As traditional tourist hotspots fall victim to overtourism, increasing numbers of travellers are seeking out a quieter and more authentic travel experience. Over half (54%) of Brits say they are concerned about overtourism, with many of those most concerned with the impact it has on the local area.
Enter Townsizing, the slow travel trend that prioritises small towns and cities, and rural landscapes, rather than bustling cosmopolitan cities.
To explain Townsizing, and why you should consider it when booking your 2026 getaway, Maria Hughes, travel expert at GoodtoGo Travel Insurance, has shared the secrets behind the trend.
What is Townsizing?
Maria shares: “Townsizing prioritises slow travel, and embraces going off the beaten track to experience local life and rural scenery, for a more authentic travel experience.
“The nature of Townsizing gives you two options for your trip. You can either stay put in your chosen town or city, or you can choose to travel around, giving you the opportunity to take in the countryside and visit several destinations on your trip.”
What are the benefits?
Maria explains: “Townsizing offers a range of benefits compared to travelling to tourist hotspots. It offers a slower pace of travel, authenticity, relaxation and time away from the crowds, and better value for money. Because of this it’s perfect for older travellers or those with pre existing medical conditions, who may prefer a more relaxed trip.
“There are also benefits for the local economy as well. You’ll be spending your money in areas which receive fewer tourists, and you’ll also be avoiding contributing to overtourism, which is negatively impacting more traditional tourist destinations.”
What are the drawbacks?
Maria comments: “As with any travel trend, Townsizing is not without its cons. Travelling to smaller destinations tends to mean there are fewer travel connections and more limited accessibility. In some places, you may be required to rent a car if you choose to travel around the local area.
“It’s also not a trend which will suit everyone’s holiday demands. If you’re someone who likes a busy high street or vibrant nightlife, Townsizing may not be for you.”
Travel insurance considerations
Maria says: “Townsizing doesn’t require any specific considerations for travel insurance, although there are some general points that you should be aware of.
“If you’re planning activities such as canoeing, hiking, skiing or other adventure sports, you should check your policy to ensure it contains cover for these activities, or take out specific policies such as ski insurance. You should also consider your intended destination, as trips outside of Europe can cause travel insurance premiums to rise, especially for travellers over 50, or those with pre existing medical conditions.
If Townsizing has piqued your interest, here are six destinations to consider.
- Swap Florence for Tuscan towns
Location: Tuscany, Italy
Fly into: Pisa
Whilst Tuscany is famous for well trodden tourist cities like Florence and Pisa, getting out into the countryside reveals a different side to the Italian region.
Quaint Tuscan villages set amongst vineyards, olive groves and Italian cypress offer a relaxing and scenic backdrop, whilst medieval towns like Volterra, San Gimignano and Multipulciano offer heritage and culture.
- Ditch Dublin for rugged coastline
Location: Irish West Coast, Ireland
Fly into: Shannon or Cork
Ireland’s rugged Atlantic coastline offers stunning natural scenery, and small towns and cities bursting with culture.
Galway is the biggest city on the west coast, offering vibrant traditional music and friendly pubs, whilst smaller towns like Westport offer a quieter, but no less interesting visit.
For road trippers, the Wild Atlantic Way is a famous route that stretches the length of the coastline, taking in famous sites like the Cliffs of Moher.
- Experience rustic Romanian villages
Location: Transylvania, Romania
Fly into: Cluj-Napoca
Famous for traditional villages, jaw dropping castles and the occasional vampire, Transylvania has a rich history and unique culture.
Cluj and Brasov are the largest cities in the region, and offer an exciting urban base to explore from. The traditional villages of Transylvania, such as Viscri and Biertan, are UNESCO world heritage sites and should not be missed. History lovers should also visit the region’s jaw dropping castles, such as Corvin Castle and Bran Castle, which is rumoured to have been the inspiration for Dracula’s castle.
- Leave Paris for the French countryside
Location: Dordogne, France
Fly into: Bergerac or Bordeaux
This French region is a stunning landscape of imposing castles and small towns and villages, nestled on the banks of the river Dordogne, as well as easy access to prehistoric sites, such as the UNESCO Lascaux cave paintings.
The region is home to some of the most beautiful villages in the country, such as La Roque-Gageac, Ségur-le-Château and Turenne, and also offers outdoor activities such as hiking and canoeing down the river. This makes it a perfect location for a slow paced, scenic trip.
- Tour the New England coast and countryside
Location: New England, USA
Fly into: Boston
Famous for quaint towns, history and beautiful autumnal foliage, visiting New England offers a chance to experience a quieter side of the USA.
A region consisting of six states, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, New England is the perfect destination for a road trip. There are plenty of famous spots that should be on your shortlist, consider visiting the towns of Stowe, Woodstock or the Berkshires if you’re taking an inland route, or stop at Cape Cod, Kennebunkport or Martha’s Vineyard for a coastal escape.
- Visit Japan’s last wilderness
Location: Hokkaido, Japan
Fly into: Sapporo, via Tokyo
Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost, and second largest island, and is famous for its stunning natural beauty, and lack of major cities, outside of Sapporo, the largest city on the island.
Hokkaido has something for everyone, skiing for winter adventures, rainbow meadows and lavender fields in Furano for nature lovers, and onsen hot springs for relaxation. The historic port cities of Hakodate and Otaru offer heritage and culture in abundance, and are perfect bases away from the bright lights of Sapporo.
For more information about Good to Go’s travel insurance, including cover for pre existing medical conditions and over 50’s, please visit: https://www.goodtogoinsurance.com/cover-for-all-ages/travel-insurance-over-50
Photo by doozydoom: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-footpath-in-the-countryside-12301694/
