Some destinations live up to the hype. Others? Not even close. I’m not here to kill your dream trip—but I am here to help you avoid crowds, scams, and Instagram traps that leave you feeling duped.
I’ll tell you the truth travel influencers won’t: some of these “bucket list” places are overrun, overpriced, and increasingly hostile to tourists. And if you don’t want to be that tourist? I’ve got your back.
Let’s break it down—with real talk and better alternatives:
🔺 Bali
Yes, it’s stunning. However, the Bali most influencers show you? That’s Canggu—and it’s turned into a chaotic expat party zone with traffic, pollution, and prices that are anything but budget. Locals are speaking out, and many are over it.
→ Try instead: Sri Lanka for surf, scenery, and culture—without the crowds.
🔺 Santorini
The caldera views are jaw-dropping... if you can see past the cruise ship crowds and bridal photoshoots. Many locals now dread high season because of how overrun it’s become.
→ Try instead: Amorgos (Cyclades) or Ikaria (Eastern Aegean)—gorgeous Greek islands with charm, real Greek life, and room to breathe.
🔺 Venice in summer
It should feel like a romantic movie. Instead, it smells (literally), and you're elbowing through mobs while locals beg people to stop treating their city like Disneyland.
→ Try instead: Umbria or Piedmont—less chaotic, authentic, and just as jaw-dropping.
Here’s the thing...
You don’t have to ditch your dream destination completely. Sometimes, it’s as simple as staying just outside the tourist bubble.
Dreaming of authenticity? I’ll help you stay in a neighborhood that actually welcomes travelers.
There are places in this world that genuinely love welcoming visitors—you just have to know where to look.
You deserve more than a copy-paste itinerary and a headache. Let’s find the version of your dream that actually works—for you and the locals.
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