Few things in the world are worse than using your hard-earned money to travel to a place that doesn’t meet your expectations, not to mention wasting your precious vacation time. Unfortunately, many popular travel destinations do not deliver on the experience.
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Instead of visiting these disappointments, read on for a list of 10 popular travel destinations that are not worth it.
The Hollywood Sign, California
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Planning to see the Hollywood Sign up close? DO NOT DO IT. There are a few trails that take you closer to the sign, but they are not easy hikes. One of them is a 3 mile hike, while others are in the range of 5-6 miles. You’ll be disappointed you went through all that trouble, so instead go see other better things in the area.
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
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Mount Rushmore is iconic, but don’t get your hopes up. The site is way more crowded than you can imagine, and the monument is way smaller than most people expect. Getting up close to the monument is also a hassle.
The Alamo, Texas
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Remember the Alamo? You don’t need to. This place is severely overrated. You’d expect something huge and impressive, but the site is disappointingly small and lacks anything remarkable. With how large the crowd is, you can’t even appreciate the historical significance it has. Instead, check out the San Antonio area for places that are actually engaging and informative. It’s not even worth getting disappointed.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk, Arizona
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Of course we love all of the national parks in the United States, and we especially love the Grand Canyon, but we can also say the Grand Canyon Skywalk is pretty overrated. The ticket prices are crazy for what you actually get to see. Once you get there, there will most likely be crowds, and that will take away from the experience as well. Your time is super limited on the actual skywalk, and the views are not any better than any of the other views at the Grand Canyon, so you shouldn’t have to pay to go there. You can get the same views from the other side. If you want to actually experience the Grand Canyon instead of spending tons of money on the Skywalk, we suggest finding other ways to do so.
Times Square, New York
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“””Everyone talks about Times Square, so let’s start here. Driving through crowds and engaging with overly commercialized attractions in Times Square might not be the best way to experience the real New York City, even if the commercialized New York City experience can be bright and fun.”””
Niagra Falls, Niagara River
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Although some people find it difficult to appreciate Niagara Falls, there is no denying it is a natural wonder. The main reason people do not enjoy this attraction as much is because of the commercialization. The area has hotels, casinos, and other tourist traps that distract from the natural beauty of the falls. The volume of people who visit the falls in the peak season makes the experience feel crazy and chaotic. Niagara Falls is not the destination to have on your itinerary if you want to experience a natural environment.
The Seattle Space Needle, Washington
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Want to talk about the Seattle Space Needle? The iconic landmark has some crazy costs associated with it, so sticker shock is expected. The price of going up to the observation deck is steep given the views you receive in return. Other locations in Seattle have views that are just as good for much lower prices. If you are looking for some great views of the city for a low cost, skip the Space Needle and go to Kerry Park or the Columbia Center Observation Deck instead.
South Beach, Miami
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Image credit: Depositphotos.
You’ve heard of South Beach as a great ocean view and party spot. So have hundreds of other travelers. This area is very overcrowded and prices for everything skyrocket from accommodation to meals. Once you find a spot on the beach, the entire commercial and party-oriented zone can become very exhausting. If you want a more authentic and peaceful Miami experience, head to other neighborhoods and beaches where you can experience the lively local culture.
Bourbon Street, New Orleans
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Old New Orleans has authentic food and fantastic music and if you are planning a trip to New Orleans you are probably looking for the same. But to experience that, you will not be going to Bourbon Street. The constant noise, rowdy bars and people can drown out the rich cultural heritage of the city. The commercialization of Bourbon Street has resulted in a strip of souvenir shops, strip clubs, and other tourist traps.
Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
Apologies for the disappointment, but the views and lively atmosphere at the historic Waikiki Beach do not make up for the extreme number of beach visitors. It will become too difficult to find a tranquil spot to relax or quiet your mind once you arrive. The high number of visitors will naturally create a lack of personal space and constant pile-up of people. The commercialized Waikiki means high-rise hotels, chain restaurants, and souvenir shops. Therefore, little peace, culture and relaxation will be found here.
20 Thrilling Florida Vacation Spots
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Thinking about your next vacation? Let’s plan it in the warm state of Florida! This article outlines some of the best vacation spots in Florida. From Miami’s wild nightlife to Clearwater’s charming laidback vibes, fun awaits! Family-friendly activities, luxe experiences, or one-of-a-kind fun, there’s something for you! Pack your bags, fun in the sun is calling!
15 Virginia Vacation Spots Perfect For Exploring History
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This article is a guide to the best places to vacation in Virginia. Williamsburg has a lot of history and Shenandoah National Park is beautiful; both places are worth visiting. Virginia is packed with outdoor activities, but also great history and attractions.
Top 15 Ohio Vacation Spots: Vibrant Cities & Aesthetic Parks
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This is an article about places to vacation in Ohio. Some of the cities of the state, like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, are very lively, and also worth the visit. The Hocking Hills State Park is very nice, too. Prepare to enjoy all the diverse activities, and all the great places to eat.
Picturesque Lake And Mountain Top Views: 16 Michigan Vacation Spots
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This is an article about vacation spots in Michigan. There are outdoor areas to visit, and also romantic activities, and places to have fun with culture and team sports. Pictured Rocks is a nice national lakeshore to visit. You could also go to Ann Arbor, which is a pretty town.
