Everyone knows that Reddit has opinions and it's also one of the best places to find open-minded and brutally-honest conversations. When it comes to travel, Reddit certainly has an idea of what unpopular travel opinions are and most of them are bound to make a person think. Anything is fair game from types of travel to destinations and, chances are, there are some opinions that readers likely didn't even know even existed (who would take a pass on small-town travel?!). There also are no right or wrong opinions and that's something to remember when hearing other people out.
Ready to see what some people think of travel outside the world of 'it's great?' These are the most talked-about unpopular trends on the interwebs.
Nature And The Great Outdoors Holds Zero Travel Allure
It's true - some people just don't find bonding with nature to bring the same pleasure that it does others. Listening to birds chirping away and small forest animals run around fields might not be everyone's cup of tea, but according to one Reddit user, big cities and populated places are what soothes their wanderlust itch.
It might come as a surprise to know that many people actually share this opinion, where bigger cities filled with energy and life are seen as more of a vacation than the calm stillness of a tranquil setting.
Hostels Are Not Worth It
This is an unpopular opinion but it's fairly more common than the last. Hostels aren't for anyone and while there are many pros to staying in one - such as affordability and convenience - there are many cons for some people, as well. The biggest con is the fact that hostels are not always private which leads to several people sharing one space.
For those who value their privacy and appreciate the quiet nature of hotel rooms or rentals, this can be uncomfortable and awkward, two things no one wants on vacation. Furthermore, sharing spaces such as kitchens and bathroom isn't always a vacation-worthy trend that many travelers want to take part in and they can't really be blamed for it.
Being Social With The Locals Is Not A Travel Goal
According to one Reddit user, who explained their opinion in a great way: "I (personally) don't understand the obsession with meeting "friendly" locals (and complaining to no end if you don't). While I enjoy chatting with someone working in a cafe or bar or market and getting to know them or meeting locals by surprise in any city I visit, I don't leave all annoyed if that didn't happen.
I prefer watching people going about their ordinary days, and in most places, people are far too busy or caught up in their own lives for an ordinary day to include "befriending" a tourist or traveler." Not everyone enjoys being social with strangers and it's a common misconception that everyone should go out of their way to befriend a stranger if it's out of their comfort zone.
Small Towns Are Not Exciting Or Interesting
While one user stated that they don't enjoy nature-themed vacations, another stated that they don't like in-between, AKA small, towns.
Small towns are often the compromise between huge cities and remote destinations and while small-town travel has become more popular in recent years, it's clearly still not for everyone. Specifically, according to the same Reddit user, 'cute towns' are on the list of no-travel destinations for them.
Destination Hopping Is Better Than Exploring One Place In Full
One Reddit user said they enjoy spending 'one to three' nights in a place before moving on and this rapid-speed way of travel is not as uncommon as many people think. Specifically, when it comes to backpacking.
Every backpacker and city-hopping traveler is different but for some people, it's more of an adventure to see as much as possible rather than see everything possible. Just like quantity over quality, it's sometimes long stays vs. active traveling.
Traveling Is A Luxury, Not A Right
Perhaps the most unpopular opinion regarding travel is this one, posted by one Reddit user: "You shouldn't travel if you don't have your finances together. Traveling is a luxury, not a right." Obviously, many people will have their own opinions on this and when it comes down to it, travel is for everyone - however, that's a fact, not an opinion. Finances are just as personal as travel and a person's wanderlust can't be judged by their bank account, but there are many people who don't share that opinion, as well.