Eye On Travel: Alternative Tracks: Don’t Believe the Hype

Dull: Not as interesting as it sounds

We are in the age of post truth and alternative facts. So when somebody says you must go somewhere, well must you? I have always thought it wise not to over expect when seeing a ‘Wonder of the World’. That way you can’t be disappointed when it’s not as big as it looks on TV!

The Independent Travel desk published an article this week about places that are overrated in their opinion. Places such as Paris, Marrakech and Disney World. So here are some of my over and under rated favourites.

Water View: South beats North in America

Waterfalls can be spectacular and probably the most famous in the world is Niagara Falls. Now I’m not saying it’s not impressive - and if you get a photo without loads of heads in, it is - but given the hype and the crowds you do get a certain feeling of ‘is that it?’.

Instead head to the Brazil/Argentina border to see the vastly superior Igauassu Falls, so vast you can see them in two different countries and you need a couple of days to really see everything properly.

GET THERE: Fly to Cataratas in Argentina via Buenos Aires or Foz in Brazil via Sao Paolo
WHERE NEXT: The Lakes or Patagonia in Argentina; Rio de Janeiro and coast in Brazil

Skiing in Europe-you can actually see things

Choosing a ski resort for me depends on snow, a big area and something to do in the evenings. A trip to Mammoth Mountain in California certainly made me appreciate how good Europe is.

Yes there is plenty of snow but because of this it is rarely clear, the lifts are ancient and very expensive and if you want to go out for the night, you need a car. Give me my Austrian favourite Ischgl any day. Fast lifts, the best après ski in the Alps, a large area and snow sure November to May.

GET THERE: Ischgl can be visited as a package or for a Weekend via Innsbruck.
WHERE NEXT: Visit nearby St Anton which is one lift away from linking the areas.

Melbourne Ultimatum: Good Neighbours

Cities are more subjective than most based on what you plan to see. One of the World’s bucket list cities is Sydney. It does have spectacular sights around the harbour but the beaches are very crowded and Bondi is like a warmer Isle of Wight with sharks whilst the rest of the city is rather forgettable.

Take some photos then head to energetic and welcoming Melbourne instead with a spectacular coastline, wildlife, vineyards, Ramsay Street and more sport than you can imagine.

GET THERE: One stop flights take about 24 hours; open jaw tickets will save back-tracking.
WHERE NEXT: Take the coast road to Adelaide or fly north to Queensland.

Lombok: It’s unBalievable

Islands keep people who compile Top Ten lists busy trying to find the perfect spot. One of the names that always crops up is Bali, an exotic island that is stunning. In parts. It is also very popular and busy Kuta beach is spiritually twinned with Magaluf.

After travelling that far, take a 25min flight to neighbouring Lombok with high quality hotels, a largely undeveloped coastline and trekking & diving spots. And so far discovered by comparatively few visitors.

GET THERE: Fly to Lombok via Bali or Singapore. From Bali there is a vomity 3h ferry.
WHERE NEXT: Explore inland Bali or go to Flores and visit Komodo Island’s dragons

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These are my own personal views based on my visits to these places.
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