Why This Isn’t Your Typical Travel List
We’ve all seen the Instagram-perfect travel checklists: ride a gondola in Venice, kiss under the Eiffel Tower, watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat.
But here’s the truth no glossy travel magazine wants to tell you — not all “must-do” travel experiences are worth the hype.
But here’s the truth no glossy travel magazine wants to tell you — not all “must-do” travel experiences are worth the hype.
Some are overpriced, overcrowded, or just… meh. Others leave you thinking, I just spent two days’ budget on that? And while mistakes make for great stories, they also make for long airport sighs and awkward conversations with your bank account.
So here’s my Reverse Bucket List — the travel experiences I will never do again, and the lessons I learned so you don’t have to. Think of it as your friendly, slightly sarcastic travel big sibling.
Paying a Fortune for a “View” at a Tourist-Trap Café
Location offender: Santorini, Greece
Damage done: €18 for a latte, plus 40 minutes of my life waiting for a table
Here’s what happened: I sat down at a café with a view so Instagram-famous it probably has its own agent. The latte was lukewarm, the service nonexistent, and the only thing spectacular was the receipt.
Why I regret it:
Lesson learned: Find a local bakery or lesser-known rooftop bar. You’ll save money, avoid the crowd, and enjoy a view with actual flavor in your cup.
“Once in a Lifetime” Animal Encounters That Aren’t Ethical
Location offender: Elephant rides in Thailand, tiger selfies in certain Asian attractions
Damage done: Regret, guilt, and a lot of Googling about animal welfare afterward
Why I regret it:
I was young, naïve, and unaware of the cruel training and captivity conditions behind the scenes. What I thought was a magical cultural experience was actually part of a much darker industry.
Lesson learned: Research before you book. Choose sanctuaries and wildlife experiences where the animals roam free, and you are the visitor, not the boss.
Rushing Through 5 Cities in 7 Days
Damage done: Blisters, blurry photos, and zero actual memories of half the places
Why I regret it:
Lesson learned: Travel slow. Spend at least 3 days in a city. Let the place surprise you — in its grocery stores, side streets, and casual chats with locals.
Standing in Line for Hours to See… Something Small
Damage done: 2 hours of standing for a 15-second glimpse over other people’s heads
Why I regret it:
Yes, it’s iconic. But when you’re shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers holding up iPads the size of small TVs, the magic disappears.
Lesson learned: Explore the underrated exhibits. Often, the art you didn’t plan to see becomes the one you never forget.
Falling for “Limited Time” Souvenir Scams
Damage done: A “handmade” scarf that was made in a factory… in China
Why I regret it:
Lesson learned: Bargain with humor, walk away when unsure, and don’t let “only for you” sway you. Spoiler: they say that to everyone.
Sunrise Hikes I Wasn’t Prepared For
Damage done: Freezing at 5 AM in shorts, no coffee, and a view shrouded in fog
Why I regret it:
Lesson learned: Prepare for the elements, check weather apps religiously, and don’t underestimate the power of a good thermos.
Overrated “Local Specialties” That Weren’t for Me
Damage done: My taste buds are still in therapy
Why I regret it:
I wanted the “authentic” experience… but some flavors are an acquired taste I’m not acquiring any time soon.
Lesson learned: Be adventurous, but it’s okay to politely decline. Respecting culture doesn’t mean forcing yourself to love everything.
Endless Souvenir Photos
Damage done: $30 for a photo I never framed, plus awkward fake smiles
Why I regret it:
You end up with the same posed picture as thousands of other tourists, minus the genuine moment.
Lesson learned: Candid shots taken during spontaneous moments carry far more magic.
Booking a Hotel Solely for Instagram Aesthetic
Damage done: One night’s stay cost half my trip budget… and it rained all night, so no Northern Lights
Why I regret it:
Looks great in pictures, but sometimes these places are more about marketing than comfort.
Lesson learned: Always check reviews, not just photos. Beauty fades, but a good night’s sleep is forever.
Trying to “Do It for the Story”
Damage done: Mild injury, huge ego bruise
Why I regret it:
Sometimes peer pressure and FOMO override common sense. The story wasn’t worth the bruises.
Lesson learned: Adventure should thrill you — not hospitalize you.
What I’ve Gained from My Reverse Bucket List
So next time you see a “must-do” list, remember:
The best moments in travel often aren’t on any list at all.