Instagram’s glossy images of global travel hotspots offer a polished view of the world’s most sought-after destinations. Yet, the reality often falls short, with numerous travellers lamenting that certain cities and beloved holiday spots have been ‘ruined’ by hordes of influencers flocking there solely for social media clout.

A Reddit travel thread saw disgruntled tourists venting about various places that have been “heavily” overhyped by influencers, resulting in letdowns and disillusionment. From quaint Mediterranean isles to iconic Asian sites and picturesque beaches, the discontent among Redditors was evident. Here are just some of the destinations which made the thread.

Dubai, UAE

Dubai has not only become a magnet for influencers seeking new experiences but also a place for them to set up home. Yet, many visitors have found the city hollow at its core, reports MirrorOnline.

One traveller likened Dubai to: “It felt like existing in a sims world.”

Another commented: “Not much more than an expensive soulless mall in the desert. somehow influencer$ manage to find a purpose there.”

Santorini, Greece

Among Greece’s myriad tiny islands, Santorini has faced challenges due to the surge of tourists in recent times.

The issue of overtourism has seen even well-known spots like the Blue Domed Church overrun by crowds, all vying for that perfect Instagram photo.

One holidaymaker remarked: “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 voiced their irritation over the island being a prime destination for cruises, which brings hordes of day visitors: Leopoldstrasse advised, “Key with Santorini is to spend the night to avoid the cruise ship crowd. Hike from Oia to Fira is special.”

Yet another visitor shared their experience: “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

In Tulum, Mexico, the scene is shifting – once a paradise on the Caribbean coast, two hours south from Cancun, famous for cenotes and beaches. But regulars have spotted transformations.

Travelingman0 lamented the change, stating: “20 years ago it was an absolute paradise. Now it’s full of instagram tag signs, $400 rooms, and EDM parties.”

Echoing this sentiment, another added: “100%. The hotel beach area is small and filled with seaweed and everything is so overpriced, because of those influencers!”.

Savvy travellers are sharing their insider tips on how to dodge the influencer-packed beach clubs and still have a blast on holiday. One savvy jet-setter advised: “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

The Indonesian paradise of Bali has become even more accessible for long-term stays with the introduction of the Remote Worker Visa in 2024, which allows ‘digital nomads’ to reside on the island for up to five years.

A traveller, Ryuulen1127, shared their longing for Bali: “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.”

However, other seasoned globetrotters recommend exploring beyond Bali to places like Lombok to escape the tourist throngs.

An experienced traveller, Killer_blueskies, encouraged others not to be deterred by the online buzz: “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.”

One traveller warned against Bali’s hotspots: “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 Island, Thailand

The Phi Phi Islands in Thailand are popular with tourists seeking crystal blue waters, yet some argue that online images by influencers are misleading, as Forsaken_Weekend_31 claimed: “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.”

Salem, USA

Even in America, Salem’s dark history tied to the Salem Witch Trials is legendary, where over two turbulent years, 19 individuals were hanged, and numerous others jailed under suspicion of witchcraft, all due to fervent Puritan ideologies.

The historic town of Salem, Massachusetts, renowned for its witch trial history, has become a victim of its own success, with tourists flocking in droves and overwhelming the local infrastructure.

BostonBlackCat lamented on an online forum: “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.”