Unfortunately, all the most amazing geographical sites are swarming with people all year round; however, here are ten world-famous locations you should avoid if you wish to miss the selfie-stick-wielding masses.
1. Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain
“Lovely city, but everybody hypes up this one street that’s crowded full of people,” starts our first traveler. “It’s much more worth your time to stroll around the gothic neighborhood (Barrio Gótico) of the city rather than Las Ramblas.” Having been there, I will agree with this take. I love Barcelona, but Las Ramblas is full of scammers and pickpockets.
2. The Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand
“If you go to Bangkok and are on the way to the grand palace, you will encounter very friendly guys falsely telling you that the grand palace is closed due to some ceremonies,” warns a knowledgeable local. He then explains how the panhandlers will offer you tuk-tuk rides to another temple, then launch a series of money-spending detours such as tailors or emerald sellers. “If you refuse to buy anything, the friendliness changes.”
3. Niagara Falls, New York, USA
The falls attract over 20 million people yearly, which equates to roughly 55,000 per day, which is mind-boggling. The town of Niagara Falls has naturally become gentrified, overpriced, and overpopulated, too. However, crowd-shy humans might prefer crossing the border into Ontario and staying in Niagara-on-the-Lake — we can’t let a few tourists stop us from seeing this marvel.
4. Rome, Italy
The Romans would have wept had they seen what would eventually become of their shining city on seven hills. “Rome’s touristy areas are unbearable,” writes a former visitor. “Every single popular site or place features the same mob of sketchy and all-around annoying characters.”
5. The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
I like to call it the “Eyeful” Tower for its stark, brutalist, modern design that contrasts the surrounding city. Having gone through one close-up visit, I contend that high up the tower is a far greater feeling than looking at it. However, is it worth lining up for hours and surviving the annoying tourist groups to get your ticket that you can’t buy online anymore? No thanks.
6. Stonehenge, Salisbury Plain, England
Of course, to appreciate Stonehenge’s mysteries, all one needs to do is read up on its history and structure. However, visiting the monument is like any other tourist attraction: busy, overpriced, and underwhelming. Moreover, you can no longer approach and touch the rocks, which is no different from frequenting an art gallery. Imagine driving three hours from London to the middle of a field to look at a sculpture.
7. Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Yes, while most kids dream of spending time with Mickey and company, the reality for most parents is that they will spend a sizable chunk of their retirement on this holiday. I don’t look forward to lining up in the heat, walking a half-marathon, and dealing with a barrage of slow-moving, clueless tourists wearing Mickey’s ears.
8. Prague, Czech Republic
Of course, Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe; however, visitors warn about exchanging money or using certain ATMs. “In Prague, for example, some ATMs have as their default withdrawal amounts the equivalent of a month’s rent,” notes a one-time visitor. “Look up exchange rates before you get there, and use ATMs inside bank branches.”
9. Madame Tussauds, Anywhere
If you drive up Marylebone Road in North London, eventually, you pass Madame Tussauds, which for some strange reason, has a daily line of people extended around the block. This scene is usually the case in any Madame Tussauds. Although waiting times may be short, the attraction is invariably packed with the selfie-stick mob looking at the weird aberrations of celebrities nobody actually likes.
10. The Pyramids of Giza, Cairo, Egypt
Getting close to the Great Pyramid can be a testing experience for first-time visitors. Entry to all Pyramids is free, though local “guides” will try to sell you a VIP tour. Furthermore, taxi drivers extort you for unnecessary “secret entry” to the site, charging hundreds of dollars. You must see the Pyramids, though I would also recommend the more enjoyable Dahshur pyramid graveyard tour, where you get to see the Pyramid’s construction evolution before Giza was even a thing.
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