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With the pandemic having put our lives on unprecedented hold, many are dreaming of returning to norm… Who are we lying to? The sole, okay, one of the little things, we truly miss badly is traveling. And I can bet that at any given opportunity, you’d be up and rolling with a fedora to any place in the world just to sip on a pina colada and forget the comfort-turned-hell of your four home walls.
And it’s no secret that many thirsty travelers have must-see travel bucket lists somewhere in the drawer waiting for the borders to open up. For some, it’s Times Square and Hollywood, for others, it’s all about dinner with a view at the Eiffel Tower, but as you’re about to plan your next big post-pandemic trip, you may as well take some good advice from people who have been to those places, but would likely travel back in time to not go there.
So below, ladies and gents, are the most overrated travel destinations shared in one r/AskReddit thread to help us reflect on our sightseeing must-dos before its too late.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
The Mona Lisa in Louvre in Paris. It's just a small painting hanging quite far away in a really crowded room full of tourists. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful, iconic painting, but it's not worth visiting the Louvre only for the Mona Lisa. The majority of the other artworks in that museum are more impressive than the Mona Lisa.
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#2
Dubai.
Unless you're really into spending all day in an air conditioned building, then going to the air conditioned basement to get in an air conditioned car to travel to the air conditioned basement of another air conditioned building in which case, do I have a city for you!
JennyLaRue 4 years ago
Yes! From a business travel point of view, it was great as everything was easy and you can get anything you might be missing from home, but anything to do for leisure or tourism just feels completely synthetic.
#3
Hollywood. The most disappointing garbage and pee covered place on earth.
#4
The peak of Mount Everest. People just pay sherpas to carry all their gear, and navigate the dangerous areas. Many have heated tents. The line to wait to get a picture at the top can be extremely long, and dangerous because people aren’t used to the altitude.
If I could I would live under water 4 years ago
Plus, they leave tons and tons of waste, plastic bags and garbage everywhere, it's awful and sad.
#5
Pisa.
Besides the small square with the tower where everyone is taking the same stupid joke pic. And guys tryna sell you toys.
The rest of the town is pretty lame. You're in Tuscany, go to ANY small town and you'll enjoy it far more.
lenka 4 years ago
This is true. Pisa is wierd and kinda cool but very much a tourist trap. That said, I had one of my best Italian meals in a tiny restaurant in Pisa. I asked my taxi driver where he takes his wife for thier anniversary. It was reasonably priced, really nice atmosphere and amazingly good food.
#7
Japan has such a romanticized view of France that they actually have a term, "Paris Syndrome", for the sudden shock suffered by Japanese tourists when they see that France isn't how they imagined.
#8
I didn’t get anything out of Las Vegas. It was cool to see the themed hotels but besides that it was just an overpriced cultureless soulless city designed to entertain you.
Cupcake168 4 years ago (edited)
I have been there 23 years ago, and than you had at least HUGE pools in the morning for you all alone and delicious food for little money. Didn’t spend a single dollar at gambling.
#9
Egypt, all the beauty and awe of the ancient civilisation is completely outshone by how absolutely horrible the modern civilisation is. Think of all the worst parts of India and then add sand to it.
Elle Malkamäki 4 years ago
So true! Cairo is horrifying. All the pics you see of the pyramids are taken from this side, if you’re standing on the other side, shithole Cairo is right there in all it’s dirty glory. Whatever you do don’t drink the water!! I forgot on my last day and rinsed my toothbrush under the tap. Never been so ill in my life. The museum is incredible, but full of people trying to scam you.
#11
Bali. It was beautiful 10 years ago but now it's been ruined by influencers.
Cupcake168 4 years ago
Same with most famous nature spots on earth. I recently saw a picture of a mountaintop where people stand in a line to get THAT one picture. It’s a pity.
#12
Stonehenge. They don't let you get very close to it to help preserve it. Either way you get just about as good a view of it from the Highway going by it as you do by waiting in line and paying to go see it. I appreciate what it represents, but if you put on a youtube video of it you will get a more personal and close experience of it then if you actually go there.
Kirsten Kerkhof 4 years ago
I went there in the mid-90s and I was very disappointed (probably served me right as I should've known). It's a bunch of standing stones in a field. Don't get me wrong, it is incredibly important historically, but ... stones in a field. Plus, Britain is littered with stone circles. This one just happens to be more famous.
#13
Oktoberfest
You can get the same brand and amount of beer for a third of the price literally anywhere else in Munich. The carnival rides are also overcrowded and overpriced, the food is decent but also overpriced... I could go on. Oktoberfest is over-everything.
Cupcake168 4 years ago
I lived in Munich for a decade and haven’t ever been there. For a reason.
#14
If you're in Dublin, stay away from the Temple Bar area, it's ridiculously overpriced and is not at all what a real Irish bar is like at all
Bardhi's Dad 4 years ago
I have been there, and I like it. As I like beers, Dublin, and Ireland, in general. Btw, I'm from Balkans
#15
UAE, it's the most culturally deficient place you will ever see in your life!!
GirlFriday 4 years ago
I agree completely. It was like they went out of their way to make everything as generic as possible.
#16
That wing mural in Nashville.. there is literally a line that takes an hour to go take a picture with a pair of wings on a wall.
Andrew Gibb 4 years ago
photoshop is quicker and easier. One I've put together in just 2 minutes- bean-60813...33d598.jpg 
#17
The Taj Mahal. Yes, it's beautiful but it's also overcrowded which ruins any serenity and every thing that there's to see is visible on the pictures you've seen a thousand times before. The inside is dark, surprisingly small and you're rushed through. Agra Fort, overlooking the Taj Mahal, by contrast is equally gorgeous, vibrant and teeming with history. I enjoyed it much more.
#19
Romeo & Juliet balcony & house in Verona, Italy. Pure tourism BS
JennyLaRue 4 years ago
This one has always baffled me as surely it's just a random balcony that just happens to be in the town where someone in England wrote a fictitious story that also had a balcony in it.
#20
South Beach/Miami
Over priced bars and clubs, if youre a dude and you dont have a fine group of women with you, be ready to drop serious cash for a night out if youre there. There are better beaches up and down the coast, that wont force you into the terrible traffic and parking SB has.
#21
definitely Mallorca - I'm German enough, I don't want to hear 90% German on holiday in Spain as well. The quieter, less central parts of Mallorca are gorgeous, especially for snorkeling and diving, but the Playa de Palma, or at least that part, is horrendously German lol
If I could I would live under water 4 years ago
German here. The island itself is gorgeous and should not be confused with that one place on Mallorca called "Ballermann".
#22
Disneyland. It's just a lot of waiting for bad rides.
Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago
I dunno if it's true or not but my mum says Six flags is heaps better than Disneyland.
#23
Whatever expectation you have of Roswell, New Mexico- it’s worse
Olivier Caissy 4 years ago
So “Paul” lied to us? https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1092026/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_53
#24
Mount Rushmore. It's faces on a rock basically and smaller than you think.
Sum Guy 4 years ago
and in all the pics, they show just what we see above and fail to show that the hill is about 3 times what you see here and when you're on the observation deck, you're far. (I spend way too much on google earth finding places I see on TV)
Miles Becker 4 years ago
Same! I spend 90% of my time on a screen on google earth lol
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surprised pikachu 4 years ago
oh come on, just let South Dakota have this one. They literally have nothing else
Sharon Ingram 4 years ago
So wrong SP. western SD is amazing. There is so much to do and see that you won't see it all in a month. Beautiful Black Hills, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse, all the little towns all through the hills, hiking, biking, swimming, Keystone, Hill City, Deadwood, Sturgis, Spearfish Canyon, I could go on and on.
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John C 4 years ago
Fully disagree - a trip to Mt Rushmore is more than the carvings in the mountain. So much good hiking, the badlands, caves, camping horse riding... fantastic family vacation esp if done via RV.
Courage the Cowardly Dog 4 years ago
Going by that logic all statues are basically molten something, chipped something, or just faces and bodies on a rock.
Dee Pond 4 years ago (edited)
I think they left room imagining they would carve complete bodies, but the funding only allowed them to do the heads, so all the "negative space" (the gorgeous Black Hills) doesn't do the perceived size any favors. Also, the whole idea that the "Shrine to Democracy" is built on land of broken treaties is so painfully ironic.
ivan bolitekurac 4 years ago
"It's faces on a rock"...Don't you say.I never realized that they are faces on a rock.Mindblown!!!
Nevits Yibble 4 years ago
I've been there - it's not that bad... unless you arrive with brainless expectations like this idiot
Logic and Reason 4 years ago
I’ve been there. It’s actually a very neat place and the faces are larger than I expected. Checking out construction on the Crazy Horse statue was cool as well.
CharliAnn Olney 4 years ago
Then you did not do anything more than stand on the "balcony", take a picture and leave. There are trails that take you to other views of the mountain, the hall under it, and the wildlife all around it. You obviously did not take in the experience of what Mount Rushmore is and what it stands for.
Onion rings like to make your breath smelly 4 years ago
if you are a child, you can do the Junior Ranger program (which is situated in every national park in the US), and you can learn a lot of stuff about it. The actual mountain is also pretty nice, and inside the visitor center there is a lot of information about the history and etc about mount Rushmore. Its a good experience, although its just a mountain with carved faces.
Christopher Chang Peng Yen 4 years ago (edited)
For those who don't have a chance to go there. https://www.google.com/maps/@43.8775019,-103.4565856,3a,75y,310.46h,108.68t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipPYu2NzEYHPhjsYfSKFixZ5qCJprBBkzNr9EEjz!2e10!3e11!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipPYu2NzEYHPhjsYfSKFixZ5qCJprBBkzNr9EEjz%3Dw203-h100-k-no-pi-0-ya142.78185-ro0-fo100!7i11264!8i5632
Cathryn Cade 4 years ago
I totally disagree with this one. The avenue of state flags to the monument is beautiful and stirring, and the countryside is absolutely spectacular. I loved it so much, and will go again.
Cathy Reynolds 4 years ago
I was so surprised at how far away and how small the faces are. On TV and in documentaries, it seems huge. I was glad I went but also quite disappointed. Underwhelmed.
Stannous Flouride 4 years ago
And James Mason's house on top that was shown in "North By Northwest" doesn't even exist!
NaChO tHe UnIcOrN 4 years ago
The most interesting part was the visitor center where you could see footage of explosions
LeighAnne Brown-Pedersen 4 years ago
I will say I saw Mt Rushmore in late winter, no tourists and the surrounding mountains are really pretty.
Susan Reid Smith 4 years ago
Mount Rushmore is interesting once. The rest of the Black Hills are beautiful. Custer State Park is wonderful.
BringOnTheMemes 4 years ago
No I dissaggre with this I brought my kids and they were FACINATED I personnaly kind of liked it. The little town outside of it two was nice
Alexandra Copperclaws 4 years ago
And it blasted the colonizers faces into incredibly significant land stolen from the native Americans...
Larry Zaker 4 years ago
Been there twice. First time in 1980, it was just a parking lot and very laid back. Went back in 1992 on my way to Seattle and couldn't believe how developed it had become.
Laura 4 years ago
Agree. But If you do go there, make sure to also go to the Crazy Horse memorial about 20 minutes away. It’s far more interesting and much bigger! And is not based on thievery and desecration.
Dee Pond 4 years ago
I too thought that, but then heard a very convincing argument by another tribe that Crazy Horse himself would have been against carving up the land for garish sculpture. I think the best way to take in the Black Hills is to find a quiet trail. The area is absolutely beautiful.
Load More Replies... #25
Bourbon Street, New Orleans. It's really just the same as any other bar district in any other large city around the world. Same old cover bands playing the same old songs that you'd hear anywhere. You can experience all you need just by walking down the street for an hour and not going in anywhere.
Anna Banana 4 years ago
To me the purpose of Bourbon Street, just like the Red Lights District in Amsterdam, is to host all the loud bachelor/birthday destination parties, letting the others chill in any other bar in the city.
#26
Mall of America. It just a Mall with a lot of stuff in it. My opinion would’ve probably be different if I didn't live in Minnesota.
#27
Blue lagoon in Iceland. Always super crowded and you have to book it super early. There are a lot of better lagoons in Iceland that are just as pretty (or even prettier), more isolated, definitely less crowded, and just as "blue".
#28
Bondi beach in Sydney. Overcrowded, everything there is way overpriced
Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago (edited)
Seeing as Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in Australia, what do you expect. I wouldn't even bother to go there, especially when we have sooooo many amazing beaches that don't get anywhere as busy.
#29
I did a Mount Fuji tour in Japan in March. It was hands down the worst part of the trip. No point to go up the actual mountain. It was like 12 hours on a bus. Then I saw it from a train like 3 days later, and that was a better view than anything I got on the tour.
Draaideur 4 years ago
I disagree, I climbed Fuji-san (in September) on a longer but less crowded track. We started at 20:00 to catch the sunrise at 05:30. The view was breathtaking and only the last part on top got crowded. I wouldn't do it twice, but wouldn't have missed out on the experience either. IMG_201909...f3697d.jpg 
#30
Toyosu Fish Market. The one that replaced Tsukiji as the fish auction central of Tokyo in 2018. You get to watch the auction process, but only if you go early in the morning. And even then, only through small glass windows two stories above the auction block. If there are more than a couple dozen other visitors, you will not be able to see anything.
Alex the awful German 4 years ago
don't mind my question, but: Why would you want to go there?
#31
The original starbucks store in seattle. It's a recreation and the actual location is a few doors down. The design and decor doesn't really stand out. They serve starbucks coffee there. Large queue to get in and standing room only. Take selfies in front, order, buy some souvenirs and gtfo. The store interior is just a queueing place.
At least its in a decent tourist area and its low effort though.
#32
The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen.
It's just so... meh. And too far away from the city center, especially if it's freezing outside like the time I visited it. Just get a souvenir or a postcard or something.
Copenhagen itself is beautiful though, very highly recommended.
#33
Plymouth Rock, the only boat small enough to have landed on it would be for ants.
#34
Inside of the White House
The most common tour doesn’t let you see anything of importance, just a bunch of rooms that nobody knew existed.
Andrew Gibb 4 years ago
The White House seemed small to me. But then we do have Buckingham Palace, The House of Parliament and such
#35
Honolulu, HI. It's just a huge and overpriced tourist trap. Sure it's pretty and obviously it's Hawaii, so great vacation spot, right? Do yourself a favor and go to a different spot like Maui or even Hawaii, Hi. But, Honolulu is kind of overrated imo.
AnnaBanana 4 years ago
Still love it, but there's WAY too many Australian bogans there now (I'm Australian).
#36
Seychelles. Super expensive trip, overpriced hotels, terrible food and underwater is not nearly as impressive. Also, if you are a woman traveling alone, you will be hassled with sexual advances at every turn by the locals.
Monty Is Fiennes 4 years ago
Bugger, my dream was to go to the Maldives, but hubby had been to Seychelles and said it had everything I wanted but cheaper.... I guess not anymore....
#37
Blackpool, used to be a nice place but not anymore.
#38
The Space Needle. In Seattle, there are great tourist attractions...Pike Place is totally worth it, Post Alley is quaint, and the pier is fun on a nice day. However, I don’t think going up into the Space Needle is worth it anymore. I haven’t been up since it’s been remodeled, but that’s because it’s so expensive now.
Douglas Turner 4 years ago
That's the problem with so many cool things... they have priced themselves out of what local's will pay. It's the same as the C.N. Tower here. If it was half the price we would probably go up more often, but at $35 we leave it for the tourists...
#39
4 corners. Its hours away from anything notable and there isn't really anything to do there except a picture and buy native American crafts.
Call Me Mars 4 years ago
I went and had fun doing bridges and taking pictures. Also, the crafts are handmade and beautiful. We bought a magnet in New Mexico and still have it today.
#40
Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. SA Asia is full of karst caves. Many are bigger and aren't full of tourists. A-hole macaques are also everywhere.
Mohammad Azhaan 4 years ago (edited)
See that's where you are wrong. Spots like these are places of worship, where you just take in the view and reflect upon your life.
#41
Anyone said Niagra Falls yet? Hear me out on this one.
The falls themselves are beautiful, and I guess if you're really into the history of a waterfall and its surroundings you can spent half a day there. But once you've seen it, you've got nothing.
#42
The mermaid show at weeki wachee springs in FL. Their show looks great on their website, but the images you see with silicone tails were used or photo shoots or special occasions. Any normal day the show is very lackluster and I super disappointed.
Amanda Mejia 4 years ago
not true at all, have gone there multiple times and have enjoyed it every time, the only downside is that u have to be in line at 6 am
#43
The new York stock exchange
You can't actually go in and see the trading floor.
JennyLaRue 4 years ago
I'm not sure I've ever considered that the inside of a working office would be something you could just go and visit.
#44
The Statue of Liberty. Takes forever to get on a crowded ferry.
Once you get there you have a great view of her back but there is no room in the front to get a good picture let alone be in the picture.
#45
Tower of London
Expensive, cheesy, absolutely packed with tourists. I have been twice because the people I was with really wanted to go, and all I remember is kids running and screaming in the “torture chamber” themed room, and the ravens which were the only interesting part.
#46
Oslofjorden. Please go anywhere else In Norway when you visit
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What do you think ?
Anna Banana 4 years ago
A lot of these people go to the most famous tourist destinations and complain that they're overcrowded by tourists. What were you expecting? You're one of those tourists overcrowding it!
Monty Is Fiennes 4 years ago
And I went at peak times and in peak seasons when everyone else goes...
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Michelle M 4 years ago
Am I the only one who thinks that this post does not do justice to these places?
BorPand8 4 years ago
Yeah, it sounds like a lot of over-privileged and entitled people whining.
Load More Replies... Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago (edited)
Seems like most of these people didn't research before they went. Some of these are just like "Der, what did you expect".
lenka 4 years ago (edited)
Agree Foxxy. It seems like people just turned up to look at something just because it was on a list without any real understanding of what they were looking at and why it was on the list on the first place.
Load More Replies... AnnaBanana 4 years ago
Some people really miss the point of leisure travel. 99% of the time, particularly in a city with ancient roots, I just can't believe I'm there!!!
Bardhi's Dad 4 years ago
I can't understand those people. I think I like every new place I visit.
Eslamala 4 years ago (edited)
If the whole point of your travel, no matter where you go, is to see the famous stuff, then prepare to wait in line and be disappointed not by the quality of the place, but because of your ridiculous expectation of it. There's people who skip the tourist spots and explore the places they visit, and people who like the tourist traps. Whichever makes you happy, but if you're part of the latter, don't complain. You should know better. I've lived in 20+ cities in 8 different countries, and all of them had good and bad things.
Beans 4 years ago
Exactly there is always something awesome in every country
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Daphne Williams 4 years ago
This entire list, and the comments under every entry, makes me hate tourists. Jesus, you have the good fortune to see some of the most wonderful places on earth, and you're disappointed that it's not like it is in Disney movies? Can you hear the grotesque entitlement in your comments? The problem with all of these places is not the places themselves - it's you. You went to another country as a guest and then were disappointed to learn that they were actual real places with real people living in them and not theme parks full of employees ready to make you feel like royalty. Gross.
Not Proud British 4 years ago
Ooooo I went to a tourist spot as a tourist and it was full of tourists! OMG I must complain immediately! Maybe they expected a VIP pass just for them?
Florencia Renedo 4 years ago
People having the luxury of going to these amazing places and commenting how bad they are because they did not find the comfort they have at home... So sad.
Olly 4 years ago
I have been to Miami, but I would have been so happy to get to go to the rest of these places. These people just sound like the rich-bored.
Lori Spins 4 years ago
Sounds like a bunch of snobby people who can afford to travel being ungrateful.
Phil Vaive 4 years ago
TLDR; I'm a tourist who got mad that other tourists did the same tourist things that I did!
SAF saf 4 years ago (edited)
Half of these sound like they're written by someone that dislikes traveling. I mean the Hollywood posts are accurate but it misses that point. Also, PLEASE ignore the Las Vegas review that places is awesome.....unless you don't drink then maybe try driving through.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
I try to identify major tourist places and then avoid them when we travel. As a result, we travel off the beaten path. A few times, on "cow paths" and "goat tracks". Totally worth it every time. Tip: Ask the hotel desk clerk(s) and staff where they think it's cool in their area. We found great food, great views, amazing little nooks and crannies, just by being polite and asking politely what locals would find best, not what tourists would. Most of the time, hotel staff have been great about these things. That's why it's *fun*!
Jarrod Nichols 4 years ago
Perpetually unhappy people continuously complaining. No surprise here.
ZimZamBoom 4 years ago
Don't let this post prevent you from seeing the tourist attraction, just be aware it is a tourist attraction, therefor it will be crowded and possibly dirty.
lorrie rothstein 4 years ago
I wish I had the money to go to these places. I don't thinki would complain
Oskar vanZandt 4 years ago
I like to travel off-season to enjoy the culture of the places I visit... haven't been disappointed yet. I rarely, if ever, visit typical tourist attraction, saving my pennies to sample local cuisine. :)
Logic and Reason 4 years ago
Going to a tourist destination just to complain about the number of tourists is like going to a concert and then complaining that there’s music.
Casey McAlister 4 years ago
Well, you can say something like this about every more or less popular tourist destination. Just a building, just a picture, just a mountain. And who could have thought that a popular tourist destination is going to be packed with tourists?
Kirsten Kerkhof 4 years ago (edited)
Amsterdam. You can buy weed in every town if that's what floats your boat, Leiden and Utrecht have just the same kind of canals, and the people are nicer and more relaxed elsewhere. Go see Amsterdam to visit a few museums, but then grab a train and go south.
lenka 4 years ago
Amsterdam is more than just weed. There are some amazing art galleries, the history of the buildings and the Dutch culture is fascinating. It has a great music scene and all the benefits of a big city in a small package. I would highly recomend a walking tour of the Amsterdam city centre, but outside the city centre is where it gets good. Keukenhof gardens in spring, the molens, the veenpark, and some of the smaller villages like Giethorn are beautiful.
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Jackie Butts 4 years ago
Approaching travel with cynicism and expecting disappointment is just sad. The fact that there are too many other people or it is too touristy means you didn't do your homework and weren't prepared. If you are seeing destinations just to check things off your bucket list, then you are missing out on the wonders of travel. The best moments of travel are always unexpected experiences and usually involve meeting people and experiencing other cultures. Travel with your eyes wide open and don't miss out on bucket list /wish list places, just because someone complained about it not meeting their expectations.
Nick Poliseno 4 years ago
That's true, Traveling is to enjoyed and be free to embrace all the new feelings it will bring...I love traveling and I have done a lot...So where are you from Jackie ? I must say you have beautiful smile too
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Benjamin Cartier 4 years ago
why are all the tourists here when I travel - I'm not a tourist but they all are
Treessimontrees 4 years ago
Honorable mention to the Great Wall of China. Not because of the crowds. But the number of people spitting. It was a weird phenomenon.
Nadine Debard 4 years ago
No one tried to visit the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona? It's really worth it, but the tickets must be bought one or two days before, they are rather expensive, you have to show up on time and it still is crowded.
Marianne 4 years ago
I am surprised not to find Rome or any attraction in Rome on this list. Rome is beautiful, but so overcrowded that it is impossible to enjoy (at least before Covid). I was at the Sistine Chapel and felt like on a crowded market square.
lenka 4 years ago
You expected there to be NO crowd? At the Sistine Chapel?
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Val Izhakevich 4 years ago
Now this post is a bit of mystery to me. Hype, banal ignorance and readiness to join the crowd in search of imaginary grandeur is a sure way to disappointment. I think it's the problem of social media presence. For some it's like the marriage hype when the festivities end.
Bobot Kneading Cat 4 years ago
I missed the times when traveling was not the in thing orr probably when influencers are not everyone. I travel around Asia and the best that you can do is rent a motorbike and just go around. Talk to locals they'll tell you the best spots or get lost and find them. How I miss travelling. Revenge travel after pandemic!
Fact Perils 4 years ago
I dunno, I've never wanted to go to most of these places. Maybe like 10/30
Dee Stern 4 years ago
My husband and I took loads of road trips (before COVID). We have no high expections, which is why we get plenty of great surprises. For us the Grand Canyon was so-so. OTOH Bryce knocked our socks off. Go off season...like May or Sept. We were the only ones at Old Faithful. Be willing to go off the beaten path. We drove an hour out of our way, to the middle of nowhere to stand at the marker of the exact geological center of the US on a farm in SD. Have an adventure and stay away from the tourist stuff. 03-Governm...54a035.jpg 
B 4 years ago
As a world traveller, a few tips: wherever you get to via bus/boat, wait and watch where the main group of tourists are going, and then head in the opposite direction - you're bound to see more of the actual culture and get to know locals and learn about their country and lives. Also, never eat at restaurants on the main drag. Head a few roads away (more roads the larger the city) and you'll find local eateries instead of tourist traps. Small and dingy restaurants often serve the best food. Also, *completely* ignore hawkers trying to sell you rubbish or show you 'best accommodation'. Just walk right past without a word or eye contact.
Commander OwO 4 years ago
One of the best things I've ever done is ride one of those little tuk tuk thingies in India! Everybody finds it boring and ugly but I like it
Manu 4 years ago
Medellin, Colombia. Expectations: beautiful women, nice weather, great food. Reality: tasteless boob jobs, awful weather and robbers everywhere, plus the absurd cult to Pablo Escobar everywhere
Mari 4 years ago
My brother had the same expierence. The nature was beautiful but the people are not approachable. He liked Mexico much better.
Load More Replies... pinkk-sugar 4 years ago
Now that I've finished this list, who wants to be the type of person to say, "nah it sounded lame on the internet so I've never been anywhere"
Cori 4 years ago
I have been to New Orleans twice. The first time was so magical I actually started looking for appartments. Hurricane Katrina hit shortly after and I dropped the appartment search. I went back 10 years later and was so disenchanted. There were a lot of very agressive beggars and the Quarter smelled horrible. Don't get me wrong, I still love it, but it definitely lost some of its magic.
Bobert Robertson 4 years ago
As a Canadian I'd say the CN Tower.... It's expensive to just go up a tower and get a view of the city. The view is amazing, but for the price it's insane, and there's not much else to do unless you want to pay even more money to go up higher
Jane Doe 4 years ago
Quite a few of these locations I’ve already visited and agree, and a few were on my bucket list. Not anymore. Thank you for the advance warning.
Stannous Flouride 4 years ago
The Super Bowl and most of the Olympics (even though their locations change) are destinations that are not worth the expense.
Jarod Giaquinto 4 years ago
A place I'd recommend is Milan, Italy. Not as trash as Rome and has this amazing area called Tres Torres (Three towers) It's amazing and there is a mall and well kept park. Also Qt-8
ojjunior 4 years ago
Why didn't anyone mention the Great wall of China? Most disappoiting trip I ever did. Dirty, crowded, dangerous, no infrastructure for visitors at all. Any minimal fog and you won't see a thing.
lenka 4 years ago
I am not sure what part of the wall you visited or when? I was there about 10 years ago and there were toilets and a wonderful landscaped garden at our entrance point and toilets and restaurant at our end point (we walked along the wall and got picked up at the other end). There were handrailings up the stairs I loved the great wall of china. What an amazing construction feat it is, and impossible to appreciate just how huge until you are walking along it. I didnt find the wall to be at all dirty.
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Vicky Z 4 years ago
I have one! Hypogeum in Malta!! I read everywhere that it was a must see but please don't spend your money for nothing!! It's 40 f*****g Euros per person to go in a cave which is impressive ok but the staff was too bored, there were no headphones so you had to hold the radio close to your ear for a 30 minute tour, and many languages were not available!!! I mean when your monument is called hypogeum (Greek word) i expect to hear the tour in a tape in Greek cause I'm paying 40 Euros for f**k's sake!! Other than that Malta is wonderful!
Anna Banana 4 years ago
A lot of these people go to the most famous tourist destinations and complain that they're overcrowded by tourists. What were you expecting? You're one of those tourists overcrowding it!
Monty Is Fiennes 4 years ago
And I went at peak times and in peak seasons when everyone else goes...
Load More Replies... Michelle M 4 years ago
Am I the only one who thinks that this post does not do justice to these places?
BorPand8 4 years ago
Yeah, it sounds like a lot of over-privileged and entitled people whining.
Load More Replies... Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago (edited)
Seems like most of these people didn't research before they went. Some of these are just like "Der, what did you expect".
lenka 4 years ago (edited)
Agree Foxxy. It seems like people just turned up to look at something just because it was on a list without any real understanding of what they were looking at and why it was on the list on the first place.
Load More Replies... AnnaBanana 4 years ago
Some people really miss the point of leisure travel. 99% of the time, particularly in a city with ancient roots, I just can't believe I'm there!!!
Bardhi's Dad 4 years ago
I can't understand those people. I think I like every new place I visit.
Eslamala 4 years ago (edited)
If the whole point of your travel, no matter where you go, is to see the famous stuff, then prepare to wait in line and be disappointed not by the quality of the place, but because of your ridiculous expectation of it. There's people who skip the tourist spots and explore the places they visit, and people who like the tourist traps. Whichever makes you happy, but if you're part of the latter, don't complain. You should know better. I've lived in 20+ cities in 8 different countries, and all of them had good and bad things.
Beans 4 years ago
Exactly there is always something awesome in every country
Load More Replies... Daphne Williams 4 years ago
This entire list, and the comments under every entry, makes me hate tourists. Jesus, you have the good fortune to see some of the most wonderful places on earth, and you're disappointed that it's not like it is in Disney movies? Can you hear the grotesque entitlement in your comments? The problem with all of these places is not the places themselves - it's you. You went to another country as a guest and then were disappointed to learn that they were actual real places with real people living in them and not theme parks full of employees ready to make you feel like royalty. Gross.
Not Proud British 4 years ago
Ooooo I went to a tourist spot as a tourist and it was full of tourists! OMG I must complain immediately! Maybe they expected a VIP pass just for them?
Florencia Renedo 4 years ago
People having the luxury of going to these amazing places and commenting how bad they are because they did not find the comfort they have at home... So sad.
Olly 4 years ago
I have been to Miami, but I would have been so happy to get to go to the rest of these places. These people just sound like the rich-bored.
Lori Spins 4 years ago
Sounds like a bunch of snobby people who can afford to travel being ungrateful.
Phil Vaive 4 years ago
TLDR; I'm a tourist who got mad that other tourists did the same tourist things that I did!
SAF saf 4 years ago (edited)
Half of these sound like they're written by someone that dislikes traveling. I mean the Hollywood posts are accurate but it misses that point. Also, PLEASE ignore the Las Vegas review that places is awesome.....unless you don't drink then maybe try driving through.
Leo Domitrix 4 years ago
I try to identify major tourist places and then avoid them when we travel. As a result, we travel off the beaten path. A few times, on "cow paths" and "goat tracks". Totally worth it every time. Tip: Ask the hotel desk clerk(s) and staff where they think it's cool in their area. We found great food, great views, amazing little nooks and crannies, just by being polite and asking politely what locals would find best, not what tourists would. Most of the time, hotel staff have been great about these things. That's why it's *fun*!
Jarrod Nichols 4 years ago
Perpetually unhappy people continuously complaining. No surprise here.
ZimZamBoom 4 years ago
Don't let this post prevent you from seeing the tourist attraction, just be aware it is a tourist attraction, therefor it will be crowded and possibly dirty.
lorrie rothstein 4 years ago
I wish I had the money to go to these places. I don't thinki would complain
Oskar vanZandt 4 years ago
I like to travel off-season to enjoy the culture of the places I visit... haven't been disappointed yet. I rarely, if ever, visit typical tourist attraction, saving my pennies to sample local cuisine. :)
Logic and Reason 4 years ago
Going to a tourist destination just to complain about the number of tourists is like going to a concert and then complaining that there’s music.
Casey McAlister 4 years ago
Well, you can say something like this about every more or less popular tourist destination. Just a building, just a picture, just a mountain. And who could have thought that a popular tourist destination is going to be packed with tourists?
Kirsten Kerkhof 4 years ago (edited)
Amsterdam. You can buy weed in every town if that's what floats your boat, Leiden and Utrecht have just the same kind of canals, and the people are nicer and more relaxed elsewhere. Go see Amsterdam to visit a few museums, but then grab a train and go south.
lenka 4 years ago
Amsterdam is more than just weed. There are some amazing art galleries, the history of the buildings and the Dutch culture is fascinating. It has a great music scene and all the benefits of a big city in a small package. I would highly recomend a walking tour of the Amsterdam city centre, but outside the city centre is where it gets good. Keukenhof gardens in spring, the molens, the veenpark, and some of the smaller villages like Giethorn are beautiful.
Load More Replies... Jackie Butts 4 years ago
Approaching travel with cynicism and expecting disappointment is just sad. The fact that there are too many other people or it is too touristy means you didn't do your homework and weren't prepared. If you are seeing destinations just to check things off your bucket list, then you are missing out on the wonders of travel. The best moments of travel are always unexpected experiences and usually involve meeting people and experiencing other cultures. Travel with your eyes wide open and don't miss out on bucket list /wish list places, just because someone complained about it not meeting their expectations.
Nick Poliseno 4 years ago
That's true, Traveling is to enjoyed and be free to embrace all the new feelings it will bring...I love traveling and I have done a lot...So where are you from Jackie ? I must say you have beautiful smile too
Load More Replies... Benjamin Cartier 4 years ago
why are all the tourists here when I travel - I'm not a tourist but they all are
Treessimontrees 4 years ago
Honorable mention to the Great Wall of China. Not because of the crowds. But the number of people spitting. It was a weird phenomenon.
Nadine Debard 4 years ago
No one tried to visit the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona? It's really worth it, but the tickets must be bought one or two days before, they are rather expensive, you have to show up on time and it still is crowded.
Marianne 4 years ago
I am surprised not to find Rome or any attraction in Rome on this list. Rome is beautiful, but so overcrowded that it is impossible to enjoy (at least before Covid). I was at the Sistine Chapel and felt like on a crowded market square.
lenka 4 years ago
You expected there to be NO crowd? At the Sistine Chapel?
Load More Replies... Val Izhakevich 4 years ago
Now this post is a bit of mystery to me. Hype, banal ignorance and readiness to join the crowd in search of imaginary grandeur is a sure way to disappointment. I think it's the problem of social media presence. For some it's like the marriage hype when the festivities end.
Bobot Kneading Cat 4 years ago
I missed the times when traveling was not the in thing orr probably when influencers are not everyone. I travel around Asia and the best that you can do is rent a motorbike and just go around. Talk to locals they'll tell you the best spots or get lost and find them. How I miss travelling. Revenge travel after pandemic!
Fact Perils 4 years ago
I dunno, I've never wanted to go to most of these places. Maybe like 10/30
Dee Stern 4 years ago
My husband and I took loads of road trips (before COVID). We have no high expections, which is why we get plenty of great surprises. For us the Grand Canyon was so-so. OTOH Bryce knocked our socks off. Go off season...like May or Sept. We were the only ones at Old Faithful. Be willing to go off the beaten path. We drove an hour out of our way, to the middle of nowhere to stand at the marker of the exact geological center of the US on a farm in SD. Have an adventure and stay away from the tourist stuff. 03-Governm...54a035.jpg
B 4 years ago
As a world traveller, a few tips: wherever you get to via bus/boat, wait and watch where the main group of tourists are going, and then head in the opposite direction - you're bound to see more of the actual culture and get to know locals and learn about their country and lives. Also, never eat at restaurants on the main drag. Head a few roads away (more roads the larger the city) and you'll find local eateries instead of tourist traps. Small and dingy restaurants often serve the best food. Also, *completely* ignore hawkers trying to sell you rubbish or show you 'best accommodation'. Just walk right past without a word or eye contact.
Commander OwO 4 years ago
One of the best things I've ever done is ride one of those little tuk tuk thingies in India! Everybody finds it boring and ugly but I like it
Manu 4 years ago
Medellin, Colombia. Expectations: beautiful women, nice weather, great food. Reality: tasteless boob jobs, awful weather and robbers everywhere, plus the absurd cult to Pablo Escobar everywhere
Mari 4 years ago
My brother had the same expierence. The nature was beautiful but the people are not approachable. He liked Mexico much better.
Load More Replies... pinkk-sugar 4 years ago
Now that I've finished this list, who wants to be the type of person to say, "nah it sounded lame on the internet so I've never been anywhere"
Cori 4 years ago
I have been to New Orleans twice. The first time was so magical I actually started looking for appartments. Hurricane Katrina hit shortly after and I dropped the appartment search. I went back 10 years later and was so disenchanted. There were a lot of very agressive beggars and the Quarter smelled horrible. Don't get me wrong, I still love it, but it definitely lost some of its magic.
Bobert Robertson 4 years ago
As a Canadian I'd say the CN Tower.... It's expensive to just go up a tower and get a view of the city. The view is amazing, but for the price it's insane, and there's not much else to do unless you want to pay even more money to go up higher
Jane Doe 4 years ago
Quite a few of these locations I’ve already visited and agree, and a few were on my bucket list. Not anymore. Thank you for the advance warning.
Stannous Flouride 4 years ago
The Super Bowl and most of the Olympics (even though their locations change) are destinations that are not worth the expense.
Jarod Giaquinto 4 years ago
A place I'd recommend is Milan, Italy. Not as trash as Rome and has this amazing area called Tres Torres (Three towers) It's amazing and there is a mall and well kept park. Also Qt-8
ojjunior 4 years ago
Why didn't anyone mention the Great wall of China? Most disappoiting trip I ever did. Dirty, crowded, dangerous, no infrastructure for visitors at all. Any minimal fog and you won't see a thing.
lenka 4 years ago
I am not sure what part of the wall you visited or when? I was there about 10 years ago and there were toilets and a wonderful landscaped garden at our entrance point and toilets and restaurant at our end point (we walked along the wall and got picked up at the other end). There were handrailings up the stairs I loved the great wall of china. What an amazing construction feat it is, and impossible to appreciate just how huge until you are walking along it. I didnt find the wall to be at all dirty.
Load More Replies... Vicky Z 4 years ago
I have one! Hypogeum in Malta!! I read everywhere that it was a must see but please don't spend your money for nothing!! It's 40 f*****g Euros per person to go in a cave which is impressive ok but the staff was too bored, there were no headphones so you had to hold the radio close to your ear for a 30 minute tour, and many languages were not available!!! I mean when your monument is called hypogeum (Greek word) i expect to hear the tour in a tape in Greek cause I'm paying 40 Euros for f**k's sake!! Other than that Malta is wonderful!
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