“It looked better on Instagram than when I was there,” said Freshman William Washington who traveled to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. These are the top ten most overrated vacation spots you should avoid this summer!
10. Hawaii- Hawaii is a dream for some, but expenses and excessive tourism make people wish they never went. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hawaii is one of the most expensive United States destinations with Honolulu at the top.
9. Dubai- Dubai is a luxurious modern time city, but some travelers say it doesn’t feel authentic. According to BBC Travel, “Dubai can feel like a carefully constructed experience rather than an organic city” (bbc.com). When people realize this, it can easily lead to disappointment.
8. Santa Monica Pier- If you’re from California, you know how popular Santa Monica is, but you might not know it doesn’t live up to social media’s standards. According to the Los Angeles Times, “Crowds at the pier can make the experience feel congested and overwhelming” (latimes.com). This might make your stay less enjoyable.
7. Cancun- With its beauty aside, tourism often takes away from its authenticity. In the 1970s, Cancun was built to be specifically a destination spot by the Mexican government and according to Britannica, the purpose of it is to be a tourist spot, making it a money grab (britannica.com).
6. Miami- It’s reputation for its crazy night life and pretty beaches can build excitement, but its cost and large crowds can let you down. According to Forbes, “Miami is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., with high costs for visitors, especially in tourist-heavy areas” (forbes.com). Consistently, Miami is ranked as one of the most expensive U.S. cities to visit.
5. Paris- Although it is seen as the city of love, according to BBC, “Paris suffers from over tourism, with major attractions often overcrowded, especially during peak seasons” (bbc.com). With all of its crowds and long lines, famous landmarks can become stressful.
4. Las Vegas- While the strip’s flashy appeal may be exciting, many visitors believe Vegas can easily become overwhelming. According to a travel website, “Las Vegas can overwhelm visitors with its sensory overload – bright lights, crowds, and constant noise” (lonelyplanet.com). Vegas can become too much very fast.
3. Disneyland Park- Some people think it is “The happiest place on Earth” but others believe it is not worth all the hype. According to the Los Angeles Times, the overpriced tickets to the long wait-times, people begin to question the parks’ worth (latimes.com).
2. Hollywood Walk of Fame- Tourists go to the Hollywood Walk of Fame expecting to see their favorite actor’s names, then end up being let down. “Visitors are often surprised by the crowded and commercialized atmosphere surrounding the Walk of Fame,” said Lonely Planet (lonelyplanet.com).
1. Times Square- Finally, Times Square in New York is one of the most visited places in the whole world, but many say it does not live up to the high expectations. With at least 50 million visitors every year and, “is often packed with tourists, making it difficult to navigate and enjoy,” according to the Times Square website (timessquarenyc.com). This stress overload can make it hard to enjoy your time there.