Don’t Waste Your Time Or Money Visiting These Famous Travel Destinations
There are many famous landmarks that we hear about and dream of adventuring to. They all just look so beautiful and magical in photographs, it's hard not to want to travel to all of the various exotic locales. Too bad not everything is what it seems and some of those famous places are actually very overrated when you see them in person.
Many of the travel hot spots that we read about are complete tourist traps, riddled with long lines and hefty price tags. Not to say some of these places aren't worth a quick glance, just don't get your hopes up when you can't see a statue over all the iPhones!
The Equator Monument In Ecuador Is Located At The Wrong Coordinates
We'd be lying if we said it wouldn't be cool to stand on the equator. Unfortunately, the place that is supposedly the equator is a false advertisement on Ecuador's part. If you look at a GPS, the coordinates for the Equator are actually 780-feet north of the monuments indicated line.
According to Amusing Planet, the land near it is crossed by a ravine and it is not suitable to hold a monument, so the builders chose a different location for the line. So, unless you want to visit the fake equator, we would say visit a different Ecuadorian monument.
There Is A Dark Underbelly In Phuket, Thailand
The land of smiles has a dark side, and it is called Patong Beach. While Thailand is beautiful, with its clear blue water and white sand beaches, Patong is another story altogether. This one city on the island of Phuket is the spot for nightclubs, bars, and overall mayhem.
Patong's famous street, Bangla Road, is known as a street that never sleeps, with girls dancing on tables and huge drinks for $2. It's no wonder people lose track of time while on the island. Needless to say, stay away from Bangla Road and try some of the fun boating excursions instead. Your wallet will thank you!
The Little Mermaid In Denmark Can Go On The Bottom Of Your "Must See" List
Granted, this is a free activity that won't take more than a few minutes out of your day, but it's still a bit overrated in our book. The Little Mermaid statue, constructed by Edvard Eriksen, is meant to depict a mermaid becoming human. Unfortunately, it is much tinier then you think, not to mention its literally just a statue sitting on a rock. Would you believe that it's only 4.1 feet tall?
The mermaid has been a tourist destination since its unveiling in 1913. In recent years, it has been the target of many vandals. Which is why the original piece is now locked away, leaving a replica in its place.
Explore This Country And Not The Red Light District
Ever since the Dutch legalized prostitution in 2000, the Red Light district in Amsterdam has become a hot tourist attraction. But with the legalization comes the concern for crime rings, such as trafficking. Because of this, the district isn't what we would call safe, even though it is always occupied with tourists.
If you feel like seeing the infamous district, think about going during the day. There will still be people milling about! Not to mention, at night, everything starts to look the same on each block anyway. Girls on corners and bars behind every door. Maybe think about sticking to the countryside instead!
The Great Pyramids Are Not Worth The Mean Vendors
Where do we start with the Great Pyramids? Aside from the fact that Cairo has air pollution levels that have the potential to leave you very sick, the pyramids are a disappointing tourist attraction. Even though it's considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the pyramids are crowded and the vendors will bother you to the point of harassment.
While reviewers of the attraction say that the pyramids are totally worth it, they say that the issue lies with the tour guides and gangs of badgering people. It's not the pyramids that are overrated but more so what you have to go through to see them.
Stonehenge Might As Well Be A Weird Pile Of Rocks
Stonehenge is another tourist location that has lost all sense of historical significance throughout the years due to overcrowding and restrictions. If you're not able to get up close and personal to the weird probably alien-made stone circle then what's the point?
From where tourists are allowed to stand, the structure looks pretty ordinary. Just a bunch of rocks that are standing up at weird angles. TripAdvisor has also rated the location as one of the most overrated tourist attractions in the world. We might want to take their advice on this one and try visiting a different location in England.
Cancun, Mexico, Is No Longer A Good Spring Break Option
The only reason there will ever be to visit Cancun, Mexico, is if it's suddenly the year 2000 against and you are in college and back on spring break. Even then it's very questionable. In the past year, there has been a significant uptick in violence in Cancun, with a startling 118% increase in the homicide rate in 2017, according to Business Insider.
Aside from the violence, Cancun has a lack of locals, which is always off-putting when it comes to foreign destinations. And if you're like us, you're going to Mexico for some good food. That won't happen in Cancun where it's always MTV's Spring Break.
The Leaning Tower Of Pisa In Italy Is Best Viewed From Afar
Constructed on August 9, 1173, the Learning Tower of Pisa is a freestanding bell tower of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa. The tower is famously known for one thing, its nearly four-degree lean that is a result of its unstable foundation.
If you're in the business of needing something to do in the city of Pisa, but all means, wait in line and spend money to walk up the slanted tower. And good luck trying to find an empty piece of land on the grass to take a "fixing the tower" picture. The area is always overcrowded with tourists pining for the best picture angle.
Mykonos Is An Overrated And Overpriced Party
Hoping to get good price deals out of Greece's economic crisis, tourists have been flocking to the country in droves. In 2018, the country welcomed more than 27 million tourists, which is great until you realize what that kind of crowd does to an island.
Mykonos is one of the islands that is feeling the effects of the tourist numbers. The island has become known for its "party culture," thank you LiLo, and is now plagued by poor transportation, pickpockets, and over-the-top hotel prices and restaurants. If you want to visit Greece, we would definitely recommend steering clear of Mykonos.
The Blue Lagoon, Drindavik, Iceland Isn't Worth The Crowd
The geothermal spas of Iceland's Blue Lagoon is an overrated tourist attraction. Although the lagoon looks beautiful and relaxing, it's just the opposite. Because the attraction is known as a must-see tourist spot, people swarm the area.
What first started off as a hit with the locals in 1976, has quickly become a booming industry that thrives off of gullible tourists. Whoever thought to charge people to partake in nature is either an evil genius or just plain evil. The drive to get to the spa is also 40 minutes, meaning you could be doing something a bit more valuable! Go to a spa when you get home.
The Eiffel Tower Doesn't Show The Best View
If you could get to the top of the Eiffel Tower without waiting in line for hours, then we probably wouldn't be mentioning it right now. Alas, the famous building in Paris, France, is another tourist attraction that will take away your entire day and half a paycheck.
The trip to the top of the tower is not only expensive, but it's also not worth the view. Who wants a view without the Eiffel Tower in it? The general rule of thumb when it comes to this travel destination is that the tower looks pretty from afar and not when you're looking down from it.
Harbour Bridge, Sydney, Is An Overpriced Climbing Venture
Built in 1923, the Sydney Harbor Bridge is a heritage-listed steel through arch bridge that spans across Sydney Harbour. The thing is, the Harbour Bridge is just that, a bridge. And you don't travel to Sydney, Australia to see a bridge. Although it's a famous bridge it's nothing to waste your day over.
The bridge climb is also going to set you back a few hundred dollars. Where the one and a half hour climb is $124, the three and a half hour climb is $224. That's a lot of money for a view that is not all that great.
The Louvre Is Best Viewed From The Outside
So, you probably recognize the Louvre Museum because you're either a huge art history nut or you've watched the Da Vinci Code one too many times. The art museum was established in 1793 and is home to some of the most famous pieces of artwork ever, including the Mona Lisa.
We hate to tell you this, but visiting the Louver is vastly overrated. You're better off looking up pictures of all of the famous pieces online because you're never getting close enough to see them inside. The place is always at maximum capacity to the point where you can't move. Unless your an art historian dreaming of a visit, it's simply not worth the money.
Romeo and Juliet's Balcony Is A Stone Wall Of Germs
This is one of those tourist attractions that you can't help but think is ingenious. The owner literally took a fictional story, found a balcony in Verona, Italy, that the story could potentially be set around, and they are now having people pay a lot of money to see it. The destination is very overrated though.
Aside from the cost to see the balcony, it is also a health hazard. People will write love letters to Juliet, asking for advice and what have you, and because no one has tape in their bags, tourists decide to stick the letters on the wall of the balcony with gum. Gross.
Good Luck Finding A Spot On The Sand At Bondi Beach
What used to be a beautiful white sand beach with lovely water has turned into a tourist hot spot. Let's do some math real fast, Australia's Bondi Beach is about 0.62 miles long and attracts more than two million people per year. There is definitely something wrong with those numbers.
Although it is said to be a great beach, you're better off talking to the locals and finding out where some of the area's hidden beaches are located. That way, you get more of a cultural experience while still getting in your beach hours. There will also be less worry about someone stealing your stuff while you're in the water!
Bran Castle Is A Dracula Castle Wannabe
There's a lot to be said about Romania's natural beauty, but when it comes to Bran's Castle, the beauty falls short. The castle is a national monument and landmark on the Transylvanian side of the historical border with Wallachia. Interestingly enough, outside of Romania, the castle is known as Dracula's Castle, even though Bram Stoker is said to have known nothing of its existence.
Unfortunately, the castle is a tourist trap. Even though you're allowed inside, the sheer number of tourists makes it hard to navigate the famous building's corridors. Your time is better spent exploring the beautiful landscape around the castle.
Hobbiton Is Nothing More Than A Movie Set
Unless you're a huge Lord of the Rings fan, the fictional town of Hobbiton in New Zealand is overrated and costly. The make-believe town is located in the middle of a field and is literally a plot of fake buildings. But if you're into visiting film sets then this might very much be worth your while.
There are guided tours available, which are very popular and run for two and a half hours. The highlights include Bagshot Row, the Party Tree, and Bilbo's Bag End home. There are also 44 hobbit holes on the property, with a few that you can enter.
The Temple Bar District Is A Tourists Trap
The Temple Bar District is an area on the south bank of the River Liffey in central Dublin, Ireland. The area is advertised as Dublin's "cultural quarter," as a center for the city's nightlife, and as a tourist hot spot.
Pretty much, The Temple Bar District is a tourist trap for foreigners who don't know any better. If you want to see a pub every few feet, this is where you go, but the area is not what Dublin or the country is about. As a place that locals avoid, by all means, we find it not worth the time, trouble, or cost.
Loch Ness Is Better Left As A Mythical Place
Loch Ness is a large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands. It is also the home of the infamous monster, Nessie. Although there are tours who try and "catch the monster," her existence has actually never been proven by scientists because she's a myth.
So you'd basically be paying for a boat trip for an hour or so around the loch, only to end up in a souvenir shop. Can we recommend some other activities instead, since you're in the Highlands? Your time is better spent exploring the Monadhliath Mountains, one of the most beautiful ranges in the world.
Don't Waste Your Money On The CN Tower's View
The CN Tower is a concrete communications and observation tower located in downtown Toronto, Canada. It held the record for the world's tallest free-standing structure for 32 years, being surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in 2007. It now stands at number nine.
Like all observation towers, the view comes with a long line of people and a chunk of change coming out of your bank account. Many say that it's not worth it because the view is usually obscured by fog and clouds. You're better off exploring the city and getting a picture of the cityscape from the other side of Lake Ontario.
Kiss The Blarney Stone And Get Sick
The Blarney Stone in Ireland was built into a tower of Blarney Castle in 1446. Unfortunately, the landmark is a very overrated travel destination riddled with germs. Kissing the stone is a centuries-old tradition, supposedly giving the kisser the gift of articulateness and persuasiveness. In order to get to the stone, you have to climb up over 100 steps.
So, if you don't believe in the legend, it's probably not worth the walk. That being said, we also don't think it's worth coming down with some horrible disease because you kissed a stone that who knows how many other people have kissed over the years.
Dubai Is Too Expensive For A Casual Getaway
Although the city is known to be super cool and futuristic, it's also one of the hottest places on the planet, and it's filled with sand, dust, skyscrapers, and way too much glass. The city almost looks fake because of all of the architectural advances it has over Western countries.
Aside from the great views from the top of Burj Khalifa, Dubai is one of the most expensive places in the world. We don't know about you, but we don't like to break the bank when we go on vacation. Maybe stick to YouTube videos and pictures of Dubai, only visiting once you join the millionaires club.
The Harrods Department Enforces A Dress Code
Harrods is a department store located in Knightsbridge, London, England and owned by the state of Qatar. The luxury department store not only has you spending all your hard-earned money in a matter of minutes but it also enforces a dress code for anyone who enters.
Forget the money aspect because you can always walk around a department store and just look, but a dress code for a store? We understand a dress code if its the opera or something similar, but one for a store is going over our heads. That is some bougie nonsense that no one should have to deal with while traveling!
The View From The Reichstag Isn't Worth The Long Lines
The Reichstag is a historic parliament building in Berlin, Germany, that was constructed to house the Imperial Diet of the German Empire. After World War II, the house was no longer used, only being fully restored in 1990 by architect Norman Foster. Now, it is a popular tourist attraction, mainly due to the large glass dome on the very top of the building.
Although the dome gives a 360-degree view of Berlin, it is crowded and there are always long lines. If you are interested in a panoramic view, go to the 25-story tower of Panoramapunkt. It's not only a bit higher than Reichstag, but there will be fewer people.
The Parthenon Is Pretty Bare Bones
Dedicated to the goddess Athena, The Parthenon is a former temple on the Athenian Acropolis, Greece. The temple was constructed in 447 BC when the Athenian Empire was at its peak power and is considered to be the most important surviving building in Greece.
Today, it is considered to be a tourist trap. Many of the best sculptures that used to reside in The Parthenon have been moved to the British Museum in London, so to better preserve them. Also, in hopes to restore the temple to some of its former glory, it has been under construction for many years. So the views aren't spectacular.
Only Abstract Art Lovers Will Enjoy Tate St Ives
Tate St Ives, is an art gallery in St Ives, Cornwall, England, exhibiting modern British artists with ties to the area. The gallery was built between 1988 and 1993, shutting down in 2015 after receiving funding to expand the building and then reopening in 2017.
The thing is that the gallery did not get the best reviews. One TripAdvisor reviewer, says, "If abstract art is your thing fine, but if not don't bother. It's all the same, it looks like it was painted by an 8-year-old or by someone who tried painting people but found they couldn't do hands!" That review, among others, isn't making us want to buy a gallery ticket.
Unfortunately, The Public Beaches In Jamaica Are Very Dirty
The Caribbean island of Jamaica is a landscape full of beaches, rain forests, and mountains. A pretty great place for those with an adventurous soul! Unfortunately, this travel destination is very overrated. Jamaica is known for its beautiful scenery, but that doesn't mean that it's all gorgeous.
The public beaches can be very dirty. They only have a few garbage bins on the sand, so the garbage piles up without anyone willing to clean up the mess in a timely fashion. It seems as though the cities care more about keeping the resort beaches clean rather than the public beaches tourists don't visit as often.
Manneken Pis Is A Tiny Statue Behind A Wall Of Tourists
Manneken Pis is a landmark in Brussels, depicting a naked little boy who is relieving himself into the fountain's basin. The bronze statue was designed by Jerome Duquesnoy the Elder and put in place in either 1618 or 1619. It is meant to be symbolic of the people of Brussels' sense of humor and their independence of mind.
The statue is a popular tourist attraction, so you'd also be fighting a crowd to see a replica. The original was stolen and recovered too many times and therefore it now resides in the Museum of the City of Brussels. Our recommendation would be to go to the museum instead!
You're Better Off Walking Than Taking The Tourist Train Of Montmartre
Montmartre, Paris, France is known for being the place where many famous artists lived and worked, such as Pablo Picasso. It is located on a 430-foot high hill in Paris' 18th arrondissement. Since the little city is on a very large hill, it only makes sense for people to want to take a transportation tour, as the tourist train of Montmartre, Paris, France.
The thing is, you lose all of your freedom once you hop on the train. You're better off exploring the quirky little town on foot. Not to mention, the more you walk the more room you leave for French bread and cheeses!
Visiting The Taj Mahal Is An Exhausting Experience
"Place of Position of the Crown," known to most as the Taj Mahal, is an ivory-white marble mausoleum. The large structure was commissioned in 1632 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Although the Taj Mahal is considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World, we still think its an overrated travel destination. By the time you make your way through the security lines and then the massive crowds, you're too tired to enjoy any of the stunning architecture. Also, foreigners' entry fees are much pricier than locals. So that's just unfair.
