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There are many places to travel in the world, but not all of them are worth it. money. This is especially true in places that have become too touristy or significantly increase their prices during peak times, such as major festivals or public holidays.
Whether you're planning a last-minute summer vacation or thinking about an upcoming vacation next year, here are some places that might not be worth it, according to travel industry experts.
Venice, Italy
“I think travel should be about connection and discovery, not about checking boxes,” said Alex Cornici, CEO and founder of The traveler. “Places like Venice are aesthetically pleasing, no doubt, but travelers often leave them hungry for substance and with a desire for more cultural engagement.”
That's not to say that Venice is never worth going to, and if it's on your bucket list, it might be worth it. The city has long been a popular tourist destination, which has led to swollen prices and crowded streets and canals. According to Cornici, it also takes away some of Venice's charm and authenticity, two things many travelers specifically seek.
In terms of price, you might also be looking at a fairly expensive trip. The average traveler spends approximately $1,738 for a week in the city excluding airfare, according to Budget Your Trip. Some people even spend almost $4,500 during their visit.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
“(Dubai is) yet another overrated and expensive travel destination that I personally don’t find worth it,” said Alonso Marly, a travel expert at SkyLux Travel. “The city itself is, of course, very impressive and instantly takes your breath away with its many skyscrapers, luxury cars and fancy restaurants, but the long queues don't really make up for the price you pay when it comes to such a popular tourist. attractions such as Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.
Cornici added that Dubai can seem too artificial for many travelers and lacks the cultural depth of other Middle Eastern destinations.
“If you are looking for a premium travel experience that offers better value for money, I suggest you visit Oman – the perfect place to experience old Arabia which offers beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, diverse landscapes and endless sunshine without breaking the bank,” says Marly.
A week in Dubai costs approximately $1,736 per person, including accommodation, local public transportation, sightseeing and food, according to Budget Your Trip. This does not include airfare to and from the region.
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun has long been a favored travel destination for honeymooners and those looking for a romantic or relaxing getaway; however, like so many other places, it has become increasingly expensive and crowded.
“Most of the time, Cancun, with its beaches and vibrant nightlife, is teeming with tourists, so the experience of Mexico is a little less authentic and a little too commercialized,” Cornici said.
According to Expedia, you can find all-inclusive packages to Cancun for between $800 and $2,500 per person, including round-trip airfare. Depending on your budget, this may or may not seem like a lot. As the region is more touristy than ever, it could also be a barrier for some travelers.
New York City
“In my opinion, New York City is simply not worth the money. At least not right now,” said Jasmin Diaz, travel expert and marketing specialist at Smoky Mountains. “Not only is everything more expensive, but every place and tourist attraction is extremely overcrowded. This makes your time and spending money unenjoyable. Air pollution and increasing waste in the city are also unfortunate and unpleasant.
According to Momondo, the average cost of a hotel room in New York is $375 per night, but you may find cheaper accommodations depending on when you go and where you stay. When you add dining and entertainment to the mix, you could be looking at a very expensive trip.
Thailand
Marly suggested skipping some islands in Thailand, including Phuket, Pattaya and Krabi.
“Now that travel volumes have exceeded pre-pandemic levels, these exotic destinations are becoming massively overcrowded throughout the year, leading to price inflation, increased pollution and decreased quality of life residents,” he said. “The situation has become so serious that the local government has been forced to implement measures to control the number of tourists coming to these islands.”
If you don't mind crowds, there's good news. Thailand is generally one of the most affordable tourist destinations to visit. A week's trip costs approximately $567 per person excluding airfare, according to Budget Your Trip.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
“The very popular Croatian seaside town of Dubrovnik is another summer vacation destination I would suggest not traveling to,” Marly said. “Just last year, this historic city was named Europe's most populous tourist destination, so much so that it was even forced to take measures to limit the number of daily visitors and protect its tourism status. 'UNESCO.'
Excessive tourism in Dubrovnik has led to multiple problems in this relatively small city, including severe traffic jams and rising prices. A week's visit costs approximately $1,448 for two people excluding airfare, according to Budget Your Trip.
Instead of Dubrovnik, Marly suggested going to Šibenik.
“It is a smaller, lesser-known Croatian seaside town, with beautiful Venetian-style architecture and a picturesque Adriatic coastline,” he added. “Perfect for an authentic European holiday experience and a much more peaceful time in the sun. »
Bonus: big cities
“As an outdoor enthusiast, I would say avoid big cities, especially if you live there,” said David Ciccarelli, CEO and founder of Lake. “Unless you are traveling abroad and make a point of visiting the historic sites of a city like Rome or Athens, traveling from one metropolis to another, especially within of your country, will quickly reveal how similar most city centers are.”
If the hustle and bustle of large metropolitan areas energizes you, or if you have a specific reason to go – like an event or a show – then don't hesitate. Otherwise, you may want to get off the beaten path or even explore some outdoor areas.
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