Thanks to the rise of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, hundreds of once-beautiful, luxury tourist destinations have been turned into overcrowded, overhyped spots, now plagued by litter and commercialization.
While social media has been instrumental in helping to showcase the breathtaking beauty of these iconic places to a global audience, the rapid surge in tourism has diminished their charm. As a result, many legendary attractions have been spoiled, with some places even implementing a tourist tax to manage the damage.
Nowadays, you may as well buy a postcard and avoid the hassle of an overpriced, overcrowded, and often disappointing experience.
To help you avoid frustration, we’ve looked at a few of the most overdone Instagram spots that have become too viral for their own good.
The Mona Lisa, France
This iconic painting is far better viewed on the front of a postcard than in real life. It’s disappointingly small, locked up behind a 10-foot barrier, and drowning in tourists. You’d be lucky enough to get within 20 feet of it before being elbowed in the rib or shoved off to the side by the bustle of frantic visitors. If you’re going to the Louvre, there are plenty of other, frankly more interesting, works to see.
Santorini, Greece
The legendary whitewashed buildings contrast with the beautiful blue domes, and the clear skies are now packed full of influencers and tourists desperately fighting for the perfect sunset shot. Unless you manage to make it during the off-season, you’d be better finding somewhere a little more off the beaten track.
Bondi Beach, Australia
The beach itself is nothing extraordinary, but come summertime, it’s so overcrowded that there’s barely space to enjoy yourself. If you’re there for the view, it’s certainly not worth it unless you enjoy having your line of vision blocked by countless beachgoers and their families.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
The picturesque coastline, once the dream destination for hopeless romantics and newlyweds, now struggles under the weight of tourists. Forget the peaceful serenity of its idyllic coastal towns; nowadays, they are full of bikini-clad wanna-be influencers and Instagram models. This mass influx of tourists has resulted in overcrowding, traffic jams, and inflated prices, drowning out the destination’s natural beauty and charm.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Due to damage caused by over-tourism, this breathtaking, once-sacred site now requires visitor permits. Thanks to its overexposure to visitors, this ancient wonder has undergone serious erosion and damage that threatens to destroy much of its mystical charm.
The Eiffel Tower, France
What was once an iconic romantic landmark is now better off seen on a hallmark Valentine’s Day card. It’s easy to spot and great to admire from afar, but not worth your time trying to fight for your way up to the top.
Besides, if you are looking for that perfect Parisian skyline, surely you want the legendary tower to be in view. If so, you’re better off avoiding the crowds and finding yourself a nice little rooftop bar to make the most of such a spectacle.
The Great Wall of China, China
This iconic marvel stretches as far as the eye can see. Unfortunately, so do the hoards of people. Overcrowded sections make it virtually impossible to fully appreciate its historic grandeur and architectural brilliance.
The Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Granted, the view from the top of the world’s tallest building is spectacular. However, this tourist hotspot is accompanied by a hefty ticket fee and frustratingly long queues that will leave you wondering if it was worth your time.
The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Unfortunately, aggressive market vendors, pushy tactics, and too many visitors surrounding the pyramids have made this hotspot unnecessarily stressful. The grandeur of the ancient pyramids is disappointingly overshadowed by the constant. Travelers often share how constant haggling, yelling, as well as the risk of pickpockets, have sadly tainted the experience for so many.
Maldives’ Underwater Restaurants
Unfortunately, these unique dining spots have become hot spots for trend-seeking photo ops and influencers. Nowadays, it’s more about capturing the aesthetic by taking endless selfies than the culinary experience it was intended to be.
Mount Everest Base Camp, Tibet
This awe-inspiring landscape has captivated the hearts and minds of explorers and travelers for years. However, recently, the Chinese government has had to restrict access to Everest’s Tibetan base camp to only 300 tourists a year, each issued with an official climbing permit due to the destruction caused by excessive human waste and abandoned gear.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
Nowadays, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a field of tourists vying for the best photo opportunities. The unique structure and its history have become vastly overshadowed by swarms of visitors and vendors vying for your attention.
Ubud Rice Terraces, Bali
This is a lesson in the destruction of commercialization. Swarms of vendors and tour operators have corrupted the once breathtaking natural beauty of the Ubud rice terraces. The once serene scene of rolling fields has evolved into a tourist trap.
Venice, Italy
Now overrun with tourists, this sinking city with its charming canals is drowning in daytrippers and selfie sticks. Due to the overwhelming number of visitors, new tourist taxes have been introduced to help manage the crowds.
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
It’s not quite the quiet, calm, and relaxing geothermal spa it used to be. The increasingly murky waters of the Blue Lagoon have become an overcrowded and overpriced destination, losing the rejuvenating atmosphere it was once famous for.
Maya Bay, Thailand
Maya Beach is the perfect case study for the damages uncontrolled tourism can have on a place of such exquisite natural beauty. Popularized by the movie The Beach, Maya Beach was once a luxury destination before it had to be temporarily closed due to environmental damage from excessive tourism. While it has since re-opened, strict conditions are enforced.
The End Of Luxury Travel?
Do not fear; luxury travel isn’t ruined. However, it is evolving. Overexposure to many iconic destinations may have reduced the magic, leaving you feeling somewhat disappointed, but fear not; there are plenty of lesser-known destinations waiting to be discovered.
This shift should encourage travelers to explore less conventional spots or adapt their approach to be more prepared for the onslaught of tourists. To make the most of any trip, consider traveling during off-peak seasons and planning your itinerary carefully to avoid long queues and overcrowded experiences.
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