Travel influencers reveal most overrated Insta-famous holiday destinations & the dupes that could save you thousands
SUN, SEA & SWAPS Travel influencers reveal most overrated Insta-famous holiday destinations & the dupes that could save you thousands
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
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.
27
Helen Wright from the blog, passportstamps.uk found a hidden spot in Florida
Credit: Instagram
27
Chloe, aka The Holiday Mum, gets the beach to herself
Credit: Instagram
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?
Ryanair launches new flights to cheap holiday hotspot
Miami for Panama City Beach, Florida
27
Panama City Beach is a beautiful spot on Florida's Gulf Coast, and much cheaper than Miami
Credit: Instagram
27
The world-famous Ocean Drive in South Beach – a hotspot for tourists
Credit: Alamy
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
27
Travel bloggers said Paris was crowded and overpriced
Credit: Alamy
27
They much preferred Lyon with a more relaxed and authentic vibe
Credit: Alamy
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
27
Mykonos has become a popular tourist destination - and crowded with holidaymakers
Credit: Alamy
27
Jackie likes to visit less populated areas of Greece like Kimolos
Credit: Instagram
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
27
Emily says you don't have to leave the UK to get a Santorini-like experience - just head to Dorset
Credit: Instagram
27
Santorini has famously become overcrowded with tourists and Instagrammers driving prices up
Credit: Alamy
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
27
Influencer Abena loves to explore the quieter areas of Albania, like Dhermi
Credit: Instagram
27
Ksamil in Albanian has been dubbed the 'Madives of Europe' - but travel bloggers say its overpriced and beaches are packed
Credit: Alamy
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
27
Nikita says Nice is...nice but it didn't leave a lasting impression
Credit: Alamy
27
Instagrammer Nikita pictured in the less crowded town of Cassis, France
Credit: Instagram
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
27
Marcus says many people don't realise Disney has a private island in the Caribbbean
Credit: Instagram
27
A seafood restaurant on the shore at Bimini in the Bahamas - a hidden gem with less tourists
Credit: Alamy
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
27
Monica Stott is a big fan of the Llyn Peninsula
Credit: Instagram
27
Abersoch, Llyn Peninsula, Gwynedd, Wales is beautifully undiscovered
Credit: Alamy
27
Cornwall has become a hotspot for staycations in the UK
Credit: Alamy
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
27
Mirajima is a great place to experience Japan's serene landscape
Credit: Instagram
27
Kyoto is a beautiful city to visit but tourists flock there throughout year
Credit: Alamy
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
27
Dubai is a popular destination for Brits, but Chloe Gunning finds it lacks character
Credit: Instagram
27
Oman is naturally beautiful and more interesting than Dubai
Credit: Instagram
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
27
The Algarve, Portugal, is a holiday hotspot for Brits thanks to its guaranteed sunshine
Credit: Alamy
27
Chloe says Comporta is just as pretty and a lot cheaper to visit
Credit: Alamy
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
27
Cancun has stunning beaches
Credit: Alamy
27
But Belize also has many undiscovered beaches with less crowds
Credit: Instagram
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."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Rare 'black alert' issued for Canary Islands as tourists warned to stay away
Two beaches on La Graciosa, in the Canary Islands, have been given a black flag by an environmental group which is blaming mass tourism for causing so much pollution A Spanish holiday hotspot has been given two black flags for pollution by an environmental group which is blaming the amount of tourism. Many Brits are among the millions of tourists that head to the Canary Islands each year and as well as the larger Tenerife or Lanzarote many also visit the La Graciosa. It has become increasingly popular having been viewed as less spoilt but now two of its beaches have been given a black flag for being so dirty. La Graciosa, located two kilometres north of Lanzarote across the Strait of El Río, has had the two beaches listed by Ecologistas en Accion (Ecologists in Action) which gives a list of the dirtiest locations along the Spanish coast each year. It has given black flags to Playa de Caleta de Sebo, which is the most populated area of the island as well as Playa de la Francesa, a little further along the coast. Ecologistas en Acción's annual report has been highlighting environmental mismanagement in Spain since 2005. And it focused on tourism for the environmental problems facing La Graciosa saying that there are only 720 residents and yet it sees 300,000 people visit a year. According to the environmental group, the beach in Caleta de Sebo is in a 'poor state of conservation', with waste from private boats and ferries arriving at the port, beach users and restaurants contributing to pollution. "The increase in the number of boats, waste, and activities pollute the beach," the organisation stated. At Playa de la Francesa they have warned about "boats with tourists that come, generating noise, feeding seagulls and fish, and leaving excrement and toilet paper". It is the second time this beach has been given a black flag as it was also put on the list in 2023 Specifically about the catamaran tours that arrive at the beach, the environment group says they 'hold parties, meals, games, and contests with loud music and leaving waste behind on the sand and in the water.' It comes as locals on the Canary Islands as well as other holiday hotspots in Spain have been complaining and holding protests at what they see as too much tourism. But it seems the threat of protests and a lukewarm reception have not been enough to deter holidaymakers from the Canary Islands. In June 2025, the Islands recorded their highest-ever number of international visitors, according to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE). The total number of international arrivals rose to 7.84 million in June, an increase of 4% compared to the same period last year. The tourist arrivals also increased spending on the Islands, with international visitors contributing €1.56 billion (£1.35bn) to the local economy in June, nearly 8.5% more than last year.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
UK's 'dirtiest' beach named as tourists claim it's filled with 'faeces and broken glass'
A new list has been made of the "dirtiest" beaches in the UK as many Brits are heading to the coast this month during school summer holidays to enjoy the hot weather Brits have been given a list of the dirtiest beaches in the UK where there have even been reports of human faeces found, according to new research. With the exceptionally hot weather so far this year many people have taken advantage by heading to the coast on holiday and some have been left shocked at the state of the beaches they have visited. Experts have also told how there is a lot of litter which is lift behind after vast crowds turn up with plastics a particular problem as it is a hazard for local wildlife. And for those wondering which is the dirtiest beach, Skegness Beach in Lincolnshire has been named as the worst offender, closely followed by Margate Main Sands and Formby Beach in Merseyside. The research was carried out by plastic waste specialists at have listed the most litter-strewn beaches in the UK. The experts analysed TripAdvisor reviews to determine how many mentioned litter on the beach. One review of Skegness Beach from June 2025 warned: "Avoid the grass dunes between the car park and the beach. Not only do you have to dodge the dog waste you also have to with human waste and serviettes covered in faeces and left for you to tread in." Another visitor lamented: "Unfortunately, on the walk down the beach, we passed a lot of trash, dirty nappies and baby wipes strewn about the place in one area, and broken glass." However, it's not all doom and gloom, with many tourists sharing positive experiences on TripAdvisor. Despite some comparing Skegness to North Korea and Syria as the worst place to visit, it continues to be a popular destination for many British families. A review posted in May 2025 reads: "Skegness is a proper seaside resort. It has everything that you expect from a trip to the coast and a lot more besides. From the iconic Clock Tower to its many attractions. "But for us the best part was the beach, immaculate golden sands with plenty of places to buy ice cream, fresh food and drinks (including beer and wine). Well done Skeggy! ! ! PS The Blue Fin Fish Bar serves battered fish that is phenomenal." Holidaymakers visiting Margate Main Sands have voiced comparable grievances, with assessments highlighting shattered glass, canine excrement, and human waste. Whilst Formby Beach has received positive feedback generally, countless evaluations reference rubbish scattered across the shoreline. One visitor grumbled that they discovered the car park completely occupied by 10:30am and the coastline already packed with crowds and strewn with debris. Numerous other beachgoers remarked on abandoned picnics, discarded disposable barbecues littering the sand, and even discovering drug-related items, reported the Express. Graham Matthews, plastic waste specialist at says: "Litter on the UK's beaches turns our natural beauty spots into an eyesore and poses a huge environmental threat to marine life. "Each year, as the weather heats up, we see a sharp rise in people flocking to the seaside, but sadly, many don't clean up after themselves. It's common to find food packaging, disposable BBQs, and even human and animal waste scattered across our shores. "All this unsightly litter ruins the enjoyment of our beaches, but it also threatens local wildlife. Plastic is a particularly major hazard as it takes so long to break down naturally. Initially, this litter can endanger wildlife, entangle animals or be ingested. However, over time, plastic breaks down into smaller particles known as microplastics that find their way into water, sea life, and even our food chain." The UK's most littered beaches Skegness Beach, Lincolnshire Margate Main Sands, Kent Formby Beach, Merseyside Blackpool Beach, Blackpool Whitmore Bay Beach, Barry Island Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth Scarborough Beach, Scarborough Weston-super-Mare Beach, Somerset Botany Bay, Kent Clacton-on-Sea Beach, Essex
Metro
6 hours ago
- Metro
American tourist's £660 ‘extreme day trip' to Ireland raises a lot of questions
Have you ever flown for more than six hours, only to eat a snack and look over a cliff before heading home again? No, we've never done that either. However, a man called Kevin Droniak did just that. The American travel influencer went on a day trip to Ireland from New York, and filmed it all for Instagram. In a video breaking down the cost of his trip, Kevin revealed he paid close to $900 to spend a few hours on the Emerald Isle — with time for just one activity. After taking a direct flight to Shannon Airport in Ireland's west ($457 return), Kevin rented a car for $48 and drove to the Cliffs of Moher, one of the country's most iconic attractions. While he was there, he had a few minutes to scoff down a sandwich and a cappuccino. Having spent an undisclosed amount of time at the cliffs, he ran into trouble with a flat tire. He paid a mechanic to change the wheel, but incurred a $275 fee from the rental company because he hadn't paid for insurance. After that headache, Kevin said he headed straight back to the airport. The average flight time between New York and Shannon is around six and a half hours, which means he spent around 13 hours of the day in the air. We contacted Kevin to clarify his exact flying time and learn more about the trip, but didn't hear back. Including buying an Irish polo shirt (presumably from the airport), Kevin said he ended up spending $898 for his few hours in Ireland, which even he admits might not have been worth it. For most people, the idea of a holiday abroad involves packing a suitcase and being away for at least a weekend, if not a week or more. But for some, like Kevin, a single day is enough to fly to another country, explore, and be home in time for bed. It's part of a growing trend known as 'extreme day tripping'. Yet despite the popularity, 'EDTs' have drawn criticism over their environmental impact and lack of engagement with local economies. What is Extreme Day Tripping? While we don't have an Oxford definition of the phrase, Extreme Day Tripping generally involves travelling an extraordinary distance to a destination, only to spend no more than a day there before flying home. In practice, you wake up stupidly early, get to the airport, catch a red-eye flight (hopefully in time to get there at a reasonable time in the morning), and then pack as much into your trip as you can before catching a very late flight back again the same day. In theory, it allows you to get a very brief flavour of another country, without the cost of accommodation or taking chunks out of your annual leave. Do Extreme Day Trips benefit the host country? We asked Irish economist Jim Power about the benefits of having holidaymakers visit Ireland, even if only for a short time. 'Having visitors come to Ireland on any pretext is generally good for Ireland,' he told Metro. 'A visitor will spend a significant amount of money on food, transport, fuel, souvenirs, and so on, so it represents a significant financial investment into the important tourism sector.' However, Jim acknowledged that the economic benefits of extreme day trippers could be small. 'Over just one day, there is a limit to how much the accommodation and food services sector will benefit, and it is also the case that a visitor will not get any real idea about what Ireland or any other country is like. 'In addition, the environmental implications of flying into a country for just one day are not positive.' Jim concluded: 'Despite these reservations, the more one-day trippers that come to Ireland, the better for the valuable tourism sector. ' What about the environmental impact? A common criticism of extreme day trips is the impact they have on the environment. According to climate research, flying is now responsible for 2.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 8% of the UK's emissions, specifically. Campaigners have called for limits on flights taking off to address environmental concerns. Speaking to the BBC, Extreme Day Trip enthusiast and travel blogger Monica Stott acknowledged the impact the practice might be having. 'I think if it means people are taking way more flights, and airlines are putting on more flights, then I do see that as a negative impact,' she said. However, Monica went on to say: 'But a lot of people doing extreme day trips are doing it because they either can't afford to take a longer holiday or don't have time. 'I don't think it's fair to say one person's holiday is more important than another person's holiday, because they're going for longer.' What else could you do on a day trip to Ireland? Metro's Travel Editor, Alice Murphy, who was born in Dublin, had this to say about Kevin's day trip to her homeland. 'It's great to see people with large followings shouting about Ireland, but Kevin spent so little time there that he missed out on things that, in my opinion, take a visit to the Cliffs from great to exceptional. 'If he asked me to plan a trip, I'd tell him to start with coffee and a pastry at Hugo's in Lahinch, then head to the Cliffs to do the hike from Doolin to O'Brown's Tower (around 12km all in). 'Alternatively, he could do the Burren hiking trail (white is easiest). After that, I'd direct him to Clahane shore, where you can swim in the rock pools at high tide, followed by a short drive to refuel with lunch at Homestead Cottage and explore the gorgeous village of Doolin. 'If he still has room after that, cocktails and a seafood dinner at Russells is always a good choice.' Do you have a story to share?
