British solo traveller reveals the Greek island that disappointed her: “Taxis charged crazy amounts for short rides.”
An experienced influencer and solo traveller, Rachel has visited numerous countries and explains why Santorini left her underwhelmed.
The seasoned solo traveller Rachel Smith from Surrey, England, boasts one of the most impressive Instagram profiles, with thousands of followers seeking her travel advice.
The young influencer frequently posts photos and videos on her Instagram feed @rachelsmith, showcasing her experiences in remote locations, luxury hotels, and lesser-known islands with turquoise waters and “golden” beaches.
In several posts, Rachel highlights common mistakes that tourists make, which can be costly. She also points out a famous Greek destination she advises travellers to avoid, calling it a “tourist trap.”
Rachel, who has visited 21 countries so far, funds her travels by juggling multiple jobs.
Speaking to MailOnline Travel, the 24-year-old says, “I have four jobs—content creation, team leader at a Gail bakery, social media management for a company, and occasional pub work. Depending on how much I work, I can earn between £2,000 and £2,500 a month, which is a lot when you know how to travel smartly.”
How often does she travel? Rachel responds: “In the last two years, I’ve travelled yearly for about five to six months. I love exploring a new country. It’s not just about checking countries off my list but truly experiencing them.
I enjoy learning the language, meeting locals, and finding hidden gems. I often rely on affordable places like Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe and then take shorter trips to nearby destinations.”
Choosing countries with a lower cost of living helps Rachel travel for longer periods.
What did Rachel say about Greece? The 24-year-old influencer commented: “Greece is the best country in Europe. It has incredible places to visit. However, I recommend avoiding Santorini, no matter how beautiful it is. The scenery is stunning, but it has become overcrowded and overpriced. Now it feels like a tourist trap, a scam. I found it disappointing, especially how difficult it was to find taxis. And when I did find one, they charged crazy amounts, even for short rides. I’m glad I saw it but wouldn’t return.”
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