What is even a tourist trap? Most attractions labeled this way are considered overpriced and generally provide an experience far below what they promise. However, according to many seasoned travelers, not every tourist trap is actually a trap. There is nothing wrong with attractions that are simply popular with the masses, and you shouldn’t change your opinion of the world just because someone said something is overhyped or overpriced.
Let’s look at some of the best examples of destinations that are mainstream, but that doesn’t make them unworthy of attention.
1. Blue Lagoon, Iceland
The Blue Lagoon resort in Iceland has a reputation for being packed with tourists and not being authentically Icelandic, but is that really such a bad thing? The resort is supposed to offer a luxurious experience and does it well. We recommend exploring Iceland outside the resort—it’s a country like no other, literally full of ice and fire. But if you just want to relax and be pampered, a stay at the Blue Lagoon resort will meet those requirements.
2. Hobbiton, New Zealand
You may have seen the Hobbiton movie set on social media—it has recently gained popularity among influencers, and perhaps that’s why some consider it overrated. But let’s be honest: Can you really call yourself a Tolkien fan and visit New Zealand without seeing Hobbiton? It’s a rhetorical question—of course, you can; it’s not a competition. But really, if you like Lord of the Rings and want to feel its magic, we can’t recommend visiting the real Middle-earth enough.
3. Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris
Notre Dame Cathedral, along with the Eiffel Tower, are two must-see attractions in Paris. As a result, both are usually crowded and besieged by tourists. Not surprisingly, some tourists opt out of visiting them—everyone has the right to enjoy their trip as they wish. However, this doesn’t mean you should avoid Notre Dame at any cost. The cathedral didn’t become one of the most important architectural icons of the European continent for no reason. The magnificent building and its details are breathtaking, and no photo can do them justice—it’s just something worth seeing.
4. Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal Mausoleum is one of India’s most treasured prides and is certainly popular with tourists. If you want to visit and enjoy a relatively crowd-free experience, go there as early as possible. We highly recommend it, considering it’s one of the seven wonders of the world and a symbol of love and passion.
5. The Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
Those who have visited the Grand Canyon say it is quite crowded, but that doesn’t mean the experience is worse because of it. What’s more, the South Rim is most popular with visitors. The North Rim is not as crowded, although it’s also more difficult to access. Nevertheless, if you’re in Arizona, the Grand Canyon is definitely worth seeing. No photo or video can convey its scale and beauty.
6. Petra, Jordan
A visit to Jordan cannot be complete without seeing the astonishing ancient city of Petra. Although some say it’s overrated, we disagree. It’s certainly popular, but for good reason. Petra is a city like no other, with temples and tombs carved into the rock walls. It’s a real treat for all archaeology and history fans. When they hear the word Petra, most people think of Al-Khazneh, a wonderful treasury carved into the wall that is definitely worth seeing, but it’s not all Petra. Petra was a city, and seeing all of it can take up to several days. We recommend setting aside some time for this—and practicing walking long distances beforehand.
Some final thoughts
There are many popular attractions in the world, but at the end of the day, whether you should see them or not should be up to you and you alone.
Don’t let other people tell you what’s worth it and what’s not. Use your own judgment.
And if you simply want to save money by avoiding popular travel spots, consider other ways to cut costs. For example, you can save on roaming costs by using an eSIM app like Saily eSIM to connect to the internet abroad. Saily allows you to purchase inexpensive data plans before you leave and use the internet normally at your destination.
Remember, it’s important to research your options before making a decision. Whether it’s finding alternative destinations or looking for more economical ways to travel, taking the time to explore your possibilities can lead to a more enjoyable trip!
