Far From the Madding Crowd: Why I Avoid UNESCO Sites

There, I said it. 

I’ve increasingly found myself avoiding UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Not because they aren’t extraordinary. Many are. And certainly not because I don’t appreciate history, beauty, or cultural significance. Quite the opposite. 

But somewhere between the selfie sticks, timed-entry tickets, and tour buses unloading the hordes, I’ve started asking myself: 

At what point does “must-see” travel not make sense? 

The Problem with the UNESCO Designation

Some of the world’s most beloved historic towns are now openly wrestling with the consequences of their popularity. Residents in some destinations have begun pushing back, questioning whether tourism is slowly eroding the very culture, rhythm, and quality of life that make these places special to begin with. 

And honestly? I get it. 

Maybe it’s my age. Maybe it’s travel fatigue. Or perhaps after years of living in Europe, I’ve simply become more interested in finding places that still feel undiscovered, that feel real. Not staged. Not overwhelmed. Not crushed beneath the weight of a thousand Nike treads. 

(And yes, I realize the irony of saying this as someone who works in travel.) 

The Appeal of Hidden Gems

The phrase “far from the madding crowd”—borrowed by Thomas Hardy for his famous novel—feels especially relevant today. Because increasingly, the travel moments I remember most aren’t necessarily the biggest-name places. They’re the smaller ones. 

The ancient site I discovered walking through a vineyard. The thermal bath locals quietly frequent. That conversation with a cheesemaker, farmer, or shepherd who has no interest in being an Instagram backdrop. 

And perhaps this is where truly sustainable travel begins. 

Not by virtue signaling and not by checking off bucket-list boxes. Not arriving somewhere and declaring ourselves “conscious travelers,” but traveling in ways that benefit and respect the residents who live there. 

Now, before you send me angry emails: I’m not anti-UNESCO. 

There are iconic places absolutely worth seeing. But perhaps the future of thoughtful travel lies in balancing the famous with the forgotten. In resisting the urge to constantly collect destinations like merit badges. In choosing to wander slightly farther from the madding crowd, you may discover that quieter places—the ones no one told you about—are often the ones that stay with you longest.  

And that’s where Boundless Journeys takes you time and time again. 

What “Sustainable Travel” Means for Boundless Journeys

1. Leaving the Herd

You do not always need to see the famous town. Sometimes a village 20 minutes away is lovelier, calmer, and infinitely more memorable. Fewer crowds means more breathing room—for visitors and for locals. 

2. Staying Longer, Diving Deeper

Racing through five “must-see” destinations in eight days may impress your coworkers. But spending several nights in one region—walking, talking, eating, lingering—leaves a much deeper imprint. You begin to notice rhythms, making you less of a spectator and more of a participant, giving you the chance to make friends for life. 

3. Spending Money Where It Matters

Small inns. Family-run restaurants. Regional guides. Farmers and craftspeople. Tourism works best when the people who live somewhere actually benefit from you being there and spending your money with them and not third-party platforms.