12 Overrated Travel Destinations to Skip After 60
Traveling worldwide after 60 should be about authentic experiences, not rushing through the horde or dealing with travel disappointments that make your life stressful. While specific destinations are hyped up as “must-visits,” they often don’t live up to their reputation and can be overwhelming, overpriced, or downright underwhelming for seasoned travelers.
This list covers 12 overrated destinations you may want to skip and provides better, more enriching, stress-free options.
Hawaii
With Hawaii’s broad array of beauty, there’s one primary reason it’s overrated: touristy vibes, overcrowded beaches, and inflated prices can easily bore you. As an added perk to these exotic islands, Hawaii also has a cookie-cutter resort culture that can overpower the tremendous local experiences that Hawaii offers.
Where to Go Instead: Aruba. Aruba’s turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and laid-back vibe are much more affordable and steps removed from all the spring breakers. In addition, it has a clean and safe environment that should make it even more appealing, and it practices eco-conscious measures such as banning plastic bags.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Why It’s Overrated: Las Vegas has casinos that are too noisy, have crowds of visitors, and have high crime rates; thus, retirees would surely hate such a city. Added to that are the intense summer heat and comparatively steep prices.
Where to Go Instead: New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans provides Southern culture, charm, and a bit of jazz without the sensory overhaul of certain other cities. Walk the French Quarter, enjoy some live music on Bourbon Street, and try Creole cuisine.
Times Square, New York City
Why It’s Overrated: Times Square is highly crowded, noisy, and filled with chain stores you can find anywhere. It does not possess the authentic charm that most people who come to New York City expect.
Where to Go Instead: Boston, Massachusetts. Live history, enjoy beautiful parks, and experience real cultural authenticity. America’s past is the theme of a walk on Boston’s Freedom Trail, which you can do while enjoying the quieter city vibes.
Paris, France
Why It’s Overrated: Known for “Paris Syndrome,” Paris often disappoints travelers with its overcrowded attractions, high costs, and occasional unfriendly locals. It can also be too much, too commercialized.
Where to Go Instead: Kraków, Poland. This charming European city is known for its architecture and history and is packed with affordable attractions. It provides an intimate experience of engaging travel, starting from the world’s castles and underground churches.
Rome, Italy
Rome’s well-known sites—the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain—are mesmerizing, but anyone who has queued for hours to enter and been waylaid by countless vendors hawking to take in the sights must first battle contrary conditions.
Where to Go Instead: Croatia. Instead of all the commotion of Rome, Croatia is full of historic architecture, including Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls and Split’s coastal beauty, without the beaches.
Santorini, Greece
Why It’s Overrated: Santorini’s cliffside accommodations are notorious for their steep price points, and the elbow-to-elbow crowd is not easily captured in photographs.
Where to Go Instead: Naxos, Greece. Naxos is small and beautiful, with gorgeous beaches, beautiful and authentic villages, and far fewer tourists than the other Greek islands.
Machu Picchu, Peru
What’s Overrated: With a high altitude, rugged trail, and many tourists, that magic that so many come to enjoy can get lost for senior travelers.
Where to Go Instead: Tikal, Guatemala. Tikal is a remarkable Mayan site in a lush jungle, off the beaten path of tourists, with incredible wildlife and culture.
The Blue Lagoon, Iceland
Why It’s Overrated: The Blue Lagoon is an overcrowded spa with premium prices. During your visit, it often seems more commercial than laid-back.
Where to Go Instead: There are many natural hot springs across Iceland. Many are less crowded, free to visit, and give an authentic Icelandic experience in stunning surroundings.
Taj Mahal, India
Why It’s Overrated: Apart from being majestic, crowds tend to spoil the Taj Mahal scene, which also entails long waits and pushing tour guides. Visitors may have mixed feelings about nearby poverty and pollution.
Where to Go Instead: See the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh Gardens, across the Yamuna River.
Disney World, Florida
What Makes It Overrated: There’s nothing worse than Disney World being disgustingly crowded. Older guests suffer from long lines, sky-high ticket prices, and miles of walking that can make it more tiring than fun.
Where to Go Instead: Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches. Constitute your vacation on serene, sandy beaches, or pay for it at fun seaside locations like Naples or Sarasota.
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Why It’s Overrated: Mount Rushmore is an iconic site that’s underwhelming in person, and there isn’t much else to do close by to justify the amount of time and money.
Where to Go Instead: Badlands National Park. This natural wonder is located nearby. While it offers dramatic landscapes and some hiking trails to enjoy, it also has plenty of photo opportunities and is much quieter due to the crowds.
The Maldives
The Problem: If not lying around endlessly, the Maldives can be isolating and boring. Thus, most activities at high-end resorts are expensive and offer very minimal adventure at a price.
Where to Go Instead: Bali, Indonesia. World-class beaches, lush rice terraces, and many cultural activities, such as yoga retreats and art galleries, are all more affordable.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Read More:
- Ultimate Guide To Picking The Best Travel Credit Card
- The 5 Best Budget Airlines in the United States
- 15 Best Countrıes to Vısıt in Afrıca
