A candid and viral travel blog post by an Indian visitor is sparking widespread discussion among aspiring travellers, after he detailed spending lakhs of rupees on a European vacation only to encounter a reality starkly different from the polished images flooding social media. The blogger, Prateek Singh, shared his unfiltered experiences, highlighting issues like contaminated public spaces and security concerns in several European cities.
The Dream Trip Meets Ground Reality
After months of meticulous planning and saving, Prateek Singh finally embarked on his long-awaited European tour. However, he was soon confronted with a continent that felt "complicated." While he acknowledges Europe's undeniable beauty—its historic architecture and inherent charm—he points out a visible layer of neglect in many urban areas. Beyond the postcard-perfect streets, he found conditions that were dirty, chaotic, and at times, made him feel unsafe. This sharp contrast between the marketed image and the on-ground experience, he notes, is particularly jarring for travellers coming from outside the region.
The Gruelling Journey Before the Journey
Adding to the introspection is the monumental effort required just to reach Europe. Singh describes the Schengen visa process as "intense," involving a daunting pile of documents including bank statements, cover letters, detailed itineraries, hotel bookings, travel insurance, and employment proofs. The underlying goal, he states, is to prove you will return home. Undergoing this rigorous scrutiny builds an expectation of a smooth and enriching experience, making the subsequent encounter with less-than-ideal conditions even more disheartening and leading to the pivotal question: Was it all worth it?
A Call for Balanced and Realistic Travel Expectations
Prateek Singh is careful to clarify that his post is not an outright dismissal of Europe. He thoroughly enjoyed the museums, historic cities, and stunning landscapes. His message is a plea for a balanced view. He argues that every country has its positives and negatives, and Europe is no exception. The viral post serves as a crucial wake-up call for Indian travellers who primarily view destinations through the curated lens of social media reels and glamorous advertisements. Influencers and content creators often use specific camera angles to hide litter, overcrowding, and other unappealing aspects, crafting a deceptive postcard version of reality.
With Indian tourists increasingly viewing Europe as a top dream destination, investing significant savings into these trips, Singh emphasises the importance of travelling with eyes wide open. His account encourages people to observe with their actual senses rather than being controlled by preconceived fantasies, enabling them to build more practical and secure travel itineraries. The core of his message is that travel is evolving, destinations change, and it is vital to have honest conversations about both the beauty and the discomfort that can come with it.
