Seven Popular Places to Avoid This Fall: What Could Ruin Your Vacation

Санторини Many popular tourist destinations unfortunately cannot withstand the huge influx of travelers. And no matter how attractive they may be, it is indeed wiser to forgo a trip there during certain periods. On one hand, overtourism harms the destinations themselves and their residents, disrupting the usual way of life and creating additional strain on local resources. On the other hand, travelers themselves are not always able to enjoy their vacation among crowds of tourists, long lines, and significantly inflated prices. However, there are other reasons why even the most famous places temporarily become less appealing for vacations: construction work, bureaucratic changes, transportation restrictions, natural phenomena, and local residents' dissatisfaction. Experts from the travel portal Travel Off Path have named seven popular destinations that travelers should avoid this fall for various reasons in 2026. ## 1. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA Visiting the Grand Canyon remains a dream and a lifelong impression for many travelers. However, this fall, guests will not have access to part of one of the main routes in this area — the hike through the inner canyon. The reason is ongoing work as part of a large multi-million dollar project to construct the Transcanyon Waterline. Although some sections of the River Trail are periodically opened, the National Park Service has scheduled the closure of the North Kaibab Trail starting October 15, 2026. Therefore, hiking enthusiasts may encounter construction barriers and restrictions that will hinder the classic route from one edge of the canyon to the other and affect the main loop trails. As an alternative, experts recommend considering the city of Sedona in Arizona. In its surroundings, travelers will find impressive hiking trails among canyons and red rocks, including the famous Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge. ## 2. Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan This fall, travelers should take into account changes in tourism regulations in Japan, which may add bureaucratic complexities to their trip. Among other things, the tax refund system for foreign tourists is changing. Instead of receiving a discount at the time of purchase, travelers will have to pay the full price of goods and then apply for a tax refund according to the new procedure. Combined with Kyoto's measures to restrict tourist access to certain historic residential areas and the rise in local accommodation taxes, this may make the trip less comfortable and more expensive. Instead, experts suggest considering Taipei in Taiwan. The city can offer a rich and relatively comfortable Asian vacation: famous night markets, modern shopping districts, diverse street food, and mountain tea houses. ## 3. Santorini and Mykonos, Greece Many travelers prefer to embark on Mediterranean cruises in October, when the summer heat has receded and prices usually become more attractive. However, the Greek authorities have introduced additional fees aimed at reducing the burden of overtourism. In particular, additional costs await passengers on cruise ships arriving at the most popular islands. At the same time, prices for some excursions and port services have increased. As a result, an autumn trip to Santorini or Mykonos may turn out to be significantly more expensive than tourists had anticipated. As an alternative, experts recommend the island of Paros. Here, travelers will find characteristic Cycladic white villages, golden beaches, and lively harbor restaurants, but the atmosphere remains more tranquil. ## 4. Dubai, UAE Dubai is traditionally considered one of the best destinations for late autumn, when the exhausting summer heat in the desert subsides and more comfortable weather sets in. However, in 2026, travelers must consider the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the associated changes in aviation operations. Airspace restrictions and route adjustments are forcing airlines to change flight patterns in the region. For travelers, this may mean altered routes, delays, connection issues, or cancellations of individual flights, which is particularly unpleasant during a short vacation. An alternative could be Muscat in Oman, where travelers can experience traditional Arab culture and combine sightseeing with the sea. ## 5. Norwegian Fjords New environmental requirements in Norway have significantly impacted the operation of tourist water transport in the famous fjords. Strict emission level requirements apply to vessels operating in UNESCO World Heritage sites. This creates additional challenges for some local operators organizing short excursion trips. As a result, the selection of one-day water excursions may be limited, and the most sought-after options need to be booked in advance. With a shortage of spots, prices are also rising. As an alternative, experts suggest an autumn trip to Lake Como in Italy. In October, there are significantly fewer tourists, the surrounding mountains and promenades are painted in autumn colors, and ferry services allow travel between historic towns and villas along the lake. ## 6. Palma de Mallorca, Spain Protests against mass tourism in Mallorca, which attracted significant attention in the summer, have become another factor that travelers should consider when planning an autumn trip. Local activists are opposing the excessive number of tourists, short-term rental housing, and rising living costs. Protests are taking place in popular areas, and anti-tourist slogans are appearing on the streets. Although this does not mean that tourists should avoid the island altogether, the atmosphere in the most crowded places may be less comfortable than vacationers expect. As an alternative, experts recommend Valencia. The city combines Mediterranean beaches, historic architecture, modern buildings, and rich gastronomic traditions. Valencia is considered the birthplace of the famous Spanish paella. ## 7. Riviera Maya, Mexico Travelers heading to the Caribbean coast of Mexico for a beach vacation this fall may encounter an unpleasant surprise — sargassum seaweed. When it accumulates in large quantities, thick layers of seaweed cover the beaches, enter the coastal waters, and become a source of unpleasant odors as they decompose. For tourists who have paid a significant amount for all-inclusive hotel stays, this can seriously spoil their impression of the Caribbean Sea. Typically, the amount of sargassum decreases by fall; however, experts warn that this year the problem may persist longer than usual. Therefore, it is recommended to postpone booking beach vacations in Tulum and Playa del Carmen until December, when the likelihood of clean beaches will be higher. For those who do not want to wait, the hotel zone of Cancun or Isla Mujeres is suggested. Due to the characteristics of ocean currents and geographical location, the accumulation of seaweed may be less significant there. Another alternative is Los Cabos, where desert landscapes meet the ocean, numerous high-end resorts operate, and tourists can enjoy the beaches of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Even the most popular destination may not be the best choice if the trip falls during an unfortunate period. Therefore, before booking an autumn vacation, it is worth checking not only the weather and prices but also the state of tourist infrastructure, transportation restrictions, local regulations, and natural conditions. Sometimes, simply choosing a neighboring city or a less popular resort can provide similar experiences without crowds, extra expenses, and unpleasant surprises.