If you’re planning your next getaway, take a few minutes to read on—some travel trends that seem luxurious and trendy might actually make you look out of touch and inauthentic. Though unintentionally carried out, some of these habits scream pretentiousness and risk alienating locals and fellow travelers alike.
A polished travel aesthetic can be fun and light-hearted, but it shouldn’t take precedence over the purpose of your adventures, such as exploration, learning, and cultural expansion.
Whether you’re a seasoned jet setter or a working professional just dying to take a break from your schedule, knowing which trends to avoid can give you more time to focus on meaningful, authentic, and fulfilling experiences. Below, we break down 12 pretentious travel trends and explain why you might want to rethink participating in them.
Staying at Exclusively ‘Instagrammable’ Hotels
Social media and travel blogs are loaded with dreamy rooftop bars, infinity pools, and over-the-top spas that lure travelers into booking accommodations solely for aesthetics. Booking only picture-perfect hotels may mean prioritizing aesthetics over substance. Yes, it’s fun to have a stunning backdrop for your photos, but do these hotels enhance your experience of the destination?
Instead, look for accommodations tied to the local culture that tells a story. A boutique guesthouse in Morocco, a family-run inn in Tuscany, or an eco-lodge in Costa Rica can offer a richer, more meaningful experience. Plus, your photos will naturally reflect a deeper connection to the place.
Constantly Chasing ‘Hidden Gems’
We all know that one traveler who insists on finding the next “undiscovered” spot. While wanting to explore beyond the most reviewed places on TripAdvisor can be adventurous, framing every destination as a “secret spot” runs the risk of being tone-deaf. It’s a bit undermining to claim some places as hidden gems or undiscovered when locals have been actively part of that community for years.
Implying that famous landmark destinations are somehow “less authentic” can come across as dismissive or elitist.
Embrace both popular and lesser-known spots with curiosity. Explore famous landmarks through a fresh lens, and be bold in learning about their historical or cultural significance.
Glorifying the ‘Workcation’
While work and traveling together sounds dreamy, glorifying workcations can be a bit privileged. Not many people can relate to those “working poolside” posts. If you have to work while traveling, that should not be boasted about. Focus on downtime and enjoy the benefits of unplugging completely for your wellness.
The ‘Digital Detox’ Brag
Disconnecting from technology while traveling is a fantastic concept—until you post about it on your return home. Ironically, notifying everybody of how “off the grid” you really were defeats the purpose of unplugging. Instead, be present. Be detached with practice, not performance.
Ignoring Local Issues in Destination Hotspots
Gentrified restaurants or promoting beach resorts where locals are displaced will make you look unaware of the deeper issues affecting the local population; it suggests that you’re enjoying the destination at the expense of those who live there.
Educate yourself about the socio-economic realities of the area. Engage in local businesses, visit cultural centers, or donate to organizations supporting community initiatives.
The Airport as a Catwalk
We all appreciate a nicely dressed traveler, but contrived airport outfits that prioritize fashion over comfort can be insufferable. Elevate your airport style with a fashion-chic but comfortable look—a cozy but pulled-together outfit like a tailored coat paired with stylish sneakers. That says effortless sophistication without trying too hard.
Using the Word ‘Luxury’ to Describe Your Vacation
Using the word ‘luxury’ to describe every experience, meal, or tour dilutes the word’s meaning. The thing is, true luxury doesn’t need to be qualified. It’s about quality, not quantity, and it’s understood. Instead, highlight what was unique about your experience.
The “Curated Souvenir” Obsession
It’s easy to fall into the trap of insisting on finding perfectly curated, aesthetically pleasing souvenirs that look great on your coffee table but hold little to no real connection to the destination. As soon as the focus shifts to finding items that match a specific look or trend, the experience goes from cultural engagement to consumerism.
Search for personal or culturally meaningful souvenirs. Find items with stories—handcrafted jewelry from a local artisan, a traditional cookbook, or even a painting by a local artist.
Performative Sustainability
Booking eco-luxury resorts while taking long-haul flights or being excessively consumptive sends conflicting messages about your commitment to sustainable travel. It turns sustainability into a trend rather than a principle, making it more of a brand than an actual attempt to have less environmental impact.
If sustainability matters to you, incorporate it into every aspect of your trip. Take public transportation when possible, minimize waste by carrying reusable items, and support businesses that prioritize environmental and social responsibility. Aligning your actions with your values contributes to a more impactful travel experience.
Overpacked Itineraries
Rushing through several popular tourist attractions every day may sound impressive, but it reduces the opportunity to genuinely connect with where you are.
Try slow travel: spend more time in one destination, wander around without a schedule, and absorb what surrounds you.
Only Eating at ‘Trendy’ Restaurants
If the restaurants you choose for dining are the same as in any major city, you miss out on the opportunity to experience rich cultures. Bypassing local street food or traditional cuisines just to go to globally known “hotspots” diminishes your unique adventure.
Look for the local markets, family-run restaurants, or regional specialties one won’t find anywhere else.
Bragging About Remote Destinations
Talking about trips to ultra-remote, “unreachable” destinations can come across as gatekeeping and make people feel like travel is not accessible or is an exclusive privilege.
If you go to a remote destination, share practical information that can help others—how to get there, respect the local customs, and contribute positively to the community.
Travel with Presence and Intention
Travel is curiosity, exploration, and connection. It isn’t about how many stamps are in your passport but the depth of your experiences. By letting go of performative habits and cultivating presence and openness, you’ll find your journeys to be deeper and more memorable, anchoring you into an assured sense of self and expansive perception of the world.
