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You can travel to Rome and skip the pizza place your friend told you about but you have to visit the Colosseum. Some travel destinations are simply a must-see. But that doesn't mean you'll like them.

To learn more about these questionable places, Reddit user u/superlemondaze made a post on the platform, asking: "What's a tourist attraction you've been to that was 100% not worth the hype?" And people responded.

As of today, the question has 23.6K upvotes and 17.2K comments, many of which describe why some of the most popular spots can feel overcrowded, overpriced, and simply overrated.

#1

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) The glass bridge over the grand canyon.

Total rip-off tourist trap.

It takes HOURS to get there from Vegas

They charge you $20 to park in an empty desert

They charge you $30 per person to take the bus from the parking to the attraction (it's like walking from parking into a mall - no distance at all!)

Then they charge you $30 per person if you actually want to walk on the bridge

You cannot take pictures or bring a camera onto the bridge, but they will sell them to you, of course.

There is one overpriced place to eat where they sell you canned food heated up in a microwave for big money... or you could drive 5 hours back to Vegas...

Go there to get scalped.

TommyHolef**ker , wikimedia.commons Report

Travel blogger and speaker A Lady in London has been to 112 countries and she's only visited a few attractions that she thought were over-hyped. It was primarily because she isn't really drawn to such places to begin with.

"Most of them were attractions that heavily marketed themselves or got lots of coverage on social media," A Lady in London told Bored Panda. "I went because I was curious after seeing them advertised or talked about online so much, and not because I was truly interested in them."

While the traveler acknowledges that some companies and individuals might prey on tourists, she doesn't think that makes the whole industry corrupt or dishonest. "I think most are genuinely trying to offer something that appeals to a certain demographic. If I'm not in their demographic, I'm probably not going to enjoy their attraction. But someone who is in their demographic might love it," she explained. "Like most things in life, the degree of enjoyment of tourist attractions tends to be relative to one's interests."

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Don't worry. Everyone can find something they're into. "There are lots of ways people can discover cool, less popular sights when they're traveling," A Lady in London, who also documents her trips on Instagram, said. "As a professional travel blogger, I obviously recommend following blogs and social media accounts that share about under-the-radar places. Local knowledge is key, so if you can find influencers who specialize in a specific destination, you'll often discover great places through their content."

#2

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) The Dead Sea. You're in Israel. In the desert. It's blazing hot, like 115°F. You think you'll go take a dip in the Dead Sea to cool off, right? Wrong. First, you have to pay to go through a spa to use their towels, pools, etc. Then you take the wagon/shuttle that drives you from the spa down to the shore. The wagon/shuttle goes about 5 miles per hour in the scortching sun. No breeze. Next, you get to the shore of the Dead Sea. You the proceed to run over the sand that's so hot you're sure your feet will burn off. You tentatively step into the water....and it's like the hottest bath you've ever taken in your life. The water is maybe 1° away from boiling. But you figure you've made it this far, might as well get the full experience. So you submerge. It's a mistake. Every pore on your body is burning from the salt. If you have shaved any part of your body within the last three years, you will feel the salt seep into the little micro cuts and burn you from the inside out. You find cuts on your body you didn't even know you had. Even your asshole is burning because you have pooped and wiped within the last week, so your skin is raw there. And the worst part is, when you decide you have had enough of this boiling body of water, you practically have to crawl out because you're too bouyant to stand. And in the process of crawling out, you scrape your knees on the bottom where the salt rocks have crystalized which sets off a whole new round of pain. So now you're hot, sticky from the salt, and every inch of your body burns.

_Emerald_Eyes_ , wikimedia.commons Report

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vickyz avatar
Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OK i laughed a lot but who thought that swimming at the dead sea would be refreshing really? Of course the salt will do that to your body not to mention that your skin will be dehydrated for the next 5 years!!

oki avatar
Oki
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is definitely not a place to go to in the summer, not ever. But if you do choose to go, it can be wonderful. But don't go to the hotels area, that is not the Dead Sea but salt ponds. Go to the northern beaches. You pay to get in, but there are showers and beach services. The beach itself is still far, because the Dead Sea is dehydrating... and PLEASE do your research. Don't put your head or eyes in the water. Shave at least 24 hours beforehand if you must. Don't go in if you have a UTI. Just DON'T. Go in for a bit, then come out and wash off at the beach showers. At the real beaches, there will be spots to just pull out mud and rub all over yourself. Let it dry and then wash off, your skin won't be dry but smooth like a baby's. Do all of these and you'll have a great experience.

debwaril avatar
Debbie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You don't HAVE to go through the spa. Free zones and showers. Obviously use flipflops. You go there to FLOAT. Maybe observe others around you ...

kona4me avatar
Kona Pake
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The next question on Jeopardy is “They float in freshwater, they float a little more in saltwater, they really float in 34.2% salt of the Dead Sea! What are they?”

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ianreynolds avatar
Ian Reynolds
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I completely disagree with this person, it is such a fun and amazing experience to go to the dead sea, the feeling of being completely weightless and floating in this pool of water is so cool. I always recommend this experience and have nothing but positive memories of my experience there.

cjhumphreys251 avatar
JoanieBalonie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Alex Trebek (dearly missed) was floating in the Dead Sea for one of the "answers" on Jeopardy. He looked happy and like he was having fun.

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s_p_barnett avatar
Steve Barnett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Post is a tad harsh; I've been there, it does what it says on the tin. (Without googling) Lowest place below sea level? Ein Gedi and Masada are also nearby and worth investigating/researching.

amandacrnilsson avatar
DogMom
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went in mid-December and it was perfect. Just go when it’s not the hottest month of the year and it should be ok.

rutynetser avatar
ruty netser
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mmm.... did not make me laugh at all; wherever you go, do your research. It's called the dead sea for a reason

mikedelancey avatar
Two_rolling_black_eyes
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People get upset when the contents of a place match the sign. On multiple occasions I have heard tourists complain about all the rocks on the trail and how long the trail is in Rocky Mountain National Park to get to the Boulder Field campground so you can summit Long's Peak. Beautiful BTW.

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elisa_joelle avatar
Efia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is, in fact, not true. You don't have to go to any spa or something. You don't have to pay for anything. You can park your car there and go straight into the sea. And when you didn't dry shave this day or let water splash into your eyes, you will be totally fine. And if you want a refreshing experience after that, you can visit the nearby "En Gedi" nationalpark and hop into cold waterfalls :-)

housenkaroztomila avatar
Krásnoočko Zelené
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol, getting into dead sea and being surprised by its salinity is quite stupid. Btw, if you want to avoid the payment, spa, shuttle etc, just go to Jordan instead of Israel where the access to the sea is public and free. The country is nice, hospitable, less restricted and also much cheaper.

f_h_ avatar
F. H.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's... exactly how I imagined it to be, after I once visited one of these saline float spas that have a similiar salt concentration.

robert-thornburrow avatar
Robert T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had the chance to to this a few years back, but it was 4 hours either way on a coach to go and look at some salty water. Petra on the other hand was very much worth going to see.

steeperslope avatar
Jeff K
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Totally disagree with this entry. When I went to the Dead Sea, there was no one around as far as the eye can see, and it was beautiful, fascinating, and amazing. You could float just by lifting your legs off the ground and literally sitting mid-water. There were interesting salt-berg formations to swim to and explore. The feel of the water was unusual and unique. I found it an incredibly memorable and extraordinary natural experience, unlike any other.

giovannat1979 avatar
Giovanna
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went there and this didnt happen to me (the to pay go-through spa part). And honestly, of course you dont go to the Dead Sea to refresh yourself. And honestly, of course tha salt burns your skin.

shor4423 avatar
Kosh1k
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree that the dead sea somewhat overrated, but you don't actually have to visit any spas or pay for entering - You can just rent a car and visit one of the free beaches beaches there (Though you still might have to pay for parking).

pepper_pots avatar
Pepper Pots
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whoever wrote this should write a book, Id read it. I had visuals right through this story

jameskramer avatar
James016
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I went to the Dead Sea years ago we went to the water park.

dslepenk avatar
Dasha Slepenkina
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a comical post, but in my experience it's not entirely accurate! I went a few years ago in November - neither the weather nor the sea were hot. If anything, it was a little chilly out and the water was pleasantly warm. I went with a tour guide, so not a spa or hotel, and we were not charged for anything other than the tour and transportation. The tour guide warned us to buy cheap flip flops to avoid cutting up our feet and this worked quite well. I did make the mistake of shaving my legs that morning and I won't lie - it DID hurt. If you have a cut, you will feel it - it's SALT. But honestly after a few minutes in the water, I got used to the stinging and the sensation of floating was so cool that I quickly forgot any discomfort. My one disappointment is that the Dead Sea has shrunk quite a bit due to climate change, so it wasn't as dramatic as I had expected. But it was such a great experience to visit nonetheless.

alejandralima29 avatar
Alejandra Lima
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Totally true. You don't even realise what's hotter, the air outside or the water. I couldn't stay more than 3 minutes...

zebcuvlckzdccvmfya avatar
hideki tojo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The place hes talking about its closed. Tourist came and for "special" cream made of mud and water that cost them 5 nis to do, they charged around 50-70 nis. And yet they manage to lost all the money.

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

did you get to cover yourself with the icky black mud?

yehudithannahcohn avatar
YHZ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This would be horrifying if it weren't so exaggerated. It doesn't get nearly that hot too often, the water isn't close to boiling, and I have never felt subjected to any of the pain described here. In addition, there are many spots around the Dead Sea that are free and open to the public; those of us who live in the country often go there for day trips without staying at spas. Besides, who goes to the beach without taking their own towel?

pauleedee avatar
Paul Z.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

99°C water? A bit hyperbolic me thinks... you'd die instantly if you jumped in...

nlynch1010 avatar
Nancy Lynch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe you should go in the spring when everything is cooler.

yehudithannahcohn avatar
Yehudit Hannah Cohn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. Did you do any research, read any brochures, look at any web sites or reviews at all, before going there?!

annagsalerno avatar
Anna Salerno
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMGosh sounds just like the Great Salt Lake in Utah without the bazillion of tiny black flies you had to walk through to get to the salt water!!

peterk405 avatar
Peter Kovak
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Israeli here. It's true, at Ein Gedy they rip you off. But who goes to Ein Gedy (except for the Nachal David natural reserve, of course). You just drive South 37km (23m) and get to Ein Bokek). Free of charge beach, clean sand, gazebos, showers and toilets, restaurants, a little shopping mall with beach stuff and Dead Sea products. So: parking lot - 20m to the beach - another 20/30m to the water. And, most important, YOU DON'T GO TO THE DEAD SEA IN THE SUMMER MONTHS. Go there from mid November to mid April. The weather is pleasant, you still get a nice tan, and the water is at the wright temperature. Enjoy!

rileyhquinn avatar
Riley Quinn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's well known that the Dead Sea is much saltier than an average seawater, so that should've been taken into account. No flotation device needed.

kitforrestall avatar
Katherine Forrestall
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had a hilarious covering of thick black muck, a crazy float in the truly amazing sea, so buoyant one can barely get out, followed by good shower to clear remaining, Dead Sea mud, and truly fun pictures of my partner and myself. Cost about $15.00 each. Depends on what kind of information you get.

bibblescat avatar
Jane Dorothy Warner
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad went for a dip in the Dead Sea some 50 years ago, and all he mentioned about it was how you can't swin because you are too bouyant in the salt. Thinking about it, over 50 years the saltiness has likely increased??

artkoeab_ avatar
Artkoea B.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i have been here but did not have this problem. Swimming in it was super fun we took pictures doing yoga poses because we were floating perfectly and for a little money they sell you the dead sea mud and we covered ourselves into it. it was a great day

janet_woodward2 avatar
Janet Woodward
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Visited the Dead Sea from Jordanian side. There is a large Medical centre that uses the healing qualities of the water for anyone who needs it. Clarting on the mud, straight out of the ground was great fun. Had no option but to stand still to let it dry. Sister and I were laughing like crazy. Yes we wallowed in the water. Had a different texture (if water can have texture). Yes it did sting. However, the resulting smooth and moisturised skin was brilliant. Two past sell by date Yorkshire women travel (when we can!!) had waited many years for this visit....go with open mind......

cyberchook avatar
Cybele Spanjaard
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was not so bad 40 years ago.of court it was hot and a very saline dip was near impossible, you float, depends on the 'season' LOL I put some in a sealed ( I thought) a small medical glass to take home and ..it evaporated after about a year and I had a empty slightly smeared little vial. I was very very disappointed.

rafael_borenstein avatar
Raymond Borenstein
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are countless places where you can go there for free, just bring water to drink and towels. You do not have to go via a SPA. The temperature of the Dead Sea water rarely, if ever, drops below 20 degrees Celsius, and peaks at 32 degrees during the summer months

ozkiska2love avatar
Ann Golub
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This post is hilarious for a few reasons... Yes, you can be a tourist square and get ripped off like this person. OR you can go with people who are locals (Israelis) and pay nothing, by choosing the parts of the shore that are not owned by any spas or resorts. I have been there 3 times and never paid a cent (nor shekel). You bring your own towels. There are fresh water showers on the shore... Yes, it is warm and it is buoyant (notice spelling). But everyone KNOWS that the salt content is very high, so people don't go there to swim... They go for the mud, for the experience, and most would know NOT to shave before going there. I have not had any pain like the OP described. I enjoyed floating although it does take a bit of getting used to. At first, it's scary and you feel clumsy.

mosheh_wolf avatar
Mosheh Wolf
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are half a dozen free public beaches with showers. Why would anybody pay a spa?

mikepodukofke avatar
Justina Palinavičiūtė
BoredPanda Staff
Verified
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dead see is my most favorite experience of all life. It's the closest I got to feel to being in space. There are plenty of free public beaches - no need to go through a spa. And it's on you if you expect to cool off there - how little informed of what Dead Sea is you have to be, to expect that? The only downside is that it does burn like hell if the "water" get's into your eyes or sores.

peterzeeman avatar
Peter Zeeman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not true. You can actually park your car very near the Red Sea. Reasonable prices. And walk there. Use your own towel. Totally free, even the showers afterwards.

manonm avatar
manon M
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

stupid, it's the DEAD sea... not the tourists sea... 🤦‍♀️

jomila avatar
Jo Mila
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was there few years ago in November. It was great. One of the best things is Izrael.

tulas avatar
Piotr Las
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a bullsh#t. I've been there on a normal trip, no spa, towels or all that sh#t. Yes it's hot, yes it's salty it's the Dead see for a reason. You're over exaggerating. And it's super fune to lay on the water and nat even half of your body is under water, amazing!

itzel-ocampo avatar
Izzy_
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My god! I felt this person's pain O_O I'm sorry I laughed and your bad experience, but it was just well written

tracyacee avatar
Tracy Acee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the people who are arguing with this posters experience is ridiculous. I found it humorous and laughed a bit. Most of the comments annoyed me tho. Good job being better informed and frugal on your first trip to Israel than the poster was. They obviously stayed at a resort (like a great many people do).

ohjojo62 avatar
Joanna Werman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. That's quite a warning. I'm only heard good news so I guess thanks for the truth

nursebent avatar
Susie Keegan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went to the dead sea from Jordan, apart from paying the taxi to get there no other charges, yes its salty (obvs) but there were hot springs across from the sea where we could wash off. Having grown up beside the sea it was an amazing experience for me to be able to jump ON water, its about 35% solid. Well worth the visit!

tanja0309 avatar
Tanja Sib
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have been there once as a child and this description pretty much nails it.

olepederhagen avatar
Ole Peder Amrud Hagen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You do not have to go through a spa. There are beaches you can enter for a small fee, and you walk down to the water. I'm sure they know how to rip off Americans, though. If there was no breeze there the day you went you can hardly blame that on anyone. The water is not that hot. If your asshole gets raw from just regular wiping you need to a) switch toilet paper or b) see a doctor about.

renestuder avatar
René Studer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What did you expect? Did you google it at all before you went there??

charlotte_ahlgren avatar
Charlotte A.
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been there are had none of these experiences. I was with a group from Uni, and we came there by car in the evening. Can't recall exactly where, but I'm pretty sure we didn't need to pay for it. I thought it was a wonderful experience. In the evening haze with the Jordan mountains on the other side and a full moon above. Cool to be floating like you did in the water. Only real problem was getting the salt properly washed away from every crevice afterwards, as that would sting. It didn't sting at all, while in the water, though! (Edit: And if all posts on this topic had loaded when I clicked load more.... I wouldn't have bothered saying what so many others already are...)

cyndiebirkner avatar
Cyndielouwhoo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Clearly they didn't grasp the concept of why it's called a dead sea.

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SuperChicken
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is hilarious. The details are very explicit that you can feel as if you're actually there and experiencing the event. I wouldn't mind hearing more interesting anecdotes from this person.

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't have to pay anything to go there. I made sure my eyes were protected because that's something you never want in your eyes. It is a very, very weird sensation. I think what I liked least was all the massive stones on the part of the beach where we were. No sand!

miia-puhakka avatar
MilaFi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, this should really be on a travel guide or something. Valuable stuff.

nfrlprdpr avatar
Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine this…a grape goes into the Dead Sea and comes out immediately as a reason

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Brian Brown
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

After reading this, I felt as if I had went there myself. I have had similar experiences, in other places around the world and can TOTALLY relate to the depth of this narrative. "No Thank you" to the Dead Sea. I will take your word on it.

lizbeth-martin1992 avatar
Liz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow this is so far from the experience I had. Didn’t have to pay anything to park nor visit. There weren’t many tourists around at all. It was so peaceful. One of my favorite experiences in all the traveling I’ve done, and I’ve done a lot. Sounds like this person just did it wrong. Also, I have very sensitive skin. I had no pain nor discomfort at all being in the water.

bopcatbop99 avatar
Steve Riddle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Plus, most Israelis are only Jewish by Religion and came from Eastern Europe. They aren't related to the ancient Hebrews. It's a Phony Country with Phony People who Hate all True Sematic People! Prove me wrong!

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#3

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Dubai. It's the most soulless, cultureless, and artificial city I've been to. The shameless and obscene display of bling-bling only adds to this vibe, and the supertall skyscrapers and mega malls get old sooner or later.

To top it off, all of this is built overnight on what is essentially slave labor.

PacSan300 , wikimedia.commons Report

Cory and G Varga, the wife and husband duo behind the blog You Could Travel, have also been to a few tourist attractions they could've probably passed on. "The most disappointing was by far the Manneken Pis in Brussels," they told Bored Panda. "Then we have La Rambla and Mercado de La Boqueria in Barcelona: overcrowded and overpriced. The famed Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin is a bit of a tourist trap and Camargue in the South of France because of factories and pollution."

The couple is warier of the industry than A Lady in London and said that at the end of the day, people are here to make money. "Naturally, travel industry players invest heavily in marketing and as we know, marketing can sometimes be deceiving. Travel agents operate on commission so their goal is to sell you a dream: more expensive hotel, upgrades on flights, more experiences to visit. Luckily, travelers are also savvier and can see right through the ads."

"Modern travelers rely mostly on recommendations of friends and relatives, online recommendations, social media, and travel blogs. Commercial information is not so relevant to them anymore. We do appeal to all industry key players to change some of their practices ... and adopt a more ethical stance."

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Cory and G Varga think the best way to learn about unbeaten paths is by simply exploring. "Ditch the hop-on-hop-off options and grab a city map (or just use digital maps on your phone) and go on an adventure. It's perfectly okay to want to see popular attractions but travel between them on foot if possible. It's the curious sights in-between that are so much more interesting and unusual. A cute family-run bistro, an obscure century-old shop, a friendly local with a story to tell," the wife and husband explained.

#4

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) The Taj Mahal (Agra). It's surrounded by 10-meter-high walls, and the entrance fee is ludicrously expensive compared to any other attraction in India. If you're in Agra and want to see the Taj Mahal, go across the river. There are some gardens almost directly across from it, and there's a great spot by the river with a brilliant view of the Taj Mahal, particularly at sunset. This experience is totally free, and you won't have to deal with crowds.

Nevermind04 , wikimedia.commons Report

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chi-weishen avatar
chi-wei shen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's some solid advice. The Taj Mahal is still a magnificent monument and worth seeing it.

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#5

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) While the Louvre is wonderful, the Mona Lisa was a huge disappointment.

The painting itself is tiny and there are always hordes of people around it.

There are a million better things to see at the Louvre.

lenachristina , wikimedia.commons Report

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Sum Guy
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's true... but do you think you can live with yourself for not trying to see the mona lisa when you're already at the Louvre? I don't even understand why the monalisa is so loved, but I would not pass up the opportunity to have a glimpse of it

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In 2020, global international tourism arrivals fell by 73%, according to the World Tourism Organization, and recovery hopes for 2021 have been dented by waves of new infections. But as vaccination programs advance around the world, opportunities are arising for restrictions to be gradually eased.

Destination and tourism businesses are trying to rebound while also being sufficiently nimble to manage the abrupt tightening of restrictions that could be imposed in response to future infection waves and the emergence of new variants of the virus. Let's hope this brings more transparency to the industry and more chances to travelers!

#6

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) If you go to the Great Wall of China, I'd suggest not going to the section right there in Beijing. Very rebuilt and touristy.

Take a van ride a ways out of the city, to the Simitai section. Now there's some uncrowded, old-school Great Wall.

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Sum Guy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like this is a given... you have to try get away from people if you want to experience the best out of something

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#7

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Disney Parks. Want to eat? Be ready to Shell out $50 a person per day. Oh, you came for the rides? Enjoy the four or five you make it on unless it's a busy day, those days enjoy the two or three.

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Julia Atkinson
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Disneyland is my idea of hell on earth - rampant consumerism, screaming brats and obnoxious parents

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#8

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Machu Picchu. I respect the Incas for building it, the real issue I have with it is the current management. It’s flooded with people (they let in over 3x the cap sto make money) being annoying and it’s very expensive, they bus people up a huge hill all day and we are required to have a tour guide and only spend 3 mins at certain areas. It’s misrepresenting the history of the Incas to people with selfie sticks. Not my fave

You are WAY better off seeing the Inca capitol, Cusco because it’s where they actually lived and thrived. See Sasqsyhuaman and the Qoricancha sun temple. Go on a backpacking trip and you will find Inca and pre Inca stuff Everywhere. With no idiotic tourists families. I highly recommend it.

¡Viva Perú!

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Vicky Z
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love how people run to see a touristic place and complain about the other tourists being there! Well, surprise!

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#9

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Sydney Opera House. The tours are expensive and the inside is kind of underwhelming. The outside is free and is also the best part. ALTERNATIVE: Just walk around Sydney harbor. It's free and gorgeous.

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Alethia Nyx
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An acquaintance once told me a great joke about it. Australia has the best performing arts centre in the world, the only problem is the outside is in Sydney, the inside is in Melbourne and the carpark is in Adelaide.

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#10

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) The Liberty Bell. Wait in a long line to look at... a bell. That looks exactly like it does in all the Philly souvenirs. They don't even let you lick it.

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#11

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Every Hard Rock Cafe. Seriously, the pricing is similar to a nice chain restaurant, but the food is right on par with Applebee’s.

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#12

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Madame Tussauds in London. You're in a city filled to the brim with history and culture and free museums, but you'd rather wait in line for hours and pay a fortune to go see a mannequin of Justin Bieber?

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#13

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) The London Eye

What you expect

Whisked into your futuristic pod by smiling flight attendants, you gently rise above the ancient city of London. The crowds fall away as the panorama of the city is laid out before you - truly an experience for the ages

What happens

A snotty customer services assistant rips your d**k out through your wallet as you are shuffled into a stiflingly hot glass pod with dozens of other people. Sweaty tourists barge you out of the way to get to the windows before you have even left the ground. There are children, and they are screaming. The ride is 45 minutes long.

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Jyri Hakola
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Generic rule: do not visit popular cities at summer and mid of tourist season.

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#14

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Times Square and Piccadilly Circus, same damn chain restaurants and tourist traps

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#15

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Mount Rushmore. It looks exactly like any picture you've ever seen. It's not easy to get up close to it. If you're in that area, I recommend prioritizing Devil's Tower. It's well worth it.

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Julie C Rose
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mt Rushmore is shitty, anyway - it’s on a spot that’s sacred in Native American culture and I think I remember reading that the people who made it KNEW that.

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#16

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Waikiki Beach. It's a horrible, crowded concrete beach surrounded by traffic and overpriced stores.

Go to literally any other beach in Oahu. But the coolest thing to do is drive up to north shore, and pick a spot on any one of the many relatively isolated beaches there and enjoy the scenery.

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Vicky Z
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Usually the famous beaches worldwide don't seem so impressive when you get there because they are overcrowded and probably ruined! You go to the beach to relax so pick a less famous one

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#17

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Pyramids of Giza; might be being too harsh, but the swarm of aggressive market vendors surrounding them makes the place a bit of a nightmare. One woman from our group asked a guard to take her photo standing next to the pyramids, and the guard refused to give it back without recieving payment (I cant recall the amount but being extorted by a man with an AK-47 isn't an ideal situation). Inside the tombs themselves it reeked of piss and was a claustrophobes complete nightmare. A ~ 5 foot tall, very steep ramp with f**k all to prevent a fall wide enough to fit 1.5 men at best with a steady stream of people coming up from the opposite direction. Being literally yelled at to buy headscarves and assorted plastic s*** by the truly horrible merchants outside completely ruined my experience of the place, which I'm so, so sad about because I spent months looking forward to the trip.

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Rose the Cook
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately if you want to experience the wonders of Ancient Egypt you have to put up with the modern inhabitants. If you are really interested best join a special interest tour or a university group. As well as knowing the real facts about what you are seeing they know how to deal with the annoying locals.

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#18

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Branson. The Simpsons weren't really joking when they described it as Las Vegas ran by Ned Flanders.

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#19

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) The Leaning Tower of Pisa - five minutes, that photo, and you're done.

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Vicky Z
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you are there your brain tells you that you HAVE to take that photo

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#20

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Bourbon Street, New Orleans

Now don’t get me wrong, the food is smash so I’d recommend hitting it anyways (Pat O’Brien’s and NOLA Poboys were my favorites). But the whole street itself is dirty, smells like sewage, and is overloaded with mostly ear rapingly loud rap music and maybe a couple jazz bands.

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Donkey boi
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't hear or read 'New Orleans' without salivating. Some of the best food I eaten anywhere was in a strangers front yard in New Orleans, he was grilling up for his family and just offered up some food to 2 passing European tourists. If you're reading this, I love Derrick & Leanne!

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#21

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Plymouth Rock

Put bluntly, this attraction is massively lame, no one even knows if this is the right rock or even if there was a rock.

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Julie Robertson
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not to mention that the rock is nowhere near the shore, and it's frightfully small; you can't even get close, and it's just this rock in the middle of a fenced off area. When we were kids, we were taught Plymouth Rock was this huge historical thing, and then it's a huge disappointment. I recommend you visit the living history museum at Plimoth Plantation, instead.

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#22

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Hitlers typewriter. It's a typewriter, I'm not sure what I expected.

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Cactus McCoy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Hitler's typewriter" sounds like a Netflix production on a really tight budget.

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#23

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Roswell, New Mexico. You’d think it would be a hotspot for conventions and space geeks, but it was an incredibly tiny town with dozens of alien shops and barely any people. It was creepy as hell.

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Julia Atkinson
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It needs a museum dedicated to explaining how aliens crossed the interstellar void in a craft made of weather balloon materials

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#24

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Oktoberfest. Way too crowded for my liking. I had a much better time at fests in the smaller villages.

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LostSoul
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Munich here. Been to Oktoberfest every year of my life, first time w/ 3 months-I´m 46 now. Always has been overcrowded in the evenings, but turned unacceptable in the last 10 years. Primitive party crowd like somewhere else in the world. Nothing special, just embarrasing. I recommend coming at 11 in the moning, have some chicken, pretzel and 2-3 Maß of beer and leave at 15 at latest, befor the crazy people arrive. That´s cool. You will meet kind, local people, that are lightly drunk and still able to talk. Or you just visit any of the bavarian beergardens with better food and lower prices for beer and food. Oktoberfest is basically for your insta-bucket-list. :-)

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#25

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Romeo and Juliet's balcony in Verona. Like, 10,000 people all crammed into this tiny alleyway just to see a balcony that I found out was built after the play was written.

I understand Romeo and Juliet is a work of fiction, but the story of the balcony is it inspired the play. I now know that isn't true but as someone knowing very little about Shakespeare, I thought it was true when I went to the wonderful city of Verona.

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Julia Atkinson
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "Juliet's balcony" story is so silly I can't summon up much sympathy for this disappointed tourist

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#26

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) M&M World in London. Every single tourist has a bag from there, they don't even sell the unusual flavours of M&M, just the usual UK packets of peanut and solid chocolate. I just don't understand it...

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Pat Dobson
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stand in front of the store in London, turn 180degs, hey-presto the Lego store :) Much better :)

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#27

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Hollywood Blvd

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Vicky Z
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the actors are not in their balconies waving at me there is no point

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#28

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Any instagram gimmick where you need to spend money on tickets and wait in line for a photo op

Specifically thinking of Museum of Ice Cream

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#29

People Are Sharing The Most Disappointing Tourist Traps Around The World (30 Pics) Takeshita Street in Harajuku (Tokyo). I couldn't move my elbows an inch without bumping into someone, and pretty much every shop had a 30-minute line. I went to see the Harajuku-style fashion associated Takeshita Street, but hardly saw any of that. So essentially I was packed like a sardine for hours while waiting in long lines to shop for overpriced clothes. I love Tokyo, but I definitely won't be going back to Harajuku anytime soon.

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Aunt Messy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Go on the side streets and alleys. They're full of tiny shops and artisans that are way more interesting and original than tourist traps like this. ...///... Frankly, I don't know how dumb you'd have to be NOT to have fun in Tokyo. Every time we go, we find more gorgeous parks and wonderful places.

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#30

The Fyre Festival

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WilvanderHeijden
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A festival promoted on Instagram by social media influencers turned out to be a massive scam. Who could have guessed....

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Note: this post originally had 65 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.