This Country Deserves A Spot On Your List (It Is Better Than Italy And Greece) + 6 Popular Ones That Didn’t Impress Me
Ever felt disappointed after visiting a highly-praised destination? I certainly have. While some countries live up to their hype, others left me wondering what all the fuss was about.
Based on my extensive travels, I’ve compiled a list of one underrated gem that deserves more attention and six popular destinations that simply didn’t meet my expectations.
1. France: Overpriced and Unwelcoming
Visiting Paris left my wallet empty and my expectations unfulfilled. The infamous rudeness toward tourists wasn’t just a stereotype – it was my daily reality trying to navigate the city without fluent French.
Popular attractions meant standing in lines for hours, only to be rushed through overcrowded spaces. Where was the romance everyone promised?
Restaurants near tourist areas served mediocre food at outrageous prices, making every meal feel like highway robbery. While the architecture impressed, the overall experience felt like an expensive exercise in frustration rather than the magical journey I’d anticipated.
2. Dubai: All Glitter, No Soul
Walking through Dubai felt like exploring an empty movie set – impressive at first glance but ultimately hollow. The city’s obsession with breaking records has created a collection of architectural marvels that lack any authentic cultural identity.
Despite the luxury shopping malls and gold-plated everything, I couldn’t find the heart of this place. The scorching heat made outdoor exploration nearly impossible for half the year.
The stark contrast between tourist areas and worker conditions left me uncomfortable. For all its Instagram-worthy spots, Dubai offered plenty of spectacle but little genuine experience worth the hefty price tag.
3. Iceland: Nature’s Price Gouging
Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes quickly lost their charm when I realized I needed a second mortgage just to eat there. A basic hamburger cost me nearly $30, while accommodation prices made my eyes water faster than the geysers.
The famous sites were so crowded with tourists that getting a photo without strangers in frame became a competitive sport. Driving between attractions meant hours on desolate roads that all started looking the same.
Don’t get me wrong – the waterfalls were impressive, but were they worth the financial stress and tourist hordes? For me, Iceland’s natural beauty couldn’t overcome its practical challenges.
4. Santorini: The Overcrowded Postcard
If you enjoy shuffling through narrow streets shoulder-to-shoulder with cruise ship passengers while paying triple for everything, Santorini might be your paradise. The famous white buildings with blue domes are indeed photogenic – if you can somehow crop out the hundreds of influencers posing for identical shots.
Finding authentic Greek culture proved impossible in this theme park version of Greece. Local restaurants have been replaced by overpriced tourist traps serving mediocre food.
The beaches, with their uncomfortable volcanic black sand, were a far cry from the pristine shores found on lesser-known Greek islands. Save yourself the disappointment and explore Greece’s other islands instead.
5. Bali: Paradise Lost to Tourism
Remember those idyllic Bali images that convinced you to visit? They conveniently crop out the mountains of trash washing up on beaches and traffic jams that make rush hour in Los Angeles seem pleasant.
The sacred temples I’d dreamed of visiting were packed with tourists in inappropriate clothing snapping selfies, completely missing the spiritual significance. Many areas have become unrecognizable from their Indonesian roots, transformed into Australian party zones or digital nomad bubbles.
Water shortages affect locals while resort pools stay filled, creating an uncomfortable ethical dimension to your vacation. The real Bali still exists, but you’ll need to work much harder to find it.
6. Venice: Sinking Under Tourism
Venice initially captivated me with its unique canals and stunning architecture. That magic quickly faded when I realized I was essentially in a floating amusement park designed to extract maximum euros from visitors.
Gondola rides cost a small fortune for a brief trip through water that often smelled questionable. Finding affordable, quality food proved nearly impossible – most restaurants served frozen, microwaved dishes at premium prices.
The constant crush of day-trippers made simply walking across a bridge an exercise in patience. Venice’s beauty remains undeniable, but the experience feels more like visiting a museum exhibit about a once-great city rather than a living, breathing community.
7. Portugal: The Hidden Mediterranean Jewel
My first visit to Portugal completely changed my travel priorities. The stunning coastlines rival those of Greece, yet beaches remain uncrowded even during peak season.
The food scene blew me away – fresh seafood, pastéis de nata, and affordable local wines make dining a highlight rather than a budget-buster like in Italy.
Portuguese people welcomed me with genuine warmth, not the tourist-weary attitude I encountered elsewhere. Plus, your money stretches further here with luxury accommodations at half the price of its famous neighbors.