The top 10 tourist traps that are actually worth your time (and money)
As someone who has been to every continent in the world, I know there are certain places that tourists visit that just aren’t worth your time or money. They might seem like the quintessential tourist spot, but once you spend time there, you realize it’s not all its cracked up to be.
1) Palo Santo, Ecuador
Palo Santo is a beautiful town located in Ecuador and is known for its scenic views, delicious food, and the healing power of the palo santo tree. The town has grown over the last several decades but still maintains its charm. While there are many places to see and things to do in Palo Santo, one of the most popular spots is Cerro de la Cruz which houses a cross overlooking all of Palo Santo.
2) Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a hot spot for tourists who want to experience the healing powers of the vortexes, which according to locals and visitors alike, have healing properties. The four most popular vortexes in Sedona are Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon and Courthouse Butte. To some people, the idea of visiting these places may sound like an expensive vacation.
3) Ijen Volcano, Indonesia
Ijen Volcano is an active volcano in East Java, Indonesia. It’s a popular tourist attraction for people who want to see the country’s most spectacular lava lake and get a sense of what it would be like to live near an active volcano. The best way to experience the volcano is to take a hike up the mountain on a guided tour—the views will not disappoint.
4) Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Hawaii
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a shallow coral reef located in Hawaii’s Oahu County. The bay is open to the public and, because of the bay’s protected status, visitors are encouraged to touch, feed and swim with sea turtles. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii and has been ranked as one of the best beaches in America by US News.
5) Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle is a fairy tale castle in Bavaria, Germany. The castle was built by King Ludwig II and took over 20 years to complete. Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, attracting more than 1.3 million visitors each year. It’s also ranked as one of the most beautiful castles in the world by travel experts like Frommer’s and Rough Guides.
6) Versailles Palace Gardens, France
Versailles is a French royal palace located in Versailles, France. This landmark has been regarded as one of the most beautiful and well-known palaces in the world. It was originally built for King Louis XIV, the Sun King. The palace is best known for its extensive gardens, water features, and expansive green space. These gardens were designed by landscape artist Andre Le Notre to resemble natural scenery from different parts of France.
7) Lappwald Nature Park, Germany
Lappwald Nature Park is a protected area near the town of Berchtesgaden in the German Alps. Located on the border between Bavaria and Salzburg, it’s one of Bavaria’s most popular outdoor destinations. A favorite among locals and tourists alike, Lappwald Nature Park offers peace and quiet within a short drive from Munich. It also boasts an abundance of wildlife, including red deer, roe deer, wild boar and badgers- even the occasional wolf has been spotted roaming around.
8) Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most picturesque natural wonders in Europe, but it’s also one of the most popular destinations for tourists. If you’re looking for a quiet and serene experience, this destination might not be for you. However, if you want to enjoy being surrounded by greenery and beautiful waterfalls, this is the place to go. In addition to being stunningly beautiful, Plitvice Lakes National Park also offers great hiking opportunities with scenic views and plenty of waterfalls.
9) Erhai Lake Scenic Area, China
Located in China’s Yunnan Province, Erhai Lake is a popular destination for tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The lake’s serene scenery attracts visitors who want a natural experience with beautiful scenery. At Erhai Lake, you can take boat tours or walk through the picturesque trails to admire the beauty of this peaceful place.
10) Borobudur Temple Compounds, Indonesia
Borobudur Temple Compounds, Indonesia is an ancient Buddhist temple complex. It is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple was built in the 9th century and abandoned after it was sacked in 1478, only to be rediscovered by a Dutch traveler in 1814.
It’s worthwhile to visit because of its rich history and beautiful design and architecture.