7 Places I Wouldn’t Revisit + 15 That Were Totally Worth It
Ever planned a vacation and wondered if it would live up to the hype? I’ve been to some amazing places that exceeded my expectations, but I’ve also had a few duds that left me wishing I’d gone elsewhere.
Based on my personal adventures around the world, here’s my honest take on destinations that weren’t worth the trip and others that I’m already dreaming about visiting again.
1. Pisa, Italy: One-Trick Wonder
My trip to Pisa felt like paying premium prices just to see a tilting tower. Once you’ve taken the obligatory photo pretending to hold up the Leaning Tower, there’s surprisingly little else to do.
The city was overrun with tourists doing the exact same thing, while restaurants nearby charged outrageous prices for mediocre food. I could have used those precious travel days exploring the Tuscan countryside instead.
2. Cancun Hotel Zone: Spring Break Forever
Arriving at Cancun’s Hotel Zone felt like walking into a permanent spring break party that never grew up. The beaches were beautiful but completely packed with rowdy tourists. Authentic Mexican culture was nowhere to be found – just overpriced American chain restaurants and clubs pumping music until sunrise.
For the same cost, I could have experienced the real Mexico in charming towns like Valladolid or Mérida with actual local cuisine and traditions.
3. Times Square, New York: Tourist Trap Central
Navigating through Times Square feels like swimming upstream against a current of selfie sticks and costumed characters demanding tips. The blinding billboards and chain restaurants charging triple their normal prices made me wonder why I came.
Street vendors aggressively hawked overpriced trinkets while I tried to walk a single block. New York has so many amazing neighborhoods with authentic character – Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and Brooklyn – that make Times Square feel like an expensive theme park version of the city.
4. Venice Beach, Los Angeles: Sketchy Boardwalk
Walking along Venice Beach boardwalk left me constantly looking over my shoulder rather than enjoying the ocean views. What travel blogs portrayed as ‘quirky’ turned out to be more uncomfortable than charming. The beach itself was littered with trash, and aggressive vendors made relaxing impossible.
Many areas felt unsafe even in daylight. Los Angeles has so many truly beautiful beaches – Malibu, Manhattan Beach, or even Santa Monica just next door – that offer cleaner sand, safer environments, and better amenities.
5. Frankfurt, Germany: All Business, No Pleasure
Frankfurt surprised me with its lack of charm despite being a major German city. The downtown felt like it belonged to bankers and business travelers, not tourists looking for culture. Many historic buildings were replaced with generic skyscrapers after WWII, leaving little old-world charm.
Restaurant options catered to expense accounts rather than memorable dining experiences. Germany has so many charming cities – Munich, Heidelberg, or Cologne – with preserved historic centers, lively public squares, and unique local culture that Frankfurt simply couldn’t match.
6. Bali’s Kuta Beach: Paradise Lost
My dreams of a serene tropical paradise were shattered upon reaching Kuta Beach. The once-pristine shoreline was littered with plastic waste washing in with every wave, making swimming unpleasant and even dangerous.
Streets were clogged with aggressive touts selling everything from massages to counterfeit watches. Music from competing beach clubs created a constant noise pollution. The real Bali still exists in places like Ubud, Amed, or Nusa Penida, where traditional culture thrives and nature remains relatively unspoiled.
7. Nassau Cruise Port, Bahamas: Manufactured Experience
Stepping off the cruise ship in Nassau felt like entering a fabricated version of the Bahamas designed solely to extract money from tourists. The port area was packed with identical souvenir shops selling the same mass-produced items at inflated prices.
Locals seemed tired of tourists, making interactions feel transactional rather than genuine. The beaches near the port were overcrowded with fellow cruise passengers. The real Bahamian experience requires venturing to outer islands like Exuma or Eleuthera, where authentic culture and pristine nature still exist.
8. Kyoto, Japan: Living History
Walking through Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at dawn, with sunlight filtering through towering stalks, I felt transported to another world. The city perfectly balances ancient tradition with modern convenience. Every temple garden seems meticulously designed to create moments of perfect tranquility.
Local craftspeople still practice traditional arts passed down through generations. Even with other tourists around, I found peaceful corners in places like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Philosopher’s Path that made me feel like I’d discovered something magical and timeless.
9. Lisbon, Portugal: Sunshine and Soulfulness
Climbing Lisbon’s steep, narrow streets rewarded me with breathtaking viewpoints and the most delicious pastries I’ve ever tasted. The city has an irresistible melancholy beauty, with colorful buildings adorned with azulejo tiles catching the golden light.
Locals welcomed me into tiny family-run restaurants serving incredible seafood at prices that seemed like mistakes. Fado music drifting from doorways in the Alfama district created the perfect soundtrack for evening strolls.
Despite growing popularity, Lisbon maintains its authentic character while being remarkably affordable compared to other European capitals.
10. Mexico City, Mexico: Cultural Powerhouse
Mexico City shattered every preconception I had with its sophisticated art scene, world-class museums, and incredible food culture. Wandering through the historic center, I discovered architectural treasures spanning centuries standing side by side.
Street food vendors created masterpieces for just a few dollars – tacos so good they’ve ruined me for Mexican food anywhere else. The city’s parks and plazas buzzed with families enjoying weekends together.
Despite its massive size, distinct neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa felt like villages with their tree-lined streets, local cafes, and welcoming residents.
11. Queenstown, New Zealand: Adventure Paradise
Waking up to mist rising off Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables mountain range as a backdrop made me question if Queenstown was even real. This small town packs in more adventure and natural beauty than places ten times its size. Hiking trails lead to breathtaking vistas within minutes of downtown.
The energy is infectious – everyone seems happy just to be there. Even non-adrenaline junkies like me found plenty to enjoy, from winery tours to stargazing under some of the clearest skies I’ve ever seen. The surrounding region offers day trips to filming locations from Lord of the Rings.
12. Hoi An, Vietnam: Lantern-Lit Magic
Strolling through Hoi An’s ancient town at night, with hundreds of colorful lanterns reflecting in the river, created the most magical atmosphere I’ve experienced anywhere. This perfectly preserved trading port combines Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences in its architecture and cuisine.
Getting custom clothing made by skilled local tailors provided unique souvenirs that I still wear years later. The surrounding countryside offered peaceful bicycle rides through rice paddies and small villages.
Morning visits to the local market showcased Vietnam’s incredible fresh ingredients before they became the day’s delicious meals.
13. Sedona, Arizona: Red Rock Wonderland
Hiking through Sedona’s red rock formations as the sun cast ever-changing shadows across their faces was like walking through a living painting. The landscape’s energy feels almost tangible – whether you believe in vortexes or not.
Every trail offers a different perspective on the stunning geology, from easy walks to challenging climbs with panoramic rewards. After outdoor adventures, the town itself provides comfortable amenities without feeling overly commercialized.
Clear night skies revealed stars so bright and numerous that familiar constellations became hard to pick out among the cosmic display.
14. Ljubljana, Slovenia: Europe’s Hidden Gem
Ljubljana charmed me instantly with its car-free center, emerald river winding through town, and cafés lining the waterfront where locals and visitors mingled easily. Slovenia’s capital feels like what would happen if Prague and Venice had a smaller, more laid-back child.
Dragon statues guard bridges while a hilltop castle overlooks the scene. The city serves as a perfect base for day trips to Lake Bled’s fairytale island and the stunning Postojna Cave system.
Despite growing recognition, Ljubljana remains refreshingly uncrowded and affordable compared to Western European capitals, while offering similar architectural beauty and cultural experiences.
15. Luang Prabang, Laos: Timeless Tranquility
Watching saffron-robed monks collect morning alms through the mist in Luang Prabang remains one of my most treasured travel memories. This UNESCO-protected town sits at the junction of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, creating a peninsula of colonial architecture and golden temples.
The pace of life moves deliberately slower here – perfect for savoring delicious Laotian cuisine at riverside restaurants as the sun sets. Local night markets showcase exquisite handcrafted textiles and artwork without aggressive selling tactics.
Nearby natural attractions like Kuang Si Falls, with its tiered turquoise pools, provide refreshing escapes from the tropical heat.
16. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: Colonial Color
Getting lost in San Miguel de Allende’s cobblestone streets lined with rainbow-colored buildings felt like wandering through an artist’s palette.
This colonial-era city in Mexico’s central highlands has attracted creative types for decades, creating a unique blend of traditional Mexican culture and international artistic influences. The pink gothic spires of Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel create an unforgettable skyline.
Local markets overflow with handcrafted treasures from all over Mexico. The perfect climate year-round means every day is comfortable for exploring. Rooftop restaurants offer sunset views over terracotta rooftops while serving sophisticated versions of regional specialties.
17. Cape Town, South Africa: Where Mountains Meet Ocean
Standing atop Table Mountain looking down at two oceans meeting while the city spreads below created one of those travel moments I’ll never forget. Cape Town’s dramatic setting between mountains and sea provides a stunning backdrop for incredible experiences.
Driving the Cape Peninsula revealed pristine beaches, penguin colonies, and seaside villages. The city’s complex history is thoughtfully presented at museums and historic sites. Wine regions just outside town offer world-class tastings in settings so beautiful they seem unreal.
18. Budapest, Hungary: Thermal Bath Capital
Soaking in Budapest’s historic Széchenyi thermal baths under neo-baroque architecture while snow fell gently around me remains one of my most magical travel experiences. The city perfectly balances grand imperial architecture with gritty, creative energy. Ruin bars built in abandoned buildings showcase Hungarian ingenuity and artistic spirit.
The Danube River divides Buda’s hills and Pest’s flat urbanity, with spectacular views from either side. Food markets serve incredible local specialties at prices that seem like typos compared to Western Europe. The evening light show on the Chain Bridge and Parliament building creates a fairytale atmosphere that’s hard to leave behind.
19. Cusco, Peru: Gateway to Wonder
Adjusting to Cusco’s high altitude was challenging, but waking up to views of terracotta rooftops against green mountain backdrops made it worthwhile. This ancient Incan capital seamlessly blends indigenous history with colonial influences in its architecture and culture. Markets burst with colorful textiles created using techniques passed down for generations.
The city serves as the perfect base for exploring the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, but deserves time of its own. Narrow cobblestone streets lead to hidden courtyards and unexpected viewpoints.
Local restaurants serve innovative takes on traditional Andean ingredients like quinoa, alpaca, and hundreds of potato varieties.
20. Tokyo, Japan: Future Meets Tradition
Experiencing Tokyo’s perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and ancient traditions created constant moments of wonder during my visit. The city functions like a perfectly synchronized machine despite its massive size – trains arrive to the second, streets remain spotless, and everything just works.
Peaceful temple grounds exist just steps from the busiest intersections in the world. Food experiences range from Michelin-starred perfection to standing-room-only ramen shops with vending machine tickets.
Each neighborhood has its own distinct personality – from Harajuku’s youthful fashion to Yanaka’s preserved old-Tokyo atmosphere. The city rewards exploration with hidden gardens, specialty cafés, and architectural marvels around every corner.
21. Seville, Spain: Passionate Heritage
Wandering through Seville’s narrow medieval streets as the scent of orange blossoms filled the air, I felt like I’d discovered the soul of southern Spain. The city embraces its passionate heritage through flamenco performances that will give you goosebumps even if you don’t understand the lyrics.
Architectural wonders like the Real Alcázar blend Moorish and Christian influences into something uniquely Andalusian. Tapas culture reaches its perfect form here – small plates of incredible food paired with local wines as you hop from bar to bar.
The city’s relaxed pace encourages long lunches in plaza cafés watching life unfold around you.
22. Chefchaouen, Morocco: Blue Mountain Town
Turning a corner to see Chefchaouen’s blue-washed buildings climbing the hillside against the backdrop of the Rif Mountains literally took my breath away. This small Moroccan town feels like it exists in its own dreamy blue universe.
Local theories vary on why everything is painted blue – from keeping mosquitoes away to representing the sky and heaven. Getting lost in the medina reveals artisan workshops where craftspeople create traditional goods without the high-pressure sales common in larger Moroccan cities.
The surrounding mountains offer gorgeous hiking trails with panoramic views of the blue jewel below. Mint tea on rooftop terraces at sunset creates perfect moments of tranquility.