20 Overrated Tourist Spots You’ll Regret Visiting This Year

We all have a travel bucket list, but you don’t really know what to expect until you finally start traveling. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out. Here are some of the countries around the world where we must think twice before traveling. However, everyone’s experience can be different, and what may be challenging for one person could be amazing for someone else.

Egypt

Most people are attracted to visit Egypt’s archeological sites, but the country has the worst reputation with frequent fliers. Heavily armed men stroll the streets, the weather is blistering hot, and Egypt has consistently ranked as incredibly unsafe for women. However, not everyone may face similar issues.

Turkey

Turkey is famous for its beautiful landscapes and rich history, but lately, it’s been dealing with heavy tourism, especially in places like Istanbul. The big crowds and occasional tourist scams can make things a bit stressful. Some areas, especially in the southeast, also have safety concerns. If you’re planning a trip, try checking out the lesser-known spots for a more laid-back experience.

Morocco

Morocco is a beautiful country that is also very affordable, but sadly, it’s not safe. Street harassment is incredibly common in the country, especially toward solo female travelers. Crime aside, the country is ravaged by corrupt businesses that rip customers off, and street beggars make traveling a living nightmare.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s isolated environment can be tricky to navigate; solo travelers have to deal with checkpoint hassles, most bus services rip off tourists with extra baggage fees, and northern areas occasionally turn off the internet and network due to conflicts. Apart from the issues this country faces, one cannot just resist the coffee it produces.

Jamaica

Jamaica is home to breathtaking beaches and all-inclusive resorts offering a pleasing experience. But, the country is not safe to travel if you’re not careful. Jamaica has a high crime rate, so tourists are often placed in unexpected situations to fend for themselves. Crime aside, Jamaica is renowned for lousy tour operators, who frequently scam tourists.

Philippines

The Philippines is a small island, but it’s majorly overruled by cars. Its awful traffic has consistently rated the worst. Additionally, tourists are at risk of getting mugged, especially when they are in Manila and its surrounding areas. Apart from that, the country is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world.

Italy

Although Italy is an extremely popular travel destination, most major cities are crammed with tourists, which only encourages scammers and pickpockets. In cities like Milan and Rome, some tourists have also experienced racism based on their skin color. Despite the many issues this country has, it receives millions of tourists every year.

Germany

Germany typically flies under the radar, but that’s one of the few reasons tourists are severely mistreated. Airport and hotel employees can be rude and demeaning, while citizens are often unwilling to help foreigners who cannot speak the German language. On a positive note, Germany is one of the most beautiful parts of Europe.

Haiti

Haiti has long been considered unsafe; the country is politically and socially unstable, which contributes to a high crime rate. Besides the civil unrest, the country is incredibly dangerous for members of the LGBT community, with two anti-LGBT bills passed, one denying them character certificates and the other banning same-sex marriage.

Japan

Most tourists are surprised to find Japan on this list, but the country can be pretty unpleasant for people of color. Locals can be demeaning and insulting and frequently contribute to racism, which can even put foreigners at risk. Most recently, the country has also blocked the view of Mount Fuji, making it useless for those who want to visit Japan for this very reason.

Cambodia

Cambodia has one of the highest crime rates in the world. Tourists are an easy target for petty crimes, but some travelers in different parts of the country have also experienced armed robberies. Additionally, ATM fraud is also common in the country. One needs to be extremely vigilant when traveling in Cambodia.

China

China consistently ranks as one of the worst polluted areas in the world, leading to health problems and breathing issues for locals and tourists. It has poor traffic control and a horrible pedestrian experience. On top of that, tourists feel like they’re constantly being surveilled.

India

While India has many attractions, such as the Taj Mahal, safety concerns, particularly for women, can detract from the overall tourist experience. Reports of harassment and incidents of violence against women have raised serious concerns and may push back tourists from visiting.

Peru

Like any destination, Peru has its drawbacks, including issues with petty crimes and scams, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Travelers should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey through this captivating South American gem.

South Africa

While South Africa boasts breathtaking scenery and a fascinating cultural heritage, it’s not without its drawbacks. Crime is a real concern, with high rates of theft and violence, particularly in cities. In addition to the ongoing economic struggles and social unrest, it becomes clear why it might not be the best choice for a vacation.

United Arab Emirates

While Dubai is known for its luxury, many people find its flashy, over-the-top style to be a bit tasteless and lacking in character. The stark divide between the wealthy and the poor is hard to miss. There are also troubling reports about the exploitation of workers, who often have their passports taken and go unpaid for months. This side of Dubai, where money meets excess, can really turn people off.

Thailand

Thailand is still a favorite for its beautiful beaches, temples, and delicious food, but it’s starting to feel a bit too crowded. Popular places like Bangkok and Phuket are often packed with tourists, which can make it challenging to learn about the local culture. Also, scams targeting visitors have become more frequent, which can take away from the overall experience.

Indonesia

Indonesia, especially Bali, is a summer hotspot, and its dry season attracts many tourists. But keep in mind that it’s peak season, so you’ll face crowded beaches and steeper prices. Expect busy attractions, and plan ahead to avoid frustration. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons.

Cuba

Cuba is known for its lively culture, vintage cars, and stunning beaches, but there are a few things to keep in mind. The internet can be hit-or-miss, and so is food and some of the infrastructure is a bit old, which can lead to minor inconveniences. Also, tourists might notice different pricing compared to locals, which can be a bit annoying.

Greece

Popular tourist destinations in Greece, like Athens, are hotspots for pickpockets, who love targeting unsuspecting tourists. Certain destinations in Greece are lined with trash and graffiti and have been damaged to an undesirable extent by rowdy locals and tourists. While many people would love to visit other countries instead of Greece, some cannot just resist the charm it offers.

More For You

There are many things you can plan this year, such as going on an amazing road trip across the United States. These road trips offer some of the most surreal landscapes in the world.

This article was inspired by discussions on Reddit and first appeared on Rbitaliablog.