An Influencer Couple Takes On Caye Caulker, Belize

Planning a vacation will never be the same again, now that influencers have weighed in. As usual, the results are both good and bad.

Recently, I have been researching vacations in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and Caye Caulker, Belize. The good thing is that I have seen enough images of the two islands to feel confident that there are interesting sights to see, good places to eat, and decent accommodations. Now that everybody and his brother has a video camera and a drone and professional underwater equipment, there is no lack of images promoting a large variety of vacation destinations.

On the minus side, many of the producers of these videos insist on highlighting themselves, sometimes in every shot. My interest is in seeing what Isla Mujeres and Caye Caulker are like, not in the drinking habits of these influencers. Of course, now I know that an inordinate number of visitors to Isla Mujeres are serious alkies. There are times that, on seeing these videos, I wonder how the influencers are still on their feet and not face-planting in a puddle somewhere.

There is also a lot of mispronounced names of places and misinformation. It is obvious that most travel influencers don’t do their homework when visiting another country.

Another point is that some influencers have received free products and services to promote destinations, hotels, and restaurants. As such, one has to take their recommendations with a grain of salt. Of course, the viewer gets a chance to see the accommodations and the food and get some idea of what to expect.

The important thing is balance one influencer off against another and use one’s judgment to make good decisions. But then, you knew that, didn’t you?