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Travel agent slams five popular holiday destinations as 'overrated'

Carlos Lavilla, a travel agent, has shared his thoughts on some of the most popular destinations in the world

A man walks down the hotel corridor with luggage.
One travel agent has some very strong views on where to visit(Image: Curly_photo via Getty Images)

Choosing the ideal spot for a getaway can be quite the challenge. Nonetheless, a seasoned travel agent has now offered some advice to streamline your holiday decision-making.


Carlos Lavilla of Turama, who specialises in custom travel experiences, recently divulged his thoughts on TikTok. With over three decades of exploring under his belt, he suggests that certain popular spots might not live up to the hype.


"These are the five tourist destinations that, as a professional travel agent, I consider to be the most overrated," he told Turama's followers. "And not just as a professional travel agent, but also as an inveterate traveller for more than 30 years, these are the tourist destinations that I don’t usually recommend to my customers."


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No. 5: Cape Verde

Starting from fifth place, Carlos shared that Cape Verde is one of the most overrated destinations he's visited. The archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean just west of Africa, has historically drawn tourists from around the world.

Official statistics indicate that a record 1.2 million tourists visited the country last year. However, perhaps controversially, Carlos expressed disappointment with his experience.


On social media, he said: "In my opinion, travelling to Cape Verde as an alternative to the Canary Islands is like buying a Fiat Panda thinking you’re getting a Ferrari F40. No matter how you try to dress it up, there’s simply no comparison."

No. 4: Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg's ranking as the fourth city on the agent's list might raise a few eyebrows. As one of South Africa's largest cities, it boasts an array of significant landmarks such as Constitution Hill and the Apartheid Museum, not to mention the chance for visitors to embark on nearby wildlife safaris.

However, Carlos pointed out the city's high crime rate as a deterrent. Statista data reveals that between 2022 and 2023, Johannesburg Central experienced more contact crime incidents than any other city, predominantly common assaults.


"In addition, you’ll be able to say you were robbed in one of the ugliest cities on Earth," Carlos added.

No. 3: Hawaiian Islands

Hawaii, with its stunning blue waters and picturesque beaches, is often seen as the epitome of a dream holiday destination. However, Carlos begs to differ.

The agent argued that there are 'more interesting' alternatives that deserve your attention. He described: "With a couple of honourable exceptions (which do exist), Hawaii is the ideal destination for an American retiree over 70 who has a collection of shirts at home that he doesn’t dare to wear anywhere else.


"If that’s not your case, I assure you there are much more interesting and far less predictable alternatives."

No. 2: South Korea

Carlos didn't mince his words when it came to South Korea, making some bold claims about the country. The travel expert suggested that visitors might not always receive the warmest of welcomes and went as far as to label the entire nation 'bland'.

"South Korea is excessively expensive for what it offers," he said. "The treatment of foreign tourists leaves much to be desired. I find it bland, insipid, and rather sad. You may return home shrouded in a great depression."


Despite Carlos's harsh critique, South Korea continues to see a rise in tourism. Cities like Seoul and Busan remain popular destinations, drawing in throngs of tourists each year.

No. 1: Doha, Qatar

Finally, Carlos turned his critical eye towards Doha. While many consider Qatar's capital a hub of culture with its array of museums, shopping centres, and desert safari experiences, Carlos once again disagrees.

He starkly compared visiting Doha to stopping at a 'petrol station in the middle of a motorway'. He explained: "For my taste, Doha in tourism terms is like a petrol station in the middle of a motorway: a place where you stop briefly to relieve yourself, grab a quick bite, rest for a few minutes, and then carry on. There’s nothing more to it."


Carlos's controversial opinions have sparked a lively discussion on TikTok, with some users backing his perspective, while others vehemently dispute his assertions.

One person wrote: "I've travelled to more than 40 countries, and South Korea is one of the best places to relax and see very different things, and they treat you wonderfully! And Cape Verde is very diverse, with several islands, all different, very Europeanised, having been a Portuguese colony. It's highly recommended, not to put it in the top 5 most overrated..."

Another person added: "Have you been to Cape Verde? There are 10 islands... and they are all different." Meanwhile, someone else said: "I would add Cuba. Depressing."

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