30 People Are Sharing The Worst Travel Destinations That Are 100% Not Worth The Hype
Interview With Expert
Five years ago, if you had asked me what parts of the world I’d like to see, I would have said “all of it.” Traveling is exhilarating, and I love collecting memories of new places that I know I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
But not every travel experience will be life-changing. In fact, some destinations might not even be worth it. Redditors have recently been discussing the popular tourist spots that they recommend avoiding at all costs, so we’ve gathered some of their thoughts below. From places that are overcrowded to ones that make travelers uneasy, enjoy scrolling through this list, and keep reading to find a chat with Jhona Yellin, Editor at offMetro!
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Really surprised it hasn’t been said but…
Hollywood, California.
As someone who lives down the road and works in the area frequently, it is a shithole. Dirty and crime ridden.
A few cool things locals can do frequently on weeknights, but trust me when I say everything you see on TV really is smoke and mirrors.
I was shocked to discover that Hollywood, and most of Los Angeles, are dirty and disgusting.
India and Egypt if you are a solo girl.
To learn more about this topic from a travel expert, we reached out to Jhona Yellin, Editor at the travel blog offMetro. Jhona was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and share about some of the tourist attractions that she wouldn't necessarily recommend to others.
"One prime example is our trip to Athens a few years back," the expert says. "It was a miserable tale of overcrowding at its finest! Our visit during August, when the scorching heat failed to deter hordes of tourists, turned out to be more of a test of endurance than a leisurely exploration. Every historic site in Athens was overrun by selfie sticks, and even the secluded beaches were invaded by sun-seekers."
"It was a classic case of too much of a good thing, and truth be told, we probably should have known better not to travel to a popular travel destination during peak season," Jhona continued. "Having said all that, we still added the iconic Acropolis in Athens to our post about the best attractions in Europe."
Wherever 7000 passenger cruise ships can dock.
Cruise ships should somehow count on this list as well. They're definitely not like they used to be.
I‘ve been to a lot of places mentioned here and had a lovely time. Maybe you‘re all just doing it wrong?
Some suggestions that have worked for me:
1. Don‘t travel somewhere on local holidays. Yeah Paris is full on easter weekend, shocker. Also avoid school vacation time.
2. There‘s usually one really crowded tourist street but in my experience, just going a short distance into a side street will be much more relaxed.
3. Learn a few words in the local language and don‘t be afraid go to local places. There are always ways to communicate, I guarantee it.
4. Don‘t chase spots you‘ve seen on instagram, if you have seen it, millions of others have seen it as well. There are usually similar but less crowded spots nearby.
5. Learn about the culture and history of the places and spots you visit beforehand, it makes it much more enjoyable and makes you aware of what‘s important and what may just be a tourist trap.
Most middle eastern countries if you are gay.
We were also curious if there were any popular places that Jhona hasn't visited that she doesn't have a strong desire to see. "Mallorca in Spain comes to mind," she told Bored Panda. "Despite the allure of its sun-soaked beaches and vibrant nightlife, the tales of endless parties and throngs of tourists make me hesitant to add it to my itinerary. Sometimes, the promise of paradise is overshadowed by the perils of popularity."
Any of the ones where tourists are despoiling nature and hurting the ecosystem. I feel like this includes much of Hawaii.
Tourism is one of the most polluting industries in the world. It urgently needs to be contained. All that nature sacrificed to ugly hotels and resorts.
So apparently India. Especially if you’re a female. Seen too many posts bout it.
Your mormon friend's church.
But sometimes, popular tourist destinations do live up to the hype. "Despite the hordes of selfie sticks and fanny packs, there are still some iconic destinations that manage to retain their allure," Jhona says. "Take Paris, for instance. Sure, the Eiffel Tower may be swarming with tourists (any time of year!), but nothing can really dull the magic of watching the sunset from its lofty heights or savoring a croissant at a quaint café along the Seine."
"Sometimes, enduring the crowds is a small price to pay for experiencing something truly iconic," the travel expert added. "And probably the best way to enjoy Paris or any popular city destination - is by walking it. Check out our tips for walking tours in Paris."
Times Square. Shops, buskers, and those overly aggressive Muppet characters all trying to separate you from your cash. It's just a few billboards and a place to buy cheaper Broadway tickets.
The only thing amusing about Times Square is when the costumed characters leave for the day headed to their parked cars still in their costumes.
Dubai.
That’s Abu Dhabi. In any case, have to agree, Dubai is just horrible.
Nassau. It’s in the Bahamas and most cruise lines always stop at that port. But it’s a whole town dedicated to trap tourists into buying overpriced stuff. They play music through the whole town and you can’t walk more than 2ft without someone trying to sell you something.
Respectfully disagree on this one. Nassau is what it is. I give them credit for re-imagining the cruise port during inactivity caused by the pandemic. Yes, it can be expensive. The tradeoff is fair--you invade their everyday lives and they receive cash as compensation for that intrusion. That's the way tourism works. The Ardastra Wildfife Preserve/Zoo officially charges tourists several time the admission fee that native Bahamians pay. But this attraction is worth every penny. The workers are serious about conserving wildlife and encourage human/animal interactions. You can even march (carefully and safely) with the flamingos! Taxi service is convenient, cheap, and reliable. Bahamian merchants can be aggressive and bullying, but if you are willing to say no to unreasonble prices for merchandise and strike up a sincere conversation with them, you can learn a lot about their way of life. Sampling local food and museums is a good alternative to buying useless, overpriced stuff.
Jhona also went on to share some tips for travelers who will be heading to popular destinations. "Before embarking on any journey, it's crucial to recognize that there aren't really golden rules for traveling because every travel journey is a different story, that can either end up a dream or disaster," she noted.
"However, some universal principles can enhance your experience. First up, research is your best friend. Understand the local customs, brush up on the language (even a few basic phrases can go a long way), and always try blending in like a savvy traveler, not a clueless tourist," the expert suggests. "And here's a pro tip: venture off the beaten path whenever possible. Seek out those hidden gems and lesser-known attractions that offer a taste of authenticity without the crowds."
Bondi beach. Honestly one of the crappier beaches in Sydney that is so chock full of tourists that you’re swimming/relaxing with 8 million other people. If you can, go down the coast further - Wollongong, Kiama and Gerringong have beautiful beaches with much less traffic and friendlier people.
That's the trick. Call sth. famous and a must go destinaton and keep the real treats free for the inhabitants
Cabo. Went in honeymoon in 2017. We never left the tourist areas yet wife’s drink was still drugged. Thankfully the “free drink” they offered me, I declined. Also thankfully my wife was okay. Just needed to sleep it off.
I had a friend who also had a laced drink in Cabo last summer.
Why would anyone build luxury hotels on the beach if the water is too dangerous to swim in? Lookin at you, Los Cabos.
I'd say Paris Disneyland, if you want to spend the day in lines surrounded by crying children and angry parents pushing you, that's the place for you.
Jhona noted that timing is key when traveling as well, especially when it comes to popular tourist destinations. "Take our Athens trip I mentioned earlier as an example," she says. "We made the mistake of visiting during August, peak summer! It was a chaotic mess that definitely tainted my experience. Lesson learned: In some cases - you need to avoid peak seasons like the plague, unless you enjoy battling crowds and sweating buckets."
Visiting a popular place off season can also make for a more enjoyable trip. "Take Mallorca, for instance," Jhona shared. "Despite its reputation for being overrun by tourists, visiting during the shoulder seasons can offer a more enjoyable experience. Spring and fall bring milder weather and fewer crowds, allowing you to appreciate the island's beauty without feeling like you're in a sea of selfie sticks."
Hollywood walk of fame.
The Liberty Bell is a bell. Don’t know what else I was expecting.
It's not as s****y as a lot of other spots mentioned here, but Plymouth Rock is super lame. Don't do it.
It was meaningful to me, as an immigrant but there's nothing else there. Funny story, I was working in an office in California and the receptionist asked where I was from due to my accent. I replied that I was from England, near Plymouth, where the Mayflower sailed from. She said, "Oh, did they call it Plymouth in England, too?"
"When it comes to popular tourist destinations, understanding when to visit can make all the difference," Jhona added. "For places like Venice or Santorini, avoiding the summer months when cruise ships descend can ensure a more peaceful experience. Instead, opt for the shoulder seasons or even winter when you can have these iconic spots all to yourself."
"In essence, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to travel," the expert says. "It's all about doing your homework, understanding the local dynamics, and timing your visit wisely."
People should go to the grand canyon.... but not the side closest to Vegas. It's a tourist scam. Take the time to go to any of the parks that access the canyon.
I'm puzzled. Both sides of the Grand Canyon are about equally close to Vegas and both the north and the south rim have their appeal. They're also both about 4-5 hours away by private car. Regardless, this is worded really weirdly. (There are also a lot of state parks that are really phenomenal and close to Vegas.)
UK: Land's End and John O'Groats are neither the northernmost nor southernmost points of the country but have become tourist attractions because people believe them to be. Both are utter c**p holes that exist only to relieve tourists of money for c**p souvenirs and overpriced drinks.
A lot of people are naming "tourist destinations" that are actually just "tourist attractions." As in, you come, you check it out for 15 minutes, and then you leave. If you go to Times Square or Hollywood and expect to spend all day there, that's on you for not understand what the attraction is.
Mount Rushmore.
I went there in Sam & Max hit the road and did a bungee jump out of Thomas Jeffersons nose
Salem, Mass. Biggest tourist trap I've ever been to.
Idk man I went and at least it was a FUN tourist trap. There were so many historical and ghost tours and other stuff I loved it
I have a couple that will be unpopular:
Neuschwanstein Castle-Yes, you'll get a great picture. The same picture that the other 500 people on the bridge are currently taking and the same one that a million people have seen over the years. There are a lot better castles in Germany to visit.
Venice-Venice didn't do anything for me. If you want to see canals, go to somewhere like Bruges, Belgium instead. Better food, better beer, smaller crowds, etc. I've loved every other place I've visited in Italy, just not Venice.
The London Eye. What a crock of... they have the nerve to call a ride on a Ferris Wheel a 'flight'.
Castle Neuschwanstein in Germany.
Yes it looks good. But it's nether historical not is it anywhere convenient.
There are literally thousands and thousands of castles in Europe that acctualy are historical. So from the early middle ages and such. Visit those.
Neuschwanstein was literally build in 1869. So nothing all that special.
Stone henge was dinky compared to what i was expecting.
Avebury - not far down the road - is much better. A village in the stones that you can walk among and touch and a decent pub.
Venice. Super crowded, smelled like raw sewage everywhere, super expensive. It's a well oiled tourist trap and it was all so "meh." My least favorite destination I've been to.
The gondola ride is Venice is remarkably overrated.
Note: this post originally had 40 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
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I love visiting tourist attractions, even the overcrowded ones. My childhood mostly happened behind the iron curtain and my parents couldn’t even dream about visiting all these places when they were young. So what that other 1000 people take the same picture every hour of every day. I am here! I also go and get lost in the city and have discovered so many local gems tourists are not interested in. It’s all part of the experience. And nobody forces you to spend on souvenirs. I have not bought a souvenir in 20 years. I hate clutter. Family and friends don’t care about souvenirs from places they haven’t been, I just buy local food and sweets in normal supermarket if I have luggage space and people appreciate that way more.
This is a lovely way to look at it. I grew up very poor, sometimes homeless, and never seeing anything but a small part of my own country (US). When I travel, just being in a place with a different culture, language, food, and architecture is enough to make me really, really happy.
Load More Replies...
People are booking vacations or trips by looking at instagram pictures. Maybe they have to inform themselves about their destination before booking their vacation. Learn about the culture, the country and what you can expect. There will be no more surprises. Learn about the history of a place, Venice,Pisa, Amsterdam or Brussels can never disapoint if you know what you are visiting. If you want only to take nice pictures, go to a tropical beach.
My friends has a travel page on IG. There have been comments about how when we have travelled together, our identical photos look so different. I don't do IG. Clue?
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We need a reverse version. Places you must visit. Beautiful, culturally significant, quiet and underrated, places that’ll stir your soul. Where have you been that surprised you? Where have visited that left a mark on you? Is it really about your experiences rather than the place? I was lucky enough to travel around Europe with work and it took me to tiny villages and towns that were off the beaten track, I remember beautiful Castillonnés south of Bergerac in France, got holed up there for 10 days and it was blissful!
I'd nominate Chaco Culture National Historic Park in New Mexico. Maybe if enough people go, they'll do something about the absolutely horrible dirt road going into the park; but good road or bad road, it was worth the trip to me
Load More Replies...
I love visiting tourist attractions, even the overcrowded ones. My childhood mostly happened behind the iron curtain and my parents couldn’t even dream about visiting all these places when they were young. So what that other 1000 people take the same picture every hour of every day. I am here! I also go and get lost in the city and have discovered so many local gems tourists are not interested in. It’s all part of the experience. And nobody forces you to spend on souvenirs. I have not bought a souvenir in 20 years. I hate clutter. Family and friends don’t care about souvenirs from places they haven’t been, I just buy local food and sweets in normal supermarket if I have luggage space and people appreciate that way more.
This is a lovely way to look at it. I grew up very poor, sometimes homeless, and never seeing anything but a small part of my own country (US). When I travel, just being in a place with a different culture, language, food, and architecture is enough to make me really, really happy.
Load More Replies... People are booking vacations or trips by looking at instagram pictures. Maybe they have to inform themselves about their destination before booking their vacation. Learn about the culture, the country and what you can expect. There will be no more surprises. Learn about the history of a place, Venice,Pisa, Amsterdam or Brussels can never disapoint if you know what you are visiting. If you want only to take nice pictures, go to a tropical beach.
My friends has a travel page on IG. There have been comments about how when we have travelled together, our identical photos look so different. I don't do IG. Clue?
Load More Replies... We need a reverse version. Places you must visit. Beautiful, culturally significant, quiet and underrated, places that’ll stir your soul. Where have you been that surprised you? Where have visited that left a mark on you? Is it really about your experiences rather than the place? I was lucky enough to travel around Europe with work and it took me to tiny villages and towns that were off the beaten track, I remember beautiful Castillonnés south of Bergerac in France, got holed up there for 10 days and it was blissful!
I'd nominate Chaco Culture National Historic Park in New Mexico. Maybe if enough people go, they'll do something about the absolutely horrible dirt road going into the park; but good road or bad road, it was worth the trip to me
Load More Replies...