Right, folks...

Today's email comes with a bit of a reality check.

I’ve written plenty of love letters to some of the world’s most beautiful places (and to some of the world's most beautiful people too). But it's good to play villain for a change.

So I'm here with some hard truths today:

• Not every country is worth your hard-earned cash.
• Not every city deserves your holiday days.
• Some places SUCKS and you're better off skipping them entirely.

There. I said it. Fight me.

Stay AWAY from THESE countries

Every place has its charm — but some test your patience more than your sense of wonder. I'm talking scams, overpriced goods, terrible weed, and tourist traps that drain your soul (or what's left of it).

If you’re picking your next adventure, maybe steer clear of these — or at least go in with your eyes wide open.

The WORST offender...

Of all the places that divide travellers, there is one that stands out.

One filled with chaos, despite the beautiful colours.

One surrounded by beautiful dunes, once you manage to get away from the pushy touts.

And one filled to the brim with tea-drinking spots if you can squeeze through the never-ending hassling men.

Morocco is a sensory adventure, but it can also easily turn into a one-way ticket to travel burnout.

If you’ve got it on your bucket list, read this first and thank me later.

What about Europe?

You thought we forgot? Never! Europe is full of shitty places too!

It is packed with stunning cities, don't get me wrong. But some are wildly overrated, stuffed with tacky shops, bad food, and a million tourists elbowing you at every turn.

In the same way Indians go to Varanasi to die, these cities are where your time and money would go to end their beautiful life.

That's if you let them, of course 😉

DISCLAIMER: These are all honest backpacking experiences from real backpackers. You know how The Broke Backpacker goes.

Some of these places can be amazing, but you don't always get to have a pleasant experience. Life wouldn't be as interesting otherwise.

But over to you now:

Is there a destination you’d love to see us trash next? Or a certain type of traveller we should call out?

I'm thinking worst beach towns, rudest backpackers, snobbiest digital nomad hangouts...

Let me know — I've got an entire team waiting to fulfil your rant fantasies!

If you're booking a trip soon, check out our favourite resources.

• Book your hostel with Hostelworld​
• Book your hotel with Booking (20% OFF)
• Book your insurance with SafetyWing​
• Save on bank fees with a Wise card​
• Stay connected with a Jetpac travel SIM​

Travel smart. Live fully.
​- Will Hatton