A travel expert has revealed the most overrated holiday destinations based on a survey of 150 people, with Dubai taking the top spot. The survey, conducted by Rob, who works for travel company On The Beach, asked participants to name the most overrated places to visit.
Dubai received 22.7% of the votes, with respondents describing it as “flashy, soulless, all malls and motorways, and more Instagram than an authentic experience.” Paris came second with 6.7% of the vote, criticised for “dirty streets and long queues.” Turkey ranked third, with complaints about similar resorts and pushy sales tactics.
Bali placed fourth with 4.7% of votes, as travellers said it was “not the paradise they expected” due to dirt and traffic. New York City received 4% of votes, labelled “exhausting, chaotic, and insanely expensive.” Santorini got 3.6%, with tourists noting it is “rammed with tourists” and expensive to eat.
Other destinations mentioned include Benidorm (3.3%), the UK (2.7%), and Ibiza, Marbella, Tenerife, and Thailand (all in the top 2%). Rob noted that while some love Benidorm, others see it as “all fry ups and stag dos.”
Reactions on social media were mixed. One user agreed with Dubai’s ranking, saying it “cemented my reasoning for never going.” Another defended Paris, writing: “I find it odd that Paris is always in these rankings. I love Paris!” A third suggested swapping New York for Chicago, citing better food and a beach.
