We all dream about those bucket list trips, but sometimes the actual visit just does not match the hype at all. I have talked to so many travelers who came home feeling totally let down by famous spots they spent ages saving up for. Let us look at eight popular destinations that have been seriously disappointing visitors lately and pushing them to plan their next vacation somewhere completely different.
The Mona Lisa Room at the Louvre
To be in a large crowd only to be able to see a small painting behind several layers of glass is, frankly, unimposing to most of the people. According to visitors, the hurried two minute glimpse seems to be nothing like the magic art experience they had envisioned.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame
Instead of the glitz of the old Hollywood, people get themselves a very congested sidewalk complete with dirty stars and pushy costumed actors. The entire strip is not even reminiscent of what the movies and tourists frequently leave behind as pretty bummed out.
The Little Mermaid Statue in Copenhagen
This iconic statue of bronze is much smaller than the pictures make it appear and is clumsily placed in a few rocks on a busy highway. The majority of the visitors just take one fast photo and leave without even knowing why he/she even came there.
Times Square in New York City
The bright billboards look amazing in films but in person it is mostly chain restaurants, costumed performers asking for tips, and crowds so thick you can barely walk through them comfortably.
Stonehenge on a Rainy Day
You take hours of your time driving through the English countryside, only to discover a roped off circle of stones that you cannot get anywhere near. Visitors claim that the visitor center is in fact more interesting than the real ancient monument itself.
The Spanish Steps in Rome
Sitting on the steps to enjoy a gelato is not allowed anymore and officers will fine you on the spot. Visitors get a quick photo and leave feeling like the romantic Roman vibe was completely missing from the experience.
Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts
History fans travel from far away expecting a grand monument and instead see a small chunk of rock sitting in a pit behind a fence. The whole stop is usually over in about ninety quick seconds.
The Manneken Pis in Brussels
This small statue is among the most photographed locations in Belgium yet is actually small and squashed into a tight street corner. The number of people around the small fountain invariably shock the tourists.
Doing a Bit of Smarter Trip Planning
One of the best things to do before booking is to read the candid reviews of actual travelers and not slick travel advertisements or flawless Instagram posts. There are also times when the best journeys occur when you do not visit the popular locations but rather visit some of the quieter neighborhoods instead.
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