It’s completely natural to feel excited before a big trip! There are so many great sights to see, foods to sample, and people to meet. But one of the dangers of having high expectations is that even if your overall experience is good, it still won’t come close to what you imagined.
However, in some cases, real-life trips really do match—and sometimes even exceed!—all the hype. The adventurous souls of the r/travel community spilled the tea about their most brilliant trips abroad that were deeply magical. Scroll down for their tales. And be sure to take notes for some travel inspo!
Bored Panda reached out to u/tophog, the author of the viral thread, for a friendly chat about travel. He was kind enough to share his thoughts on keeping our expectations in check, the upsides of solo travel, and what to keep in mind if you decide to visit Japan. Check out our full interview with the traveler below!
However, in some cases, real-life trips really do match—and sometimes even exceed!—all the hype. The adventurous souls of the r/travel community spilled the tea about their most brilliant trips abroad that were deeply magical. Scroll down for their tales. And be sure to take notes for some travel inspo!
Bored Panda reached out to u/tophog, the author of the viral thread, for a friendly chat about travel. He was kind enough to share his thoughts on keeping our expectations in check, the upsides of solo travel, and what to keep in mind if you decide to visit Japan. Check out our full interview with the traveler below!
#21
Blue Lagoon in Iceland. I genuinely thought it would be crowded and overrated. Not really that crowded feeling because of the size and worth every bit of hype. Side note: Iceland is genuinely one of the most amazing places on the planet.
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20points
What is the best place you’ve ever visited that definitely lived up to or even exceeded your expectations, Pandas? On the flip side, what is the very worst place you’ve visited? Have you had any trips where you were super hyped, only to feel deeply disappointed?
We’d love to hear all about your travels! If you’re taking a short break from your adventures, feel free to swing by the comments to share your experiences with everyone else.
#22
Wadi Rum and Petra in Jordan, Alberobello in Italy, Tokyo in Japan, Masai Mara and Diani beach in Kenya.
20points
#23
I was surprised that Niagara Falls lived up to its hype.
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20points
#24
I loved Santorini. I know it's touristy, but it was my first trip with my gf, and I loved the views. It was my first time in Greece too.
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20points
#26
Brazil. As a young man visiting the Amazon River and jungle had long been something that deeply enchanted me. And I've always been a big fan of travelling for nature and wildlife. Particularly landscapes exotic to my own. Waterfalls, tropical beaches etc. I also love to travel for music & drinking. And as a young man I was obsessed with football and still love the game. And Brazil has all of the above in f*****g bundles. The Amazon, the pantanal, bonito, Iguazú, ilha grande, paraty, Rio, baile funk, carnaval, caipirinhas, football on the beach, swimming with caiman, river dolphins and piranha. If I could design a country, it would be Brazil. And I spent 6 weeks there in 2010 and it's the best thing I've ever done pretty much. It actually exceeded expectations.
19points
#27
Nara Park Japan. Not super crowded when I went, tons of temples and deer literally everywhere.
19points
#29
Japan is still really good. Have gone multiple times over the years, there's always something...
Istanbul/Turkiye...10 years ago or before that. It's still nice and all, but the inflation (and the consequences of it) is something else....
Istanbul/Turkiye...10 years ago or before that. It's still nice and all, but the inflation (and the consequences of it) is something else....
18points
#30
I agree with Machu Picchu! Also the Eiffel tower. Been to Paris 7 times and never cease to amaze me and stop to admire.
17points
#32
Greece. In every sense it outdid itself. It exceeds any expectation.
On contrary, Italy was the most dissatisfying every time I go there. .
On contrary, Italy was the most dissatisfying every time I go there. .
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16points
#33
Taj Mahal. Better than any photo and changes throughout the day according to the light. Breathtaking.
13points
#34
Paris - admittedly I didn't love it right away, but it's become my favourite city in the world, and the destination I've frequented the most.
Venice - also a city that I didn't love at first glance (St. Mark's Square on a day heavy with cruise ship visitors is a nightmare) but it's such a unique location, with water and canals truly everywhere. I loved the more chill vibes in the evenings, and over on Giudecca. I will say...I find the food here, more hit and miss than anywhere else I've been in Italy.
London - every time I visit, I think, why don't I come here more often? I love how much green and public space there is. And then I get my credit card bill - cries in Canadian.
Hong Kong - I instantly thought "I could move here" (this was back in 2014). The food was fantastic, so much to see and do, and even though the city is teeming with life and skyscrapers, it's pretty easy and quick to get out to nature.
Oahu - one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. We stayed in Kailua, and I watched the most gorgeous sunrise come up over the beach.
Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai, Thailand. I did the overnight visit, and the overall stay was incredible for this animal lover. One of my favourite moments was when I got to walk a 3-legged rescue dog in a doggy-wheelchair, we walked by an elephant just roaming freely around and I remember thinking to myself "THIS is the Good Place.".
Venice - also a city that I didn't love at first glance (St. Mark's Square on a day heavy with cruise ship visitors is a nightmare) but it's such a unique location, with water and canals truly everywhere. I loved the more chill vibes in the evenings, and over on Giudecca. I will say...I find the food here, more hit and miss than anywhere else I've been in Italy.
London - every time I visit, I think, why don't I come here more often? I love how much green and public space there is. And then I get my credit card bill - cries in Canadian.
Hong Kong - I instantly thought "I could move here" (this was back in 2014). The food was fantastic, so much to see and do, and even though the city is teeming with life and skyscrapers, it's pretty easy and quick to get out to nature.
Oahu - one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. We stayed in Kailua, and I watched the most gorgeous sunrise come up over the beach.
Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai, Thailand. I did the overnight visit, and the overall stay was incredible for this animal lover. One of my favourite moments was when I got to walk a 3-legged rescue dog in a doggy-wheelchair, we walked by an elephant just roaming freely around and I remember thinking to myself "THIS is the Good Place.".
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13points
#35
Victoria Falls. Microlight flight over the falls was incredible. Rafting the Zambezi was also amazing and a bit scary.
Kalambaka Greece was also stunning.
Judhpor India during Holi. .
Kalambaka Greece was also stunning.
Judhpor India during Holi. .
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13points