A travel expert asked 150 people to name the most overrated holiday destination and the results are in, with some of our favourite spots shockingly making the list
When it comes to holidays, many of us fantasise about visiting grand, iconic cities or paradise destinations which are the talk of the town. However, when a place comes highly recommended, our expectations soar – and some find the most popular spots can be quite overrated. In a recent survey, an employee from travel company On The Beach revealed which destinations he believes are the “most overrated”.
In a recent viral TikTok video, travel expert Rob said: “If you ever wondered what the most overrated holiday destination is, well I asked 150 this exact question and the number one was pretty overwhelming.”
He first shared the results of some “honourable mentions”, which included some of Brits’ favourite holiday destinations – Ibiza, Marbella and Tenerife landed in the top 2% of votes. Thailand also made it into the top 2%.
Rob mentioned that “weirdly” 2.7% of people voted for the UK. “A few people said well, why would we holiday here when it rains? Fair point,” he added.
READ MORE: Budget airline cancels all Dublin flights and ceases operations
Another Spanish location also appeared on the lis as 3.3% of the votes went to Benidorm. Rob, who confesses his love for this location, claimed while some adore it, others “reckon it’s all fry ups and stag dos”.
Meanwhile, Santorini in Greece – widely considered one of the most beautiful places in the world thanks to its whitewashed villages and stunning sunsets – received 3.6% of the votes.
Rob observed that while people described it as “gorgeous for photographs”, they also noted it was “rammed with tourists”.
Visitors additionally mentioned that dining in Santorini comes with a hefty price tag.
Top 5
Despite its status as the globe’s most renowned city, New York City has secured a spot in the top 4% of responses. Rob explained: “People said it’s iconic, but it’s also exhausting, chaotic, and insanely expensive.”
Claiming fourth position on the roster of most overhyped holiday destinations, based on this survey, with 4.7% of responses is Bali. According to Rob, travellers describe it as “not the paradise they expected”.
The third-place ranking caught Rob off guard as it was awarded to Turkey. Visitors highlighted that numerous resorts have a similar feel and people attempting to flog items to holidaymakers “feels a bit pushy”.
Securing the runner-up position is another of the planet’s most celebrated cities, Paris.
Rob mentioned that people characterised the French capital as “romantic on paper but the reality is dirty streets and long queues which are less than welcoming”.
Paris received 6.7% of the ballot.
The most overrated
Nevertheless, one destination was unquestionably ranked as the most overhyped on this roster.
Claiming the top spot is a destination beloved by celebrities and social media influencers. You’ve guessed correctly, it’s Dubai.
The United Arab Emirates spot secured 22.7% of the votes. Rob commented: “People said it’s flashy, it’s soulless, it’s all malls and motorways, it’s more Instagram than an authentic experience.”
Backing the findings, one commented: “Been to Dubai and Paris don’t really like it.” “Cemented my reasoning for never going to Dubai,” chimed in another.
Discussing Bali, one revealed: “I actually really agree on Bali. I went in 2018 and was expecting paradise. Just wasn’t really like that at all to be honest. Dirty, traffic horrific and just very overhyped.”
Challenging the findings, one remarked: “People are doing Paris wrong.” One other concurred, posting: “I find it odd that Paris is always in these rankings. I love Paris!”
Another declared: “New York is cheap now. The Trump effect. Bali is a dump. Paris is beautiful, but overpriced. Dubai is great and amazing if you are pretentious and shallow.”
One suggested people should choose Chicago over NYC. They elaborated: “Why go to New York, when Chicago has greater food and has a beach (better in summer). It’s smaller, has better shopping and its the Venice of America.”
One proposed: “Most votes for Dubai… they haven’t even been.”
Another penned: “Dubai is easy to get wrong, I’m not surprised people can find it expensive and soulless… but if you do your homework you can have a completely different experience.”
One declared they consider Las Vegas overrated. Clarifying, they stated: “I’m surprised Vegas isn’t on the list. I love it but it’s way overpriced for accommodation/food/drink. We found New York much cheaper.”
#holiday #destination #loved #celebrities #dubbed #overrated #survey
