With many Britons yet to book their 2025 summer getaways, holidaymakers are looking for inspiration on where to go - and where to avoid.
A travel expert spoke exclusively to GB News about the "worst holiday destination", advising tourists to steer clear of one Italian city.
According to Christian Petzold, travel expert and marketing director at BCN Travel, Britons should rethink their trips to Venice.
Despite its immense beauty, described by UNESCO as an "extraordinary architectural masterpiece", the city is oversaturated with tourists.
'I would tell any British holidaymaker to steer away from Venice'
GETTY IMAGESChristian stated: "While I always support exploring the world, it is just as important to take note of [places] that may not provide the best possible experience.
"Right now, I would personally tell any British holidaymaker to steer away from one destination: Venice in Italy.
"While it is completely gorgeous and historical, the ugly truth is that Venice is suffering from overtourism."
The expert advised avoiding the city during the busy summer months, in particular. He said: "The narrow streets and canals, though charming, have lost most of their appeal.
"They are filled to the brim - mostly in peak months from June to August - which deprives you of any true feeling associated with enjoying such an iconic city."
Venice's battle with overtourism has prompted the city to reinstate a fee for day-trippers, following a "first-of-its-kind" experiment last year, as described by Mayor Luigi Brugnaro.
From today (Good Friday), holidaymakers visiting Venice between 8.30am and 4pm on key days in spring and summer must pay an access fee.
This will be €5(£4.29)for those who pay the access fee at least four days before their visit. However, those who pay the fee less than four days before their visit will see it jump to €10 (£8.58).
The Venice Access Fee aims to decongest the city, thereby helping locals, the economy and the environment. It is not to be confused with the accommodation tax for overnight stays.
According to Christian, the day-tripper fee "speaks volumes about the pressure on the city to curb mass tourism".
"Simply put, accommodation prices are sky-high, and restaurants located in touristy spots charge exorbitant prices for [average] food," the travel guru explained.
"Also, the city is facing occasional flooding - known as acqua alta- which messes with travel plans and damages the infrastructure.
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From today, visitors to Venice must pay an access fee on key days in spring and summer
GETTY IMAGES"Coupled with a serious decrease in any remaining locals, who are leaving due to high living costs and low quality of life, Venice is losing some of its charm."
Responsible Travel confirmed that Venice is a "prime example" of overtourism. To avoid contributing to this, experts advised holidaymakers to consider when they are visiting and how they are spending their money.
Boycotting a city that depends almost wholly on tourism is "problematic", so visitors are urged to "travel off peak".
"Simply boycotting a city which, rightly or wrongly, depends almost entirely on tourism is problematic," experts said.
"Venice in the winter is eerily beautiful, and often cheaper. Choose to stay several nights, too, shop and eat locally, and explore off the beaten track, to avoid the popular hotspots and spread your Euros a little further."
Many popular spots are introducing tourist levies, with travellers advised to prepare for new fees.
Most recently, "one of the most beautiful countries" in Europe is considering a tourist tax in a blow to UK holidaymakers.
