According to research…influencers are the worst travel agents. Nearly 60% of travelers surveyed in Passport Photo Online's recent survey said they felt “misled” by social media leaders.
Some people are complaining about TikTok.
A disappointed @Malfoy_Drayco described Paris, one of the most hashtagged places in the world, as “post-apocalyptic” in a video that has been viewed 5.9 million times.
Meanwhile, @MillenialAlex says all influencers who endorse the Amalfi Coast “deserve jail time.”
Even Daniel Scheffler, a journalist who writes for the New York Times' travel column, told the Post that he was once “catfished” by influencers and led straight into an unpromised land. “Would you say it was disappointing? It was more like, 'Let's move to the beach as soon as possible.'”
“That's the dark side of the industry,” says stockbroker-turned-travel influencer Scott Eddy, who explains that brands and tourism boards that pay for travel expect positive posts as deliverables. “There are a lot of people in this industry who are good friends and treat it like a business, but a lot of new entrants are in it for the freebies and social media fame.”
Fortunately, for all the destination influencer hype, there's an underrated duck. Here we introduce swaps that are best suited for destinations where feeds are sent in large quantities.
Seoul instead of Tokyo
Tokyo can be intoxicating, but it's also expensive, especially if you don't get paid to post. That's why Inside Asia Tours sends cost-conscious clients to Seoul, where prices are at least 10% cheaper.
South Korea's capital also has cherry blossoms, bullet trains, temples, and ski resorts less than an hour from the hustle and bustle of downtown. The artsy RYSE, Autograph Collection (from $200 per night) is the city's most Instagrammable hotel. However, don't take photos behind the scenes at military checkpoints on your DMZ tour unless you want to end up in jail. And please book early. It can only accept about 1,000 tourists per day.
If you're looking for souvenirs, especially skin care products, head to Myeong-dong Shopping District. For the best value when it comes to food, go to Flavors. It's not Nobu, but it's a mainstay on the list of the world's best all-you-can-eat buffets.
Popoyo instead of Tulum
Unlike Tulum, which has been full of influencers for the past decade and currently has a serious seaweed problem, Popoyo is still relatively unknown. Boasting some of the most consistent waves in Nicaragua, what it lacks in archaeological sites it makes up for in sunsets (something you'll never see in east-facing Tulum).
Instead of snorkeling in crowded, cold cenotes, soak in Popoyo's natural hot springs or explore its tidal pools. Tulum is home to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, while Popoyo is just 80 miles from the Apoyo Lagoon Nature Reserve, an ancient crater lake with an equally impressive flora and fauna.
Nestled between garden casitas, ocean-view homes, luxury villas, and cozy inns, the 2,700-acre Rancho Santana (starting at $300 per night) caters to travelers of all styles. And who needs Akmal? One of the property's five beaches is the birthplace of 6,000 sea turtles annually.
Porto, not Paris
Lists of the most overrated tourist attractions always include the Eiffel Tower, but travelers complain about Porto's impressive two-story Dom Luis I Bridge (designed by a disciple of Gustav Eiffel) No.
Instead of the Louvre, head to the new World of Wine Museum. It's nearly as big at 592,000 square feet, but instead of jockeying for a glimpse of the imposing Mona Lisa, you can get excited while learning about the nearby Douro Valley, the world's oldest demarcated wine region. Masu.
Another perk of Porto: Located just a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean, you can take surfing lessons in Onda Pla or book a canal tour in Aveiro, Portugal's equivalent of Venice. Putting on the Ritz Paris costs $2,400 per night. For that price, you get three nights with him at Porto's comparable restaurant, Yetman, and dinner at his two-star Michelin restaurant.
Big Sky instead of Park City
Due to its proximity to major airports, Park City is packed with skiers even on weekdays. But Big Sky, North America's third-largest ski resort, is so remote that you'll always find parking, and you'll probably spend more time shredding the knarls than freezing in the lift line. .
You can still see celebrities such as Justin Timberlake and Tom Brady as residents, but not the paparazzi. That's one of the reasons big stars move to Montana. Locals don't dress to impress, either. Carhartt and Cowboy He's a hat-and-skier, but if you're looking for something bougie, you can always find it at Montage's Big Sky (from $1,600 a night) or at One&Only, which opens later this year. can.
On the other hand, if you want to live out your Kevin Costner's “Yellowstone” fantasy and enjoy the views from the saddle, stay at Lone Mountain Ranch (from $500 a night). Want to see Old Faithful live? Book a Yellowstone Safari His Company day tour from Big Sky.
