Author Paige McClanahan offers a practical solution to the overtourism crisis gripping popular destinations. Her strategy: visit fewer places and stay longer in each one.
The word "tourist" itself carries negative weight. It implies shallow interest and surface-level understanding. In recent years, resentment has intensified. Anti-tourism movements now gain traction worldwide, from protest marches in Barcelona with signs reading "Tourists go home" to similar uprisings in other overtaxed cities.
McClanahan's approach addresses a root cause of local frustration. Travelers who rush through multiple destinations create strain on infrastructure, disrupt communities, and contribute to cultural erosion. By contrast, extended stays in single locations allow visitors to develop genuine connections, support local businesses more meaningfully, and reduce the burden on popular sites.
This shift requires travelers to reconsider their planning. Skip the checklist mentality. Spend two weeks in one city rather than touching down in five. Learn neighborhood rhythms. Eat at family-run restaurants. Support local guides. This approach benefits everyone. Communities gain long-term economic benefits without peak-season chaos. Travelers gain authentic experiences instead of Instagram moments.
The model works. Destinations like Slovenia and Portugal have seen this strategy reduce tension between residents and visitors. Slow travel is not new, but McClanahan positions it as a solution to growing conflict. For travelers committed to being good visitors, this path offers a clear direction forward.