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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

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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

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

That looks like Canada Day celebration. Does not look like

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

The Niagra Falls one is not true. I live 30 mins away. It is not that busy. Usualy very calm.

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

lol what a lie!! That was when Nik Wallenda walked over the Falls on a tightrope!!! It is NEVER that busy lol

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

Exactly, this was the Nik Wallenda tightrope walk. I live 10 minutes away. It's never overcrowded. You can really enjoy the beauty without being pushed or shoved.

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

I've gone to Niagara Falls all my life, and it is busy on occasion, but not like this. Only during special events, like New Years and Canada Day. The busiest part is the line up for the maid of the mist. Other than that, it's very easy to walk around and take in the beautiful view.

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

I have been there more times than I can count and it's NEVER been that crowded

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

That was taken when Nik Wallenda walked the tightrope across the falls. It's a busy enough place, but not that crowded!

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

That was when Wallendas walked the tight rope. Normally not like this

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

this was taken when the due was on the tight rope. Its always quiet at the falls.. lots of spots to view and relax!

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

The "Reality" picture is during Nik Wallenda's walk across the falls.

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

That must be Canada Day or something. It really is gorgeous there, Canada side ;)

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

I grew up in St. Catharines and have been here hundreds of times and this would be a rare crowd.

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

The croud was when that guy was walking across the falls so false representation ..

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

Dude no lol. Been three times, summer twice and fall once, never any crowds.

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

is that a painting? or just bad quality? the trees and tents look almost fake.

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

Looks like this was some sort of event, even at the fireworks it wasn't this crowded

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

This was when Nick Walenda was walking across the falls the only time it is ever really that full is when there is a major summer holiday or some stunt

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

Photoshopped!! I live here and there is no way it was this busy....even when Nik Walked across the falls.

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

Actually this is/was when Nik Wallenda walked across niagara falls on a tight rope. It made international news and was broadcast live on several stations .... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtbzvn0umEo ...normally its not even close to that and those lights and ropes aren't even there anymore

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

This is BS. I've been there twice. Once in late winter early spring round noon, and in the summer. There wasn't a quarter of the people shown. This must be a special event.

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

Tja, not true when I was there. There was a moderate amount of people there for me

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

This one is fake. Sorry, but the photos weren't even taken around the same time in day- night, causing the lighting to be very different. Plus, like DianaLai said, this is a lot more crowded than a normal day at the falls.

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

Another totally fake picture; the crowd is lit by daylight even though its night

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

I've been here on several occasions and have never seen it as busy as this, ever.

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

Nothing like that when we went, some crowds but able to get amazing views - and it was peak season!

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

Wrong! I've been there and the crowds were very manageable. Is say this is as bad as it gets. Our view was the first photo. We were there in early October.

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

I was there twice. This never happened to me, it could be some celebration day.

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

yeah i have to agree i went to niagara in May last year, beautiful weather and it more resembled the first picture than the last.. if i hadnt been with the people I had been with we could have had a nice quiet picnic

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

Yeah, this is probably one of the firework shows: either way its always amazing seeing the falls.

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

This is not a realistic photo. Not a realistic photo with those crowds.

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

I have been lucky enough to visit Niagra twice and it was not like this! obv taken on Canada Day or some other big celebration

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

How long did the photographer hang around waiting for just the right "crowed" photo?

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

This is quite exaggerated. It's not like this everyday, that's for sure.

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

Thats a street there so it never has that kinda of people traffic on it save for something like a Canada Day celebration

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

This was taken the night of Nik Wallenda's walk across the Falls.

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

Not accurate. I've been there many, many times. We laughed at this picture!

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

Does not like that on a normal day only for special events... So go there and enjoy it when there is no special events.... You won't get disappointed .... Well worth going... I live not to far from here and I keep going back as often as I can!!!!

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

That's very misleading. I was there and there were barely any people.

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

That's misleading. I was there and there were barely any other people.

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

Whoa, wait a minute. I don't know what is going on in the second picture but that's not what it looks like normally. Been there twice and the view was great, not much of a crowd.

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

I have been like 3 times and yes it is crowded but not like this ...

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

It wasn't like this at all when we went. There were no massive lights glaring, there were a handful of tourists... but this is ridiculous. Not a fair depiction.

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

I've been there a few times (in winter) and it wasn't like this at all

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#23

Exploring Arashiyama Bamboo Forest In Japan

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Daniel Peckham Report

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ClaudiaLandry
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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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