This was a difficult list to curate. The truth is, what may be overrated for one person might be a dream vacation – a special moment in time – for another. Still, travel is an investment, and we always want to make the most of our pre-planned getaways. If you’ve been on the fence about any of these tourist destinations, here’s why some people say, “Pass,” and head off in different directions.
Las Vegas, Nevada
The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas make it one of the most alluring hotspots on the planet. But that’s the key component that makes it overrated for some. If you’re not into a hot nightlife filled with gambling, celebrity shows, or thumping nightclubs, it might disappoint.
Still, if you find yourself in Vegas – it does have a nice restaurant scene – you can try to explore these 15 can’t-miss attractions that are not on the Strip.
Dubai, UAE
Are the Real Housewives of Dubai your guilty late-night pleasure? Don’t worry; we won’t tell. If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Dubai, know that you need to come with a bank account the size of the Real Housewives husbands.
With a heavy emphasis on commercialism and brand-name buying, this is only the place to come if you love the idea of spending a few weeks in overblown – and overpriced – malls.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame
Fancy a moment in time with the same star that Tom Cruise, Matthew McConaughey, or Denzel Washington touched? You might be better off just popping in one of your favorite films and cozying in for the night with some popcorn and a bottle of wine.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame tends to be overcrowded and overwhelming, making it difficult to even get a good shot of the star you have in mind. It’s also known to be rather unkempt, with too many vendors hawking too many cheap trinkets dressed up as souvenirs.
New York, New York
Some might say New York has a lot more history, art, and culture than Vegas, but a similar premise holds true. If you don’t enjoy walking at a fast clip, loud restaurants where you can hardly hear your own thoughts, or the sound of cars rushing by, New York City may feel like sensory overload for those who enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside.
The Statue of Liberty
In the big city, something tourists often dream about is a closeup of the Statue of Liberty. In truth, it often leaves people feeling disappointed. If you’re out there on a hot summer day, you’ll probably bake in the long lines to get to the top.
Then, when you finally arrive, the views are rather lackluster. Instead, you might spend the day on Governor’s Island, which does offer pretty panoramas of the city. In lieu of the Statue of Liberty, here’s a list of unforgettable things to do in New York City – and beyond.
The London Eye, London
Unfortunately, the London Eye often tops lists of overrated tourist attractions, as well. Some even go so far as to call it an eyesore, when it’s up against historical buildings like Big Ben and the London Bridge. Many also complain that it’s overpriced, on top of it all.
If you agree, there are countless other tourist attractions in the city with a much richer history. Instead, you might climb the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels or visit Westminster Abbey, where countless royal occasions have taken place.
As an alternative to the London Eye, here are 20 of the best royal attractions in London.
Venice, Italy
Venice may not deserve to be on this list. After all, it’s so unique and we may not have access to it forever. But, here’s the rub. In the summertime, it’s so overrun with tourists, it not only creates long lines wherever you go, but also jacks up the price tag on virtually everything.
If you go during peak season, you may come to the same conclusion. So, if it’s a must-see for you, consider coming on the shoulder or off-season.
The Louvre, Paris
Have you ever wondered about the appeal of the Mona Lisa? Why do people flock from all over the world to see that painting, in particular? It’s an interesting phenomenon. If you’ve traveled far and wide to see the Mona Lisa, or the Louvre, in particular, you may be disappointed by a few things.
First, the crowds around certain paintings make it virtually impossible to stop and give it a real study. Second, the museum itself is so expansive that it tends to feel like an overwhelming feat. Instead, you might opt for the smaller Musée d’Orsay or the Musée de l”orangie – equally impressive with far fewer feelings of overwhelm.
Walt Disney World, Florida
Like everything else on the list, this, too, is subjective. The trouble with Disney, though, is that the price tag on everything is incredibly inflated – from a bottle of water to a Mickey Mouse plushie. Not only do you need hundreds of dollars (for the theme parks alone – a stay at a resort will require thousands), you’ll be pushed around as seas of people try to navigate the park.
When you’re not being pushed around, you’ll also be standing in lines that can exceed 90 minutes for a few minutes on a ride. Oh, and don’t forget the fact that you’ll be profusely dripping sweat the entire time if you come during the summer.
Temple Bar, Dublin
There’s that quintessential red pub, The Temple Bar, that graces every photo of this corner of Dublin. But, it’s probably the most commercialized version of the rich culture that exists in Ireland – the live music, the superb pours of Guinness, the friendly people, and the lilting accent.
Instead, head straight out of Temple Bar – possibly even Dublin – and head to the west coast. There, you’ll find Galway City with far more homegrown pubs, authentic Irish music, and a quieter set of people on the streets of the Latin Quarter, particularly Quay Street – a pedestrian-only lane with oodles of pubs and eateries to choose from.
Here are ten alternative must-visit destinations in Ireland.
The Colosseum
There’s no denying the architectural feat that is the Roman Colosseum. How could something that old still be standing today? But, if you’re not a fan of long lines, pricey tour groups, and a feeling of being pushed through a tour, you might not like your experience inside the structure. Perhaps an evening photo at sunset will fit the bill?
There are plenty of other ways to wander in awe at ancient architecture without all the hubbub, including the Basilica of San Clemente, The Roman Houses of Celio, and Saint Peter’s Tomb, to name a few. Then, you can top off your day with an off-the-beaten-path hole-in-the-wall type of restaurant where you’ll probably have the best dish of your life.
Plymouth Rock
History buffs have been known to unite at Plymouth Rock. It is a pretty cool notion – this may be the first bit of land the settlers put their toes on after surviving their grueling journey to America. But, it must be said that, once you get there, it’s literally just a rock in the sand, surrounded by metal bars.
That’s perfectly fine; but, if you prefer something more interactive, you might want to tool around Boston to dip in and out of museums and walk the Freedom Trail, with plenty of other historical sights to see.
Have Fun Out There!
Whether you agree with this list or disagree wholeheartedly, it’s your vacation. You get to make the rules. But, if you’ve been on the fence about any of these destinations, know that that’s the rub. Typically, it boils down to long lines, robust crowds, and hefty price tags.
For more off-the-beaten-path suggestions, check out our destination guides. We craft them with cost-savings, safety, and individuality in mind. Here’s hoping we meet you roaming the streets of Rome someday, whether or not you’re headed for the Colosseum!