Tired of crowds? Here are a few good alternatives.

We are headed to Greenland in August, and yes, we hate crowds;) We are not going to Nukk though, like most people.

Add Canada to the list.
We are an enormous and varied country, not crowded and very friendly!

Mikliz97, Greenland is high on my list. I can’t wait to hear about it from you.

And SJ, I love Canada! I’ve only been to the eastern half (and not much of that) but have every intention of making it to the west when I can.

There are many places you can go and avoid crowds, even in other countries. I've been trying to promote more unknown destinations that deserve more visitors, although with limited impact so for. But at least one forum member followed one of my posts and enjoyed the trip, so I count that as success. There are many charming places in Sweden that are still off the beaten path.

And in many other countries as well you can find places that are looking for more visitors. Places that can be a detour for a few days if you don't want to take a long trip to a more unknown place.

I am on the tail end of my S America trip in Bolivia and there are almost no tourists here - just a handful. The country is beautiful, especially if you love mountains, and very, very, very cheap. It is also hassle free with no high pitch sales. One must deal with the elevation which is significant but for most folks this shouldn’t be a problem.

For anyone considering a trip to the Salar de Uyuni (world’s largest salt flats at >10,500 sq miles), a four day trip (3 nights) from Tupiza to Uyuni, with a private double room for two costs less than $330 if paid in Bolivianos for two. Keep in mind that the first two nights are spent over 14,000 feet and the final night lower than 12,000 ft. The highest elevation that the tour reaches as measured using Gaia was about 16,300.

I am already starting to look at a future trip focusing more on wildlife and the Amazon basin in particular.

Arnold: the $160 Bolivian visa charge for Americans only put me off.

I find Georgia incredibly interesting, especially since I think the food is delicious. I've never been to Georgia, but we have a really quaint Georgian restaurant in Munich.

Otherwise, our plan, when we retire, is to drive along the German border (in Germany). I'm sure we'll come across some great places that not many tourists have visited yet. And of course we also come across real tourist hot spots.

Thank you, Mignon, for the mention of a Georgian restaurant in Munich. I knew nothing about Georgian food. Is the restaurant Iveria?
We are planning to be in Munich for 10 days in October. I did google Iveria restaurant. The menu and photos show food we would enjoy. It's on our list of places to try this trip. We have not ventured into that neighborhood despite numerous visits to Munich since the '80s. We are excited to see a new area!

Traveler Girl

Wow that article sure did "dis" one of my favorite countries: Armenia, which borders Georgia but was omitted from its list of neighbors. Nine of us spent a week in Georgia and a week in Armenia in 2019 with guides and drivers.
I'd return to Armenia in a heartbeat. We flew into Tbilisi, Georgia and out from Yerevan, Armenia.

Toby:

Given how cheap Bolivia is, the visa fee is a small inconvenience.

I’m surprised that Uzbekistan didn’t make the list since they are spending like crazy on tourism.

Agree with others - Georgia and Armenia are great places to escape the hordes though my experience is now about 12 years old. Hoping I can make it to Azerbaijan later this year

Not to get too off topic, but if people on this thread are interested in trying Georgian food and are visiting London, Shoty in South Kensington is excellent and highly recommended. Georgia is very high on my list to visit... we had looked at going this year but weren't sure about the political instability. Hopefully next year...

Another nod for Georgian food. A great Georgian restaurant near the basilica in Budapest and near Maidan in Kyiv.

how cheap Bolivia is, the visa fee is a small inconvenience.

I don’t think $160 in cash, plus passport photo, plus color photocopies of things, plus yellow fever vax certificate (rarely enforced) which are requirements leveled uniquely against Americans is a small deal, especially if your bus, full of Europeans and Canadians admitted effortlessly, tires of waiting for all your paperwork to get processed and leaves the border without you.

Can’t imagine who came up with this list who paid them to create the list.
Greenland, I don’t get it. But okay. Sure, there aren’t many tourists. An ideal place to go to be sure to not see tourists.
Morocco, if you think it isn’t a bit of a tourist trap, you haven’t been there. Can’t imagine how it made the list.
Serbia has three interesting places. Still very popular with the Russian tourists.
Georgia, truly beautiful and fascinating and has a well-developed tourist industry. But no, not overcrowded. So, one good recommendation.

Georgia, Armenia, and Uzbekistan all on my list. I need to travel more!

I have been to Serbia and, while interesting, it did not inspire me to go back (other than Novi Sad).

In Georgia and Armenia we ran into Russian and Iraqis tourists, as well as a lot of Armenians born overseas visiting the homeland.

Is the restaurant Iveria?

Exactly, it's Iveria. As I wrote, the food is excellent. We especially always look forward to the khinkali (dumplings) every time. What I like so much about the food is that at first, you might think it's some kind of simple Greek kebab but the Georgians use different spices and herbs. But (there is always a but when you ask a German) when you enter the restaurant, you'll probably be shocked at first. I felt like I was traveling back in time but the food makes up for everything.

The entire area isn't Munich's spruced-up look. It's a district that's still very authentic. A district that even people with modest budgets can still afford. It's also the area where Munich's slaughterhouse is located. The city council is considering removing the slaughterhouse, and the property speculators are already shouting hurrah :-)
While the neighborhood is still as it is, I recommend you visit the 'Bahnwärter Thiel' (google) in the 'Old 'Viehhof'. It's just a few meters away from Iveria. They've built a modern theater (Volkstheater) next to the Bahnwärter Thiel, and it gives you a taste of what the neighborhood will become when one day it's all about expensive apartments. On the grounds of Bahnwärter Thiel, there's a Brazilian restaurant (La Favela) in an old subway train covered in graffiti. Also very interesting.

About 5-10 minutes walk away from Bahnwärter Thiel is a place where you can enjoy a cozy after-dinner drink. The 'Alte Utting' (google) is an old ship from Lake Ammersee, located on an old railway bridge.

Some info about the Slaughterhouse district (Schlachthofviertel): https://www.munich.travel/en/topics/urban-districts/local-love-munich/local-love-schlachthofviertel-the-charm-of-the-casual

Mardee-- I will definitely do a trip report:)

Mr E--Greenland has suddenly popped up on peoples radar just like Iceland 10-15 years ago. We go in August, and I booked everything last December and still could not get into certain hotels I had hoped for. They were already booked up, which caught me a bit off guard. The new airport has opened in Nukk, which will draw a lot more people, but we are avoiding that area and just heading north of there. Avoiding the cruise ships was key for us:)

This is so coincidental that Uzbekistan popped up here. I was subbing today and was pulling up something online for the kids when I suddenly saw a photo of Khiva, Uzbekistan. The photo floored me enough that I spent the next 20 minutes looking for more information about the country (don't worry—the kids were at lunch). :-)

I went online as soon as I got home researching more of Khiva (and Uzbekistan), and discovered some of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I definitely have this on my radar now and will be checking into it more. This BBC article shows some of the incredible charm of the ancient city of Khiva.

And for what it's worth, I still want to go to Greenland! And Georgia! And Albania!

Khiva

Wow this is amazing. Thanks.

mikliz97, i can see why some might like Greenland .... Some like Iceland too. I visited Iceland a few years back. I am not angry that that I did.

Mardee, when you and TTM get ready for Uzbekistan you let me know. I've planned and canceled that trip a half dozen times in the last 10 years. It remains my great dream trip. I want nothing less than 10 days for it and two weeks would be better and I want a guide .... one guide .... full trip. For this one money doesnt matter. When I can do it right i am off. Albania was one of my most amazing trips in recent years, so do keep that one alive.

I look for quick trips on the discount airlines out of Budapest and a few others that look good to me right now are Gerogria, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Mignon,
Thank you for the additional suggestions. I have researched and made note of all of them. A new "off the beaten patch" district (for us) in Munich. Can't wait to get back to Munich to explore it!

Traveler Girl

Mr. E, I/we definitely will! It really looks amazing.

My trip to Uzbekistan was a while ago but if interested you can find some of my notes here

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/been-to-uzbekistan

So I've just returned from Uzbekistan, and what a delightful trip this was. 12 days, with stops in Tashkent, Kokand, Mar'gilon, Samarkand. Bukhara, and Khiva. Amazing history, friendly and helpful locals, excellent food, it far surpassed my (high!) expectations! The high-speed trains are an additional bonus, thank you Spain/Talgo :-)

I highly recommend visiting this country!

We did have a local guide throughout, but I also met a couple on the flight over who were traveling independently. And talked to a person who was on a Gate1 tour. So there are many options how one wants to travel! Uzbek and Russian are spoken throughout, with many European languages such as German, English, French, Italian spoken in the main tourist destinations. But even without that, I was always able to make things work using international words, sign language etc.

Arnold, I did read your report ahead of time, very helpful. Some changes are noteworthy: ATMs (some include a handy money changing feature...) can be found easily in all large towns, but also in many local markets etc. And credit cards as well as tap-and-pay are available in the many restaurants, store. Market vendors however rely heavily on cash. But prices are low compared to European and more so US prices. No need to bring lots of dollars, to be exchanged on the black market. And after a couple days the exchange rate is no longer a stumbling block!!! ~13,000 UZ'M (Uzbek Som) = 1$

This was my first time flying Turkish Airline, very nice service indeed. They even served a warm meal on a flight that departed Istanbul at 1:20 am. Cool.

If you want dine at a Georgian restaurant in Frankfurt, you have your wish:
https://pirosmani-restaurant.de/

They are really popular!

If you are going to be here on a Wed. evening or a Sunday afternoon, you can also visit the WW2 bunker right next door to the restaurant and see their unique Jewish exhibits. (the bunker was built on the ruins of a Synagogue destroyed on 9 Nov. 1938)

If you are going to be here on a Wed. evening or a Sunday afternoon, you can also visit the WW2 bunker right next door to the restaurant and see their unique Jewish exhibits. (the bunker was built on the ruins of a Synagogue destroyed on 9 Nov. 1938)

That sounds very exciting. Thanks for the info. But it somehow sounds familiar to me (no idea why). At least if it's Pirosmani, the decor is significantly better than the Georgian restaurant in Munich :-) But that's actually should not be the point. I'm definitely happy that Georgian food is becoming more popular in Germany, because it truly deserves it.

Arnold and Moin, thanks so much! Arnold, I will read the trip report, and moin, good advice! I'd love to read more about your trip if you have time for a report. The country sounds amazing!

And Mignon and Ms. Jo, I look forward to visiting some Georgian restaurants during my next trip to Germany!

Add Canada to the list. We are an enormous and varied country, not
crowded and very friendly!

I visited Montreal and Quebec City last year with a French friend. She came from Paris, me from Atlanta, and we met up in Montreal. We really did enjoy it, and she couldn't get over how CLEAN Montreal was! And Quebec City looks just like Europe, she even said it was just like being in France.

It was a super nice trip, and I know that is only one part of your huge country with so much to see (I've also been to Ontario a few times.)

I don’t think $160 in cash, plus passport photo, plus color photocopies of things, plus yellow fever vax certificate (rarely enforced) which are requirements leveled uniquely against Americans is a small deal, especially if your bus, full of Europeans and Canadians admitted effortlessly, tires of waiting for all your paperwork to get processed and leaves the border without you.

The $160 should be a reciprocity fee, that is the same that is required to Bolivianos applying for an US visa. If memory serves me, also Chile has a reciprocity fee with US but not EU citizens. In all these cases it were the US that began applying high fees to visa seekers and got backlash fees.

The $160 should be a reciprocity fee, that is the same that is required to Bolivianos applying for an US visa. If memory serves me, also Chile has a reciprocity fee with US but not EU citizens. In all these cases it were the US that began applying high fees to visa seekers and got backlash fees.

No, there is no visa fee for US visitors to Chile.

Yes, the EU and the UK charge similar visa fees to Bolivians who want to visit their countries, yet Europeans and British are charged no visa fee when visiting Bolivia.

Note that the $160 fee levied against Americans comes and goes with the government. Marxists in power (now), $160. There was a year around 2019 with no visa fee with another government in power.

I think I've come up with a way to decide if a place will be crowded or not.....

If Rick Steves suggests you visit, it will be crowded.

The quick answer is Eastern Europe. I think the best balance of tourists and places of interest right now might be:

Lviv, and south into the Carpathians to Chernivtsi
Sarajevo
Montenegro coastal towns Perast to Ukcinj
Albanian coast and Alps
Bulgaria, Plovdiv and Nessebar in particular

Budapest. Yes. A lot of tourists but the city is large enough and the sites spread out enough to handle it

I second Eastern Europe and the Balkans! And totally agree that travel is no longer fun when you feel like a canned sardine : )

South America is cheap and wonderful. Crowds are not big.
Ecuador and the Galapagos is super, as is Peru, Lima, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Chile and Argentina are super, take a cruise around the Horn.
Brazil has waived its terrible visa rules for Americans, we many go there soon.

Also, Japan is special. Don't miss Kyoto.

We have a tour of India and Nepal booked for 2026 as well as a tour of Armenia and Georgia.

Most of South America is a Level 2 which puts it in the same category as Italy or Germany.

Most of Eastern Europe is a Level 1, the big exception being Ukraine which is split between 4 in the East and 3 in the West (Lviv). But that could change on a moment’s notice.

Peru, Lima, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu have all become tourism nightmares. I missed that opportunity to my dismay.

Brazil by the US State Department is a Level 2 with some Level 4 zones so plan with that in mind.

Japan? I am surprised that its not crowded in Japan.

India? I am surprised that its not crowded in India. It’s a Level 2 with some do not travel zones thrown in.

Nepal? I have friends from Nepal. Seen lots of family holiday photos. I would love that trip.

Armenia by the US State Department is a Level 2 with some Level 4 zones so plan with that in mind.

Georgia is a Level 1, today, but watch it carefully. Its among the real estate that the Russians want and they have been dipping their wick in the local affairs.

Frank, so in other words, just go to countries where there's no RS guidebook? :-) Probably wise if you want to get off the beaten path. I was doing a little pushing for a Romania board, but maybe it's better not to.

Mr E, I agree that Eastern Europe is a good choice right now (hence my fall trip). And then, who knows? Uzbekistan?

We have a tour of India and Nepal booked for 2026 as well as a tour of Armenia and Georgia.

geovagriffith, those sound wonderful! What tour companies are you using?

Re Nepal Mr E. Kathmandu and in particular Thamel (the tourist area) were jam packed when I was there 8 years ago. Some areas were shoulder to shoulder when walking the streets. Traffic, mostly locals on motorcycles is insane, no rules whatsoever. A few of us did a nice 20 km run in the forested foothills just out of town and had some small temples and lookouts all to ourselves.
So if you spread your wings wide enough you can get away from the crushed.
In the Himalaya trekking was not particularly crowded with tourists once you get up higher. Lots of porters, yaks and donkeys on the trails though. It was winter so we missed the climbing companies arriving.

I have noticed a correlation between cost and crowds when travelling.
Our last trip was very low budget and we very much avoided crowds. We did do 2 commercial excursions of 2 to 4 hours but otherwise sought out free or cheap things to do. All but one of the wonderful free/cheap activities were very uncrowded. Some of the expensive things we missed we had seen years ago so we were happy to search out "lesser" attractions.
An example is the glow-worm caves. We had previously been to Waitomo 20 years ago and enjoyed it. It is now very, very popular and expensive. We skipped it but later in the trip we found a free to the public glow-worm cave, poorly signposted in the middle of nowhere. One other car in the carpark. Grabbed our headtorches and surf shoes and splashed our way along a self guided cave walk.
It was fantastic. Yep Waitomo is much bigger but doing it by yourself and being able to sit silently in the dark below the glittering glow-worms was quite special.
I am finding myself less inclined to seek out the "biggest and the best" knowing that it often comes with big crowds (and often a big cost).
I am now pretty happy to find things like that cave. A great experience that I can soak up in a more relaxed manner. Also I am a real tightarse when it comes to spending my hard earned haha!

I can assure readers here that northwest Ohio and northeast Indiana are both entirely free from tourists.

Keep in mind there's a reason for that.

northwest Ohio and northeast Indiana are both entirely free from tourists. Keep in mind there's a reason for that.

Well one of the better art museums in the world is in Toledo, it’s free (even parking) and no advance ticket nonsense.

And the best amusement park in the world is in Sandusky.

I love Cedar Point, Toby and it's been decades since I've been there. Maybe I should rectify that.

“Brazil has waived its terrible visa rules for Americans, we may go there soon.”

Please note that as of April, 2025, visas for Brazil are needed by Americans

Brazil requires a visa, but it can be an eVisa.
"Starting from April 10th, 2025, passport holders from Australia, Canada, and the United States will require a visa for entry into Brazil. If you already possess a valid physical visa in your passport for your visit's purpose, you do not need to apply for a new visa.

For those arriving in Brazil by air, sea, or land, the online visa application form is accessible here.

We strongly recommend applying for your eVisa in advance to prevent travel disruptions caused by delays or missed connections. Secure your eVisa for a seamless journey!

Please note that most commonly used browsers such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge are fully supported for the visa application process."

I have been to India, 10 years ago, but visited four ports in SW India. Yes, India has a lot of people, but it was NOT overrun with tourists.

Well one of the better art museums in the world is in Toledo, it’s free (even parking) and no advance ticket nonsense. And the best amusement park in the world is in Sandusky.

And a very fine zoo as well in Toledo - it rivals Detroit's zoo (Detroit's new penquinarium swings my vote though).

Brazil charges Americans $200 for a visa. I read on TripAdvisor that for day trippers to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls (from Argentina) who take a tour there is some kind of arrangement made between the tour guide and the Brazilian officials so Americans can enter Brazil for a half day w/o a visa.

I'm pleased to see several posts aimed at identifying actual tourist attractions in northwest Ohio. My work paid off. Hope my friends in the local community development offices noticed.