If you're planning your next holiday, you might want to avoid the world's most stressful city for tourists, according to a recent study. Researchers analysed factors such as overcrowding, transport efficiency, and overall costs to determine which destinations leave visitors feeling frazzled.
The Stress Capital of Tourism
The findings reveal that one city stands out above all others when it comes to travel-induced stress. From chaotic public transport to sky-high prices, this destination has earned its dubious title.
What Makes a City Stressful?
The study considered several key factors:
- Crowd density – How packed attractions and streets feel
- Transport efficiency – Reliability and ease of getting around
- Safety concerns – Crime rates and tourist scams
- Language barriers – Difficulty in communication
- Cost of visiting – From accommodation to attractions
The Top Contenders
While many bustling metropolises made the list, one city emerged as the clear winner (or rather, loser) in the stress stakes. Other notorious destinations included popular European capitals and Asian megacities known for their intense pace of life.
How to Cope With Travel Stress
If you can't avoid visiting these high-pressure destinations, experts recommend:
- Planning your itinerary carefully to avoid peak times
- Learning basic local phrases to ease communication
- Using trusted transport apps to navigate efficiently
- Building in downtime to recover from the urban chaos
- Considering alternative, less crowded neighbourhoods to stay in
Whether you're an adventurous traveller or prefer relaxing getaways, this study serves as a valuable reminder that not all popular destinations live up to their postcard-perfect images.
