In a move bound to ruffle some feathers, one notable travel authority has just issued its list of the World’s Worst Tourist Traps. Keep in mind, the list is just an opinion, and probably every traveler could generate a personal version.
We’ve all done it at one time or another: Succumbed to the hype for a “must-see” attraction. Sometimes these things are much ado about nothing—or at least very little. South Dakota’s Wall Drug Store, Michigan’s Mystery Spot and Gatlinburg, TN, spring to mind.
On other occasions, an attraction may be genuinely unique or at least unusual enough to be worth a look-see, no matter how brief. But the effect is too often ruined by runaway commercialism, inflated prices, disgustingly large crowds and the like.
So here’s the list. I don’t agree with all the choices. See if you do. I’d love to hear your reactions.
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Article Comments
Kate says:
I have to say that Niagara Falls itself is beautiful but the town is sort of a tourist trap. I would recommend the Canadian side over the American side-much prettier and the Maid of Mist ride is Canadian.
April 24th, 2010 at 11:39 am ::
Bill says:
Yes, as a natural wonder, NF is worth seeing. But as for all the stuff that’s grown up around it? No thanks. It’s like a greasy carnival. Pick pockets have a field day here so watch out. Canadian side is definitely a better choice.
April 25th, 2010 at 7:17 am ::
Iva says:
I agree with Kate and Bill on Niagara Falls. It has been almost twenty years since we were there last and I’m sure it’s even more of a tourist trap now. I’ve only been to a few of the other locations on the list. Willis Tower is another “money grabber”. We literally stood in line for two hours to reach the top. I had been there a couple times before and I think anyone visiting Chicago should see it once.
April 28th, 2010 at 5:44 pm ::
Bill says:
I think a lot of people are turned off by the spectacle at NF. I’ve never been to the Willis Tower so I can’t respond to that. But we did take in the John Hancock tower and enjoyed it.
April 28th, 2010 at 7:44 pm ::
Family Travel Links 2010.04.30 « SixSuitcaseTravel says:
[...] The world’s worst tourist traps: What’s on your list? - Trips with a Twist [...]
April 30th, 2010 at 5:21 pm ::
Linda says:
Once you’ve been in a tall building or two, they seem to blend together. Hancock Tower, Sears/Willis Tower, Gateway Arch, Empire State Building, etc.–the first few are neat, but after that it’s the same thing with a not-so-different view.
May 11th, 2010 at 7:18 pm ::
Katie says:
What?! Craziness…I’ve been to 6 of these (Blarney Stone, Niagara Falls, Disney World, Sears Tower, Salem Witch Museum, and Graceland) and want to go to the rest.
I especially take umbrage with the Disney World selection…I may be 26 years old, but I still love that place.
On my list? M&M World in Times Square, for one. So many people packed in, you can barely get around to even see anything. The Hollywood Walk of Stars in L.A. is another one…it’s fun to see the Kodak and Chinese theaters, but most of the stars are just lined up outside souvenir shop after grungy souvenir shop.
May 12th, 2010 at 11:30 am ::
Edward says:
I take great umbrage at the presence of Disney World on this list. It’s fun for all ages.
If anything, Universal Studios Islands of Adventure should be on the list. It’s just a bunch of silly themed roller coasters and tea cup rides.
Also, I’ll expand on “Katie’s” comment on M&M World: Times Square itself should be on this list. I was shocked–SHOCKED!–this morning when a CNBC reporter stood in front of Bubba Gump Shrimp Company in Times Square to report on rising sea food prices because of the Gulf oil spill. Come on.
May 12th, 2010 at 11:38 am ::
Jared says:
How is Times Square not on the list? It’s the very definition of a tourist trap. Unless you’re going to a show, there’s nothing unique, and it’s a crowded mess.
May 12th, 2010 at 1:25 pm ::
Bill says:
Hey. Great points, Katie, Jared and Edward. I think these comments make the point nicely: Everyone has a personal list. No matter what you trot out as your list of culprits, something on it is going to rub somebody else the wrong way. I must say that Disney World was the biggest surprise for me. Okay, so it’s a little artificial, but I’ve always had a good time there.
May 12th, 2010 at 8:45 pm ::
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