Seasoned travellers shared the holiday spots which they feel have been overhyped by influencers – but in reality are ‘major let downs’
Instagram is full of photos from travelling hotspots around the world, giving the wider world a glimpse of some of the world’s most enviable destinations.
However, this may not be all it’s cracked up to be, with many travellers saying certain cities and popular holiday locations have been ‘ruined’ by a swathe of influencers who journey there just to snap a shot for their social media. In a lengthy travel thread on Reddit, a number of annoyed holidaymakers shared their thoughts and feelings about different locations which have been “heavily” played up by influencers – leading to disappointment and “major let downs”.
From small Mediterranean islands to historic Asian landmarks and beaches, several Redditors expressed their displeasure.
Dubai, UAE
Dubai has become a hotspot for influencers to not only travel to, but to also relocate to. However, the reality left tourists feeling empty inside.
One tourist described the city as: “It felt like existing in a sims world.”
While another wrote: “Not much more than an expensive soulless mall in the desert. somehow influencer$ manage to find a purpose there.”
Santorini, Greece
Just one of the many diminutive islands off the coast of Greece, Santorini has struggled with an influx of tourists in recent years. Complaints of overtourism has left familiar locations, such as the Blue Domed Church, flooded with people all trying to get that Instagram-worthy shot.
One tourist said: “After visiting there it’s pretty funny to note that 90% of influencers pics/videos are taken in one specific part of the island at one specific angle.”
Another complained about it being a prime stop off point for cruises, meaning thousands of extra visitors arrive just for the day. Leopoldstrasse commented: “Key with Santorini is to spend the night to avoid the cruise ship crowd. Hike from Oia to Fira is special.”
Another explained: “Some beautiful views, but between the streets packed with so many tourists you couldn’t move, endless chain stores and restaurants, and clubs on every corner, it felt more like Times Square than an authentic slice of Greek culture. There are SO many more fun places in the Greek islands that deserve a visit first.”
Tulum, Mexico
A couple of hours south of the party town of Cancun, Tulum has become a sought-after destination on the Caribbean coast. Known for its cenotes – natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater – and beaches, people who have frequented the town has seen a change over the past few decades.
Travelingman0 said: “20 years ago it was an absolute paradise. Now it’s full of instagram tag signs, $400 rooms, and EDM parties.”
Another agreed: “100%. The hotel beach area is small and filled with seaweed and everything is so overpriced, because of those influencers!”
To avoid being disappointed, some travellers have explained how to get around the influencer crowd by avoiding the beach clubs. One person wrote: “Find an AirBnB nearby. You can get to the beach in ~15 minutes and save hundreds. Then you’re also not hearing blaring club music every night. Most beach clubs offer day passes anyway. You pay like $20 and it covers your food and drinks, and you only pay more if you order more than the cover charge. You can stay all day, many have lounge chairs and shades you can use for free instead of charging you $80 like they do in Miami for an umbrella. It’s pretty great.”
Bali, Indonesia
In 2024, Indonesia introduced the Remote Worker Visa, allowing individuals to move to the island for up to five years as a ‘digital nomad’. Ryuulen1127 said: “For a very very long time I wanted to go to Bali. But the more and more I kept seeing this place appear on social media, the more it made me reconsider.”
Other travellers suggested looking to other parts of Indonesia, such as Lombok, to avoid the crowds. The likes of Killer_blueskies urged people to not be off-put by influencers, saying: “Don’t let influencers put you off. I’ve stayed in different parts of Bali and its surrounding islands, and I’ve never had a bad trip. it’s an island with its own identity and culture…and for that reason has never felt inauthentic to me despite its popularity. Just make sure to also venture outside of the town centres and popular beach clubs and you’ll enjoy it.”
While another advised to avoid: “Bali is nice just AVOID CANNGU AND SEMINYAK they’re full of expats, clubs, and traffic. Go to uluwatu / ubud (still touristy but actually beautiful). For beaches go to Lombok and the Gili islands instead, also touristy but really incredible.”
Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
The Thai islands have been an escape for many, but some feel influencers aren’t given an accurate indication of what they’re like, especially the Phi Phi Islands. Forsaken_Weekend_31 said: “Phi phi islands or really anywhere in southern Thailand. You cant even swim in the crystal blue waters because its a protected area, so that explains why any pictures you see of influencers at the islands, they’re only knee deep.”
However, Kanewai argued: “To be fair, those islands were over touristed back in the 1990s – but we blamed Lonely Planet rather than Tik Tok.”
Salem, USA
Salem became famous for its extent and unsavoury history during the notorious Salem Witch Trials in the 17th century. Over the course of two years, 19 people were executed and many more imprisoned for witchcraft, which was rooted in Puritan beliefs.
The destination has used its history to attract tourists from all over the world to its doorsteps. BostonBlackCat wrote: “Salem, Massachusetts in October. I just moved from there. While Halloween has always been big in Salem, even decades ago when I was a kid, it was nothing like it is now. The entire month of October (and getting into late September now) is so packed I advise against anyone visiting. The city is simply not big enough and lacks the infrastructure to handle that many people.
“The lines for every bar and restaurant are hours long, then the tourists bomb them all with one star reviews for slow service. There used to be a few reputable tour guides, buskers, and performers here, now we are absolutely inundated with fly by night out of town tour guides and people playing bad music in c****y costumes for money every few feet. I lived downtown and it has become practically unliveable during October.
“Every year, a beloved shop that serves locals is forced out by a price hike and replaced with yet another tacky souvenir shop. So many of the tourists are also so disrespectful and treat our town like a theme park…even though I wouldn’t behave like they do anywhere! The littering in particular is just awful. Just so much trash dropped everywhere. Don’t get me wrong, most tourists are perfectly lovely, but when you have SO many people in a small space, you are bound to end up with a good number of rude jerks.
“I still love Salem. It is a beautiful and quaint as hell seaside community with such a rich maritime tradition and a gorgeous coastline. I would advise anyone visit…OUTSIDE of October. My favorite time of year is Christmas because the town really goes all out with events and decorations and winter markets, but it doesn’t have the huge tourist crowds.”
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