1. That Hidden Gem? It’s Not So Hidden Anymore.

TikTok trends move fast—and so do bookings. That “secret” cove in Italy or that treehouse Airbnb? It’s probably fully booked for the next year. And yes, it may now have entry lines and drones buzzing overhead.

What to do instead: Work with a travel advisor (hi! 👋) to find alternatives with the same vibe, minus the crowds and inflated prices.

2. That Travel Outfit Took a Village.

Matching hats, steam-pressed outfits, coordinated beachwear… TikTok makes it look like everyone just woke up camera-ready. The reality? There’s likely a whole suitcase dedicated to outfits, a ring light in someone’s carry-on, and 3 hours of getting ready before breakfast.

What to do instead: Pack practical pieces you love and wear what makes you feel like the main character—even if you’re rocking Birkenstocks and a messy bun.

3. Viral Doesn’t Equal Valuable.

Some resorts blow up online for the aesthetic—the swing over the water, the floating breakfast, the neon-lit signs. But behind the filter? You might find mediocre service, underwhelming food, or hidden fees.

What to do instead: Look beyond the clips. Read reviews. Ask someone who’s actually stayed there. Better yet—let a pro vet the place before you drop thousands.

4. Nobody Shows the Jet Lag, the Delays, or the Less-Than-Perfect Days.

TikTok is full of blue skies and smooth sailing—but it doesn’t show the 3-hour airport delays, the rainy days in paradise, or the exhaustion from hopping time zones. Travel is amazing, but it’s still real life. And not every moment is Instagram-worthy.

What to do instead: Be flexible. Pack a little patience (and maybe a neck pillow). And always have a backup plan—or a travel advisor on call when things go sideways.

5. It’s Not About Recreating—It’s About Discovering.

TikTok is full of moments meant to be copied: “Do this hike,” “Order this dish,” “Take this photo.” But your trip shouldn’t be someone else’s highlight reel. It should be your own story.

What to do instead: Use TikTok for inspo. Then toss the script. Say yes to the unexpected. Follow your curiosity, not someone else’s itinerary.

6. TikTok Doesn’t Just Show the Highlights—It Rewrites the Reality.

You’ve seen it: a dreamy video of Santorini with no crowds, or a Moroccan riad that looks like a private palace. But what you don’t see is the line of people waiting to take that same photo, the tour buses parked just outside the frame, or the editing tricks used to erase tourists, trash cans, and noise.

Influencers often wake up before sunrise to shoot, carefully crop out chaos, or heavily filter footage to make a place look more pristine, peaceful, or exclusive than it really is. It’s not necessarily fake—it’s just highly produced.

What to do instead: Know that those flawless clips are often the result of effort, angles, and editing. Go into your trip with an open mind. Crowds, culture shocks, and imperfections? They’re part of the experience—and sometimes they lead to the best memories.