10. Visiting Beijing’s Forbidden City
Beijing’s biggest draw is the Forbidden City just off Tiananmen Square, which served as China’s grand Imperial palace from the Ming to Qing dynasties.
It would be magnificent if it weren’t for the 14 million annual visitors pushing their way through the complex each year. Of course, you can’t expect to have the place to yourself like you’re the last emperor, but the crush of people can be daunting and detract from the experience. Avoid weekends, public holidays and fair-weather afternoons to have a fighting chance.
Furthermore, air pollution in Beijing can be a problem. Sometimes the air is so choked up you can barely see the place.
11. Swimming with Dolphins
Many a tourist, young and old, dreams of swimming with dolphins, and there are plenty of tour operators around the world who can arrange such an encounter either in the wild or in a captive setting. Swimming alongside a pod in the wild is magical if you happen to be at the right place at the right time, but some of the more contrived “dolphin swims” are a little offensive.
Sure, the pics of dolphins kissing your cheek or you riding on their backs are awesome but think about how the dolphins feel about being manhandled and manipulated like this. These intelligent mammals deserve a little more respect than being our photo fodder.
And please, if you are still compelled to do this, think twice about grabbing and crowding the beautiful creatures.
12. Taking in the Ancient Wonder of Machu Picchu
It’s definitely a wow to gaze upon the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu high in the Peruvian Andes.
The site was abandoned for centuries, but since its rediscovery in 1911, it has been restored into a World Heritage site and major tourist attraction, so expect to see plenty of others taking in the site.
Even if you opt to trek up the Inca Trail on your own steam, you’re not going to avoid the crowds. You may find pockets of peace along the path, but the campsites (and toilets!) are chockablock these days.
