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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

#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

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

they didn't allow me due to my sleeveless (but very decent) shirt when i was a kid. wasn't interested anyway at that age. now i wouldn't go just because they didn't let a child in. keep your golden idols for yourselves, people!

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

The line does move fast and if you make sure that you aren't wearing shorts or tank top you will get in quicker. It's well worth the wait, though!

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

haha the first image is laughable - it is NEVER like that the Que here is appalling yes it moves fast but its miles long and you end up paying greedy guides that hassle you to death to 'escape the que' its also so packed inside you cant really enjoy it.....its an amazing place still but again NOT like the first image - this is the dream we are SOLD to get tourist money it is a lie

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

Very fast...just 2-3 hours you have to wait for metal control in the line

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

and the light of the first one indicates it has been taken very early in the morning! the vatican must be closed at that hour

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

I got fedup because of the vast and thick crowd in the museum. We can never appreciate the arts and artifacts on account of the crowd

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

we went there early in the morning (not too early, it was like 9) and we didn't wait more than 5 minutes! and you have to go to the top of the roof, the view is amazing!!!

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

The absolute worst!!!! I was so disappointed. I mean the place is beautiful but there was no room to move or breathe during actual tours.

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

We were there 30 minutes before opening and walked right in with no line. The key to travel is get up early before the bus loads of tour groups have finished their hotel breakfast.

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

Was there on Easter Sunday. Our School was blessed my the Pope.........for a fee .

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

Go there during winter and in the morning, it will be like the 1st pic

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

Go during winter and in the morning, it will be like the 1st pic

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

this is the line for those buying get-rid-of-your-sins diplomas...

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

the ligt of the first one indicates it´s very early in the morning... surely the vatican must be closed

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

Queuing in Italy! The locals must wonder what the hell is going on! :D

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

The line moves fast. Much slower is to get into the Vatican museum

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

Worse, once you get inside, becomes very difficult to negotiate through the thick crowd and cannot stop to watch any art or atrifact

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

Exacto no podía entrar para esto me tenia que esperar unos 7-8 horas en la cola☹️

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

First photo is done early morning - long shadows to the west, normally there is almost no one around.

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

Actually I was there, end of January. You can actually enjoy the square at that time. Just pick an off-season.

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

Recommend the of season. January was good. Did book a Viator tour just in case. Perfect.

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

We went a few weeks off season in 2010 and though there was a huge crowd because the pope had been there, once that cleared out a bit we didn't have an actual line to go through.

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

Book to go in the evening. No que. Quiet and peaceful. We loved it. Not busy at all. Book via Vatican.

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

its not really crowded, and just like others said..the line moves quick. If you're taking pics of the outside, its not so crowded.

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

And you can't say this is crowded. At least they're staying in line.

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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

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#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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