Embrace ‘Town-Sizing’: Travel Experts Recommend Smaller Escapes

Discover Authentic Charm and Beat the Crowds

A growing travel trend, dubbed “town-sizing,” encourages vacationers to explore charming smaller towns and cities instead of always opting for major metropolitan hubs. This shift prioritizes authentic experiences and local interaction.

Escaping the Tourist Surge

This approach offers a significant advantage: avoiding the overwhelming crowds often found in popular tourist destinations. The major benefit of town-sizing is that it allows travelers to get away from the crowds, particularly in locations where over-tourism is a current concern, such as Barcelona, explains Stephen Lee, a European travel specialist at Unforgettable Travel Company.

Immersing in Local Life

Town-sizing fosters a deeper connection with a destination. By planning trips to smaller, perhaps lesser-known destinations, travelers are also able to discover more of a taste of everyday life, rather than following a popular or heavily-recommended itinerary, Lee adds. Even when traveling in a major city, it is wise to consider and/or experience town-sizing whilst in the destination, as it helps to harness the balance between the big, must-see attractions and the lesser-known provinces and villages where authenticity thrives.

Budget-Friendly Adventures

Opting for smaller locales often translates to better value. Choosing small towns over big cities often means better value for money, notes Chris Wood, director at Escape The Past LTD. Accommodation, food, and activities tend to be more affordable, allowing travellers to stretch their budgets further. This makes town-sizing an attractive option for those looking to enjoy longer trips or more frequent breaks without overspending.

Supporting Local Economies

This travel style also provides a vital economic boost to smaller communities. Town-sizing supports more sustainable tourism by distributing visitor spending beyond the usual hotspots, helping to reduce overcrowding and environmental pressure in major cities, Wood highlights. This wider distribution of tourism revenue can significantly benefit local businesses.

In 2023, the number of people visiting smaller towns in the UK increased by 15% compared to pre-pandemic levels, indicating a tangible shift in travel preferences (Statista 2024).

The Joy of Serendipity

The element of surprise is a key appeal of town-sizing. You book a ticket to a place or city that no other tourist has thought of, and then it’s just you and your destination, shares travel advisor Stacie Vinson of Travel Taste Discover. On the return journey after my first town-sizing trip, I kept thinking about what made this short and sweet trip so special for me, and then it clicked. We came with no expectations, and that is why we were surprised by the modesty and charm of the town.