Globe-hoppers are filling up popular destinations this year. If distant lands have caught your fancy, consider some options to avoid the crowds and still have a fulfilling journey.

So far, 2023 is making a good claim to being the Year of the Traveler. The tourism industry is bursting at the seams, with visitors flocking in record numbers to the beaches of Greece and the cafés of France.

“There is a large appetite for travel, from both avid travelers and those who are still making up for lost time,” explains Tom Marchant, owner of travel agency Black Tomato. “We are seeing an uptick in early bookings for hotels, excursions and flights, even planning well in advance for 2024.”

A crush of travelers can be good news for the destinations, and for the companies that organize and execute trips, but it can be a liability for travelers themselves. Beyond clogging attractions and filling up environmentally sensitive vistas, crowds also make it that much harder to secure a spot at an exclusive restaurant or an in-demand museum.

So what’s a traveler to do?

One solution is so obvious that it’s easy to overlook: Consider a less popular destination. Helen Giontsis, president of Kensington Tours, says many locations “offer great food, wine, culture and history” but are ignored because they’re not Paris or Rome.

That won’t work if your heart is set on the Louvre or St. Peter’s — but even if it is, there are a few ways to avoid the crowds and squeeze the most out of your trip.

“We are encouraging our clients to book as far in advance as they can,” Giontsis says. And whether you’re able to plan your trip for months or have to book on short notice, she suggests consulting a good travel professional who can secure secluded accommodations, white-glove concierge services and private tours.

It’s a big world. Consider broadening your itinerary.

While the Parthenon can only be seen in Athens, striking Greek architecture can be found throughout the Mediterranean. And though the Mona Lisa and her famous smile are only in Paris, elite art museums exist throughout the world. Travelers who are willing to do a little research and look past the best-known destinations can find a whole world of beauty and wonder — and they often can avoid the worst impacts of the crowding that’s plaguing so many countries this year.

“Demand for travel to Europe is at an all-time high,” Giontsis says, but “there are so many places in Europe that offer exceptional art and culture that are not as crowded.”

She suggests Malta for those who want Mediterranean beaches but aren’t keen on the throngs that have forced Greece to ask travelers to avoid Santorini and other well-known locales. In addition to picturesque coasts, the island nation offers well-preserved archaeological and historical sites that range from neolithic temples to Renaissance-era fortresses.

Even the famed Parisian coffeehouse experience has global analogues, Giontsis adds.

“Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city that offers both art and architecture as well as fine dining and a café culture,” she says. The Argentine capital reflects a wide variety of architectural and cultural traditions, but its blend of rich pre-colonial history and European influence is eclectic and unique.

If you’re open to something a little farther afield, Marchant offers a few suggestions.

The “tea trails in Sri Lanka, and Amangiri near Zion National Park, are great options,” he says. The former boast a contemplative charm, as well as 19th-century bungalows nestled near tea plantations and ancient forests. The latter combines modern luxury with the stark beauty of sandstone formations and mirror-still lakes, as well as close access to several national parks.

These more intimate luxury resorts have another bonus: They tend to have on-site activities and excursions, Marchant adds, so they can be great last-minute getaways as travelers don’t have to plan events on their own.

A few steps can help to smooth your trip.

And whether you’re set on a popular destination or a quiet getaway, there are a few ways you can make more of your trip.

The first is simple: Book early. Not only will you have a better chance of getting the accommodations you want, but you’ll have more time to secure the best guides and amenities.

“We recommend planning trips as early as possible,” Marchant says. Ahead of this year’s vacation season, “we started to advise our clients many months ago to allow us to secure the very best rooms, especially in wildly popular destinations like Italy.”

Second, avoid the summer vacation season.

“Traveling during the off-peak season in late fall helps make it easier,” Giontsis says. The advantages of winter travel extend beyond fewer tourists and less competition for hotels and reservations: The year-end season is often festive and filled with events. Getting to see the holidays from a different culture’s point of view “can be so beautiful,” she adds.

Of course, both Giontsis and Marchant recommend working with travel professionals. A tour operator can snag after-hour tickets to high-demand locations such as the National Gallery or the Vatican, letting visitors examine these sites in a more intimate way, at their own pace. And travel agencies have in-depth knowledge of sites and hotels that offer a variety of services, including specific amenities that can be difficult to find.

Remember, there are still some pandemic restrictions in place.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has eased significantly in the past year, it’s not over. Travelers should still be aware of all national requirements for entry. “Most countries have dropped all COVID-19 measures,” Giontsis explains, but “some may still require testing upon arrival.”

Marchant says, “Traveling with a mask in case of unexpected requirements is always recommended. And staying alert to any potential changes in guidelines, health-related or otherwise, is always best practice.”