People Ruin Everything
5
Nov, 2025
The Downsides of Mass Tourism
Seven years ago, I visited Koh Phi Phi, probably the most popular island in Thailand. I went during peak season, and the beaches were packed with tourists. It totally killed the vibe. When I got into the water, I actually wondered, “Is it warm because it’s hot out, or because everyone around me is… well, you know?” That’s just one of the downsides of mass tourism. And trust me, there are plenty more. Let me share what I saw and some tips on how to avoid crowds and travel more responsibly.
When Crowds Ruin Everything
I hate crowds. There’s something about seeing a bunch of sunburned men in Speedos that just kills the beach atmosphere for me. Everyone’s out there hunting for the “next big thing” — some hidden gem — but thanks to technology, it’s getting harder and harder to keep anything a secret. I have noticed that the original intent for many events and places has been skewed due to popularity among the masses.
When Mass Tourism Means More Phone than Art
Can you guess what people are scrambling to photograph in the picture above? Yep, the Mona Lisa. When I saw it, I honestly thought, “Is this really all the fuss about?” I don’t find the painting that impressive on its own. It mostly got famous because it was stolen once. If it were not for this high-profile robbery the Mona Lisa would not garnish as much fame as it does today. But what really stuck with me was how crazy the crowd was. I found myself stuck behind hundreds of people holding up their phones. Everyone was trying to get that perfect selfie or Facebook shot. It felt less like appreciating art and more like a competition to push to the front.
When Mass Tourism Meets a Country not Ready for It
Another example of the downsides of mass tourism is Cuba.
As someone who runs many trips to Cuba, I get many travelers who want to go before the country “changes”. But I think the biggest change is the wave of American tourists flooding in. Many complain about little things like plumbing. Thousands of cruise passengers arrive daily in a country where the average salary is about $20 a month. Naturally, scams and hustlers pop up. That’s the part of Cuba that’s changing the most.
If you want to read more about this topic and find out what to expect when visiting Cuba, check out our blog with 10 Tips when traveling to Cuba. And if you’re thinking of going, we run small-group trips to Cuba designed to support locals and avoid the crowds.
How Mass Tourism Turns the Full Moon Party Into a Fools Fiasco
The Full Moon party on Koh Phangan used to be a blast. But lately, it turned into complete debauchery… People have died. There have been assaults. Many end up in overpriced Thai clinics with injuries from stepping on broken glass while dancing on the beach, dehydration, or alcohol poisoning.
Are the parties still fun? Sure — as long as you don’t mix 3 magic mushroom shakes with 5 buckets of booze and you actually wear shoes. Is Cuba an incredible country to visit? Definitely, if you do it the right way. Is Koh Phi Phi one of the most beautiful beaches in the world? It sure is.
But here’s the deal: technology means nothing stays hidden for long. Once a place or event catches on, it quickly becomes mainstream and, honestly, not as fun. This is one of the biggest downsides of mass tourism. No festival, beach, or destination stays undiscovered forever, especially now that everyone’s out there blogging and posting about it.
Mass tourism might be a necessary evil in this digital age — but welcome to the 21st century. We just have to figure out how to enjoy it without wrecking the places we love.
Great article Jodie, and so true! It’s unfortunate that most of the time, the most touristy places are the most beautiful in the world. That’s the unfortunate reality of traveling, right? But with that reality comes the awareness that there are hidden gems everywhere where not a tourist can be seen. I trust that being as well-traveled as you are, you know exactly where those places are! Keep up the awesome posts Jodie!
Hey, thanks for the post.Really looking forward to read more. Great.