main culprits of over-tourism.

It's one thing if you love traveling and experiencing new things. It's different if you go see the Parthenon only because your neighbor did and then call it a pile of rocks.

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The growing anti-tourist sentiment

Many citizens of Mediterranean countries live off of tourism. Other European countries flock to the South during the summer, either for vacations or hospitality work.

The majority of people who live in popular places don't work in tourism. Imagine working a regular job, making a minimum wage, and a water bottle at the corner store is 2 euros. And the restaurants and shops close to your home or work are overpriced tourist traps. Locals are being pushed out by housing and grocery prices because their income is not aligned with what tourists can afford. Basically a large number of businesses cater to wealthy foreigners. Needs are replaced with gimmicks.

When you're on vacation, you tend to splurge and treat yourself. Most businesses will take advantage of that. The problem is when the vacation spot is extended to the detriment of locals' daily lives. The 10 pound strawberry chocolates or the 10 euros unique pastries are fun and maybe tasty. Yet locals have to live around this. Novelty shops are kept in business by a constant influx of tourists who want to try viral snacks.

Farmer's markets are packed with tours. Where are the locals shopping for dinner? They are pushed outside of the city for grocery shopping and housing.

The saying is that the main income is from tourism. But who is benefiting from it?

The government mainly, as it slaps taxes and fees on everything. Then major corporations that offer services like transportation, accommodations, and tours. Then restaurants and shops.

Even when the prices are high, the employees are paid on par with local salaries. So the average restaurant worker is not really profiting off tourism, but working long hours for hopefully an average paycheck. And on top of that, as Americans tip, the owners feel more entitled to pay less. Nobody in Europe wants the American model of not being paid and relying on customer's tips. Here, tips are a plus, not a gamble on having dinner that day.

A vacation is something everyone needs, for their well-being and as an escape from the daily grind. How and when we decide to go on vacation is important, as we want a great experience, not to be booed while having tapas.

To have better experiences, you need to understand the habits of Europeans.

Winter options are usually skiing or spending the holidays somewhere fancy. These are expensive trips, so not many can afford them. The majority work from fall to spring, and spend holidays with family.

During the summer, everyone takes off. Government workers, students, teachers, and more take the summer off. Employees in any corporation submit their 21 days of vacation for July and August. The weekends are beach breaks. Tourists also visit mountains and nature retreats. But numerous Europeans head to the Mediterranean Sea for a vacation.

The summer is also the time for amazing Mediterranean cruises. They bring their own issues- thousands of people crowding an already favored place. Each ship provides thousands who go out for a walk and take photos. A large number don't spend much ashore, as they spend enough for the actual cruise. Not that a magnet and appetizers would make up for the major congestion.

Considering all the resources that go into planning and executing a vacation, you should be able to enjoy it to the fullest.

While trying to check off the list of all the important spots, you're dragging your feet to the Trevi Fountain at 5 am for an empty street. The rest of the day you're hot, and thirsty, your feet hurt, and you think about getting home to get some rest after this vacation.

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Where to travel in the summer

For Europeans, seasides and lakesides in the summer are a given. This is their time.

You would enjoy a more relaxing summer close to home. Going North is also a good idea. Or visiting a National Park or Nature Reserve.

If the beach is calling, look for the beach or pool closest to you. You might find your new hidden haven.

No matter where you live, there's fun and relaxation to be had off the beaten path. Lots of US states have hidden gems to explore without the crowds, so you can check out these options:

-Tybee Island, and Jekyll Island, Georgia

-Cannon Beach, Oregon

-Gulf Shores, Alabama

-Mystic, Connecticut

-Block Island, Rhode Island

-Big Sur, and Gray Whale Cove State Beach, California

-Sandbridge Beach, Virginia

-Hobbit Beach, Oregon

-Ruby Beach, Washington

Or, take a look at Google Maps and find an undiscovered treasure. You can be a discoverer of cool places, instead of a follower of over-hyped attractions.

As for summers in Europe, go North. This is the perfect time for nature hikes and city breaks. It's also the best time to see Alaska and Canada. You'll still run into crowds, but it won't be as unpleasant as the Mediterranean.

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Best places for the off-season

Winter is the perfect time to visit the most popular attractions. January in Paris will allow you to actually get into the Louvre and check out the Grande Épicerie in peace. Yes, you need to dress warmly. But you won't queue for hours during the off-season.

Throughout the Southern coast of the Mediterranean and some islands (Crete), the days are full of sunshine, the restaurants still have wine and snacks, and you can avoid shoveling your driveway for a week.

The Algarve and Cyprus are competing for the highest number of sunny days per year, they're my favorite for winter travel. Sardinia and Crete also have amazing weather, and plenty to do.

You'll be able to spend your days in museums, cafes, unique restaurants, workshops, and more.

You can walk on the cobblestone streets and take in the views and the sun.

You will have better deals for accommodations. Rent a car and go everywhere. Or, take a tour of the best local products.

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A compromise

If you are cold all the time and need oven temperatures to swim in the sea, visit the beach at the end of the season. September and October are still great in the South of Europe.

The Earth and water are still warm, so you can swim and sunbathe. There are fewer visitors, so you won't have to fight for an outside table at the restaurants.

You will still get better deals than in the summer, especially if you book in advance.

There is a risk with the weather, but I wouldn't say it's worse in the off-season. Summer comes with dangerously high temperatures, floods, days of heavy rain, and hail. I was in Greece one summer, and gloomy rainy days were a regular thing. Each year is different.

We cannot control the weather, but we can control our daily activities and still enjoy the trip. If the weather keeps me in a hotel, I enjoy it. After all, the room wasn't free, so why not wallow in that comfy bed or spa?

Write down the most important things you want out of your next vacation. Maybe you want to immerse yourself in a different culture, go on hikes every day, or just relax with a book and a nice view. Choose what suits you and what you actually love.

It's sad to say, but many go through the trouble of traveling just to say they did.