Disappointing Travel Destinations That Fail to Live Up to the Hype
Ever thought that some travel destinations are just too good to be true? You’re indeed on the money. This list of 15 hyped travel spots might not live up to your expectations, yet they offer an unexpected charm that can redefine your take on the picture perfect.
Milford Sound, New Zealand
The Milford Sound is jaw-droppingly beautiful if you manage to visit on a clear day. Unfortunately, it’s one of the wettest places on earth, experiencing rainfall around 182 days of the year (on average.) If it’s cloudy, you may not be able to see the impressive landscapes and thundering waterfalls this place is famous for.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Greek Islands. Unfortunately, the island suffers from over-tourism because of its popularity and can get very crowded. This is especially true during the summer (June to September) when popular viewpoints and attractions become gridlocked with people.
Taj Mahal, India
Despite being a world wonder, the Taj Mahal has left many travelers feeling underwhelmed. Not only does this iconic landmark get very crowded, but there’s often lots of rubbish on the floor. The Taj Mahal has also suffered environmental damage from air pollution, which has led to some discoloration of the marble.
Alaska, the United States
Famed for its epic landscapes, national parks, and wildlife, the state of Alaska has so much to offer. However, if you’re visiting during the summer (especially mid-June to late July), you may encounter hordes of mosquitos and black flies. These can quickly put a dampener on your trip if you’re not prepared.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is a dream destination for sure, thanks to its iconic attractions, desert adventures, and shopping opportunities. However, this city experiences extreme heat, especially during the summer. In August, the average daily maximum temperature is 111.2°F (44°C), so you’ll likely struggle when spending time outdoors. As such, many people choose to stay inside.
Iceland
Iceland is considered one of the best places in the world to spot the Northern Lights. However, conditions need to be perfect, as you’ll need clear skies and pleasant weather. Many travelers also stick to exploring Rekyavik, and due to light pollution, it’s uncommon to spot the Northern Lights here. As such, many people leave Iceland feeling disappointed!
Louvre, Paris
The Louvre is one of the most iconic attractions in Paris, as so many people want to see the Mona Lisa. However, the room is relatively small and gets crowded. As it’s so busy, sometimes you can only spot this iconic painting from the back of the room. The Mona Lisa will likely be blocked by dozens of cell phones too as people take photographs.
Yellowstone National Park, United States
Yellowstone is one of the most-visited national parks in the United States. Attracting 3-4 million people every year, this park can get very busy, so you may struggle to get a good view of the popular sites. It’s also frustrating to see so many people’s disregard for nature, especially when it comes to throwing rubbish and walking off the boardwalks.
China
With its huge cities, dramatic natural landscapes, and ancient sites, China is at the top of many bucket lists. Unfortunately, air pollution in this county is crazy, causing around 2 million deaths per year. Large cities such as Shijiazhuang, Baoding, and Beijing tend to be the worst affected.
The Dead Sea, Asia
Floating in the Dead Sea is a must for many, making it a dream destination. However, people are often left disappointed upon their visit. This is due to the size, as it’s smaller than you would believe. The Dead Sea has also been continuously shrinking since 1960.
Oxford Street, London
Oxford Street is the busiest shopping street in Europe, attracting over 200 million people every year. No matter when you visit, it always seems crowded. However, it’s especially busy during the festive season, when it can be a struggle to even walk down the street leaving many tourists feeling frustrated.
The Egyptian Pyramids
Although the Egyptian Pyramids are a true wonder to behold, the sheer amount of scammers in this area can really put you off. This includes everything from fake tour guides to expensive camel rides, so you’ll need to have your wits about you. Pickpockets are also rife in this area so it’s best to visit with a local guide.
Machu Picchu, Peru
There’s no denying that Machu Picchu is impressive on a clear day. Unfortunately, this iconic landmark is notorious for its clouds. So much so, that you may not even be able to see the ancient Incan citadel. For those who have hiked the Inca trail to get here, it’s especially disappointing.
The Scottish Highlands, Scotland
The Scottish Highlands is one of the most magical places on earth. Unfortunately, for those visiting in late spring/summer, you’ll likely encounter midges. These pesky flies are ruthless and many people choose to wear head nets to avoid getting bitten. The weather can also be really unpredictable in the highlands!
Barcelona, Spain
As one of the most popular destinations in Spain, the city of Barcelona has a lot to offer. Unfortunately, scammers and pickpockets are rife in certain areas, specifically Las Ramblas. This street can get crazy busy, and due to the crowds, it’s relatively easy for somebody to slip their hands into your pocket.
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.