These days everyone seems to have a bucket list, and it’s getting easier to tick things off it with travel costs getting more and more affordable.  The down side is that many “must-see” places like Barcelona, Dubrovnik and Venice are getting hit hard with tourists.  Here are our best tips for avoiding the crowds in tourist hotspots.

Responsible Traveler Bonus:  You’ll help ease the strain on these hard-hit locations!

I know this seems like a cop-out, but I’m serious.  Be original and find the “next hot spot” while it’s still unspoiled.  Yes, in the days of Instagram, everyone gets serious travel envy.  (Well, I know I do.)   You see these amazing places, and you want to go there.  But often “hotspot” really translates as “overrun by tourists”.  Do a bit of digging, and I’ll bet you can find a beach just as beautiful, or a city just as picturesque as the one everyone else is flocking to.

Some of those “hotspots” are so hot because they truly are incredibly unique and should be seen at least once in your life.  If you’re looking at going to one of these popular locations, try to book your travel in shoulder season, the time between peak season and off season.  We usually travel in April and May or September and October.  The weather is still nice, but the crowds have thinned out a bit.

One surefire way to have a city bursting with camera-toting tourists trying to see everything in a few hours is to be there when a ship is in port.  I avoid these days like the plague if possible (although some cities have ships in port every day and don’t get a break).  Look up the schedule before you book so you can plan accordingly.

So, you want to see Dubrovnik, and you can only travel in the summer?  (This was what we just did, and what inspired all this writing about overtourism.)  Your best bet for enjoying the city is to find a place to stay in a neighborhood outside of the tourist center, but close to great public transportation.  This way, you can explore the city, experience a bit of the local culture and everyday life, and still manage to get to those “must-see” spots.

Yep, I’m talking EARLY.  Like, be at the big sights at 7am.  This may seem like a bit of a sacrifice, but it’s much better than trying to catch a glimpse of that amazing view over hundreds of other people’s shoulders.  This schedule works great for us, and probably will for most families with little kids.  My guys are up with the sun anyway, so we take advantage of that early-morning energy, and get home right about time for their afternoon nap.  Just don’t bother with the “hot spots” in the afternoon unless you love crowds.

This is a tip I wish I had used more.  I’m not talking about jumping in with 30 others to be herded around following a brightly colored umbrella.  I’m talking about hiring a local to show you around – that can mean anything from using a tour agency to just asking your hotel concierge or Airbnb host if they can help you get a good taxi driver for a few hours.  Not only will you get insider knowledge of the city, but you’ll also get to chat it up with a local and see what life is like for a real person living in that area.  And who knows, you might even make a lifelong friend.