Vacationers Reveal Locations That Had been 'Fully Disappointing' in Actual Life

[ad_1] Regardless of the frustrations famous within the put up, world journey stays a booming business, with a "sturdy and sustained journey demand" this yr even amid rising geopolitical rigidity, notes the U.N. World Tourism Group (UNWTO).

Round 300 million vacationers have been reported to have traveled internationally within the first quarter of 2025, which is round 14 million greater than in the identical interval final yr, in response to the UNWTO.

From vacationer traps and overcommercialized cities to underwhelming landmarks and overpriced resorts, Reddit customers didn't maintain again.

Hollywood Boulevard and Stroll of Fame, California One cited Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles as a let-down, significantly the long-lasting Stroll of Fame. "It appears so glamorous in motion pictures and images, however up shut it is crowded, gritty and stuffed with pushy distributors and costumed characters," wrote u/Substantial-Price-429. "Attention-grabbing to see as soon as, however positively not just like the postcard model."

The Alamo, Texas The historic Alamo website in San Antonio additionally got here below hearth. "You know the way you at all times image it in the midst of nowhere surrounded by sand? Properly it isn't. It is one block downtown San Antonio surrounded by high-rise buildings," mentioned u/False_Ad_555. "However the Riverwalk in San Antonio is wonderful," they added.

The Mona Lisa on the Louvre, France Others expressed disappointment with worldwide points of interest.

Crowd management and expectations additionally performed a job in disillusionment. "The Mona Lisa [painting] on the Louvre [museum in Paris]," wrote u/incunabula001. "It's important to wait in a protracted a** line stuffed with vacationers solely to get a number of seconds to have a look at a (IMO [in my opinion]) underwhelming portrait with individuals doing obnoxious selfies round you."

Oktoberfest, Germany Even Oktoberfest, a world-famous beer competition in Germany, did not escape critique. "Extra particularly Munich," mentioned u/Vital-Wolverine29. "Now I am not saying you will not have a very good time, it is simply if you wish to go to a spot … with one million different Individuals singing Candy Caroline [the song] with €30 [ around $34] rooster or schnitzel getting s***confronted with €15 beers below a big tent with an oompa band, and spending €20 [around $23] and an hour lengthy wait to journey the Ferris wheel, go proper forward!!"

A spokesperson for Oktoberfest informed Newsweek: "What a disgrace u/Vital-Wolverine29 did not take pleasure in themself at Oktoberfest—however 6.7 million individuals did final yr."

Noting that entry to the beer competition is "utterly free," the spokesperson mentioned "no ticket is required; you may simply wander in and let the enjoyable start."

Whereas many Individuals have the famed competition on their bucket listing, "round 80 p.c of our visitors really come from Munich and Bavaria," the spokesperson mentioned. "It is an actual native celebration that everybody all over the world is invited to take pleasure in."

The spokesperson added that "weekends can get further energetic," so those that choose a more-relaxed go to are suggested to go throughout the week. "There's nonetheless loads of environment, however with extra room to breathe and fewer queues on the common rides," the spokesperson mentioned.

In addition they advocate one of many beer gardens connected to the massive tents or the smaller, less-boisterous beer tents. "You'll be able to even simply stroll by means of the competition grounds, seize some sweet floss or sugar-roasted almonds, and easily absorb the environment," the spokesperson mentioned.

"A journey on the massive Ferris wheel is extremely really useful for the improbable views over the competition grounds, town, and, if you happen to're fortunate, even all the way in which to the Alps. The charge is definitely €10 [around $11.60) for an adult (not €20) and €4 [around $4.60] for a kid."

Wave Rock, Australia "Wave Rock, Western Australia. Mainly the promo photograph is it lol [laugh out loud]," mentioned u/sp1ffm1ff. "A cool rock that's like 7 hours drive from the closest metropolis, in a tiny city with nothing a lot."

Monaco Monaco, recognized for its luxurious and exclusivity, additionally acquired essential remarks. "Method too costly for what it presents vacationers," wrote u/Aircraft-Trip1323. "Closely priced drinks and empty streets, feels extra like a theme park than an precise nation."

Phu Quoc, Vietnam Some mourned the lack of cultural integrity in locations they as soon as liked. "Phu Quoc, Vietnam … has been utterly commodified for tourism's sake," wrote u/re3dbks. "Not what I bear in mind from even 20 years in the past …"

The Blarney Stone, Eire Different frustrations have been extra sensible. U/RareGur3157 took problem with the famed Blarney Stone in Eire: "You wait in lengthy strains and dangle awkwardly over a citadel ledge, however you additionally press your lips to a grimy, bacteria-covered slab that is been kissed by hundreds of strangers on daily basis."

A spokesperson for Tourism Eire informed Newsweek: "Tourism Eire will not be commenting on the story, however recognize you bringing the chance to us."

Newsweek has contacted the Los Angeles Tourism & Conference Board, the Louvre Museum, Go to Monaco, Tourism Western Australia, Vietnam Nationwide Authority of Tourism by way of electronic mail and the unique poster by way of the Reddit messaging system for remark.

Inventory picture: A few vacationers seem bored whereas sitting outdoor taking a look at a map. Inventory picture: A few vacationers seem bored whereas sitting outdoor taking a look at a map. Getty Do you've got a travel-related story to share? Tell us by way of life@newsweek.com and your story could possibly be featured on Newsweek.