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Venice has captured travelers’ hearts for hundreds of years. An artistic and architectural masterpiece, this city on the sea is home to the iconic Rialto Bridge, Grand Canal, and Saint Mark’s Square. But what happens when people flood the canals faster than the rising water? Venice receives around 30 million visitors per year, and overtourism isn’t just affecting the city’s romantic vibe. Heavy foot, boat, and cruise traffic is polluting its delicate lagoon, and locals are leaving because of ballooning property values. (Tourists could destroy Venice—if floods don't first.)
While Venice will always be a gem on the Adriatic, travelers can reduce their impact by seeking alternative, but equally spectacular, destinations. From China to Belgium, set sail to these bridge-woven harbors. (How to turn overtourism into sustainable global travel.)
Nicknamed the “Venice of the French Alps,” Annecy is a maze of medieval châteaus, drifting swans, and charming footbridges. Its crystal-clear canals are fed by the Thiou river and Lake Annecy, which is considered one of Europe’s cleanest lakes. Shop for local persimmons, fresh bread, and raclette at Annecy’s...
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