#2
I do know quite a few Turkish people individually, including men, and they are all just normal, kind people. But as a country... I was constantly harassed, sexualised and accosted that I hardly enjoyed the bits that I did.
Travel is all about the adventure of discovering new spaces, exploring different cultures, and making memories that'll last a lifetime. Unfortunately, if you travel long enough, you’ll likely come across places that don’t live up to your expectations. From hair-raising traffic and natural hazards to rampant poverty and unchecked crime, some destinations are better left unchecked.
#3
Upon entering this clustered traffic, people and children were trying to open the cab doors, making the international signs for “money” and “food”. My dad gave us all cash to pass around. One of the people who approached the car window on my side was a little girl around 7 years old who was carrying a baby that was clearly deceased. People with horrific disabilities sat on the sidewalk begging for money and grabbing at you. Men ogle you and attempt to subtly grab you as they pass you. Keep in mind, I was still a minor when we went.
Alongside the malnourished children, rats, garbage, everything, were beautiful and well kept mansions with high walls and gates. A shocking contrast.
It was the worst place I have been out of 30+ countries because it was breathtakingly sad. The wealth disparity, pain, hygiene, it isn’t their fault. I love so much of the culture, the food, the history, the natural beauty but in Delhi it was overshadowed by the byproducts of poverty.
#4
According to The Broke Backpacker, depending on the type of traveler you are, some of the places you might want to miss include Morocco, Dubai, India, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Bali, Honduras, Japan, Bahrain, and Bolivia. Granted, the writer does describe themselves as traveling on a tight budget, so maybe take this list with a pinch of salt.
#5
#6
Visited one of the townships (Khayelitsha) with about 400,000 inhabitants. The size and level of poverty, especially in comparison to the rest of the city, was just heartbreaking.
The Armormax website lists over 20 of the most dangerous tourist destinations in the world. Among these are Acapulco, Mexico, which has seen an explosion in crime; Kingston, Jamaica, also a hotbed of criminal activity; New Smyrna Beach, Florida, the world’s shark attack capital; and Snake Island, Brazil, home to thousands of venomous snakes.
#7
Anyway, Vegas.
#8
The World Population Review website offers a complete list of the worst countries to visit in 2024. Some of these places are war-torn and suffer from political instability, and have a high threat of kidnapping for ransom or illegal detention. Notable countries to avoid include Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Libya, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Mali, Mexico, and Myanmar.
#9
Maybe everyone in town was having an off day but the only thing I could compare it to was when you walk down the wrong street and suddenly realize you're the center of attention in a way that you really don't want... but the entire place was that way.
#10
Fodor’s Travel offers a list of places it thinks you should reconsider traveling to in 2025 - the Fodor’s No List. Destinations struggling with poor infrastructure, overtourism, pollution, water shortages, and a poor response to natural disasters all hold an unenviable spot in the catalog.
#11
#12
But if these are some of the worst places you can, but probably shouldn’t, go to, what are some of the best? According to World Population Review, the most popular tourist destination in the world for more than 30 years, France, boasts a myriad of attractions, while England's capital city, London, attracts visitors with a wide range of sights and nearby landmarks that see their fair share of tourists every year.
#13
I used to love the place when I was in college, I really did. It was wonderful. Music. Food. Just wonderful.
But that's not how it is today. It's like a city doing a s****y impression of New Orleans.
I hadn't been there in over a dozen years and went back last Summer. The food was lousy. There were homeless people *everywhere* on Bourbon St. which I've never seen before. And hookers patrol down up and down the road hitting up absolutely everybody. Right in front of the cops so you know (surprise surprise) that they're in on it.
The place has absolutely zero charm now.
#14
#15
At the mall people (not a person, plural people) would drive behind us in the parking lot which itself isn't anything I haven't experienced elsewhere, but they'd honk their horns and cuss us out for walking to the car too slowly. Eventually someone asked politely if she take our parking spot and we were just so happy someone was nice about it we told her exactly where we parked and said we'd wait for her. We were not surprised to see she had Alabama license plates.
On another time some guy in a black priest robe and that white collar just stopped on the side of the road long enough to call my wife a "fat b***h."
That was also where we had the most near misses while driving, from so many people either pulling away from the shoulder without looking or turning left from the right lane/right from the left lane.
Another hotspot is Spain, which is abundant with interesting attractions. Gaudi's Sagrada Familia cathedral, the Guggenheim museum, the Generalife Gardens, and the beaches of Gran Canaria are all picture-perfect destinations. The South Asian country of Thailand, also known as the "Land of Smiles", offers both modern comforts and awesome adventure. The country's capital, Bangkok, gets over 20 million visitors every year.
#16
The stark difference between the uber rich getaway spots, the local housing projects, the desperation of gamblers and constant scamming of just about everyone trying to sell you something.
Also, our hotel smelled like an open sewer and we were chased by an angry taxi driver because we asked to be taken to a specific casino but didn’t go inside. We gave him that name because it was a good focal point for us to explore but had no interest in gambling. When we got out and paid our fare but then turned into a pedestrian shopping area he shouted and chased us. I assume he got a kick back for every person he actually brought to the casino and was angry at missing out.
#17
Have you ever had an underwhelming travel experience? What made it so disappointing? Would you ever go there again? Don’t forget to upvote your favorites on this list and leave a comment if you can relate!
#18
That place is just depressing; also, at the time there was a heatwave with temperatures reaching well over 110 degrees Fahrenheit, so double fail.
#19
#20
Buffalo Museum of Science was a gem.