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You know the feeling when you anticipate something so much that you tend to idolize the picture and when it actually happens, it turns that your expectations surpassed the real thing by miles? Yes, it's called a disappointment, and it happens way more often than it should when traveling to the most famous vacation destinations and places to visit. These days most people don't wear rose-colored glasses, they opt for an Instagram filter instead. Which is why traveling has become so disheartening—where are those idyllic beaches that you saw online? It was better when we could only read about those exotic places to travel and imagine them; now, ruined by Instagram, your travel ideas will never match up to reality.

So come, join us—pull back the veil and see the Truth of travel impressions for yourself. Bored Panda has collected this list of travel expectation VS reality. Which false advertising photo has the best let-down photo? You can also check out these famous places to go zoomed out to show their surroundings.

More info: (h/t: traveltriangle)

#1

Visiting The Great Wall Of China

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Zhu Difeng Report

#2

Taking Photos With Leaning Tower Of Pisa In Italy

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Martin Parr Report

#3

Admiring Mona Lisa In Louvre Museum, Paris, France

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sergeymk Report

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ElnetoCibrian
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was there, totally true There was people waiting only for the selfie, nobody was even looking Lisa :(

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#4

Having A Picnic Near The Eiffel Tower In Paris, France

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LRD Report

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#5

Learning A New Hobby On A Ski Trip

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More Kids Than Suitcases Report

#6

Sunbathing In The Famous Beach Of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

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miguelangelpulidoj Report

#7

Taking A Peaceful Gondola Ride In Venice, Italy

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Lumi Toma Report

#8

Relaxing On The Gorgeous Beaches Of Maldives

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Alexander Brown Report

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NataliaBerowska
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually the difference between this images is simple. One was taking in expensive hotel where probably someone cleans the beach and other was taking on the public beach where inhabitants don't give a sh*t about it.

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#9

Walking Around Santorini Island, Greece

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paowmagazine Report

#10

Checking Out The Breathtaking Glory Of The Taj Mahal, India

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Marvin Bartels Report

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#11

Enjoying Your Private Moments On The Beaches Of Thailand

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Gunter Flegar Report

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NotchimineMette
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This place was way more crowded when I was there. And the petrol fumes were stifling... I was sooo upset.

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#13

Watching The Stonehenge During Sunset, United Kingdom

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Crisher Entertainment Report

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AmyFaith
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

THIS IS SUMMER SOLSTICE. Normally you aren't allowed this close to the stones, so this picture is misleading.

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AliShan
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No matter how many folks are there, English people are always very gentle and friendly.

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AntonioLawson
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can't get close to the stones now because some idiot decided to leave a mark he/she was there.

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Ada-LeeQuirk
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Been there done that...it's not always quite this crowded,only on the Solstace days, but you have to park across the street, walk under the road through a tunnel, and you are very restricted as to how far you can wander on the site.

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Person2638
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

@Debbie is right, the picture is misleading. When I went, we and two other families were literally the only people there.

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MuktiZavery
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agree it's on summer and winter solstice where you are actually able to enter and touch stone henge, otherwise you can only circle the monuments from 10 metres away

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KTTrondsen
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This site sucks. They have a fence around it now, not nearly as bad as what was portrayed in other picture either.

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CuriousCat
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was also a human sacrifice this day so obviously lots of people.

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MorganHua
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's actually a fence around Stonehenge and you can only walk around it. So, this photo isn't correct anymore.

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JudithChandler
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wasn't this way when I was there. Old photo, you cannot get that close anymore.

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TishaShelley
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is like that when i went just a regular bog tuesday, but you couldn't even get this close and walked in a massive troupe around it, and it was pissing down so yah, not THAT misleading

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Kay Bo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is nonsense, this will have been taken during a solstice.

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daniel perez perez
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like to visit this place. Because is beautiful, mysterious and important in the world.

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Christian Claydon
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We went on just the right day, and we were allowed to SIT ON THE STONESSSSS

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Alexandra Bender
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope went in December, I was in a group of maybe 20 people total. No crowds, got to spend lots of time and take gorgeous shots!

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Barry Kauffer
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Usually those crowds can be seen at any Lidl's supermarket at any given time!

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R2B
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was there in springtime and hardly anyone was there and it was so perfect. You can't even go that close to the rocks anymore, so this is very inaccurate.

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JLPease
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, she is right, along with all these images! Don't change your vacation plans, just pick the dates better

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ChezGoss
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's worse than this as it's actually all roped off so you can't touch it. Have to walk on paths around it.

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AndraElenaTriță
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, this is not true. When I visited there were at best 20 people visiting..so I guess it depends :)

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TammyChapman
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want to go there when it's quiet and peaceful. The fewer people the better.

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JayKaye
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Disagree - we went in the peak of summer. No where near this crowded. It's actually very well run I thought.

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RenéLee
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually manage to catch most of the pictures similar to the first. It's definitely not as crowded as portrayed in the second pic

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RozEdelberg
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Been there a few times and it was Never like this. Had to be a few tour buses there !misleading photo.

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CindyWilliams
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very misleading. I visited here in June and it was crowded but not like this. This is so misleading.

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LouWow
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Minus the main road whizzing by a few meters from it.

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Pineapple23
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not true... I live very near to Stonehenge and believe me, it's not that crowded! There is normally hardly anyone there!

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WayneBeesley
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

its only like this on special days like solstice i have been on other days and arrived first thing its still busy and the main road ruins it - oh and the 10 foot high security fences they miss off the photoshopped images - also on special spiritual occassions its full of a**e holes getting wasted and throwing their c**p everywhere - not spiritual at all.....find a mountain or an empty valley and worship there.....

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ChrisSutton
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When i was at stonehenge there was maybe 50 people tops...this is just the summer solstice....not always like this

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TiffanyBurns
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just went here in September, and it was NOTHING like this. There were maybe only be three of us out there, and it was very easy to get good shots.

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Jaana-MariAla-Korpi
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just drive by slowly on A303 and you get a good enough view as the busy road is very close. During holidays you will go slowly past anyway as you'll be stuck in traffic.

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MatthewNikolich
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

not gonna lie. this one hurts the most not gonna lie, this one hurts the most

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TunTunNyee
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

B******t I was there once although it's sunrise it was never that crowded ... It's not crowded at all

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SarahQueenofTheuniverse
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been there at senset and it was not like this at all very misleading.. If you want to go ... Do it!

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IshitaJacob
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been here and its nothing like that at all...its not this populated even though its one of the 7 wonders of the world plus nobody is even allowed that close to the stones!

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AngieWalker
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree with Debbie. I've been there and apart from the fact you can't enter so close to the monument the last few years -in the photo above it's an exception- and the museum is small, the whole area is basically empty even at the peak of it. There were even sheep starring at us from the neighboring fence!

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VivienCollins
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not a huge fan of Stonehenge - I've been there a few times and you aren't allowed to climb onto them anymore and you have to pay to get close up. A bit sad really. Instead, I'd recommend Avebury and Silbury Hill - not too far from Stonehenge, just as dramatic (huge stones, encircling a village) and it's much cheaper to park. You're not supposed to climb Silbury hill anymore (ahem...) but its pretty impressive for a manmade structure.

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#14

Visiting Pyramids Of Giza In Cairo, Egypt

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Edward Ewert Report

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Ada-LeeQuirk
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Best to arrive either very, very early n the day, or later in the afternoon or evening. And bring a lot of bottled water, it's hot as blazes and waiting in one can be very overwhelming. Plus I wouldn't advise going up in the pyramid if you have any claustrophbia. It's hot, dark, and has no air flow.

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#15

Climbing Mount Everest, Nepal

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Barry Bishop Report

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ArekCzuchraj
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hillary Steps always crowded , beside there is 4-6 weeks weather window and from it only 2 weeks for summit attack , as well sinc 90's commercial tour operators took over this rock , from first climb in 53 numbers of 'climbers' went ballistic , you have money , you go everest ... Fukcud up a bit

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#16

Hanging Out At The Spanish Steps In Italy With Your Sweetheart

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PeterJot Report

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YanayTsabary
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who is this model?? I swear to god I see her everywhere it's starting to get creepy

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#17

Admiring Little Mermaid In Copenhagen, Denmark

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wallpaperswiki.com Report

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JesperBové
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No matter what, the first one is photoshopped, she is not sitting with open water in the background but in the harbour of CPH. And yes she is tiny, hence the name, Little Mermaid.

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#18

Enjoying St. Peter's Square Before Entering The Beautiful Basilica In Vatican City

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Erik Gamache Report

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Kostas
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this line moves very fast. it's just for the metal detector and dress code control

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#19

Walking In Sheep Meadow, In New York's Central Park, United States

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Ekabhishek Report

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DanielGagliano
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

its not even the same day wtf lol one is winter and one is summer what a joke how many of these are lies like this

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#20

Visiting The Acropolis Of Athens, Greece

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imgur.com Report

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VaggelisKaradimas
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, the photo "after" shows Propylaia of Acropolis and not Parthenon. The temple is at the back of the photographer.

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#21

Visiting Hall Of Mirrors In The Palace Of Versailles, France

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Wikimedia Commons Report

#22

Admiring The Glorious Niagara Falls, Which Marks The Border Between Canada And USA

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KP Tripathi Report

#23

Exploring Arashiyama Bamboo Forest In Japan

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Daniel Peckham Report

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ClaudiaLandry
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It really isn't that bad actually. Quite a pleasant walk and not that much people, especially in the morning.

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#25

Walking By The Howrah Bridge In Kolkata, India

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soumikdatta09 Report

#26

Exploring Antelope Canyon Arizona, USA

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Cebb Photographies Report

#27

Having Family Fun Time At The Water Park

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AP Report

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DavidGallagher
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The family appears to be in a hotel, and swimming pools in hotels are often empty enough. As for public pools in China...I'm sorry but no amount of heat would ever make me want to dive in there. How is that remotely enjoyable? I'd have a panic attack.

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#28

Admiring Wat Rong Khun Temple In Thailand

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Ying Tong Low Report

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ClarPanganiban
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We've been here on a touristy season and there's not this much people. Maybe it just depends on the time and season? These two photos are not even the same angles! lol. So one-sided.

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#29

Enjoying James Bond Island In Thailand

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Joan Gamell Report

#30

Getting Goosebums In Front Of The Ancient Temple Of Abu Simbel In Egypt

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Walter Weinberg Report

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LauraGary-Domingue
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know if I'd want to get the "goosebums." Is that like the chicken pox?

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#31

Walking Across The Capilano Suspension Bridge In Vancouver, Canada

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Michelle Lee Report

#32

Visiting The Forbidden City In Beijing, China

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panoramio.com Report

#33

Swimming With Dolphins

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cubawanderer.com Report

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Arty
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

you don't swim with dolphins! You touch some poor animal prisoner in a few square meters. Please don't do that!

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#34

Visiting The Sydney Opera House, Australia

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Neal Mcfarlane Report

#35

Tasting Thailand’s Exotic Food In Bangkok, Thailand

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HellonEarth2006 Report

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DanielBonadiman
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These two photos are from different places, one photo is from a floating market outside of Bangkok way less crowded than the one close to the city.

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#36

Anytime You're Admiring The Blooming Sakura Trees

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Satoko Kawasaki Report

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DanielBonadiman
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These two photos are from different places, one in in Kyoto and the other probably Ueno park in Tokyo. This comparison makes no sense.

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#37

Exploring The Amazing Architectural Details Of Gaudi's Casa Mila In Barcelona, Spain

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Mike Report

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JuliaKalcheva
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Casa Mila was covered for restoration in 2014, that's old news! Last October was amasing and fully uncovered!

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#38

Admiring The Breathtaking Machu Picchu Scenery, Peru

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Ricardo Shuck Report

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WendyMargarita
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

GO EARLY! I was there before the influx of tour buses came in! And it was sooooo worth it!

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#39

Exploring The Pristine Temples Of Angkor Wat, Cambodia

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Trey Ratcliff Report

#40

Enjoying A Hike In Yosemite National Park, United States

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Mike Oria Report

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LillianBlackburn
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having spent considerable time at Yosemite I can say the second photo is of a very touristy 'scenic view', but there are plenty of places to be all alone, if you are willing to get out into the woods.

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