11 Countries Everyone Loves but You’ll Regret Visiting
Travel is a wonderful escape, and visiting famous destinations can be exhilarating. There are iconic spots we all dream of visiting like Paris, Venice or Bali which are on our — and everyone else’s — bucket list, promising memories that will last a lifetime.
The reality of visiting popular destinations doesn’t always match up to what we expect, and we are often left feeling disappointed or confused when we don’t come away the experience we imagined we would have. Here’s a list of countries that sound enchanting, but could end up giving you a few travel regrets.
France
France is romantic and draws romantics to the Eiffel Tower and charming countryside. The crowds in Paris in summer are no joke, but anyone who’s been there knows that. You’ll be elbow to elbow with tourists at every turn, and that romantic café could be an expensive disappointment. The infamous French attitude toward tourists can be real, and you may feel a little less than welcome.
Italy
Italy is a dream destination for so many thanks to it’s rich history, cuisine, and scenic coastlines. But Rome’s traffic and crowds can be overwhelming, Venice’s tourist stream can be unbearable, and prices of peak season can be exhausting. A gondola ride might conjure up an image of relaxation, but you’re more likely to be packed into a crowd of other boats fighting for that perfect picture.
Thailand
Paradise beaches, affordable accommodations and vibrant nightlife is what Thailand promises. In Phuket and Pattaya, it’s hard to avoid the marked up price tags and authenticity is scarce. Unfortunately, many of these popular spots are so commercialized that to find a peaceful beach, or an unspoiled view has become very difficult.
Australia
The Great Barrier Reef, pristine beaches, and Australia’s incredible wildlife are all things that the country is known for. However the distance between major attractions is significant, so if you’re not ready to spend endless hours on the road (and on the travel and transport expenses), it can feel more like a job than a vacation. Plus, with incredibly strict wildlife protection laws (for good reason), you won’t see as much of the local fauna as you think you will.
India
India is a land of colors, culture and history, but it can be too much for some travelers. India is a bit of a shock to the senses, with its crowded cities, unyielding traffic and potential health risks. If you’re looking to unwind, it’s not the best choice in terms of that, but if you’re brave enough to dive into an entirely new world then have at it!
Greece
No doubt, the beaches, ruins and islands of Greece are stunning. However, the country’s popularity has turned it into a magnet for visitors, especially during summer. Tourist spots like Santorini and Mykonos are packed, and you’ll find it hard to really enjoy the view. On top of costs, prices are high, and it’s hard to uncover any of those ‘hidden gems’ that haven’t been discovered already.
Egypt
Egypt’s pyramids and ancient temples are fascinating, but the experience can be a little rough. It is overwhelming, hot, and the street vendors are aggressive. Many travelers complain that they feel pressured into buying items, and are charged exorbitantly for ‘extra services,’ which detract from the magic of these ancient sites. It can be part of everyday life in Egypt, and it requires patience.
Mexico
There are so many great things about Mexico, it’s amazing food, music and beaches, but going to popular areas, like Cancun, can sometimes feel more commercial than cultural. Many resort towns are so geared toward tourists that they become unauthentic and it’s hard to experience the “real” Mexico. Most areas are fine, but it’s still a good idea to do a little research on which neighborhoods or towns to avoid.
Morocco
Travelers come from all around the world to Morocco’s lively markets, architecture and scenery. However, the crowded medinas and busy souks are often filled with pushy vendors and endless battling with vendors during bargaining not only difficult, but often tiresome too. If you aren’t ready for the bustling atmosphere, Morocco’s cities can get much more stress than smile.
Brazil
Brazil has a reputation as a lively country from Carnival to Copacabana Beach. But safety is an issue in some places, and Brazil’s sprawling cities are confusing for first timers. The people are nice and friendly but you really should be careful, particularly in urban areas in Rio de Janeiro where tourists are targets of muggings and petty theft.
Turkey
Istanbul’s skyline is iconic, and its history, architecture and culture are inherently Turkish. The problem is that popular spots tend to be jammed with tourists, and you’ll find yourself unable to avoid the persistent vendors that make visiting a bit more unpleasant. In Turkey, they’re also well known for their strong haggling culture, which can drain your energy if you’re simply trying to casually shop in a bazaar.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
