Many years ago I made the decision to travel only during off-peak season times — usually during fall and winter — so as to avoid this kind of thing:
Apart from the claustrophobia of crowds such as the above, I decided that there was nothing — no tourist attraction, no museums, no vista — that was worth that kind of hassle.
And I’m not even considering the fact that among those crowds in the pictures are undoubtedly scum like pickpockets and other such wealth redistributionists.
It has bitten me on a couple of occasions, of course, most notably in winter when establishments such as restaurants and hotels will “close for the season” (New England and the French Riviera being the most notable). So be it. I make a note, and move on.
I also make an exception for things like Christmas markets — especially in southern Germany and Austria — mostly because I enjoy them more than I hate the crowds that throng them. Here are Heidelberg, Salzburg and Vienna (in order):
Note that the freezing temperatures didn’t seem to put off too many people — mostly, I suspect, because they’re locals (ergo accustomed to the weather). Certainly, from memory, German was the most common language I heard in all three places; Japanese, Chinese and other such diversity: not so much.
Then of course there are crowds that would be welcomed, such as at the Goodwood Revival*:
…and if you’re not willing to put up with crowds for the last of these pics, I don’t want to talk to you.
Then there’s the Chelsea Flower Show for New Wife (a very keen gardener), which is taking place as I write this:
But being in a summer crowd of thousands at the Spanish Steps in Rome, or waiting to get into the Louvre in Paris?
Pass, with prejudice.
*note that I said “would”, because I have yet to go to the Revival. One of these days, Rodders…