Instead of Macchu Picchu …
Try Easter Island. In Peru, the long-rumored restrictions on daily entries to Machu Picchu finally took hold in July, limiting entries to carefully managed time slots that also require visitors to show up with a certified guide who can, among other things, enforce the no-selfie-sticks rule. The government hopes a minimized footprint will prevent the so-called Lost City from earning its moniker once again.
To avoid the issue altogether, veer west—way west—to the Moai-filled, Polynesian island off the coast of Chile. Between the archaeological sites in Rapa Nui National Park, the pristine beaches, and the excellent hiking routes that ring the island, you’ll capture the thrills of the Inca Trail and then some. Plus, the island lays claim to some seriously plush five-star resorts, including the spaceship-like Explora Rapa Nui. Its 30 minimalist rooms and suites are spread among a half-dozen elongated wooden pods, all facing the lush countryside.
Also a good choice: Antigua, Guatemala, has yet to earn the cultural capital status it deserves. Like Cusco, Peru, the city brims with colonial character. It’s set in the shadow of several volcanoes—some still active—with photo-worthy ruins of old churches and convents.
Instead of Dubrovnik …
Try Tel Aviv. This month, the walled Croatian city passed legislation capping visitors to the medieval walled city at 4,000 per day—half the number that Unesco recommended. These limits will be enforced gradually over the next two years, leaving the crowd-averse waiting until 2019 for a little breathing room.
Until then, heed the siren call of Tel Aviv. The walkable historic quarter of Yafo can rival Dubrovnik’s throwback aesthetic, with its limestone buildings overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The beaches are some of the world’s most fun places to unwind—many have all-day and all-night bar service with tables in the sand or hammocks slung from palm trees. The contemporary restaurant scene is the most recent source of inspiration for America’s most on-trend chefs, and few cities do nightlife better.
Also a good choice: Fez, in Morocco, is a city (somestimes spelled Fes) that goes to sleep early. But it captures Dubrovnik’s medieval qualities—only donkeys fit through the narrow streets of the ancient Medina quarter—and delivers big on far-flung vibes.
Instead of Ibiza …
Try Hvar. Both Majorca and Ibiza are setting restrictions on tourism this month, including maximums for the number of hotel beds and Airbnb apartments available at any given time. But Ibiza is going a step further: The party haven is banning DJs from 16 beach clubs to crack down on electronica and put the focus back on the environment.
If what you’re after is a nocturnal, sleep-on-the-beach summer-fest for 2018, head to Hvar instead. It shares Ibiza’s pull-up-in-a-yacht glamour, with a reputation for excellent beach clubs that’s been gaining steam over the past decade. And new clean-up campaigns on the island are keeping things classy: New mayor Riki Novak is curbing public debauchery with threats of heavy fines, making it clear that drunken, shirtless backpackers aren’t what Hvar is after.
Also a good choice: Get the gypset style minus the DJs in Tulum, or the DJs without the gypset style in Miami. Either way, you’ll have beautiful people and beautiful beaches galore.
Instead of Amsterdam …
Try Hamburg. For years, locals celebrated Amsterdam’s moniker: “the Venice of the North.” Now they see it as a warning cry. The city of 850,000 welcomed 17 million visitors last year, and politicians have halted hotel development (and put strict regulations on Airbnb, while also slashing the tourism office’s marketing budget) to limit noisy, beer-guzzling tourists and maintain quality of life for residents.