Great Once, But Never Again: 12 Travel Spots Worth Skipping
You’ve seen the photos (scrolling past dreamy Instagram shots of handmade leather bags) and been tempted by travel magazine stories about how warm and quaint it is—but here’s the thing: Some of the world’s most iconic destinations should be more of a one-time thing. Standing in front of the Eiffel Tower or walking through the canals of Venice is magical until you’re dodging selfie sticks, getting trampled by crowds, and wondering why you put yourself through this.
Travel is about creating unforgettable moments, and the fact is, there are places that lose their charm after the first visit. These bucket-list spots, however, are generally plagued by over-tourism, inflated prices, and an unsurprisingly disappointing reality that makes ticking them off your bucket list feel more like a chore than a dream come true.
Before you book that flight, let’s uncover the “Great Once, But Never Again” travel spots—12 destinations that might leave you saying, “Been there, done that!” However, if you want to fall in love with travel again, fear not; we have some stunning, quieter alternatives.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk—Is the View Worth the Price?
Standing 4,000 feet above ground, on a glass overhang, at first, feels like the thrill of a lifetime. But the Grand package, starting at $68 per person, only grants a few moments on the crowded Skywalk. Photos are prohibited unless you’re willing to pay additional fees for professional pictures.
Instead, explore the other viewpoints in and around the Grand Canyon that didn’t carry the giant price tag or seemingly large crowds, like Yavapai Point or Desert View Watchtower.
Times Square, New York City—A Neon Jungle of Stress
Times Square is touted as the “Crossroads of the World,” but its frenetic energy often feels overwhelming. Over 300,000 people visit the place daily (expect to join the jostling crowd dodging costumed characters begging for a tip).
Go instead to the West Village or DUMBO in Brooklyn. You can enjoy stunning NYC views of the Manhattan skyline, boutique shopping, and a little slice of authentic NYC culture in these areas.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa—More Than Just a Single Photo Op
Over 5 million tourists flock to Pisa annually to snap obligatory “holding the tower” photos. This attraction is marvelous, but due to its gigantic commercialization, it can be somewhat underwhelming in person.
Venture into Tuscany, however, and forget breathtaking towns like Lucca and Siena. Instead, you’ll discover beautiful architecture, quaint piazzas, and an authentic Italian-style lifestyle.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame—Stars on the Sidewalk, Dust Underfoot
While the glimmer of more than 2,700 stars on Hollywood Boulevard may be iconic, this attraction is jammed with crowds, vendors, and less of the glitz of Hollywood glamour.
However, you can grab some breathtaking views of the LA skyline and Hollywood Sign at Griffith Observatory or explore the more authentic parts of the city, like Silver Lake and Los Feliz, to gain some serious creativity and cool charisma.
The Great Wall of China—Avoid the Tourist Clusters
For example, significant restoration sections of the Great Wall near Beijing, Badaling, are almost completely engulfed by tour groups. These crowds can dilute the experience of navigating through them.
Go Trekking in less-known areas where the wall is wild and rugged, like Jiankou or Gubeikou. With far fewer crowds, these areas also offer awe-inspiring views.
For a completely different viewpoint, look around the Grand Canyon from points such as Yavapai Point or Desert View Watchtower. Both provide equally spellbinding views for a fraction of the cost and without the crowds.
The Pyramids of Giza—Magnificent but Overrun
An undeniable testament to human ingenuity, the Pyramids of Giza can be overcrowded and overrun by aggressive vendors.
Visit the pyramids at Saqqara or Dahshur instead. They are lesser known but just as fascinating as their better-celebrated cousins. Much calmer than the Cairo museum, these spots provide an up-close and personal view into ancient Egyptian history.
The Blarney Stone, Ireland—Save Your Lips, Skip the Line
If you’re hoping to gain eloquence by kissing the Blarney Stone, legend says you get it, but be prepared to wait hours in line and put up with risking the germs of the hundreds hundreds of thousands visiting each year.
Instead, explore the gap of Dunloe in County Kerry or the Cliffs of Moher. These breathtaking destinations capture Ireland’s natural beauty and centuries-long history.
Venice, Italy—A City Struggling to Stay Afloat
Venice is beautiful; however, it is home to over 25 million annual visitors who crowd its narrow streets and canals, straining the city and its citizens.
Instead, visit lesser-crowded islands like Burano or Murano or explore other meditative canal cities such as Treviso and Bologna in Italy.
Stonehenge, England—Ancient Mystery or Distant View?
For many, seeing Stonehenge is on the bucket list. Still, it usually comes at the expense of peering across these ancient stones from the other side of barriers, with hordes of tourists lumbering lazily around you.
You should visit another Neolithic site nearby. Visitors can walk among the stones at Avebury, which is usually far less crowded than Stonehenge.
Santorini, Greece—Picture Perfect, Yet Overcrowded
We have all seen the iconic photos of blue-dome churches, homes, and whitewashed buildings. Santorini, however, is seriously overcrowded in peak season, and accommodation prices are ridiculously expensive, as is congestion from cruise ships.
Instead, explore the islands of Milos or Naxos. You will experience some amazing beaches without being overwhelmed by tourists, and, best of all, you will experience authentic Greek culture.
The Eiffel Tower, Paris—A Long Wait for a Telescopic View
Of course, the Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Paris, but climbing it on busy days usually results in hours of waiting in line. When you reach the top, you’ll realize that the view will include something other than France’s most iconic landmark.
You can also view the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro or the Montparnasse Tower, which offers panoramic views of this architectural marvel.
Dubai, UAE—More Than Skyscrapers
Famous for its extravagant architecture, including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai can feel more than a little bit commercialized and cater more to spectacle than substance.
Venture into the deserts of Al Marmoom or markets of Deira instead. They reveal a cultural and natural richness beyond Dubai’s futuristic façade.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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