We are loving our favorite destinations to death. In light of global travel reaching historic peaks, many iconic destinations worldwide have begun measures to control access. These actions are to safeguard these exquisite locales from possible damage due to an excessive influx of tourists. These are travel restrictions you need to know about before you go.
The Athens Acropolis
The Greek Acropolis site is now limited to 20,000 visitors a day. That may seem like a lot, but there are huge numbers of visitors from cruise ship shore excursions and group trips, in addition to individual travelers. We have always recommended that you visit the site as early in the day as possible, but now it is even more important. Gates usually open at 8:00 a.m. and if you arrive then, you can beat the huge crowds that begin arriving around 10. Otherwise, we suggest joining a group with guaranteed access.
For more great information about Greece see our post on Visiting the Acropolis Museum and Learning more about mainland destinations in Greece.
Mendenhall Glacier Juneau Alaska
Another travel restriction that began in July this year, limits on tour groups by the US Forest Service began to take effect due to the huge number of travelers to Alaska. If you book through your cruise line, you will probably not be impacted, but independent travelers should be aware of these restrictions. If you are planning to go in 2024 and want to be sure not to be impacted, visit in May or June.
Machu Picchu
The Amazing Machu Picchu
Peru now limits the number of visitors to the site to 4500 per day. All visitors must be a group of no more than ten people with a guide. You are strictly limited to a four hour stay.
Most Americans travel in a guided tour group which includes the ticket and guide. However, if you are one of the hardy few arriving on your own, please know it is important to join a group in advance.
Stonehenge
General day tours permit only walking around the site via a designated path. General admission is structured through timed tickets that provide a half-hour of exploration.
Access to the inner circle of Stonehenge now requires participation in an arranged small group tour. To gain the privilege of walking within the heart of the ancient monument you will need to join a small group tour that arrives outside of normal operating hours.
Cruise Ship Resrictions
Venice Cruise Ships
The Italian government has banned all but the smallest cruise ships from central Venice. Most large ships must now arrive and depart at Marghera (an industrial district) and other locations on the Italian mainland.
Barcelona Cruise Ships
Barcelona’s regional government said it will limit cruise liners arriving at what was once Europe’s busiest cruise terminal. To see Barcelona proper, such as Las Ramblas, if you arrive on a large cruise ship, it will soon require a shuttle taking about 30 minutes.
Amsterdam Cruise Ships
Amsterdam has not closed its cruise terminal in the city, despite erroneous media reports. However, the City Council did make a recommendation to that effect. It is possible that Amsterdam will follow the lead of Barcelona and Venice at some point in the future.
The Galapagos
Nothing has happened yet, but tour operators are asking the government to begin travel restrictions in the Galapagos. UNESCO has raised concerns about unsustainable tourism growth in the islands. If you have always dreamed of going, this may be the time.
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