12 Overcrowded Tourist Traps That Aren’t Worth Your Time

While the internet has made it extra easy for us to book our holidays, there is a dark side to this too. With so many people now able to travel, some areas have become so touristic that they have lost their initial authenticity and beauty. Sometimes, it is enough for one post or photo to go viral on social media to destroy entire villages due to the huge influx of tourists heading to these once-unknown places. Knowing which areas you should stay away from is crucial to avoid ruining your holiday and becoming part of the problem. Here are 12 tourist traps you’d better ditch from your bucket list.

Venice

This marvelous city created on the water is now entirely built for tourists. While some locals still inhabit this area, the truth is that you will probably have to move somewhere else to have a truly authentic Italian experience. Some suggestions? Visit the town of Matera in the south, head to the Langhe region for some delicious wine, or go to the Alps if you love hiking.

Times Square

We’ve all seen Times Sqare in plenty of American movies and series. The massive building and many huge screens in this square are well impressed in our memory, making us want to visit this famous area in person. But is it worth it? Most people believe that it isn’t. Tourists consistently crowd Times Square, and prices here are way more expensive than in the rest of the city.

Ha Long Bay

Ha, Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most popular sites, thanks to the marvelous rocks emerging from the emerald water typical of this area. However, the many boats carrying thousands of tourists to this site every day have ruined the experience for most and damaged the delicate ecosystem of this land. It may be better to just watch pictures of this site until the situation doesn’t improve.

Las Vegas Strip

The famous Las Vegas strip is probably the most highly commercialized atmosphere in the entire country. This stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard is home to plenty of hotels, resorts, and casinos, having everything that tourists eager to waste money tend to look for. While it may be great for them, if you don’t love betting and prefer to immerse yourself in local cultures, this may not be the ideal place for you.

Amsterdam

Unfortunately, the thousands of tourists heading to Amsterdam every year to party have made this once marvelous city way too touristy for people to enjoy. While living here may be a great experience, visitors are often disappointed by their holiday. If you truly want an authentic Dutch experience, opt for nearby cities such as Haarlem or Leiden. You surely fall in love with these charming cities.

Dubai

While this is the perfect spot for those wanting the most luxurious experience, we strongly believe that Dubai has nothing to offer tourists eager to immerse themselves in a different culture. Everything there is to see here are massive malls and luxurious stores. If you truly want a real glimpse of Arabic culture, opt for Oman or Jordan, the perfect place to learn everything about Arabic traditions and lifestyles.

The Pyramids of Giza

It’s indisputable. The pyramids of Giza are a marvelous creation, proving that ancient civilizations were way more resourceful than we tend to think. Unfortunately, while a visit to this site a hundred years ago may have been spectacular, today, most travelers are disappointed by the experience due to the huge number of tourists found here and the massive city of Cairo serving as a background.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is another site worth visiting in the past, but mass tourism has destroyed it. Nowadays, there is no way to visit this amazing area without hundreds of people crowding every corner. Luckily, plenty of other sites in Peru are worth visiting. Some of our favorites include the Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman and Humantay Lake. You will surely love these sites.

Santorini

Santorini is one of the most popular islands in Greece, yet its popularity has ruined this once wonderful destination. With so many visitors heading to this place every year, getting an authentic experience is impossible. Luckily, there are plenty of other less-touristic islands worth visiting. Some of our favorites include Folegandros, Kimolos, Milos, and Syros, to mention a few.

Niagara Falls

Located between Canada and the USA, Niagara Falls is incredibly popular among tourists, and for good reasons. That being said, while the site is magnificent, everything surrounding it seems to be devised to get as much money from you as possible. This is why so many tourists end up regretting their trip to this scenic place and prefer to visit other attractions in the USA.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is an impressive site, but the number of tourists crowding it yearly makes it almost impossible for people to enjoy their trip here. If you are interested in massive structures that are thousands of years old, we highly suggest Brú na Bóinne in nearby Ireland. This site is way older than Stonehenge, and while you will surely find tourists, the number will be way lower, allowing you to enjoy your experience.

Marrakesh

Marrakesh is one of the worst cities in Morocco for visitors. Despite having plenty of Mosques and other sites worth visiting, mass tourism is so intense that the whole city will give you the impression of stepping into a country entirely created for tourists. The positive news is that this is not true for every city in the country. Try to opt for other places, such as Fes, where tourists are present but not predominant.