Travel Influencers Are Ruining the Industry—and Here’s Why

Let’s be honest: social media influencers are not travel experts. They’re content creators chasing likes, not memories. And in the process, they’re ruining the travel industry for everyday travelers.

They Sell Fake Perfection

That rooftop shot in Dubai? Staged. The “quiet” Santorini photo? Taken at dawn. The Maldives “budget resort”? Not so budget when you see the fine print. These posts set travelers up for disappointment because the reality never matches the filtered fantasy.

They’re Causing Overcrowding

We all know the spots: Machu Picchu, Dubrovnik, Venice, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, Cappadocia, Bali. Once-in-a-lifetime destinations that are now overrun with tourists—all chasing the same Instagram shot. Influencers don’t show the lines, the crowds, or the damage overtourism causes. They just cash in on the clicks.

They Spread Bad Advice

Some of the worst travel tips I’ve seen came from influencers. “Paris in a day.” “Rent a scooter in Bali, it’s easy.” “Skip travel insurance, it’s a waste.” I’ve even seen them give bad info about visas and entry rules—like ignoring Europe’s new ETIAS and EES requirements coming soon. That’s not just careless, it’s dangerous.

What Real Travel Looks Like

Real travel is about connection, culture, and adventure—not standing in line for a photo. That’s where I come in. As a no-cost travel advisor, I don’t answer to sponsors. I work for you, building trips that fit your goals, budget, and expectations. My job isn’t to make your trip look good online—it’s to make it unforgettable in real life.