When you’re on holiday, you usually have a list of places to see. And recently, these locations are tourist attractions that every website suggests as the city’s top” destination. It’s just about doing the same thing and visiting the same place. The enjoyable tourist destination becomes a congested, ridiculously expensive journey where you probably won’t have half the fun you want.
You’ve probably been advised to kiss the Blarney Stone, for example, if you ever visit Ireland. We’re here to tell you that any Blarney Stone view you might have is likely untrue. It’s just a wall people lean backward and kiss. If you think of the millions of people who visited the fortress to get their smooch on, you do not want to place your lips on the smooth surface – by the way, it’s all smooth since so many people rubbed their lips against the stone. Instead, You can explore another area, but we’ll leave that for the future.
If you just want to go there to say you’ve been, we’ll suggest it’s better to skip them altogether. Instead, we’re mentioning attractions worth visiting. Many of these locations are less crowded, giving you the experience you’re looking for.
Tuscany: Don’t See the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Is Pisa’s Leaning Tower Nice? Yes yes. Is it noisy? Yes yes. Anything else to do in Pisa? It’s not really. The Leaning Tower no longer leans much. If you’re going to visit Pisa, you’ll have to go via Florence anyway, and there’s plenty of other (better) sights.
Tuscany: See the Duomo
Florence, as the Renaissance birthplace, has plenty to see. Our prefer? The Cathedral. Taking the narrow staircase to the top of the Duomo; it’s a cheap workout worth seeing. The cost of a ticket includes entry to Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower, San Giovanni Baptistery, Santa Reparata Crypt, as well as Opera Museum.
Paris: Don’t See the “Mona Lisa” at the Louvre
The Mona Lisa might just be the world’s greatest artwork, but it’s also Small, inside a bulletproof glass, and tourists must crowd behind barriers keeping them a yard away.
Paris: See Musée d’Orsay
Instead of battling the crowds, take a trip to the Musée d’Orsay where you can see 34 Manets, 56 Cézannes, 86 Monets, and 24 van Goghs. By contrast, the Louvre has four works by star-artists.
New York: Don’t See Times Square
Unless it’s New Year’s Eve, Times Square just has no excuse to stay out. Under constant renovation, it is overcrowded, packed with mascots asking you to pay for a photo, and lined with outrageously expensive chain restaurants.
New York: See the High Line
For a much more realistic NYC experience, visit Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood’s High Line. You’ll see some scenery, and you can stop for a picnic at a nearby restaurant.
Mexico: Don’t See Cancun
After graduating from college, it’s time to graduate from Cancun. This Mexican city is regarded as a Spring Break hub, welcoming all kinds of disgustingly intoxicated young Americans. And don’t foresee any refreshing quiet on the sand. That place’s jammed. Always.
Mexico: See Oaxaca
If you’re striving for a more authentic Mexican adventure, Oaxaca is where you want to be. It’s rich in history, tasty food, and spectacular scenery that rival Cancun’s.
South Dakota: Don’t See Mount Rushmore
How couldn’t four faces carved into a mountain attract you? If you’re hoping to get a close-up view, you’ll be disappointed. Besides the Mount Rushmore viewing platform, there’s not much else near the town.
South Dakota: See Badlands National Park
Alternatively, take Highway 240 through Badlands National Park to get close to some dramatic natural geological formations and wildlife.
Greece: Don’t See the Parthenon
There’s nothing wrong with the Parthenon itself, but it’s still in a state of continuous repair these days. You’re going there, hoping to see an ancient wonder, but you’re greeted by unsightly scaffolding.
Greece: See the Temple of Poseidon
If you can’t think of visiting Greece without seeing a dilapidated temple, consider Poseidon Temple instead. It’s usually not jam-packed like the Parthenon, but due to its seaside location, it’s just as stunning.
Florida: Don’t See Disney World
I’m not anti-Disney World—it sounds funny on paper. But what you don’t see on paper are huge crowds, intense heat from Florida, and a high price tag. And if you have any chance of getting all the Quick Passes and reservations you want, be ready to continue planning your trip at least 6 months ahead of time. Who knew a holiday was too much work?
Florida: See the Everglades
Disney World may have a charming, adorable mouse, but they have ancient, unfeeling alligators. What I’m saying is I know who’d win a head-to-head contest. If you have to fly to Florida, I’d say the best justification is to explore its many unique ecosystems, and there’s nothing better than the swampy Everglades.
