Not all travel trends improve your experience—some make vacations more expensive, less enjoyable, and even stressful. From overcrowded hotspots to social media-fueled chaos, here are the worst travel trends of the year that are ruining your vacation—and how to avoid them.
Many new travel trends sound good in theory, but end up being expensive, inauthentic, or just a scam. If you want to travel better, focus on authentic experiences, fair pricing, and smarter choices.
Before booking anything, ask yourself: “Is this really worth the cost, or is it just hype?”
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Worst Travel Trends of the Year
1. Influencer-Driven Overcrowding at “Instagram Spots”
Why It’s Ruining Travel:
Certain destinations have become overrun by influencers, turning once-hidden gems into chaotic photo zones.
People block paths and landmarks for the perfect shot, making it hard to actually enjoy the place.
Overhyped spots don’t always live up to the pictures—leading to disappointment.
How to Avoid It:
Go early in the morning or visit lesser-known alternatives.
Use Google Maps or local forums to find hidden gems without the influencer crowds.
Instead of chasing viral locations, focus on authentic travel experiences.
2. Ridiculous “Experiential Fees” at Hotels and Resorts
Why It’s Ruining Travel:
More hotels are charging hidden “resort fees” for things like WiFi, pool access, or even using the gym.
Some destinations now charge “experience fees” for basic activities like walking tours or beach access.
Tourists pay more but get nothing extra—it’s just a money grab.
How to Avoid It:
Check hotel policies for resort fees before booking.
Stay at smaller boutique hotels or Airbnbs that don’t add these charges.
Book directly with tour operators instead of through overpriced hotel services.
3. TikTok Travel Hacks That Actually Don’t Work
Why It’s Ruining Travel:
Some viral “hacks” are outright scams, like booking an empty middle seat trick that never works.
“Hidden city ticketing” (where you book a longer flight but skip the second leg) can get you banned by airlines.
Airport and flight hacks (like freezing water bottles to get past liquid rules) waste time and don’t work.
How to Avoid It:
Stick to legit travel hacks from seasoned travelers, not influencers chasing clicks.
Use Google Flights & Skyscanner for real flight deals instead of fake booking tricks.
Follow trusted travel bloggers who actually test their hacks.
4. Skyrocketing Airbnb & Vacation Rental Prices
Why It’s Ruining Travel:
Airbnb prices in some cities are now higher than hotels, especially with cleaning fees and service charges.
Many Airbnb hosts are adding ridiculous rules, like requiring guests to clean before leaving while still charging a cleaning fee.
Overtourism from short-term rentals is pushing out locals in cities like Barcelona, Venice, and Amsterdam.
How to Avoid It:
Compare Airbnb costs with hotels and boutique stays—sometimes hotels are cheaper now.
Look for alternative rental platforms like Vrbo, Plum Guide, or trusted local guesthouses.
Stay in apart-hotels or extended-stay hotels, which offer similar benefits without hidden fees.
5. Overpriced “Set Menu” Restaurants in Tourist Hotspots
Why It’s Ruining Travel:
Many restaurants in Paris, Rome, and Barcelona now offer expensive “tourist set menus” that are low quality and overpriced.
Some places remove à la carte options so you’re forced to spend more.
Waiters trick tourists into ordering the most expensive items by hiding regular menus.
How to Avoid It:
Avoid restaurants with “tourist menu” signs outside.
Walk a few blocks away from major attractions—prices drop significantly.
Look for where locals eat instead of overpriced tourist traps.
6. Luxury “Glamorous Camping” (Glamping) That’s Not Worth It
Why It’s Ruining Travel:
Many glamping resorts charge as much as a luxury hotel—but without the comfort.
Some “glamping experiences” lack proper bathrooms, heating, or even good food.
You’re still sleeping in a tent, but paying $300+ per night.
How to Avoid It:
If you love nature, just go real camping for an authentic experience.
Stay in eco-lodges or small boutique resorts, which often offer better comfort for the same price.
7. Fake “Authentic” Cultural Experiences for Tourists
Why It’s Ruining Travel:
Many “traditional” cultural events are staged performances for tourists, lacking authenticity.
Some “local” cooking classes or craft workshops aren’t even run by real locals.
Tourists pay premium prices for fake or commercialized cultural activities.
How to Avoid It:
Look for experiences run by locals, not big tour companies.
Read reviews on Google, Airbnb Experiences, or GetYourGuide.
Book directly through local communities when possible.
8. Airlines Charging More for “Basic” Perks
Why It’s Ruining Travel:
More airlines are now charging extra for carry-on bags, even on budget flights.
Seat selection fees make it almost impossible to sit with your travel partner unless you pay extra.
Even basic food and water cost money on many flights now.
How to Avoid It:
Read airline baggage policies carefully before booking.
Choose airlines with transparent pricing, like Southwest or JetBlue.
If traveling with a group, book tickets together to avoid surprise seat selection fees.
9. “Soft Life” Wellness Retreats That Are Just Overpriced Hotels
Why It’s Ruining Travel:
Many “wellness retreats” are just basic resorts with yoga and a green smoothie, but charge double the price.
You end up paying for things you can do for free (e.g., sunrise meditation, nature walks).
Some retreats push expensive “detox” packages that are just juice cleanses.
How to Avoid It:
If you want relaxation, book a hotel with a spa & wellness center instead of a retreat.
Look for affordable yoga retreats run by real practitioners, not commercial resorts.
10. Fake “Eco-Tourism” That’s Just Greenwashing
Why It’s Ruining Travel:
Some “eco-friendly” hotels still waste tons of energy and plastic but market themselves as sustainable.
“Animal sanctuaries” in some places are actually exploiting wildlife for tourism.
Many “carbon offset” programs offered by airlines do nothing real for the environment.
How to Avoid It:
Stay at hotels with real sustainability practices—look for certifications like EarthCheck or Green Key.
Research wildlife tours carefully—avoid any that let you touch or hold animals.
Travel slowly and locally instead of relying on carbon offset programs.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.