Luke Durrell and his girlfriend never expected to cut short their romantic getaway to Capri, but the… Italian island felt less like an escape and more like a ‘stressful amusement park’.
The British couple planned a short visit to the Mediterranean island last May during their trip to Sorrento. They were excited to see the iconic Blue Grotto and stroll the charming streets. Since it was right before summer, Durrell knew Capri would be busy, but it eventually became “unbearable,” he told USA TODAY.
“The reality was completely different,” Durrell said. Cruise ship passengers were overwhelming the city and he felt like everything was full and overpriced. “Even finding a place to sit felt impossible,” he said. By lunchtime the couple had had enough and took the early ferry back to Sorrento.
The experience completely changed Durrell’s perspective on travel. “Capri taught me that sometimes the hype isn’t worth it – and that peace and authenticity mean so much more than ticking off a postcard-worthy location,” he said.
Durrell and his girlfriend ended their trip to Capri short due to the crowds.
Many travelers have had enough of destinations being overrun by tourists. Half of travelers say they cut their trips short due to overcrowding, according to Cheapflights’ recently released Dupe Destinations report. Of the 2,000 travelers who responded to the August survey, 61% said overcrowding had a negative effect on their holiday experience, and 67% said too many tourists become “the main source of stress.”
“As travel becomes more affordable and accessible than ever, some of the most popular destinations are experiencing a surge in visitors,” said Kayla DeLoache, travel trends expert at Cheapflights, in a statement to USA TODAY. “It’s no secret that this popularity often leads to overcrowding, which poses a challenge for travelers looking for a more remote (and relaxing) experience.”
Go off the beaten path: How ‘detour destinations’ offer you a fresh take on classic travel
Instagram vs reality
These days, many people get their travel inspiration from those beautifully edited TikTok and Instagram posts. In a 2023 survey by online travel agency eDreams, 48% of Americans said they have been or traveled somewhere after discovering it on social media. Not only is this causing an influx of visitors to destinations – and blowing up hidden spots – but some travelers are also realizing that the Instagram-worthy destination isn’t really what it looks online.
Charlotte Brown was looking forward to visiting the Gili Islands during her recent trip to Bali after seeing it on Instagram — it seemed like “absolute paradise,” she told USA TODAY. She wanted to enjoy the beaches and see the many sea turtles the islands are known for.
Charlotte Brown’s trip to the Gili Islands was not what she expected.
When she arrived it was a different story. Instead of the romantic couple atmosphere she was looking for, the islands had more of a loud party scene. “The beaches weren’t as Instagram depicted them either,” the London traveler said, adding that there was plastic everywhere. “It was very much built around tourists and had, I imagine, lost its charm and travel appeal.”
Originally planning to stay four nights, Brown left the Gili Islands after just two nights, saying it was “a relief” to get away from the chaos.
“I would make sure I look outside of social media because that can cloud your judgment 100%,” Brown said.
How to avoid overcrowded destinations
Goodbye, Instagram. Now Brown travels almost exclusively based on word of mouth, such as recommendations from friends and family, or after extensive research. She also returns to destinations she has enjoyed and ‘can rely on’.
Durrell’s time in Capri meant he had to avoid the places he actually visited, along with the 63% of travelers who avoid popular destinations during peak season, the Cheapflights report found. Instead, Durrell says he seeks out places off the beaten path or plans long trips to one place “to really enjoy it.”
Another option is to think outside the box. “One way to avoid the crowds is to consider lesser-known destinations that can offer the same culture, scenery and atmosphere as their mainstream counterparts,” DeLoache said. “Not to mention, these hidden gems often come with a cheaper price tag.”
Here are some ‘dupe’ destinations, according to Cheapflights:
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Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, instead of Lima, Peru
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Nuremberg, Germany, instead of Munich, Germany
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Liverpool, UK instead of London, UK
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Montpellier, Frank, e instead of Nice, France
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Philadelphia instead of Boston
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Memphis instead of New Orleans
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Boise instead of Colorado Springs, Colorado
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Durango instead of Anchorage
Planning a trip? Don’t be fooled by the destination
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Overcrowded destinations are causing travelers to end their trips early
