Antonina Olegova/Instagram
In the age of social media, Instagram has become a major influencer in shaping our travel aspirations. However, beneath the filtered perfection lies a reality often overlooked by the persuasion of thousands of likes and followers. Here are some reasons why planning a trip solely based on Instagram might lead to disappointment and our recommended alternatives could give you more wholesome experiences. Read through to know what they are!
Look Beyond Famous Attractions
Bustling crowds, long queues and extensive planning can turn your dream visit to iconic sites like the Brooklyn Bridge or The Vatican into a logistical nightmare. The sheer volume of visitors converging upon these renowned landmarks often creates an overwhelming atmosphere, with crowds jostling for the perfect photo spot and vying for a glimpse of the iconic structures. Moreover, the need for extensive planning, including booking tickets in advance and adhering to strict schedules, might rob the spontaneity and freedom that makes travel truly enriching.
Our alternative: Discover the charm of unique and lesser-known destinations that offer one-of-a-kind experiences. Our Rome guide provides a roadmap to discovering what Rome is best known for, it’s art.
Give a Blind Eye to “Influencer” Destinations
The Amalfi Coast, Santorini, and Tulum may look stunning in photos, but they're also plagued by high costs, crowds, and a diminished experience due to the travel boom. Instead, consider exploring smaller, undiscovered destinations like Matera in Italy, Chefchaouen in Morocco, or Hoi An in Vietnam.
Our alternative: Explore smaller, undiscovered destinations – check out our recommended list in “Go Here, Not There.
Walk Past Instagram Famous Restaurants and Cafes
Time Out Paris / Oliver Knight
Often, once a place becomes famous, profit takes precedence over quality. Places like Cafe De Flore, Soho staple, Balthazar and the Viral Caviar Kaspia are seriously overhyped. They either lack the service, quality or the ability to be worth your money.
Red flags to watch out for when planning to splurge on famous restaurants:
Excessive crowds and long wait times
Exorbitantly priced menu
Overly staged or generic decor
Limited or uninspired menu
Mixed or negative reviews
Our Alternative: Opt for lesser-known establishments for a more authentic culinary experience. Check out our guide to "Eating Like a Local in Paris" for recommendations. We also have a series on Eat Like a Chef in NYC, Hong Kong & Singapore.
Pay No Heed to Purpose-Built Instagram Places
The Bali Swing and the photo op with seagulls in Istanbul may seem like must-do experiences, but they're often disappointing in reality. The Bali Swing has raised safety concerns, and the Istanbul seagulls are known to furiously snatch food from unsuspecting tourists which could hurt. Instead, focus on experiences that are naturally beautiful or culturally enriching.
Our Alternative: Choose naturally beautiful destinations or focus on providing authentic experiences like NIHI Sumba or go on sustainable safaris with Singita.
Steer Clear from Hotels with Form Over Function
Hotels like Azulik may look stunning in photos, but they often lack essential comforts like air conditioning, and proper doors or windows. This could look Instagrammable and make your feed shine but we doubt it offers a stay you would want to come back for again and again. When choosing a hotel, prioritize comfort and amenities over aesthetics. After all, you'll be spending most of your time outside exploring the destination.
Our alternative: Prioritize hotels that balance form and function for a more comfortable stay. When in doubt check out our Check an Inn series to get honest reviews of hotels we’ve had first-hand experiences at.
While Instagram serves as a source of inspiration, it's crucial to go beyond the virtual facade to ensure a fulfilling and authentic travel experience. Explore the lesser-known, seek genuine encounters, and embrace the beauty that extends beyond the confines of social media aesthetics.
