Latest news with #IbizaSummerVillas
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Spain travel warning for Brit as little-known rule could land them £520 fine
Often caused by unfamiliar local rules or simple mistakes, a holiday fine can quickly turn an enjoyable break into an expensive ordeal. Make sure you know the rules and don't get caught out More and more Brits are being slapped with fines when abroad, with many falling victim in one country in particular. Recent research by Ski Vertigo found that nearly 30% of British holidaymakers receive at least one fine during their trip each year. Often caused by unfamiliar local rules or simple mistakes, these fines can quickly turn an enjoyable holiday into an expensive ordeal. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the number of Brits who head there each year and the country's love of rules, Spain is the place where UK tourists are currently getting fined the most. Fines in Spain often relate to issues such as littering, smoking in prohibited areas, parking violations, and failure to follow beach rules. Many tourists unintentionally break these regulations because they differ significantly from what is allowed in the UK. Here are some of the laws in Spain you might find yourself accidentally breaking, and the fines you'll face if you do: Leaving rubbish in public spaces: fines up to €600 (£520) Smoking near children or in no-smoking zones: fines range from €30 to €600 (£26 to £520) Parking in restricted areas or without proper permits: fines start at €80 (£70) Ignoring local signage about behaviour on beaches or in parks: fines vary, but can be as much as €200 (£175) Throwing away bus tickets before reaching the destination: €100 (£87) in destinations such as Madrid and Barcelona Drinking in public places: fines vary based on location, but can reach €600 (£521) Pet restrictions: many public spaces have limitations on pets; fines can exceed €500 (£430) for violations Wildlife protection: disturbing wildlife or disrupting protected areas can also result in substantial penalties Ski Vertigo suggests several practical tips for UK tourists to avoid fines while abroad: Always dispose of litter in designated bins Follow local smoking regulations carefully Check parking rules before leaving your vehicle Respect local customs and signage, especially on beaches and in protected areas Michele Massa, CEO of holiday rental agency Ibiza Summer Villas, said: "The increase in travel fines across popular destinations like Spain is a direct response to the growing challenges posed by mass tourism. It's important for travellers to respect local customs and regulations to avoid unexpected costs. "Checking the local government's tourism website or consulting a travel agent can be invaluable. Additionally, packing light and being mindful of your behaviour in public spaces can significantly reduce the risk of incurring fines."
News.com.au
13-07-2025
- News.com.au
What is the most overhyped holiday destination of the 21st century?
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 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 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 '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.'
News.com.au
03-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Byron Bay and Bondi ranked as some of the world's most ‘overhyped' destinations
They are the beaches along the east coast championed to the world as Australia's best. Byron Bay and Bondi have long been tourist postcard stops (particularly for backpackers) for decades on end, but a new report may well flip some of our most popular beaches on its head. A new survey has carved out the most overhyped beaches around the world — and the ones that actually live up to their insta-worthy promise. Ibiza Summer Villas, which is a service that specialises in 'curating unforgettable experiences through an exclusive portfolio of luxurious villa rentals across the stunning island of Ibiza' dished the dirt onthe most overhyped beaches in the world, versus the ones that genuinely live up to the hype. The survey ranked over 100 recognised beaches globally by 'combining publicly available traveller reviews, search interest on Google and TikTok, and annual rainfall data to assess weather reliability.' Each beach in focus was scored based on how often it disappointed versus how popular it was online. Topping the list in the first three positions were all Thailand-based — being Railay Beach (famous for its limestone cliffs and accessible only by boat), followed by Patong Beach (often billed as Thailand's party capital) and in third spot was Maya Bay (the stunning cove made famous by the film, The Beach). But coming in fourth place as the world's most 'overhyped' beach was Byron Bay in NSW — followed by the always popular, Bondi Beach. According to the survey, Byron Bay — despite the laid-back lifestyle and celebrity sightings — ranked poorly on satisfaction (with 1.57 per cent of reviews as negative versus the destination's high search volume) and had relatively high rainfall. Bondi Beach — known as one of the most recognisable beaches in the world — had many claim the reality of the location didn't quite live up to the expectation. The survey revealed that Bondi had the highest percentage of negative reviews relative to total reviews, with 2.70 per cent of visitors using words like 'disappointing' or 'overrated.' 'Overcrowding, commercialisation, and tourist fatigue are common themes [for Bondi] earning it a firm spot in fifth place on the overhyped list,' the survey said in a statement. The Bondi Beach reputation has received a rough serve this week — with research conducted by Cloudwards (a source of cloud and privacy software reviews, including popular categories such as cloud storage, VPN and password managers) named Bondi Beach as part of the top 20 most complained about beaches worldwide. The research claimed to 'meticulously' examine TripAdvisor reviews for 200 of the world's most popular beaches to determine 'which sandy shores are leaving visitors feeling salty'. It then ranked the beaches from 1 – being the most complained about, to 100, the least complained about. The study focused on four main areas of criticism – cleanliness, overcrowding, long queues and noise disruption. Coming in first was Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, followed by Venice Beach in LA and Playa Manueel Antonio in Costa Rica. Bondi Beach ranked ninth while Manly Beach secured the 20th spot. According to the study, Bondi has a complaint score of 57.1, a 'dirty' rating of 13 per cent, 'overcrowded' percentage of 75.9 and 'noise disruption' of 3.4 per cent.
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Daily Mail
The most overrated beaches in the world - and the hidden gems to visit instead
Everyone loves the idea of discovering the next big beach, but new research reveals that some of the world's most viral bays might not live up to the buzz. While stunning Instagram photos and TikTok clips might paint a picture-perfect paradise, the reality for many travellers is far less idyllic, with overcrowding, poor weather, and inflated expectations often leaving visitors disappointed. A recent study from Ibiza Summer Villas has ranked over 100 of the world's most popular beaches, revealing exactly which beaches are most likely to disappoint - and which deliver everything they promise, and more. Researchers analysed thousands of traveller reviews, TikTok virality, Google search trends, and environmental data such as annual rainfall, to uncover where the biggest gap exists between expectation and reality. To ensure accuracy, the study only included beaches with at least 1,000 publicly available reviews. The percentage of negative reviews - specifically those containing terms like 'overrated' or 'disappointing' were then weighted against each beach's popularity. Read on to discover five of the world's most overrated beaches as ranked by tourists - and the five hidden gems to visit instead. Top five most overrated beaches Ibiza Summer Villas has ranked over 100 of the world's most popular beaches, and found the most overrated. With 110,000 TikTok views and 165,000 monthly Google searches, Railay Beach serves as a classic cautionary tale for travellers chasing Instagram perfection. LEFT: What visitors expect. RIGHT: The reality 1. Railay Beach, Thailand Renowned for its towering limestone cliffs and accessible only by boat, Railay is a frequent feature in travel reels on social media. But despite its dramatic setting, 1.59 per cent of its reviews use negative terms, with visitors citing overcrowding and underwhelming experiences. With 110,000 TikTok views and 165,000 monthly Google searches, it serves as a classic cautionary tale for travellers chasing Instagram perfection. 2. Patong Beach, Thailand Patong's bustling party scene has long attracted - and united - backpackers and revellers, but many visitors leave the Thai hotspot disillusioned. High noise levels, pushy vendors, and cleanliness issues earned it the second-highest "overrated" rating in the study. It also scored poorly on weather, with some of the highest rainfall scores in the study. 3. Maya Bay, Thailand Made famous by Danny Boyle's adventure thriller, The Beach, Maya Bay once epitomised tropical escape. But the picture-postcard bay has suffered from years of overtourism, which resulted in the beach being closed temporarily by the Thai government in 2018 to allow nature to recover. It has since reopened under strict restrictions: no swimming, limited access, and large crowds. Despite ongoing viral interest, 2.05 per cent of reviewers expressed disappointment, citing a gap between the dream and the reality. 4. Byron Bay, Australia Known for its bohemian vibe and A-list fans, Byron Bay might be Australia's most famous beach town - but the numbers suggest it doesn't deliver the serenity it promises. With 1.57 per cent negative reviews and frequent mentions of high rainfall, it ranked poorly on overall satisfaction. Visitors who had hoped for tranquility also reported being met with a commercialised, crowded hotspot on arrival. 5. Bondi Beach, Australia With 447,000 TikTok searches and 673,000 Google searches, Bondi Beach may be iconic, but it also tops the list for disappointment. With the highest rate of negative reviews (2.70 per cent), it's become a victim of its own success. Overcrowding, sky-high prices, and tourist fatigue are common complaints, suggesting that its global fame might come at the cost of authenticity. Top five hidden gem beaches 1. Playa de la Concha, San Sebastián, Spain Topping the list is Playa de la Concha, an elegant crescent-shaped beach combines natural beauty with urban charm. Reviewers consistently praise its cleanliness, calm waters, and walkable location in one of Spain's most stylish seaside cities. 2. Playa de Bolonia, Andalusia, Spain A rugged, unspoiled stretch of sand backed by ancient Roman ruins and rolling dunes, Bolonia offers a natural alternative to Spain's more crowded beaches. 3. Playa de la Barrosa, Andalusia, Spain Loved for its golden sands and laid-back atmosphere, this beach earned top marks for both scenery and experience without the viral spotlight. 4. Tropea Beach, Italy Perched below a cliffside town, this southern Italian gem blends history, stunning views, and warm waters, all with a warm local feel. 5. Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Beach, France Set in the wild Camargue region, this beach is perfect for travellers seeking nature and peace. Its low crowds and high satisfaction ratings make it a standout hidden spot.
