Regenerative Tourism: Smart Strategies to Ease Overtourism and Elevate Every Journey

By Gina Bang, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Avanti Destinations

It’s hard to read about travel today without encountering the word overtourism. From overcrowded streets in historic cities to visitor taxes and cruise restrictions, the challenges are real. Popular destinations are struggling under the weight of too many visitors, while travelers themselves face long lines, higher prices, and experiences that feel anything but authentic.

The Belize Barrier Reef is the largest in the northern hemisphere, and renowned as one of the best in the world, making it an ideal winter vacation destination for snorkelers and scuba divers. Photo credit: Avanti Destinations

The good news? With the right strategies, travel advisors can guide clients toward vacations that are more rewarding and help reduce strain on the world’s most beloved places. This is where regenerative tourism comes in: travel that not only minimizes impact, but actively benefits communities, preserves cultures, and restores ecosystems—all while creating more memorable journeys.

For those who want to embrace winter weather, consider vacationing in Finland’s Lapland where you can chase the Northern Lights, go dog-sledding or reindeer-sledding, followed by an authentic sauna. Photo credit: Avanti Destinations

Here are four practical ways to put it into action:

1. Rethink the Calendar: Travel in the Off-Season

Most Americans head abroad in summer, spring, and early fall. But from November to March (outside the holidays), even iconic destinations feel less crowded. The perks? Shorter lines, friendlier prices, and a richer cultural vibe.

Europe: enjoy opera, theater, and festivals in vibrant cities; ski in Austria or Switzerland; or chase the Northern Lights in Scandinavia.

Southern Europe: explore Spain, Portugal, or Italy in cooler but comfortable weather.

Warmer latitudes: trade winter coats for beaches in Southeast Asia, wildlife adventures in Central and South America, or desert treks in Morocco and Jordan.

Shifting the travel calendar also reveals a more intimate, authentic side of destinations.

The Dolomite region in northeastern Italy is another less-touristed region, known for its dramatic, breathtaking mountain scenery and hiking and trekking opportunities. Photo credit: Avanti Destinations

2. Go Beyond the Capitals

Paris, London, Rome, Madrid—spectacular, yes, but only part of the story. Beyond the capitals lie towns and regions that are equally rich in culture, cuisine, and scenery—yet far less crowded.

France: Lyon’s gastronomy, Strasbourg’s history, Avignon’s charm.

Italy: Bologna’s trattorias, the Dolomites’ alpine trails, Sardinia’s island escapes.

Spain: Toledo’s medieval streets, Granada’s Moorish wonders, Valencia’s futuristic design.

The UK: Cornwall’s coast, the Lake District’s landscapes, the Hebrides’ rugged beauty.

These places welcome visitors eager to experience traditions and lifestyles that often get overshadowed by capitals and most visited destinations.

Colorful markets, like Hoi An central market in Vietnam, can be explored on your own schedule when you travel independently. Photo credit: Avanti Destinations

3. Choose Independence Over the Herd

Cruises and large group tours funnel hundreds of visitors into the same sites at once. Independent travel (FIT) is the antidote. With guidance from a skilled advisor and a trusted FIT operator, travelers can design journeys that are personal, flexible, and freeing.

Prefer a quiet cathedral at dawn? Or a lively market at midday?

Independent travel lets you choose your rhythm. It allows time for cooking classes, wine tasting, or cycling ancient backroads—whatever fuels your curiosity. Instead of checking boxes, you create a journey shaped by your interests and pace.

Switzerland’s efficient trains, including its scenic routes, are not only convenient and relaxing, but also the most sustainable mode of transportation. Photo credit: Avanti Destinations

4. Support Local, Travel Sustainably

Regenerative tourism isn’t just about where you go, but how. Choosing suppliers who prioritize sustainability and community creates ripple effects of positive change:

Stay in boutique or locally owned properties instead of big chains.

Hire local guides and drivers who bring authentic insight.

Opt for walking or cycling tours that connect you more deeply with neighborhoods.

Travel by train whenever possible for a greener, more scenic and relaxing journey.

These choices don’t just reduce impact; they add richness and connection to the experience.

About Avanti Destinations:

Since 1981, Avanti Destinations has been selling custom-crafted independent travel vacations in Europe, Asia, North Africa/the Middle East, the South Pacific, and Central and South America. The Portland, Oregon-based wholesale tour operator offers a wide range of FIT components to travel advisors only, including air, rail, rental cars, hotels, sightseeing/attractions, transfers and hard-to-find experiential travel options.

Avanti specializes in hand-picked, locally-owned hotels in both large and small cities and in connecting all the pieces of complex or multi-destination itineraries. The company also creates complete packages for custom groups of 10 or more passengers. In 2024 Avanti launched a sustainability initiative, the Avanti Footprint program, to help advisors identify accommodations, tours, and transfers within the company’s portfolio that are making a conscious commitment toward product sustainability.

For more information: https://book.avantidestinations.com.