We hate to burst your bubble but sometimes travel fantasies are a bit out of touch with reality. You may have a preconceived notion of what a famous landmark, location or attraction will be like, inspired by scenic postcards, glossy brochures and carefully curated websites that fuel your wanderlust. But when you actually go there, it’s a bit of a letdown. When hitting the world’s hot spots, it’s best to keep grandiose expectations in check. You’re probably not going to have the place to yourself, there may be garbage strewn about, and it might be less impressive than the hype has led you to believe. This is not to dissuade you from going there and seeing for yourself. It’s always a thrill to see these icons in the flesh. Just be aware that some of these dream destinations may not be as majestic or impactful as you hope for. Read on to see what we mean.
1. Gazing at the Mona Lisa
On the must-see list of every tourist in Paris is the Louvre Museum and its famous da Vinci masterpiece, The Mona Lisa.
The trouble is, it’s a lot smaller than most people think, and the mosh pit of other tourists pushing to get their token glimpse kind of takes the grandeur out of the experience.
When you do finally get up close, the bulletproof glass and reflections make it very hard to view and enjoy. Trust me, the pic below is better than actually being there.
2. Enjoying a Romantic Gondola Ride in Venice
What could be more enchanting than traversing the Venetian canals whilst being serenaded by your stripey-shirted gondolier? It’s the perfect setting for romantic kisses and marriage proposals.
The reality is that it’s more like bumper boats along these waterways, as the canals are clogged with these pricey vessels.
It costs about €80 for a 20-minute ride, and even more if you want a song.
No local Venetian would ever be caught in one of these tourist traps.
3. Strolling the Great Wall of China
The breathtaking Great Wall of China is on many a traveler’s wish list. It took millennia to build this barrier, and walking along on this iconic Asian landmark must feel like stepping back in time.
The truth is it’s more Disneyland than Ming Dynasty these days. The Badaling section closest to Beijing gets up to 70,000 visitors per day and is complete with cable cars, pulley rides, tchotchke shops, and snack bars. The less crowded Mutianyu section has cable cars and a slideway down, which may sound like fun to some visitors but it really takes away from the majesty of this historic site.
