MILLIONS of Brits are inspired by social media when it comes to booking their next holiday – then left dismayed when they get there, and it doesn’t look like what they saw on screen.
To avoid disappointment, we’ve spoken to ten top travel influencers to find their least-favourite destinations and the underrated locations to head to instead.
Travel writer, Helen Wright, from passportstampsuk says short and snappy video content online can show someone everything a destination has to offer in less than a minute.
She told Sun Travel: “In less time than it takes to make a cup of tea, you might discover somewhere you have never heard of and get a look at the sights, food and feel of the place before the kettle has even boiled.
“I was planning a short break to a Spanish city I’d visited before when I saw influencers Twin Perspectives post about Gdansk in Poland.
“It looked relaxed, easy to navigate and with lots to see and do, so I ended up going there instead.
“Not only did I get to experience somewhere I’ve never been before, it was half the price – flights to Gdansk on Ryanair start from £11 each way, so it’s a real bargain.”
Influencers who travel the world full-time often stumble across less popular places, seeing how they compare to common holiday spots for Brits.
The Sun asked a range of travel experts for their most overrated destination and the French capital Paris was the most unpopular destination, with many frequent travellers saying the same thing.
“It doesn’t live up to the hype,” says travel blogger Cora Harrison. “It’s expensive, dirty, often overcrowded and not easily walkable.”
So what overrated destinations do some of the top UK travel influencers think you should avoid this year?
And where should you swap them for instead?
Miami for Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach is a beautiful spot on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and much cheaper than MiamiInstagram AlamyThe world-famous Ocean Drive in South Beach – a hotspot for tourists[/caption]Helen told Sun Travel: “Miami is iconic, which is why it’s a bucket list destination for a lot of people, but it’s also very expensive and can be difficult to navigate.
“Often, people, especially families, discover that there isn’t actually that much to do in Miami Beach itself and after a few days, find it disappointing.
“The beach is beautiful, but it doesn’t have the laid-back Florida beach life that some coastal towns have.
“Instead, go to Panama City Beach on the Gulf Coast. It’s just as lively as Miami, but the beach bars here are laid back and family-friendly.
“There are lots of sleek apartments along the seafront, perfect for families, that start from £90 a night. Compared to the hotels in South Beach, which are usually between £150-£250 per night, it’s a real bargain.
“The beach itself is stunning. It’s one of the nicest I have seen in the USA, outside of Hawaii.
“The water is pure blue and it’s not uncommon to spot dolphins, manatees and turtles swimming off the shore.
“It doesn’t have the architecture and culture that Miami offers, but if you want lively nightlife and a white sand beach, Panama City Beach is perfect.”
Paris for Lyon
AlamyTravel bloggers said Paris was crowded and overpriced[/caption] AlamyThey much preferred Lyon with a more relaxed and authentic vibe[/caption]Cora Harrison, from insideoursuitcase.com told Sun Travel: “Paris might be known as the City of Love, but reality says otherwise.
“It’s crowded, overpriced, and honestly, a bit dirty, meaning any charm the city might have is quickly lost.
“Instead, I suggest heading to Lyon, France’s culinary capital.
“It offers riverside strolls, cobbled old towns, and a more relaxed, authentic vibe.
“During the same week in September, when 3-star hotels in Paris were £400, you could book an equivilent stay in the centre of Lyon for £250.
“Plus, Lyon is well connected, with affordable direct flights from airports across the UK, making it an easy, budget-friendly swap.”
Mykonos for Kimolos, Greece
AlamyMykonos has become a popular tourist destination – and crowded with holidaymakers[/caption] InstagramJackie likes to visit less populated areas of Greece like Kimolos[/caption]Jackie Rezk from JouJouTravels.com said: “Did you know Greece doesn’t have to break the bank? On average, the daily cost to visit touristy places like Mykonos can be over £180 a night.
“Mykonos is expensive and so crowded that you lose all the beauty and charm it became famous for.
“Instead, why not try Kimolos, which you can get to on the ferry from Athens?
“You will find hardly any tourists there and it’s absolutely stunning.
“This hidden gem is also more affordable to visit, with an average daily spend of £80.
“This small volcanic island has the same gorgeous white-washed buildings as Mykonos but with few crowds.
“You will find stunning views of the sea, great food, and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
“It has easily become my favorite island in Greece.”
Santorini for Dorset
InstagramEmily says you don’t have to leave the UK to get a Santorini-like experience – just head to Dorset[/caption] AlamySantorini has famously become overcrowded with tourists and Instagrammers driving prices up[/caption]Emily Luxton from dorsettravelguide.com told Sun Travel: “Santorini always looks perfect on Instagram, but for me, the reality on the ground is less inviting.
“You dream of cute cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and sapphire seas.
“Instead, you get elbow-to-elbow crowds and overpriced everything!
“I do like Santorini and the volcanic rock beaches are impressive, but are usually too heaving to enjoy.
“There are far nicer islands in Greece, in my opinion.
“In fact, you don’t even have to leave the UK to find pretty seaside villages, dramatic coves, and quality seafood.
“Dorset has all of that and more, with no additional airport stress.
“You can get a two-night stay on the Juarassic Coast, close to key areas like Durdle Door for under £200. In Santorini, you can expect to pay £300 or more.
“If you don’t mind a bit of a ramble, you can often find a remote beach all to yourself too.”
Ksmail for Dhermi, Albania
InstagramInfluencer Abena loves to explore the quieter areas of Albania, like Dhermi[/caption] AlamyKsamil in Albanian has been dubbed the ‘Madives of Europe’ – but travel bloggers say its overpriced and beaches are packed[/caption]Abena Kusi from TravellingTuesdays told Sun Travel: “Ksamil in Albania is very overrated.
“People often say this is a hidden gem that not many people know about, but in summer it’s rammed.
“The beaches are packed and sun loungers and parasols are wildly overpriced.
“I’ve even heard people calling it the Maldives of Europe, but in reality it is a small village, overrun with construction and loud music.
“Instead, choose to go further up the Albanian coast to places such as Dhermi or Himare, which are more authentic and less congested.
“To be honest, even a simple trip to Corfu would be better and more beautiful than going to Ksami, in my opinion.”
Nice for Cassis, France
AlamyNikita says Nice is…nice but it didn’t leave a lasting impression[/caption] InstagramInstagrammer Nikita pictured in the less crowded town of Cassis, France[/caption]Instagrammer Nikita Bathia told Sun Travel: Nice is… nice, but it didn’t leave much of an impression.
“The buildings are pastel, the coastline is pretty, and it looks good in photographs – but beyond that, it felt a bit flat.
“The beaches aren’t particularly comfortable, the old town is packed, and the energy leans more generic than charming.
“It’s easy to see why people go, but harder to feel connected to it.
“I found myself wishing for somewhere slower, more authentic and less polished.
“If, like me, you’re after something with more character and less crowds, Èze or Cassis feel far more personal.
“They are both beautiful with a stunning coastline and quietly a lot more memorable.”
Nassau, Bahamas for private island
InstagramMarcus says many people don’t realise Disney has a private island in the Caribbbean[/caption] AlamyA seafood restaurant on the shore at Bimini in the Bahamas – a hidden gem with less tourists[/caption]Marcus Adam from sparkx.org said: “Going to the Bahamas invokes a vision of azure waters, white sandy beaches, and a blissful island vibe.
“But some ports end up a very different experience to what you might expect.
“For me, Nassau, one of the Bahamas’ main cruise ports, is over busy and overpriced.
“Frequent cruisers I meet will often opt to stay on board to enjoy ship amenities instead.
“You can go shopping and enjoy the local bars in the brand new port area, but if you prefer a more exclusive experience in the Bahamas, time is better spent at one of the cruise lines’ private islands.
“However, they are exclusive to the cruise line you sail with, so choose wisely and check the itinerary you book includes a stop there.
“My favourites are Bimini with Virgin Voyages, Perfect Day CocoCay with Royal Caribbean, or Castaway Cay with Disney Cruise Line.
“As the only ship in port, it feels like your own private island.”
Cornwall for Llyn Peninsula
InstagramMonica Stott is a big fan of the Llyn Peninsula[/caption] AlamyAbersoch, Llyn Peninsula, Gwynedd, Wales is beautifully undiscovered[/caption] AlamyCornwall has become a hotspot for staycations in the UK[/caption]Monica Stott from thetravelhack.com told Sun Travel: “I love Cornwall but unfortunately, so does everyone else looking for a staycation in the UK!
“The crowds, the traffic, the lack of parking and the need to book restaurants so far in advance is a real hassle. Plus, the cost of decent accommodation that isn’t a caravan is outrageous.
“If you can even find somewhere near the beach in summer, expect to pay over £1,000 for the week.
“I’ve started swapping Cornwall for Wales’ Llyn Peninsula. You can book accomodation steps from the beach for less than £100 a night. Try Victoria Hotel, a lovely pub with rooms on the coast.
“People often say the Llyn Peninsula is how Cornwall was 50 years ago. It’s all golden beaches, pretty villages, white-washed cottages, weather-beaten pubs, dramatic cliffs and views for days.
“The Llyn Peninsula is also blessed with a beautiful micro-climate and often tops the charts for the hottest days during the UK summer.”
Mirajima for Kyoto
Mirajima is a great place to experience Japan’s serene landscapeInstagram AlamyKyoto is a beautiful city to visit but tourists flock there throughout year[/caption]Calum McSwiggan told Sun Travel: “While Kyoto is undoubtedly beautiful, over-tourism has made this popular hot spot almost impossible to enjoy, with huge crowds swarming over the whole city and cultural areas.
“To really experience the peaceful serenity that Japan is famous for, I recommend travelling just that little bit further.
“From the island of Mirajima, the mountains of Kusatsu, or the hot spring town of Shibu Onsen, the country has so much more to offer.
“Get out there and explore, enjoy the scenery from the windows of the country’s exceptional public rail network, and remember to put your phone away and enjoy the quiet moments in between.”
Dubai for Oman
InstagramDubai is a popular destination for Brits, but Chloe Gunning finds it lacks character[/caption] InstagramOman is naturally beautiful and more interesting than Dubai[/caption]Chloe Gunning from wanderlustchloe.com told Sun Travel: “Dubai is famed for its luxury lifestyle and five-star hotels, but I find it artificial and lacking in character.
“Warm temperatures are guaranteed throughout the year, but you’ll spend most of your time sitting in traffic, or hopping from air-conditioned hotel to shopping mall, to overpriced restaurant.
“For a more cultural and adventurous holiday, I’d recommend swapping the UAE for Oman.
“This neighbouring country is home to rugged mountains, emerald-hued pools, vast deserts and incredible history.
“Spend your days hiking through dramatic gorges, swimming in waterfalls and sleeping under the stars in desert yurts.
“Oman has more soul, and you’ll feel all the better once you experience it!”
The Algarve for Comporta, Portugal
AlamyThe Algarve, Portugal, is a holiday hotspot for Brits thanks to its guaranteed sunshine[/caption] AlamyChloe says Comporta is just as pretty and a lot cheaper to visit[/caption]Chloe from @theholidaymum told Sun Travel: “The Algarve has many strong points, not least the guaranteed sunshine and sandy beaches, but it’s very commercial with a lot of concrete and high rise buildings spoiling the idyllic beach views.
“I recommend making a swap to its chic older sister, Comporta.
“The beaches in Comporta are paradise found: more expansive, quieter and cleaner than the Algarve and lined with effortlessly cool beach clubs.
“The resort style hotels, such as Sublime Comporta and Quinta da Comporta, are design-led and stylish and there’s a smattering of homestays in the area with the same design credentials.
“The sunny peninsula is just under a two-hour drive from Lisbon but it’s more affordable to you can stay longer to compensate for the drive.”
Cancun for Belize
AlamyCancun has stunning beaches[/caption] InstagramBut Belize also has many undiscovered beaches with less crowds[/caption]Macca Sherifi from anadventurousworld.com told Sun Travel: “Cancun is full of American college kids looking to party and it has zero Mexican culture.
“Throw in all the high-rise all-inclusive hotels and over-developed beaches, and you’ve got yourself one of the most overrated tourist hotspots in the world.
“My advice – head over the border to Caye Caulker in Belize. This place is a tropical paradise with a really fun Caribbean vibe and some of the bluest waters you’ll ever see.
“In fact, it is home to the Blue Hole, the giant sinkhole that is on every divers and snorkeller’s bucket list.
“Instead of paying £1,800 for the week in Cancun, get an apartment with beach views for only under the half the price. It may not be all-inclusive, but the local food is better and very affordable.
It really is an amazing destination to visit and so undiscovered compared to somewhere like Cancun.”
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