NO GRAM, STILL GLAM
Are you being influenced into a bad vacation? Don’t be a sucker. Book these dreamy destination dupes instead
SURVEY says … influencers suck as travel agents. Nearly 60% of travelers polled in a recent study by Passport Photo Online say they’ve felt “misled” by their social media shepherds. Some are even taking to TikTok to complain. “Post-apocalyptic” is how a disappointed @Malfoy_Drayco described Paris — one of the world’s most hashtagged places — in a video with 5.9 million views. Meanwhile, @MillenialAlex says every influencer who recommends the Amalfi Coast “deserves jail time.” Even journalist Daniel Scheffler, who contributes to the New York Times’ travel section, told The Post he was once “catfished” by influencers who led him straight into an unpromisedland. “Shall we say it was a letdown? More like a ‘let’s move up the beach as soon as possible.’ ”
“That’s the dark side of the industry,” explains Scott Eddy, a stockbroker turned travel influencer who says the brands and tourism boards that pay for his trips demand positive posts as deliverables. “While there are a lot of people in this industry who are good friends and treat it as a business, a lot of the new people are just getting into it for the free stuff and social media fame.”
Fortunately, for every destination influencer’s overhype, there’s an underrated dupe. Here is a look at the best swaps for the destinations the flood your feed.
Seoul instead of Tokyo
Tokyo may be intoxicating, but it’s pricey, especially if you’re not getting paid to post. That’s why InsideAsia Tours sends its costconscious clients to Seoul, which it says is at least 10% cheaper. The capital of South Korea also boasts cherry blossoms, bullet trains, temples and ski resorts less than an hour away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. With its artsy vibes, RYSE, Autograph Collection (from $200 per night; Marriott.com), is the city’s most Insta-worthy hotel. But don’t take behind-the-scenes military checkpoint photos on your DMZ tour unless you want to end up behind bars. And book early; they only allow around 1,000 tourists per day. For souvenirs, especially of the skincare variety, head to Myeongdong Shopping Street, and to get the most bang for your buck, food-wise, hit up Flavors. It’s no Nobu, but it is a mainstay on lists of the world’s best allyou-can-eat buffets.
Popoyo instead of Tulum
Unlike Tulum, which has been teeming with influencers for a decade and now has a serious seaweed problem, Popoyo is still relatively undiscovered. It boasts Nicaragua’s most consistent surf, and what it lacks in archeological ruins, it makes up for with sunsets (something east-facing Tulum never sees). Instead of snorkeling in crowded, cold cenotes, soak in Popoyo’s natural hot springs or explore its tidal pools. And while Tulum has the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Popoyo is just 50 miles from Apoyo Lagoon Natural Reserve, an ancient crater lake with equally impressive flora and fauna. Between its garden casitas, oceanview homes, luxury villas, and cozy inn, the 2,700-acre Rancho Santana (from $300 per night; RanchoSantana.com) caters to every style of traveler. And who needs Akumal? One of the property’s five beaches is the birthplace of 6,000 sea turtles annually.
Porto instead of Paris
While every list of the most overrated tourist attractions has the Eiffel Tower on it, no traveler complains about Porto’s impressive, double-decker Dom Luís I Bridge (designed by a disciple of Gustav Eiffel). In lieu of the Louvre, head to the new World of Wine museum. At 592,000 square feet, it’s nearly as big, but instead of jockeying for position to get a glimpse of an underwhelming Mona Lisa, you can be getting buzzed while learning all about the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, the nearby Douro Valley. Another perk of Porto? It’s just a few miles from the Atlantic where you can take a surf lesson with Onda Pura or book a canal tour of Aveiro, Portugal’s answer to Venice. While putting on the Ritz Paris will set you back $2,400/ night. For that price, you can get three nights at Porto’s equivalent, the Yeatman, plus dinner in its two Michelin-starred restaurant (TheYeatman-Hotel.com).
Big Sky instead of Park City
Because of its proximity to a major airport, Park City is saturated with skiers, even on weekdays. But Big Sky, the third-largest ski resort in North America, is remote enough you’ll always find parking and can spend more time shredding the gnar than freezing in lift lines. You’ll still see celebs — Justin Timberlake and Tom Brady are residents — but you won’t find paparazzi, one reason A-listers are migrating to Montana. Locals don’t dress to impress either; some even ski in Carhartt and cowboy hats, but if bougie is what you’re after, you can always find it at Montage Big Sky (from $1,600 per night; Montage.com) and the One&Only when it opens later this year. On the other hand, if you want to live out your Kevin Costner “Yellowstone” fantasy and enjoy the scenery from a saddle, stay at Lone Mountain Ranch (from $500 per night; LoneMountainRanch.com). Need to see Old Faithful in the flesh? Book a Yellowstone Safari Company day tour from Big Sky.