Big Mistakes That Can Make You ‘Extremely Disappointed’ About Your Vacation

Jaclyn Sienna India knows The super-rich love to vacation — She is the founder of Sienna Charles, a membership-based travel agency that caters to wealthy clients who spend millions of dollars traveling the world.

India’s clients include Wall Street titans, tech tycoons and Hollywood moguls, who have high standards and endless resources.

But even billionaires make a common mistake in their vacation planning that everyday travelers make: choosing a vacation based on what’s trending and what looks good on social media.

“I think people need to stop following trends and listen more to their hearts,” India told CNBC Make It. “If everyone flocks to the same place, overtourism will ruin the place. There’s a lot of world out there.”

Many of her clients end up being “disillusioned” because they go to the same places as everyone else, following what she calls the “billionaire calendar” (think: Europe in the summer, Aspen in the winter). When a client says they want to visit a big city in Europe in the summer, India thinks, “Why would you go then? You’ll see more Americans than locals.”

India added that people of more modest means should avoid getting sucked into “celebrity travel.” Vacationers “see what Beyoncé is doing, or see Jeff Bezos on a yacht” and want to recreate those trips “so you can post on Instagram that you did the same thing as the celebrity. It’s soulless.”

She found that “a lot of people are taking photos of other people, but not capturing the landscape for themselves.”

Instead, India recommends choosing travel locations based on your interests and what you want to learn more about. “Go to places that interest you, and that helps build and shape your mindset (and) your world.”

Think about it: “What is it that I want to learn more about? And then how can you connect with locals so they can help you learn that knowledge?” India said.

For example, India said one of her main purposes for traveling is to learn about other cultures. Approaching longevityso she will Places to visit Famous for Healthy Practice and lifestyle.

Think about what you’re reading, watching, listening to, and talking about to guide your travel decisions. “Maybe you’re watching some really in-depth history content on Netflix, or you’re reading a book about Egyptology,” India says. “Then, delve deeper into that topic and learn more about it by going to Egypt.”

She adds that you don’t have to spend like a billionaire to have a meaningful trip: “France and Italy are great, but it’s really based on luxury. Where else can you get amazing food in a dining car for 50 cents? Where else can you get a massage every day or really dive into the culture?”

Don’t overlook destinations in South America, Africa and Southeast Asia, which are often overlooked but offer rich cultural experiences at a fraction of the cost, India said.

Ultimately, she said, “I think it’s important to seek out places where you can connect with local people on a deeper level.”

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