I’ve travelled the world 50 times – here are my sneaky hacks for avoiding crowds in tourist traps
A MAN who has been to more than 170 countries has revealed some of the sneaky travel hacks he has learned along the way.
Tony Wheeler, the co-founder of Lonely Planet, first started travelling back in 1972 with his partner Maureen Wheeler.
They then created Lonely Planet, with just 1,500 copies – which has led to 150 million guidebooks since.
Despite selling the company back in 2011, Mr Wheeler and his wife still travel the world, going around the globe 50 times.
And during his travels, he’s picked up some tricks along the way.
Originally wanting the books to be for backpackers on a budget, Mr Wheeler said there is a way to avoid the crowds at busy tourist attractions.
He told the Washington Post that tourists should go “two streets over” from the main attractions.
This means you can find quieter destinations, including restaurants and bars.
When discussing Venice, one destination that has suffered from overtourism in recent years, he added: “Everyone is in St. Mark’s Square.
“There are other parts of the city you can go to and find churches that are not crowded with tourists.”
He also recommended cities off the beaten track, such as Ravenna, a city in northern Italy which is still “undertouristed”.
Avoiding tourist areas isn’t the only travel trick Mr Wheeler revealed.
He also said he nearly always opts for hand luggage rather than checking bags, due to the risk of them going missing or being damaged.
And despite visiting 170 countries, he said he has only been the victim of crime once.
He added: “Things are not always as unsafe as you fear they are – once you get to a place and are out in the streets, you will feel if it is okay or not.”
It’s not just Mr Wheeler who agrees with the “two streets” rule to avoid the crowds.
Ben Groundwater, who has been travelling for more than 20 years, said its the best way to go somewhere “better” and “nicer”.
He explained on Stuff NZ about his “two block rule”.
He wrote: “You’re in a heavily touristed area, near major attractions, surrounded by tacky T-shirt stores and restaurants with “menus in English” and waiters hanging around trying to encourage you in. Bad times.
“Walk two blocks away from the big attractions and you’re already in a neighbourhood with better restaurants, better shops, and a nicer feel. It’s that simple, yet so few tourists ever bother.”
A number of holiday destinations are even cracking down on tourists.
An Italian villa, known for featuring in James Bond and Star Wars, is halving the daily visitor allowance.
Visits to Athenr’s Acropolis in Greece will be capped at 20,000 tourists daily.
And Venice is to charge day-trippers €5 from next year in a new trial scheme.