Own Up to Overtourism Before It’s Too Late

Spring break came and went, and many lucky Ramblers — myself included —  jetted off to tropical destinations. But while I enjoyed the rest and relaxation of my vacation, I was also left with a newfound sense of guilt. 

I spent my break on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, a place famous for being slow-moving and quiet. While this wasn’t my first time on the island, it was the first time I was old enough to notice the endless construction, new hotels, abhorrent prices, erosion, deforestation and shockingly unbalanced ratio of locals to tourists. 

Sadly, Kauai is far from the only destination facing ramifications from overtourism. 

Tourism has steadily increased in recent years, nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels in 2024 with 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals recorded globally according to UN Tourism. 

With these rising numbers, more and more tourists flock to the same destinations — and don’t leave the land better than they found it. Over time, this increase has caused significant economic, environmental and social damage, according to National Geographic. 

Beyond travel restrictions being lifted as COVID-19 numbers dwindle, pop culture — from vacation vlogs to TV series like “The White Lotus” — also plays a role in glamorizing vacations full of mai tais by the pool and running amok on tropical islands. 

While on the surface it’s reasonable to want to vacation in the tropics, it’s imperative travelers prioritize being responsible and respectful tourists. 

Being able to travel and explore is an immense privilege. We’re so lucky to live in a modern society with planes, cars, ships and trains — a world where we have the opportunity to see new places. 

It’s a shame to watch romanticized vacations online ignore local cultures and instead choose chain resorts and all-inclusives. 

The “White Lotus Effect” is a prime example of this, referring to the surge of tourism in locations where the series seasons take place — Sicily, Thailand and Hawaii. After the first season of the show was released — set in Maui, Hawaii — website traffic to the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea increased 425%, according to BBC. 

Tourists flock to resorts and forget the people who call the iconic travel destinations home. 

This increase of tourism has wreaked havoc on local communities. Following the most recent season of “The White Lotus,” Thailand’s waters have faced increased pollution, coral reefs have been damaged by beach parties and aquatic wildlife is disappearing, according to Atmos Earth. 

While there’s an argument tourism contributes to economic growth — and I’d be a hypocrite if I said I don’t aspire to take vacations across the globe — tourism should be about learning, exploring and supporting local economies rather than chain restaurants and resorts. It seems like this is something we’ve forgotten. 

There’s no need to throw away your travel dreams, but there is a need to recognize how we affect the places we visit. 

Before traveling, tourists should take the time to do their research. Search for locally owned restaurants and shops, make sure the destination is able to handle tourists, understand the environmental impacts of your trip and do your best to understand the local culture.

I understand many tourists already do this, and I applaud travelers who do their due diligence, but many isn’t enough. 

Our planet and the ability to explore it are gifts. There are endless rich and vibrant places worth visiting, but if we aren’t careful, considerate and aware we risk destroying the beauty that makes these destinations so special.