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Travel blogger Anne Sutherland has travelled far and wide around the world with her family, getting to know in particular the Asia-Pacific region filled with holiday hotspots often described as heaven on earth for tourists seeking thrill, fun or full break.<\/p>\n
But during her visits, the founder of the South Korea Travel Planning blog explained how she stumbled across some popular destinations which didn’t fully satisfy her.<\/p>\n
She told Express.co.uk: “Travel offers an unparalleled lens to appreciate the nuances of diverse cultures, the silent profundities of historical landmarks, and the spectrum of natural wonders.<\/p>\n
“Yet, not all destinations harmonised with my personal expectations for an extraordinary journey.”<\/p>\n
One destination much loved by many tourists that instead failed to reflect her expectations was Bali, in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> Dad diagnosed with bile duct cancer shares first signs<\/strong><\/p>\n Mr Sutherland, whose blog helps people plan their trips abroad with confidence, said: “Though endowed with enchanting beaches and verdant rice fields, the overt commercialisation has somewhat dulled its authentic allure.<\/p>\n “The idyllic escape I had envisioned was occasionally marred by unanticipated traffic snarls in bustling streets.”<\/p>\n Bali is the centre of the Indonesian tourism industry, and up to 2019, the city saw an increase year-on-year in the arrivals of foreign tourists, attracted by its clubs, temples and beaches.<\/p>\n This immense growth, which the year prior to the pandemic reached 6.28 million people, came to a halt when Covid-19 struck.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n However, data shared by the Bali Government Tourism Office suggest tourists are returning to the city, with 1.03 million international visitors heading to Bali as of March 2023.<\/p>\n The blogger was left disappointed also by another famed destination: Cairo, the capital city of Egypt.<\/p>\n While the city is visited by many as it offers easy access to the pyramids of Giza, it is also known for its museum dedicated to the ancient kingdom of Egypt and romantic cruises on the Nile.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, Ms Sutherland noted: “The city proffers an abundant repository of ancient narratives but also comes with contemporary inconveniences. Swarming vendors, not to mention an atmosphere laden with pollutants, somewhat marred the aura of the age-old legends.<\/p>\n “Amidst the monumental pyramids, the sun scorched the earth as it competed with the cacophonous urban noise, compromising the city’s mythical allure.”<\/p>\n Finally, Ms Sutherland mentioned Thailand’s Phuket as one of the popular destinations that disappointed her.<\/p>\n Speaking of the Thai city known for its beaches, vibrant nightlife and markets, she said: “The destination, though seemingly ripped from a travel brochure, felt slightly tarnished in reality. The beaches, laden with the detritus of incessant tourism and nocturnal revelry, couldn’t quite live up to their pristine reputation.”<\/p>\n Ms Sutherland stressed that her own disappointment may well not resonate with the experiences made by other travellers, who instead enjoyed these destinations.<\/p>\n She added: “Exploring the globe delivers a complex cocktail of both enchantment and disillusionment. But it’s the very unpredictability of what awaits us that fuels our wanderlust.<\/p>\n “The not knowing is what ignites that indefatigable zeal for exploration, compelling us to delve deeper into the grand escapade that is our journey through life.<\/p>\n “After all, it’s often the less-than-perfect moments that imbue our travels, and indeed our lives, with the most compelling stories.”<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/travel-blogger-4994720.jpg?r=1696450871774\")
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