When booking a vacation to a new place – many travelers research to find the most popular attractions…
… not realizing most of them are tourist traps.
From spending your cash at chain food restaurants and on overpriced grocery store candy to visiting landmarks that just aren’t worth the hype – make sure to avoid these tourist traps on your next trip.
Times Square, New York City
Sure – the bright and flashy billboards may draw in more than 50 million people each year…
… but there are much better things to do in New York City than eat at a chain restaurant like Olive Garden or visit M&M’S World New York and pay for overpriced M&M’s you can pick up at the grocery store.
You’ll pay a premium for overpriced souvenirs while being bombarded with fake costume characters willing to let you “take a picture with them” … only to charge you.
If you’ve never visited NYC – check Times Square off your bucket list at least once – but skip the chain restaurants like Olive Garden and head to a more secluded place to get a true authentic New York experience.
Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
It’s estimated nearly 12 million people flood to this tourist trap each year, but locals know to stay clear.
Fisherman’s Wharf has earned the reputation as one of the biggest tourist traps in the entire world – and people who know San Francisco are quick to call it out.
SFGate reported:
“There’s a lot to hate: The wharf is overcrowded with tourists, tacky souvenirs and overpriced food that isn’t good. For years, it was even terrorized by a man popping out at people from behind a bush. It’s not the real San Francisco.”
But it’s one of those places like Time’s Square – you have to visit it at least once – but don’t spend all your time there.
Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
I get it – you want to visit this famous spot and get a picture “holding up” the leaning tower.
But so does everybody else!
It’s a crowded spot full of tourists and somebody is bound to photobomb your photo.
Looking for a unique alternative?
We’ve got you covered!
Business Insider reported:
“If we told you to go see a tilting old tower that wasn’t Pisa would you? Probably not, and you should avoid the surprisingly small and devastatingly disappointing Leaning Tower of Pisa too.
Want to see old towers? Visit San Gimignano, a mostly tourist-free haven in Tuscany that’s known for its medieval architecture and perfectly preserved ancient tower houses — in fact, it’s often referred to as “the city of beautiful towers” or even “medieval Manhattan.”
And if that wasn’t enough, the city is also famous among locals for its Vernaccia di San Gimignano white wine.”
Tourist traps get their reputation for a reason.
While the allure draws many people in – they just aren’t worth the hype.
Do your research before you venture out on your next trip to see where the locals really hang – and you’re bound to have the vacation of your life.
(h/t Proud American Traveler)