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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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#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

11235811 avatar
Random Person
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

most of the "crowded" photos are probably taken at some sort of concert or event.

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

Meh, I live in NYC. Central Park is usually like this on cooler days. Notice the trees are bare in the first picture and they're full in the second one. It really depends on the weather.

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Daniel W Maynard
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I saw the first picture, I was like "Where's the sheep?". Guess the second picture answered my question

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

The best part of going there is to people watch, so this is not a bad thing. You'll always find a spot and it'll always be interesting.

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

its often not busy - and central park is massive and loads of space but yeh its never like the 1st image unless the weathers terrible

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

Central park is awesome. I went on a very nice day in May, it was an amazing walk.

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

For dome reason these all have a trend of solitude. Enjoying something but only by ourselves, or with one individual we love. It's either we want to be alone, taking in the beauty on our own. Or we are a little greedy. Kind've odd.

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

yeah, I've been to Central Park a couple times and it wasn't nearly that packed..

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

I live 4 blocks from Central park. Go to Sheep Meadow early in the morning in February and it will be like in the first pic.

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Juan Sanchez Villegas
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This image brings many memories of a lot of great movies, it is a symbol in the big apple, and i wish to be able to go there once and see that magic place.

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

New York such an amazing city in the USA. If you want to get deals at hoteling of this city you can get from here http://dealnsales.com/coupon-category/hoteling/

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Thorsten F
Community Member
4 years ago

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

Give me a break. Looks like snow on the ground early morning for the first photo in winter, second is a sunny summer/spring day.

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

I have seen many of these places and can say that it is absolutely true. For example in Prague, where I live, all the people want to enjoy the view of Charles Bridge, but it is always crewded with tourists, unless you come there at night.

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

All these pictures just show the difference between pro images and holiday snaps

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

I've been to most of these places and while the reality images are exaggerated, they are way closer to the truth. But come on guys, the fact you are fortunate to visit these places is one hell of a blessing.

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

Taken on a beautiful weekend afternoon ! Yup that's when the people get out to enjoy the day.

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

This was taken on a freakish hot day or there was a event in central park.

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

This is generally what happens on the first few warm spring weekend days (note the trees). New Yorkers shake off the winter blues and get some sun, then it goes to maybe 1/3 this level.

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

People who plan out traveling know when to go and when not to go. Visiting the Eiffel Tower on a Saturday in the most popular month? Why?

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

I like the second one a lot better, much more to see.

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

Yea, not really. Weekends can be like this in hot days. But it is a relaxing spot otherwise

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

I have been to the park twice as a tourist to vist. Never saw it like this. Both tI me there were people but nothing outside of what I expected.

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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
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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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