Worried about overtourism? Here's how to travel responsibly

Travel has become more accessible but certain areas are also being overrun with visitors affecting local residents' lives.

Anti-tourism demonstrations have been held across southern Europe in the past year and another is slated for June 15 when activist groups are reportedly floating the possibility of protests in cities including Venice and Palermo in Italy, and Lisbon in Portugal.

There has even been speculation protestors could target tourists at popular sites with water guns.

Bunnik Tours joint-CEO Dennis Bunnik said the protests are mainly occurring in cities that have allowed uncontrolled tourism.

Intrepid Travel managing director Brett Mitchell said tourism should be a positive experience for tourists and locals. But in places like Venice, tourism has become "almost insidious".

"There's some people that have been living for generations in their local towns and now can't afford to. The cost of some of these cities have just risen so much and the growth of the short-term rental market, it's really kicked a lot of locals out," he told Explore.

"That's a pretty bad thing for the character of a place. It's loss of culture."

In some cities, overtourism has become a burden on infrastructure, traffic and the environment.

"For locals, it almost just lowers their standard of living," Mr Mitchell said.

He believes overtourism in cities that don't manage it will become worse before it becomes better, and he implored local councils and governments to start looking after their residents just as much as their tourists.

More taxes and policies are being introduced to combat overtourism in popular cities. These include Venice taxing day visitors who are not staying in the city and a ban on cruise ships, and Barcelona banning Airbnb from 2028 and curbing new hotel construction.

Amsterdam is planning to cap hotel rooms and not build new hotels unless they replace existing stock.

Tour companies are altering itineraries and offering more departures in the shoulder and low seasons. There is also a move for smaller group sizes that have less impact on the local community.

Yes. In fact, Mr Bunnik said Australians are some of the most welcome tourists in Europe because we often stay longer and provide a positive economic investment.

"Also, Australians travelling through Europe seek connection and tend to be more culturally aware and sensitive," he said.

Mr Bunnik recommended avoiding travelling during peak school holiday times unless necessary, and travelling beyond the main tourist centres, such as beyond the Gothic Quarter or Las Ramblas in Barcelona.

"Continue to be respectful and follow local customs and laws. And please don't wheel wheely suitcases over cobblestone streets at 6am (take a taxi or uber instead)," Mr Bunnik said.

"Avoid the 'Insta-famous' places, especially restaurants, cafes and bakeries. Generally you'll have a better experience (and better food) only a couple of streets away."

Mr Bunnik recommended putting Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan on your must-see list. These places have fewer tourists, friendly locals, incredible food, wine and history. He also recommended eastern Europe including Helsinki, Prague, and the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as well as Poland which offer "Beautiful old towns and cities, friendly locals and affordable prices."

Mr Mitchell of Intrepid recommended having an open mind and being empathetic and curious, respecting local culture.

"It'll allow you to push out of your comfort zone so you can start to talk to more locals and learn a lot more about their life ... the benefit of travel should go both ways, it should not just be for visitors," he said.

He also recommended taking small group tours which are more intimate, spending your money at local restaurants, travelling in the shoulder season which is becoming a "huge trend" and getting out of the major cities.

"I'd get up at sunrise to go and see things ... so try and beat the main traffic periods of the day," he said.