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Discover how I weathered the storm of revenge travel and anti-tourist protests to reclaim my holidays!
Vacation Vengeance!
Remember that feeling of being stuck inside, endlessly scrolling through vacation photos from pre-COVID days?
For me, I was literally stuck in Tbilisi, Georgia — alone and far from home.
We all promised ourselves, “One day, I’ll be back out there.”
But what happens when everyone has the same idea at once?
What happens when the world opens up and we’re all ready to embark on the ultimate act of “revenge travel”?
After finally leaving Georgia, I set my sights on Saranda, Albania. It was the perfect spot to hang my Expat hat. In the spring of 2023, I spent four idyllic months there, soaking in the tranquility and charm of the off-season.
The experience was so fulfilling that I decided to return in October 2023, eager to enjoy an entire peaceful off-season.
Fast forward to the spring of 2024 and I’m out for my morning walk in Saranda, my off-season haven.
The end of March brought an early Easter weekend, and I’m relishing the still crisp air and quiet streets. As I stroll along my usual route, I spot a few tour buses unloading tourists at the hotels nearby.
It’s peculiar since, the year before, tourists didn’t start arriving until June.
Week after week, I notice more buses, more tourists. The sidewalks that were once mine alone in the early mornings were now crowded and bustling. My peaceful walks were becoming less serene and more chaotic.
I then realized that I was witnessing the first real waves of “revenge travelers” — people driven by the need to make up for lost time and missed adventures.
After years of being grounded by the pandemic, they were here, and they were everywhere, reclaiming their freedom in droves. And Saranda, my once quiet off-season retreat, was right at the heart of it all.
I couldn’t help but notice firsthand, the strain on local infrastructure.
By the end of Spring, power outages had become more and more a part of my everyday life. I saw with my own eyes how the influx of tourists was pushing the city’s resources to the brink.
I couldn’t shake the nagging thought of what this massive surge in travel might mean for other destinations they were all flocking to.
More importantly, how could I avoid them when I finally set off on my 3 month trip.
Luckily for me though, I’ve avoided the most popular tourist destinations like the plague for years now, even before the pandemic.
Guidebooks, Instagram Travel Influencers, and YouTube Travel Vloggers have become my “anti guides” — if a location is mentioned or mentioned too often, it’s a location I avoid!
The Birth of Revenge Travel
Early 2023, I was in a bar in Strasbourg, swapping stories with a local. We relished in finally being able to break free from lockdowns and reconnect with the world.
It wasn’t just about the destinations; it was about reclaiming our sense of freedom and adventure.
This surge, this “revenge travel,” was driven by a pent up need to escape the monotony of isolation and experience life once again.
But by summer 2023, this wanderlust came with challenges. Airfares were sky-high, hotels and Airbnbs were booked solid or out of my budget.
Even tier 2 and 3 tourist spots were packed.
My dreams of a serene, cheap getaway turned into navigating packed airports, endless check-in lines, and chaotic security checks.
Train stations were no better — delays and cancellations plagued once efficient rail networks.
In the face of these challenges, I found solace in bus and coach travel, which has since become my preferred mode of transport.
I see now that revenge travel and the resulting tourist backlash are two sides of the same coin.
Our rush to reclaim our freedom to travel had unintended consequences that we are all having to face.
Locals Fighting Back! Tourist Backlash: The Other Side of the Coin
While researching this issue, it was hard to avoid reading about places like Barcelona, a city renowned for its beauty and culture, but also now infamous for its recent anti-tourism protests.
As I read one article, I couldn’t help but recall strolling through the charming streets of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter back in 1998.
I remembered fondly staying at a local family run B&B, which was quite common back in the Spain of the 1990’s.
Flash forward to 2024, the streets and mini plazas of that very same Gothic Quarter I once marveled at were now plastered with graffiti and posters:
“Tourists Not Welcome!”
“Tourists Go Home!”
All decrying the impact of mass tourism, mirroring the headlines of articles describing this new phenomenon.
Local residents, so frustrated by the overcrowding and rising living costs, were even spraying tourists with water guns and canned drinks as they sat in outdoor cafe’s trying to enjoy their morning coffee.
These acts of defiance were directed against the very industry that had once brought prosperity to their city.
In some destinations, measures to curb the influx of tourists had become drastic.
Increased fees, fines, outright bans on short-term rentals and this “anti-tourism” fevor, were common topics of discussion among locals.
Here’s how I escaped the madness!
1. Embrace Flexibility and Plan Ahead
Planning has never been more crucial. Book your flights and accommodations well in advance to avoid the frustration of sold-out options.
Flexibility is key. Traveling during the shoulder season, just before or after the peak times, has allowed me to enjoy popular destinations without the overwhelming crowds.
2. Seeking Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
Reflecting on my journeys, one key lesson that has only been reinforced these past couple of years is the importance of seeking destinations that are truly off the beaten path. I am now more convinced of this than ever.
Instead of flocking to the usual tourist hotspots, explore areas that are not only less crowded but where tourists are still very much welcomed.
This means turning travel back into an adventure by discovering places that aren’t found in guidebooks!
Sure, it takes some additional research and risk-taking, as there are no guarantees that the places you may find would be ideal, but the rewards far outweigh those risks.
If you’re like me and do it right, you’ll end up creating travel experiences of a lifetime, full of genuine connections and unexpected discoveries.
3. Respect Local Cultures and Communities
While traveling, it’s crucial to be mindful of the impact on local communities.
Make it a point to support local businesses, respect cultural norms, and minimize your environmental footprint.
Engage with locals, learn about their way of life, and contribute positively to the places you visit. These will add depth to your travels and create memories of a lifetime.
In one city, I chose a walking tour with a local student over a bus tour, which allowed me to see the city from a different perspective while reducing my carbon footprint.
This also put a few extra bucks in their pocket. A win, win!
4. Balance Adventure with Consideration
While the thrill of discovering new places is undeniable, it’s important to balance your adventurous spirit with consideration for the local way of life.
Striking this balance can enhance the travel experience for both yourself and locals.
Halfway through this summer’s travel season, I’ve seen the rise of revenge travel and the backlash it brings.
It’s a complex, post-pandemic landscape. Our urge to explore and reconnect is strong, but it comes with responsibilities.
Travel isn’t just about the destinations or the food; it’s about the experiences, the people we meet, and the footprints we leave behind.
By approaching our adventures with mindfulness and respect, we ensure our journeys are fulfilling for us and enriching for the places we explore.
David Peluchette is a Premium Ghostwriter/Travel and Tech Enthusiast. When David isn’t writing he enjoys traveling, learning new languages, fitness, hiking and going on long walks (did the 550 mile Camino de Santiago, not once but twice!), cooking, eating, reading and building niche websites with WordPress.