There are many great places to see in the world, but there are some travel destinations that are better left alone…at least for a while. So, if you’re looking for places that you should reconsider traveling to, here are 5.

1. Barcelona

This century-old city has a serious over-tourism issue that isn’t going away any time soon. No matter how many bus rerouting systems and pavement expansions the city authorities make, people will still suffer lining up to witness the grandeur of Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell. If you like air and freedom, spare yourself the trip to Barcelona.

2. Big Sur

California has its fair share of must-visit places, and Big Sur has gradually become one of the go-to destinations in the sun-kissed state. The completion of Highway 1 and the free publicity from NBO’s popular Big Little Lies series have made this once secluded piece of paradise, an overly-visited area with little roadside facilities in between stops like public bathrooms, for example.

3. Bali

The hub of culture and diverse cuisine that Indonesia’s most visited island offers has created an unstoppable wave of tourism that affects both the environment and the travel experience, in general. To combat the sinister effect of uncontrolled travel, the government has started taking strict measures like banning the use of single-use plastic and considering the introduction of a tourist tax.

4. Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Cambodia’s most visited attraction, Angkor Wat is definitely suffering from its own popularity. The temple complex that is more than 900 years old has sustained significant damage due to the constant influx of tourists. To decrease the rate of damage, authorities have put a limit on the daily number of tourists allowed to visit the temples. So, if you’re planning to travel there, keep in mind two things: you will often be surrounded by annoying tourists, and you may have to wait a while to get there in the first place. Decisions, decisions…

5. Matterhorn: A Catastrophic Risk

Matterhorn is a famous destination in Switzerland for a number of climbers from all around the world. However picturesque it may be from afar, that is exactly how you should see it – from afar. The prominent Swiss peak has and continues to take lives each year. In 2018 and 2019 combined, a total of 18 people fell to their fatal end while trying to conquer nature.

Making rookie mistakes while packing your backpacks before a first-time hiking trip, is completely natural. For novice hikers, often the trip can be ruined only for your backpack burden, which will inevitably weigh you down and slow your normal speed on the trail. Backpacking is not about replicating your home comfort on road but carrying essentials for the trail mostly. But that doesn’t mean you have to cut all your comfort while on road. Just go for the lightweight and portable alternatives along with a few never-to-forget essentials. Here are a few tips to help you out to cut your pack weight, not your comfort.

• Opt for Multipurpose Gears

This includes clothing also. While a cooking pot can be used as a bowl, a bandana can be used as a sun-protection, a dish cleaner, a coffee filter, a potholder, etc. Also re-wear your clothes to save backpack space. If you get bored, do some impromptu mix n match or layering from within your stock. Look for professional multipurpose trekking gears, if you need them.

• Hydration Is a Must

A single-liter water bottle can add a significant amount of 2.2 pounds to your pack weight. So, ditch multiple water bottles and carry a filtration solution instead. Plan out water stops along your trail, refill your bottle, and keep filtering your water periodically as you hike. Collapsible water bottles are handy here to save extra space and weight.

• Keep it Organized

The first and foremost thing is to weigh everything you are carrying, including your water and food. The beginner backpackers should not carry more than 20% of their full-body weights on their backs while walking. It’s better to create a spreadsheet to log down everything. You can use the spreadsheet for your next trip too. If this sounds tedious, simply weigh your backpack after packing using a luggage scale and reorganize accordingly.