Let’s face it — travel isn’t always easy. Exploring the world requires getting out of your comfort zone to face a host of stressors, including crowds, lines, and unfamiliar languages. While some find this exciting, others may consider it anxiety-inducing. With that in mind, we turned to a new study from luggage storage provider Radical Storage, which analyzed 85,000 online reviews of tourist hot spots around the world to uncover which major cities were the most overwhelming for travelers in 2026. That means if your idea of vacation involves little more than a lounge chair and a tropical drink, these are the top places to avoid.

5. Kyoto, Japan (tie)

Kyoto might be a surprising pick for the fifth-most stressful destination in the world. After all, the Japanese city is home to some 1,600 Buddhist temples and hundreds of Shinto shrines, places associated with peace and tranquility. It’s also surrounded by mountains and filled with cherry trees, making it a go-to spot for both international travelers and domestic tourists. 

But Kyoto’s cultural significance and apparent beauty make it almost too popular, particularly during spring, when the cherry blossoms are in peak bloom. The result is chaotic pathways, long lines, and crowded buses, which can make the experience stressful for those who want to relax in nature. To best appreciate Kyoto’s beauty, consider visiting during the offseason for a more relaxed experience. 

5. Tokyo, Japan (tie)

Tied with Kyoto for the No. 5 spot, Tokyo may be stressful for travelers for several reasons. For starters, visitors can be overwhelmed by the city’s immense size, fast pace, and extremely busy transportation system. As one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, Tokyo welcomes half a billion tourists annually. 

Although they’re often amazed by Tokyo’s cleanliness and efficiency, first-time visitors may be intimidated by the city’s extensive railway network, especially due to the language barrier. And the streets are no less hectic. Shibuya, Tokyo’s version of Times Square, is famously known for the “Shibuya Scramble,” a pedestrian crossing that is routinely inundated with thousands of people.

4. Delhi, India

The estimated population of Delhi is around 36 million people, with an additional 3 million foreign tourists visiting annually. As the nation’s capital and the gateway to the Golden Triangle, which includes popular destinations like the Taj Mahal and the Pink City, it’s a requisite stop in India. 

However, for many, Delhi’s combination of high temperatures, frequently poor air quality, and constant noise and traffic makes it anything but relaxing. Urban sprawl and the striking socioeconomic contrasts between residents also can contribute to an overall sense of anxiety or stress when visiting.

3. Mumbai, India

Already home to 22 million residents, Mumbai draws 8.5 million tourists annually, making it one of the most visited destinations in the country. India’s largest port is also the heart of Bollywood, the nation’s popular movie industry, and home to fascinating places including Elephanta Island, a network of ancient caves and temples, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Despite the city’s many attractions, Mumbai’s energy can be overpowering, with a hot and humid climate, crowded streets, and constant sounds. Severe overcrowding on the city’s suburban rail network also adds stress for travelers.

2. Beijing, China

Beijing is the world’s second-most stressful travel destination, according to the Radical Storage study, primarily due to its massive size and population. As the bustling capital city of China, it’s home to popular attractions such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and nearby sections of the Great Wall of China. These attractions draw almost a million visitors a day, with domestic tourists often traveling to the capital on national holidays. 

The city’s sprawling layout and heavy traffic make it difficult to navigate, while language barriers create even more complexities for international travelers. All of these demands make Beijing exciting, but also a stressful destination for those who prefer a slower pace.

1. Orlando, Florida

If you’re booking a vacation to relax and unwind, it may be best to skip Orlando. The popular Florida destination was ranked as the most stressful travel destination, with roughly one in 10 reviews mentioning words related to anxiety. Orlando’s crowds seem to trouble travelers the most — with 15 theme parks and water parks that drew 75.6 million visitors in 2025, Orlando is simply teeming with people. This contributes to more traffic, longer lines, and a general feeling of overstimulation. 

Many people who travel to Orlando also might travel with family or small children, which creates added stress. When you factor in the humidity index, especially in the summer, you could say that a visit to Orlando requires nerves of steel.