Have you ever hyped yourself up for a vacation only to get there and wish you had just stayed home? It turns out, you aren’t alone. Tons of travelers are starting to skip over some of the most famous spots in America because they just aren’t worth the hassle anymore. Whether it’s because a simple burger costs way too much, the streets don’t feel safe at night, or the whole vibe just feels like a giant tourist trap, people are voting with their feet and choosing to go elsewhere.
In this post, we’re going to break down the 10 U.S. cities that travelers are now avoiding at all costs. We dug into recent surveys and reviews to find out exactly where the sparkle has faded and why visitors are regretting their trips. From overcrowded landmarks that look nothing like the photos to cities that drain your wallet faster than you can blink
Detroit, Michigan
Known as the Motor City, Detroit has a reputation that makes many travelers hit the brakes. For years, concerns about crime and the city’s economic troubles have been major red flags. Many people planning a trip look at reports and decide it’s just not worth the risk, worried about their safety and seeing neighborhoods still recovering from hard times.
Despite some cool street art and a deep musical history, most tourists aren’t convinced. A recent survey even named it the number one city people would rather skip. For the average vacationer, Detroit remains a place they’re more likely to see in a movie than visit in person, keeping it high on the list of places to avoid.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago might be famous for deep-dish pizza and tall buildings, but lately, it’s also becoming known for scaring visitors away. It recently took the silver medal in a contest nobody wants to win: being the second most avoided city in the country. Travelers are getting tired of feeling like their wallets are under attack every time they step outside. Between sky-high hotel rates and expensive tickets for fun activities, a weekend trip here can burn through your savings way faster than you expected.
Money isn’t the only issue keeping people away; safety is a huge worry too. Non-stop news stories about crime have damaged the city’s cool image, making tourists wonder if it’s totally safe to wander around downtown. Even though big attractions are still popular, many people who visited once say they aren’t rushing back anytime soon. The mix of feeling unsafe and paying a fortune to be there has turned this destination into
Atlanta, Georgia
In Atlanta, the biggest attraction might just be the brake lights of the car in front of you. This city has become famous for its epic traffic jams, which can turn a quick drive into a long, boring wait. Tourists find themselves spending more of their vacation stuck in a car than actually seeing the sights. The idea of navigating the city’s confusing and jam-packed highways is enough to make many people look for a getaway with less gridlock.
Another big complaint is that you can’t just walk around to see things. The city is super spread out, so getting from one cool place to another almost always requires a car. This lack of a walkable downtown area frustrates visitors who want to explore on foot. Instead of a fun adventure, a trip here can feel like a stressful driving test, convincing many travelers to steer clear of Atlanta altogether.
New York City, New York
The city that never sleeps is also becoming the city that never stops taking your money, and tourists have noticed. New York City’s reputation for being wildly expensive is a major turn-off. A simple weekend trip can cost as much as a full week’s vacation somewhere else, with the price of food, lodging, and activities reaching ridiculous levels. The sticker shock alone is enough to make many would-be visitors swipe left on the Big Apple and pick a destination that won’t destroy their budget.
Beyond the financial pain, the sheer number of people packed into every corner can be a massive headache. The constant crush of crowds makes getting around feel like a mission, draining the fun out of sightseeing. Many are deciding that the high stress and high prices just aren’t worth the experience. As a result, NYC is earning a new title: one of the most skipped-over cities for a chill vacation.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore is another city with a tough image that it can’t seem to shake. Years of crime-focused headlines have made many travelers hesitate before booking a trip. When planning a visit, people often worry about which neighborhoods feel safe and which ones they should avoid. That uncertainty pushes many travelers to choose a different destination altogether, one without the constant negative press.
Even with cool attractions like the Inner Harbor, the city’s bad reputation often wins out. While some visitors discover its historical charm and good food, a larger number of tourists are too nervous to give it a chance. For many, the potential risks just don’t seem worth it when there are so many other places to explore without the added stress.
Anaheim, California
Anaheim sits high on the “no-go” list for a lot of travelers, and it’s almost entirely because of Disneyland. While everyone dreams of visiting the famous theme parks here, the reality is hitting people’s wallets hard. Tickets have become incredibly pricey, with extra fees piling up just to skip long lines or get decent views. For many families, blowing thousands of dollars for a single day of rides feels less like magic and more like robbery.
The pain doesn’t stop at the park gates, either. Hotels and restaurants in the area have jacked up their rates, knowing tourists have few other options. A simple burger or a place to sleep near the action now costs a premium. Because of this, plenty of vacationers are deciding that the nostalgia just isn’t worth the massive expense, choosing to spend their break somewhere that won’t leave them
San Francisco, California
The City by the Bay is becoming a city to bypass for many vacationers. The main reason is that its famous charm is being overshadowed by big-city problems that make people feel uneasy. Tourists report feeling worried about safety in popular areas, with visible poverty and frequent car break-ins becoming a major concern. The once-carefree experience of exploring its hilly streets has been replaced by a need to stay constantly alert.
Adding to the problem is the outrageous cost of everything. You can expect to pay a small fortune for a hotel room, and even grabbing a quick bite to eat can seriously dent your budget. Many visitors are left feeling that the city is no longer worth the steep price, especially when the experience feels gritty and unsafe. As a result, travelers are choosing other destinations where they can get more fun for their money.
Austin, Texas
Austin gained fame for being a unique and quirky hangout, but lately, that reputation is working against it. The city has become so popular that the cool, easygoing atmosphere is often buried under huge crowds. During major festivals like South by Southwest, the streets are jam-packed, and everything from tacos to hotel rooms gets slapped with a crazy high price tag. Instead of enjoying the music scene, many visitors find themselves stuck in traffic or waiting in endless lines just to get anywhere.
Travelers are starting to feel that the hassle isn’t worth the hype anymore. The cost of visiting has jumped significantly, making it harder for people to have a good time without spending a fortune. Since other cities in Texas offer great food and entertainment for way less money and stress, lots of vacationers are choosing to skip Austin and head somewhere that feels a bit more authentic and affordable.
Miami, Florida
Miami’s reputation as a glamorous beach escape is fading for many tourists who now choose to avoid it. The city often feels like one giant tourist trap, especially in areas like South Beach where everything comes with a shocking price tag. From overpriced food to expensive chair rentals on the sand, visitors feel like they are constantly being overcharged. The famous party scene and beautiful beaches lose their appeal when it feels like the main goal is to drain every last dollar from your wallet.
Beyond the high costs, the experience itself can be disappointing. The beaches are often jam-packed, and aggressive vendors can make it hard to unwind. Many travelers leave feeling that the city is more interested in making a profit than in showing them a good time. For a vacation that is supposed to be about fun and sun, Miami often delivers more stress than satisfaction, leading people to look for other coastal getaways.
Dallas, Texas
Dallas rounds out the list of cities many travelers are skipping, and a big reason is that it’s almost impossible to get around without a car. Nothing seems to be close to anything else, so you can’t just walk from your hotel to a cool restaurant or museum. If you don’t have a car, you feel stuck, and if you do, you have to deal with confusing highways and endless driving through suburbs just to get from one place to another.
The city’s top attractions are spread out all over the area, which means a huge chunk of your vacation is spent just sitting in traffic. Instead of having fun, you are busy planning routes and driving between sights. Many tourists leave feeling frustrated that they wasted so much time behind the wheel instead of actually experiencing what the city has to offer.
When a Destination Loses Its Spark
It’s clear that a city’s cool reputation isn’t enough to guarantee a good time anymore. From wallet-draining prices to sketchy streets and massive crowds, a lot of famous destinations are losing their appeal. Vacation time is precious, and travelers are voting with their feet by skipping places that deliver more stress than fun. The message is simple: if a city feels unwelcoming or unsafe, people will find somewhere else to make their memories.
Thinking about which cities to avoid for a trip is one thing, but what about the places that could become impossible to live in? Some of the issues we’ve talked about are just the beginning of much bigger problems that scientists are warning about. To see which locations are facing serious long-term threats, check out our next story on the 10 U.S. Cities Experts Warn Could Become Unlivable by 2040 and find out if your hometown is at risk!