12 Places Americans Are Dying to Visit, But Should Probably Avoid
Traveling is exciting but some places can be more hassle than happiness. Americans, like travelers from anywhere, are attracted to gorgeous places all over the world, but not all of the hotspots live up to their postcard perfect image. Some are too crowded, some are too expensive, or even unsafe. Something about these spots though, seems to keep calling.
So here are a dozen destinations Americans dream about, but are disappointed that the reality might not be as magical as they hoped. We’ll unpack a few reasons why they aren’t all they are hyped to be and why locals avoid them.
Paris, France
Paris is undoubtedly one of the most romanticized cities and for many visitors, it doesn’t live up to the fairy tale. Tourists experience inflated prices and long, frustrating waits at the Eiffel Tower. Everything from a cup of coffee to a small pastry might cost you more than you imagined. Parisians are famous for their love-hate relationship with their city’s tourist attractions and chilly reception. Also, famous landmarks are a common hangout for pickpockets, so the charm of Paris wears thin pretty fast.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is known for its iconic white buildings and blue domed churches, but it’s a picture perfect paradise until you get stuck in a sea of tourists. Hopping on and off cruise ships every day, particularly during peak season, hundreds of travelers overwhelm the narrow streets of the island. Hotels and restaurants here are expensive and locals avoid popular spots like Oia at sunset. If you’re looking for a more laid back Greek experience, nearby islands like Naxos or Paros are less crowded.
Times Square, New York City
Any New Yorker will tell you to avoid Times Square. The sensory overload of neon lights, enormous crowds, and honking taxis isn’t something you want to spend a lot of time in. Locals prefer to stay away and let the tourists soak up the flashing billboards and giant Elmos. Dining here is notoriously pricey and the food quality can be hit or miss.
Venice, Italy
Venice’s canals and gondolas are enchanting, but overtourism has made it a nightmare. As tourists pack in during peak season, the narrow streets and bridges can be a little claustrophobic. The prices are high and many restaurants pile on some extra charges if you sit at the table, and in some parts of the world, the quality can be compromised. Also, the city is beginning to suffer because of the increase of tourists, resulting in resentment from Venetians who increasingly complain that their home is being overrun.
Machu Picchu, Peru
It’s been on many people’s bucket lists, but getting there is no small feat. The train ride to Machu Picchu is long and bumpy and the bus ride up a winding mountain road is the same. You’ll probably be greeted by thick crowds, especially in peak season, so you may not enjoy the view peacefully. On top of that, visitors can feel light-headed and exhausted from the altitude. If you must visit, go prepared for the physical challenge ahead along with several visitors.
Los Angeles – Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is glamorous, but most visitors are disappointed by its unglamorous appearance. Souvenir shops, impersonators in superhero costumes and even a few panhandlers make up the area. The stars themselves are often dirty or cracked and there’s little of the glitz and glamor one might expect. The area is rarely visited by locals, unless they’re showing a guest around, and they usually advise skipping it altogether.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Skyscrapers and lavish shopping malls are the hallmarks of Dubai, but there’s a side of the city that tourists don’t always see. There is of course a glitz and glamor but with strict rules that can feel a bit limiting for travelers who aren’t familiar with local customs. The shopping scene is huge, but prices are steep, especially for luxury brands, and outdoor activities are too hot to handle for much of the year. The city’s laws are also unique, so tourists must be careful about what behavior is acceptable in the city.
The Great Wall, China
The Great Wall of China is a wonder of the world, but getting there can be difficult. The Badaling section is the most popular, and usually very crowded, especially on weekends. The climb itself can be tough, and the weather is anything from freezing in winter to hot and humid in summer. The view is incredible once you’re there, but it’s difficult to appreciate it when you’re being shoved by hundreds of other people taking selfies. Mutianyu or Jinshanling are more preferred by locals for those less crowded parts of the Wall.
The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Pyramids are awe-inspiring, but the reality can be a little bit overwhelming. The relentless heat isn’t the only thing tourists complain about: They also say they’re pressured by vendors selling souvenirs and camel rides. The crowds can be intense, too, and personal space is hard to come by. Pyramids may disappoint those who had an idea of a serene experience, however they remain a marvel of architecture. Pack lots of sunscreen and patience.
Rome’s Trevi Fountain, Italy
For many visitors to Rome, the Trevi Fountain is a must see, but crowds make it difficult to enjoy. People jostle for a good photo or a chance to toss a coin into the water around the fountain, which is often shoulder to shoulder. Here pickpockets are common, and local authorities have banned eating and loitering around the fountain. It’s beautiful to see, but the experience can feel more like a cattle call than a romantic outing.
Maya Bay, Thailand
Maya Bay had been a tranquil cove until it starred in a Hollywood film making it a target for tourism. However, the popularity has caused environmental damage, and authorities have had to close access for long periods. The small beach is still overwhelmed by the number of tourists even after reopening. Other islands like Phi Phi Leh nearby also suffer from the same problem. If you want a more peaceful experience consider visiting some of Thailand’s lesser-known beaches.
Copacabana Beach, Brazil
Copacabana’s culture is famous for being vibrant, but it might not be as glamorous as it seems. The beach is usually filled with people selling everything from souvenirs to bikinis. The waters can be rough and petty theft is a known issue. Rio locals, or Cariocas, often prefer other nearby beaches like Ipanema or Leblon, where the atmosphere is a bit more relaxed and there’s more space to spread out. Copacabana is beautiful in photos, but the reality is not quite as idyllic.
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
