enochlophobia
Noun
(rare) Fear of crowds.
Whether or not you’re a true enochlophobic, if you hate hordes and can’t cope with crowds, here’s a baker’s dozen of ideas to help you escape the crush.
Travel off-season
It’s pretty obvious: if you don’t want crowds, don’t go at the most popular times. Adjusting the dates of your trip by just a few weeks can make a massive difference to the number of tourists you’ll battle.
Avoid school holidays
This one is a total no-brainer – just be sure to confirm the local school holiday dates if you’re heading off to a different country or state! And try to avoid travelling at Easter and Christmas (and Thanksgiving, if you’re travelling to the USA), when popular attractions are taken over by families.
Read more: The clever trick to avoid crowds at tourist attractions
Consider winter
If you don’t mind rugging up, travelling at this time of the year can be a brilliant – and blissfully quiet – way to avoid crowds. Just remember the old Nordic saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.”
Book tickets in advance
Skip the crowds and avoid the queues by purchasing tickets to tourist attractions online before you leave home.
Get up early. Really early
Forgot to purchase your tickets in advance? Want to get some photos before it’s too hot/the tour buses arrive? Then set your alarm and show up bright and early.
Time it just right
If you can’t get there early, turn up nice and late (or at least after 2pm when any potential school groups will have departed).
Forego weekends
Visiting a popular tourist spot during the weekend should be avoided at all costs. With kids at school and parents at work, you’ll have a much more peaceful experience during the week. Unless you encounter a school group, of course (see above).
Ignore the ‘big name’ places
Veer off the beaten track and visit some lesser-know places that will still tick all your boxes as a traveller, but will keep you mercifully clear of the crowds at tourist hotspots.
Find out when cruises dock
Travelling to a destination beloved by cruise lines? Do a little research, find out when the ships come into port and then don’t be there at that time.
Adjust your meal times
Speaking of lunch, avoid packed tables (and a long wait) at popular restaurants by eating a little earlier or later than normal. Just be sure to check what time they close – and remember that late-night dining is the norm in many places.
Read more: How to beat the crowds during the Easter long weekend
Sleep tight
Opt for accommodation in non-touristy spots. If you book somewhere popular you’ll never escape the throngs.
Use a local guide
These guys will know exactly how to avoid the crowds and, with any luck, will take you on a tour that lets you explore their city’s attractions and culture like a local. You’ll get a guided tour and beat the rush. But just be prepared to…
Fork out some dosh
Whether it’s for a personal, specialised tour or an expensive lunch at a glam hotel that gives you access to a private beach, sometimes you just need to hand over some cash.
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