How hidden travel gems are being exposed by social media influencers – USA TODAY

• Certain outdoor destinations like national parks are getting record numbers of visitors.
• Some travelers blame social media for overexposing their favorite destinations.
• One traveler says the crowds add “a level of stress that we didn’t really have before.”

Lauren Gay’s favorite outdoor escape isn’t what it used to be.

The 41-year-old Floridian has been running the Outdoorsy Diva adventure travel blog since 2013, writing travel tips for destinations all over the world. One of her “absolute favorite” escapes, however, was Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.