What is the most overhyped holiday destination of the 21st century?

News.com.au

a day ago

You've seen the locations dominate your social feeds and dreamt about visiting for years.
But when you get there, they're not exactly what they're all hyped up to be.
Our 25@25 series will finally put to bed the debates you've been having at the pub and around dinner tables for years – and some that are just too much fun not to include.
There's no denying the beauty of these locations but over time, mass-tourism appears to have impacted some travellers experiences, especially when you're stuck waiting in lines to visit restaurants, monuments or even snap a quick selfie at a picturesque lookout.
Tourists became so unruly in one spot local authorities had to introduce some behaviour rules. Another is described as the perfect place to catch measles.
Which is the most overhyped? Let's explore.
Byron Bay
The ever so popular Byron Bay in Australia has changed a lot over he past 25 years. It's gone from quiet, quaint coastal town to now attracting two million people a year.
It is not all its hyped up to be. That's according to a new survey conducted by Ibiza Summer Villas, a service known for creating unique experiences with its exclusive portfolio of luxurious villa rentals in Ibiza.
The coastal town's beach came fourth on the list. Despite its popularity, some reviews were negative, citing high expectations that weren't quite met.
There was once a time the coastal town, now made famous by celebs including Chris Hemsworth, was dubbed the ultimate chill destination – and while it still boasts great surfing and yoga retreats, some will argue mass tourism has played a big role in affecting some experiences.
Angus Kidman, travel expert at Finder, said cheap flights to Byron Bay are still common, so it remains a popular tourist destination, but accommodation prices are high and in peak periods it can get really crowded and expensive.
'Its hippy vibe also has a downside: if you have a perverse desire to catch measles, this is the place,' he told news.com.au.
Bali
It seems there's lots of Instagram v Reality posts dominating feeds on Bali with people snapping selfies in front of beautiful locations only to have it ruined by the swarms of tourists in the background.
Over the years, the island has seen a massive boom in tourism with 1.5 million Aussies alone visiting each year.
Its increased popularity has brought significant changes, including increased development, a more crowded atmosphere and higher prices with the destination no longer the 'cheap' paradise it once was.
While prices are still arguably affordable, it's not what it used to be.
More people bring more problems – so much so, the Indonesian government introduced a do's and don'ts list to combat misbehaving tourists. The guidelines focus on ensuring respectful behaviour when visiting sacred sites.
'Bali has been cracking down on misbehaving tourists since 2023, imposing fines for violating laws and enforcing stricter dress codes at sacred sites,' Mr Kidman said.
'Its introduction of a compulsory tourist tax has also taken the edge off its reputation for cheap and cheerful holidays.'
Despite some people thinking its overrated, Finder research shows South-East Asia is still Australia's top travel choice for overseas destinations.
'But it faces stiff competition from Vietnam and Malaysia,' Mr Kidman added.
Paris
Paris will always be a top travel destination, particularly for Aussies heading to Europe.
It's the city of lights, love and croissants with stylish people riding vintage bikes along the Seine.
And while landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and the Louvre will always draw in big crowds – some will argue the reality is a little different to what you'd otherwise find on social media and even 'back in the day', thanks to mass tourism.
'I've been to the city three times now and I felt unsafe. It was dirty, the people weren't very nice. I just did not enjoy my time in Paris at all and that is why it is on my overrated European places list,' Aussie influencer Jacki, 27, unleashed in a TikTok video.
'Paris is under-hated (sic) and overrated,' one follower agreed, while another added they loved Paris and while 'certain areas over-hyped', it's still a 'beautiful city'.
Brett Mitchell, the Australian managing director for Melbourne-based travel company Intrepid Travel, said they were seeing more Aussies 'wising up to mass tourism' and choosing to travel out of peak season to avoid crowds and get a better experience.
'When tourism is not done well it does lead to overtourism, and overtourism can have insidious effects on local communities,' he told news.com.au last year.
Mr Kidman said if you ignore all the Emily in Paris fans and the snippy waiters, Paris still has its own unique charm.
'Be careful when planning a visit to the Louvre: prices are going up in 2026 and major renovations are planned.'
Venice
While many find Venice to be a magical place, the influx of tourists has lead to overcrowding, high prices, and environmental concerns such as affecting lagoons.
And while mass-tourism can have economical benefits, it can also have the opposite affect on tourists with venues hiking prices to keep up with operational costs and demand.
As such, visitors have complained it's ruining their experiences.
'Like Bali, Venice has [also] gone down the tourism tax route, with even day trippers asked to cough up at least five Euros a day for visits during the peak summer season,' Mr Kidman said.
'It's hard to replicate the Venice experience elsewhere, but there are definitely cheaper options elsewhere in Europe.'
Locals have been protesting about mass tourism since January – saying its affecting their livelihoods.
They blame mass tourism for driving up the cost of living and chronic housing shortages.
They even got billionaire Jeff Bezos to cancel part of his three-day wedding extravaganza. The couple had to cancel their party at a 16th-century hall in the centre of Venice and move the event to a more secure location after protesters threatened to stop guests arriving by filling the canals with inflatable crocodiles.
New York City
Is New York everything it's hyped up to be? Yes and No.
If you've never been, it's definitely worth going as you'll never run out of things to do, see and eat. But don't expect everything to be picture-perfect like social media tends to make things out to be.
Expect longlines to popular restaurants, bars, clubs and massive crowds in touristy areas like Times Square. Trash is also another problem with litter often ending up in sidewalks.
NYC is pricey and with the Aussie dollar currently buying US.65 – it makes holidaying in the city a tad bit hefty, especially when you have to also factor in tipping and taxes.
Most tourists will find they'll have a love/hate relationship with the city.
The Maldives
There's no denying the Maldives' stunning natural beauty, luxurious resorts, and romantic ambience.
But the high cost and limited activities beyond the water can be drawbacks for some travellers who have otherwise dubbed it overrated.
Tourists argue that from flights to accommodation, food, and activities, everything comes with a hefty price tag.
And be prepared for things like boat traffic which has increased with rising tourist numbers.
However, for the most part, many would argue a trip to the Maldives is 'something you have to experience at least once in your life'.
Disneyland
It's considered the happiest place on Earth – but long lines, hefty entry fees and overpriced food are all part of the reasons some tourists have a bone to pick with the magical destination.
There's Disneyland locations in Paris, Hong Kong and Japan – but Disneyland Park in California tends to dominate social media for all the wrong reasons.
One Reddit user revealed they spent $A475 on a day pass only to spend most of their time waiting in queues of up to an hour for 'things that weren't even rides, like souvenir stores, food kiosks and even the bathroom'.
'The rides themselves are just atrocious. Minimum wait times of two hours to go on a ride that lasts three minutes?' they wrote.
'Now on top of paying nearly $US300 for one day at the park (Park Hopper pass), you have to also purchase $US20+ passes to get on rides, otherwise you're going to waste your entire day sitting in a 3 hour line.'
Finder travel expert Angus Kidman said the Magic Kingdom has become 'addicted to the magic of surcharges'.
'Lightning Lane passes mean you can queue for less time, but massively increase the cost of your ticket,' he told news.com.au.
'With the US also on the nose as a destination for many travellers, it's worth thinking about Paris or Hong Kong as alternative Mouse House options.'