No matter who you are or where you live in the world, there are certain travel destinations that virtually every person on Earth wants to visit. Some of them are, of course, worth the expense and the time. However, there are some destinations that endure in popularity, despite the fact that these are the worst places to travel and often leave lots to be desired.
Think you might have an idea of the kinds of places we’re talking about? Well, we’ve collected a list below of the 22 worst places to travel in the world that everyone still visits. We’ve got locations from all over the world, maybe even some you’re considering seeing yourself! For example, we’ve got a noted Southern California hot spot, as well as two things that virtually every visitor to New York City feels as if they have to do but in reality are the worst tourist attractions.
Save yourself the pain and aggravation of having a less than excellent vacation! Check out this list of the worst places to visit in the world that everyone still frequents, and make sure that none of them are on your list! (Although, there’s something to be said for experiencing some of these places for yourself… Just don’t say that we didn’t warn you once you’re there!)
The Worst Places to Visit
Look, everyone loves to see new places, but what happens when you get there and you’re not exactly awestruck? Chances are you’re in one of the worst places to visit. This happens, but what if you’re in one of the worst cities to visit in the world? Better get out quickly!
1. The Worst Tourist Attractions Start with the Blarney Stone
If you go to Ireland, then you’ve got to kiss the Blarney Stone, right? Sure… Provided you’re fine with communicable diseases, that is. Save yourself the time, there’s plenty to do in Ireland that doesn’t involve visiting their worst tourist attractions.
2. Dublin
Speaking of Ireland, better you stay somewhere other than Dublin, which is essentially a tourist trap for people that want to get drunk on Guinness.
3. Cabo is Now One of the Worst Places to Travel
Once, this used to be an idyllic tropical destination. Now, it’s like the some total of every frat boy’s greatest dream. Translation: gross. This is definitely one of the worst places to travel to. Avoid it – your money goes farther elsewhere.
4. Nassau
What we said for Cabo holds true for Nassau. It was great once, but now its constantly swarming with cruisers on shore leave.
5. London, England
Yes, it’s got history. Yes, it can be a lot of fun. However, a trip to London requires pockets deeper than most people have and thus makes it one of the worst places to visit.
6. The Empire State Building
Once you fork over the hefty fee to take the elevator ride up to the top, you’re just on top of a building. It’s not that great, folks. Plus, you can’t even see Central Park!
7. Liberty Island
Sure, you might want to get up close and personal with Lady Liberty, but you’re more likely to be getting up close and personal with other people in line.
8. Hollywood – Easily One of the Worst Places to Visit in the World
“Come to Hollywood; you’ll see the stars!” Except, you won’t. Instead, you’ll be surrounded by people dressed as superheroes, the homeless and other tourists making it awful and one of the worst places to travel.
9. Niagara Falls
If Hollywood celebrities and their stars were waterfalls, then Niagara Falls would be Hollywood. (See above.)
10. Loch Ness
PRO TIP: The Loch Ness Monster isn’t real; this is just a giant lake, and it takes hours and hours to get there only for you to realize you’ve traveled to one of the worst places to visit in the world.
11. Milan – Italy’s Contribution to the Worst Cities to Visit in the World
Ooo! High fashion! Milan! Amazing! All true… But would your net worth impress Anna Wintour? If not, all the cool stuff will be closed off to you. Also, unless you’re in one of the ritzy parts, Milan is quite dirty and definitely one of the worst cities to visit in the world.
12. Mount Rushmore
If you’ve never been, then you probably think that Mount Rushmore is enormous. Take our advice and keep it that way. (It’s actually pretty tiny…)
13. Newport, Rhode Island
Don’t get us wrong, the mansions and beaches are absolutely gorgeous. Good luck fighting the traffic to the island on the two-lane Jamestown Bridge, though.
14. The Four Corners Monument is Among the Worst Places to Travel in the World
When you stand on this monument, you can be inside of four different states at once. That’s… Why does anyone care? The high point of its notoriety was when it was included in an episode of Breaking Bad. When that’s your biggest claim to fame…
15. Hong Kong
For some people, Hong Kong could be an exciting time… It’s just not exciting for those who have any notion of their own personal space.
16. Stonehenge
You dream of travelling to Stonehenge and solving its mysteries… Good luck doing that when you’re kept over 30 feet away from the monument.
17. The Freedom Trail
If you’re ever in Boston, do yourself a favor and skip the Freedom Trail. You’re much better off visiting the historical sites on their own.
18. The Golden Gate Bridge
Maybe you’ll catch it on a clear day… Maybe. Most likely, it will be shrouded in fog, and you might be thinking about grabbing one of those suicide prevention phones…
19. Venice, Italy
You go here thinking it’s going to be high romance and gondola rides. What they don’t tell you about is the smell…
20. Walt Disney World
Oh, you like Disney? Does that mean you also like being surrounded by screaming children in a climate that feels like a sweaty armpit?
21. Miami
You’ve got to sample that Miami nightlife, right? Well, you know what they say about fools and their money, don’t you?
22. Las Vegas
Which, speaking of… Las Vegas is a theme park for alcohol. It has exactly none of the charm left that once made it awesome, now it’s just one of the worst places to travel in the world.
