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    Travel Experiences That Looked Better Online, From Frequent Traveler

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    6 hours ago

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    August 4, 2025

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    • I travel a lot and have learned some experiences aren’t as glamorous as they look on social media.
    • Some spots, like LA’s Hollywood Boulevard and Hawaii’s Mānoa Falls, can get crowded.
    • Although gorgeous, taking a gondola ride in Venice can be expensive.

    Social media has a way of airbrushing reality, especially when it comes to travel.

    Many people plan their entire vacations based on viral TikToks and Instagram photo ops, often without realizing what those places are actually like behind the lens.

    I’ve been lucky enough to explore over 20 countries, and have been everywhere from the Arctic Circle and the European countryside to the Caribbean.

    I love snapping photos and curating videos of my adventures along the way, but I’ll also admit that social media can make every trip look like a dreamy highlight reel with perfect sunsets, pristine hotel rooms, or bucket-list adventures.

    Although I’ll always be grateful for the chance to see the world, the truth is, not every moment is as glamorous as it looks online.

    Visiting Hollywood Boulevard isn’t as glitzy as it seems.

    As a kid, I always glamorized the idea of visiting Hollywood.


    Chloe Caldwell

    As someone who grew up in the Los Angeles area, I’m incredibly familiar with every tourist hot spot in the city. As a product of the suburbs, I glamorized the idea of visiting Hollywood and immersing myself among those famous sidewalk stars.

    The truth, though, is that Hollywood Boulevard is packed with crowds, speckled with trash, and has lots of overpriced attractions and gift shops.

    If you want a good view of the Hollywood sign, I recommend going to Griffith Park Observatory instead. There, you’ll get an up-close look at the landmark and sweeping views of LA.

    Taking a gondola ride in Venice can be expensive.

    Taking a gondola ride in Venice is an incredible — but pricey — experience.


    Chloe Caldwell

    Venice has become one of my favorite cities for its dreamy waterways, cobblestone alleys, and vibrant atmosphere.

    I’ve visited over the past two years and have plans to return this summer. Although a gondola ride might seem like a Venice rite of passage, I have a hard time justifying a nearly $100 price tag for a 30-minute ride.

    It may be worth the splurge if a ride is a must on your itinerary. However, it’s also worth looking into the public gondola transfers (aka the traghetto) across the larger waterways that only cost 2 euros (about $2.35).

    You’ll be with a group of people for a short, 3-minute ride, but you can still get a quick snapshot of yourself on the gondola.

    Mānoa Falls in Honolulu can get crowded.

    Mānoa Falls is a 150-foot waterfall near Honolulu.


    Chloe Caldwell

    The Mānoa Falls Trail is a lush, 1.6-mile round-trip hike near Honolulu that leads to a 150-foot-tall waterfall. It’s a gorgeous trail that I think is worth doing during your visit to Oahu.

    However, in my experience, it’s not as serene as it seems online, and there will likely be crowds gathered at the waterfall’s base and the viewpoints throughout.

    You’ll likely have difficulty getting photos without people in the background, especially if they’re swimming in the fall’s natural pool. I only got a decent picture of myself in front of the waterfall because it started raining and everyone else left.

    I’d recommend going early in the morning to beat some of the rush, or going on a gloomy day when there might be fewer people on the trail. Also, keep an eye out for outlets along the way to find small and secluded streams.

    The northern lights are much more vibrant in photos.

    Photos of the northern lights often appear more vivid than the in-person display.


    Chloe Caldwell

    Don’t get me wrong: seeing the northern lights in Iceland was one of the best travel experiences of my life.

    However, the photos you see online often make them look like a much more saturated version of what they actually look like to the naked eye. More often, the lights are a faint haze of subtle hues.

    Although photos typically appear more vivid and colorful than the in-person display, watching the colors dance in the sky is awe-inspiring nonetheless.





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    Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism Discusses the Country’s New Take on Tourism

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    August 3, 2025

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    Travel is booming in Mexico. According to the nation’s Ministry of Tourism, 39.4 million international visitors arrived in Mexico between January and May, a 14.2% jump from the same period last year. 

    Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, is aiming for even greater growth, with a goal of making Mexico the world’s fifth most-visited country by 2030 — as part of a wide-ranging plan, dubbed Mexico 2030, that focuses on economic development in various sectors. 

    Leading the government’s charge in the tourism sector is Josefina Rodriguez Zamora, who was appointed Mexico’s secretary of tourism in October 2024 after serving as secretary of tourism for the state of Tlaxcala from 2021 to 2024. 

    In this interview, Rodriguez discusses various challenges, as well as the ministry’s new take on tourism — which includes a stronger focus on local communities and sustainability, a new tourism campaign and greater collaboration with travel advisors. 

    President Sheinbaum has been in office since October 2024. How would you describe the new administration’s approach to tourism? 

    With the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum, tourism is recognized as a pillar of sustainable development. We’ve strengthened interagency coordination, prioritized sustainable investment and ramped up international promotion with new campaigns. The shared prosperity vision remains, but with an even stronger focus on innovation, inclusion and sustainability.

    RELATED: Tianguis 2025 Showcases Mexico’s Tourism Growth

    The arrival of President Claudia Sheinbaum represents continuity of a national plan with a social vision that’s inclusive and deeply committed to the wellbeing of all Mexicans. Today … we’re establishing a new stage for national tourism, with a focus that’s fairer, more modern and transformative.

    One of this administration’s pillars is the strengthening of community tourism — not just as a development tool, but as a way to share the cultural, historical and natural richness of our communities with the world. We want tourism in Mexico to generate shared prosperity, to empower communities and preserve our traditions, languages, knowledge and ecosystems. 

    How are you moving toward that goal? 

    Technological innovation and the use of digital tools are fundamental for this new phase. We’re promoting online training platforms, intelligent promotion strategies and connectivity systems that allow more people to discover, experience and visit Mexico more easily. 

    Tourism is now a national wellbeing strategy in Mexico.
    Credit: 2025 Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board

    The key difference is that now, tourism is no longer just an economic sector. It’s a national wellbeing strategy that honors our roots, promotes equity and advances the country toward a future that’s more sustainable, better connected and profoundly human.  

    Hospitality knows no political borders. Tourism builds bridges.

    Does political rhetoric in the United States affect Americans traveling to Mexico?

    Mexico maintains a respectful and collaborative stance. What’s most important is that the American people continue to travel to Mexico enthusiastically and frequently. Hospitality knows no political borders. Tourism builds bridges. We focus on delivering experiences so positive that they overcome any prejudice or external rhetoric.

    In Mexico City, the government has introduced new restrictions on short-term rentals to combat gentrification. How do you view these challenges? 

    In Mexico, we firmly believe in tourism as a tool for coming together, for understanding and social development. We’re a supportive people, warm by nature and profoundly proud of our history, our communities and our landscapes. We like to welcome the people who visit as if they were coming home, because we’re great hosts by nature. 

    Josefina Rodriguez Zamora (third from right) at the Guelaguetza festival in Oaxaca
    Credit: 2025 SECTUR

    But we also know that tourism must be responsible. That’s why the government emphasizes the importance of a tourist model that’s sustainable, environmentally respectful and aligned with the needs of local communities. Decrees protect natural areas, and policies support cultural and ecological preservation. 

    It’s not just a matter of tourists enjoying our beaches, mountains, jungles and Magical Towns. It’s also about how we Mexicans can continue to enjoy and share these spaces for generations to come. We want tourism to coexist with its surroundings, not displace it; to strengthen local identity, not erase it.  

    We want tourism to coexist with its surroundings, not displace it; to strengthen local identity, not erase it.

    That’s why we work hand in hand with communities, emphasizing territorial fairness, so that tourism adds rather than subtracts — and so that tourism development benefits everyone. Our commitment is clear: to preserve what we are and what we have, and to continue proudly sharing it with the world.  

    How can travelers have a positive impact when visiting Mexico?

    We encourage travelers to shop locally, respect customs, avoid exploitative tourism and choose sustainable experiences. Traveling consciously transforms both the communities and the traveler who visits them.

    RELATED: How to Better Understand — and Book — Sustainable Travel

    How can travelers minimize the negative effects of overtourism? 

    Mexico isn’t just a nation of sun and beaches — although our coasts are spectacular. We’re also a nation of mountains, jungles, deserts, volcanoes, living communities and towns with history and soul. That’s why we strongly promote community-based tourism: a more conscientious, responsible and respectful way to travel, both for the environment and for each destination’s cultural identity. 

    These new tourism experiences allow visitors to connect with people, their traditions and their way of life, while at the same time supporting local wellbeing and inclusive development. It’s tourism with a purpose. 

    RELATED: Visiting Indigenous Communities in the Yucatan Peninsula

    There are 177 Magical Towns, each with its own unique charm. From the Huichol art in Nayarit to the living Maya traditions in Yucatan and the Otomi rituals in Hidalgo, Mexico offers routes that break away from the crowds and embrace authenticity. 

    We invite travelers to explore these lesser-known destinations, to experience Mexico in the heart of its communities, to become part of a new form of tourism — one that transforms and leaves a mark, as much for those who experience it as for those who offer it. 

    What should travel advisors and their clients know about safety and security in Mexico today? 

    Mexico is currently experiencing one of its safest periods in years, with steadily declining crime rates that have boosted traveler confidence. This is reflected in the fact that more than half of the international tourists who visit are women, who choose Mexico as a safe and welcoming destination.

    Mexico is currently experiencing one of its safest periods in years, with steadily declining crime rates that have boosted traveler confidence.

    Thanks to the national security strategy and coordinated work among the three levels of government, this progress is also reflected in the consistent growth in international visitors, especially from the United States and Canada. Travelers come back not just for our beaches and culture; they also come back because they feel welcome and safe.

    RELATED: Travel Advisors Report Growing Client Hesitation as Global Uncertainty Rises

    Being aware that negative narratives still exist in some international media, we launched the Latidos del Mundo [Heartbeats of the World] campaign, a communication strategy targeting international travelers that conveys a message focused on peace, personal connection and Mexican authenticity. This campaign highlights our strengths: hospitality, natural and cultural richness and the safety that the nation offers as a tourism destination.

    You’re looking to work closely with travel advisors. What are the goals of this year’s roadshow?

    The Meet Mexico Roadshow 2025 is a very special tour. We’ll be in Chicago, Toronto, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Montreal and New York to strengthen business ties, train travel advisors and showcase Mexico’s diversity beyond just sun and beach. Unlike previous editions, this tour focuses on cultural, culinary and health and wellness experiences, as well as newly emerging destinations. We’re sharing a unified message: Mexico as a country of authentic, safe hospitality, aligned with global trends of conscious travel.

    How has the way you collaborate with U.S.-based travel advisors evolved? 

    We’ve significantly strengthened our work with travel advisors in the U.S., building a strategic relationship that provides ongoing support and up-to-date information.  

    The Secretary of Tourism offers various training courses and modules through official digital platforms, specifically designed for travel advisors, tour operators and industry professionals. These courses cover key topics such as emerging destinations, wellness tourism, cultural experiences and sustainability, aligned with our diversification strategy. Through these platforms, advisors can access multimedia resources, specialized itineraries and interactive tools to sell Mexico more effectively and distinctively.

    Dates for the Meet Mexico Roadshow

    Chicago and Toronto: Aug. 25–29 
    Dallas and Houston: Sept. 9–13 
    San Francisco and Los Angeles: Oct. 7–11 
    Montreal and New York: Nov. 10–14 



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    Tripadvisor award names Galashiels attraction one of the best in world

    Published

    2 days ago

    on

    August 2, 2025

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    The Great Tapestry of Scotland been named in top 10 per cent of visitor attractions in the world for the second year in a row in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025.

    Sandy Maxwell-Forbes, centre director, said: “This is testament to the passion, creativity, and hard work that our small team puts into creating a consistently five-star visitor experience.

    READ MORE: Borders computing shop celebrates 30 years of business

    “We are honoured to be celebrated both nationally, internationally and locally, and remain committed to providing an inspiring and inclusive experience for every visitor who walks through our doors.

    “We would like to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has taken the time to visit us, leave a review and share their experiences and of course the community which plays a key part in making the centre a success.

    READ MORE: Popular bike shop in Borders town set to close

    “Your kind words, support and enthusiasm have helped make this achievement possible and is important now more than ever as we continue to operate through a cost of living crisis.”

    The awards are based on reviews through the Tripadvisor website from over the last 12 months.

    Mags Fenner, project manager BID for Galashiels, the town’s business improvement district, said: “This world-class attraction puts Galashiels on the map as a cultural destination and draws visitors from near and far.

    READ MORE: Restored rare globes feature in tour of reopened Borders house

    “Local shops, cafés and restaurants have felt the benefit of increased footfall, with many visitors choosing to explore and support our high street after experiencing the tapestry.

    “It’s also been inspiring to see school children from across the region engage with the tapestry as a rich and accessible way to learn about Scottish and Borders history and culture.

    “We’re proud to have such a globally recognised centre at the heart of Galashiels.”





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