The trending tourist destinations around the world that don't live up to the hype
It's fair to say that some travel destinations are a little more hyped-up than others.
From places like Rome, Japan and the USA, there are those destinations that seem to be continually trending online. It's pretty much impossible to open Instagram during the Aussie winter without seeing at least one person in a travel hot spot.
So, of course, it means that people arrive to these destinations with expectations of what it'll be like because of what they've seen or read online.
And unfortunately, some places simply don't live up to the hype.
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Venice is one of those cities that doesn't live up to the hype for everyone. Getty
We chatted with some travel experts to find out the most disappointing tourist destinations around the world.
Venice
"Controversial, I know, but I didn't love Venice like I thought I would," shares Dilvin Yasa, 9Honey travel expert.
"Maybe it was the time of year that I went, but it was super crowded, reeked of something putrid and I found just about every experience super stressful.
"Maybe I'll try my luck again and visit in the off-season. Will report back!"
Recently, Venice became the first city in the world to charge an entrance fee to day trippers, after decades of over tourism fuelled by the cruise ships which dock in the city's harbour.
Bali
It may be a quintessential Aussie destination, but Bali isn't always so beloved.
"I don't think Bali is overrated, exactly, but I do think Aussies are too quick to overlook other similar destinations that offer a more cultural or interesting experience, on top of the typical tropical vacay criteria," says Katherine Scott, writer and reporter at Traveller.
Scott isn't alone, as more and more Aussies steer clear of the Indonesian island.
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Even within Indonesia, there are better places to visit than Bali. Getty Images/iStockphoto
A recent Nine.com.au reader poll revealed a massive 54 per cent of respondents said they were not interested in visiting Bali at all, and no-one (yes, zero per cent) was actively planning a trip.
If you're still keen for a laid-back holiday, though, Scott shares her favourite alternative: The Cook Islands.
The islands have "some of the best marine life and lagoon reefs I've seen, and thanks to its Polynesian heritage, visitors can experience their traditional art, local customs and cuisine (the ika mata, a raw coconut fish dish, is outstanding).
"It's also completely free of mega-resorts, big hotel brands, and international chain restaurants – in fact, nothing is taller than the tallest coconut tree, by decree of the government. Genius."
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Dubai
Dubai is known as a very luxe city. Atlantis the Royal Dubai
Travel writer John Burfitt couldn't see any redeeming qualities when he visited Dubai.
"After five days on assignment, I still didn't get it. I ended up writing about its public transport system," he said.
Perhaps the beauty of Dubai is in its identity as a stopover city. One Nine.com.au staffer visited with his family on the way to Europe, and loved it.
Each to their own, it seems!
Byron Bay
Don't tell the Hemsworths, but travel and food writer Lindy Alexander isn't a fan of the coastal NSW town.
"I must admit I've been underwhelmed by Byron Bay each time I've been there," she shared.
You can't beat the Byron beaches. Getty Images/iStockphoto
"I'd always prefer to head to the Gold Coast (75 mins from Byron) for great dining options and its scenic hinterland."
Milan
Though this marks another Italian destination on the list, once again, it's due to the city being way too crowded.
"When I was backpacking I was disappointed by Milan, but I think I had cathedral and museum overload at the time, so I need to go back and reassess," says Helen Hayes, editor at large at Vacations & Travel.
