steer clear of the tourist traps meaning

What does steer clear of tourist traps mean?

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What does steer clear mean?

Keep away from

What does steer clear of permanent alliances mean?

Keel away from

What does the phrase steer clear mean?

Steer clear means to stay away from, or keep away from. For example, there may be drama at school, and I may say "I am going to steer clear of the drama." In other words " I am going to stay away (keep away) from the drama."

What does it mean when a guy flirts with you and always makes eye contact with you but he already has a girlfriend?

It means he is a cheater. Steer clear.

If i guy kicks you then blames it on someone else and then sticks up for you does that mean he likes you?

It means he has problems. Whether he likes you or not steer clear

What does steer mean in 2 different meaning?

To 'Steer' A car wheel, or to Feed a Baby 'steer.' A steer can also be a baby cow.

What is the idiom for avoid?

An idiom is a saying or expression. There are many idioms that mean to stay away from, or avoid, someone. An example of such an idiom would be, "to steer clear of" someone.

French to english cheat sheet phrases?

There is no such cheat sheets for French studying. Do you mean like typical tourist guide phrases? Then you need a tourist guidebook, there must be tons of them online. Your question is not really clear.

What does mean to steer?

To guide the course of (something in motion) by a rudder, helm, wheel, etc.: to steer a bicycle. Source: Dictionary.com

What does steer mean?

"Steer" is a verb that means to control the direction of a vehicle or animal by turning a steering wheel, reins, or other device. It can also refer to guidance or direction in general, such as steering a company towards success. Additionally, a "steer" can also be a male bovine animal that has been castrated.

What does tourist mean to a country?

the word tourist means a person on vacation to a state it does not live on. For example : When i went to Hawaii i was a tourist

Can the word steer mean a female sheep or a young bull raised to produce meat?

A steer is a castrated male that is raised for its meat

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Falling for the Hype? How to Evade Tourist Traps [NEW Study]

Let’s face it:

Tourist traps are often chided for their commercialized nature, steep prices, and lack of authenticity.

They are still a HUGE draw for travelers.

The reason?

At PhotoAiD, we’ve surveyed over 1,000 Americans to find out. Read on for the insights we gathered, and grab some pro tips on how to avoid tourist traps.

Key Takeaways

• The top factors contributing to a place being labeled as a tourist trap are above-average pricing ( 30% ), amenities tailored for tourists ( 28% ), and lack of cultural authenticity ( 27% ).
• About 89% of Americans have visited a tourist trap more than once in the past two years.
• Roughly 82% of respondents were set back over $50 at the last tourist trap they visited, with 22% spending $201 or more.
• Nearly 70% of travelers felt their recent visit to a tourist trap diminished their trip enjoyment.
• The Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls, Canada, was named the #1 global tourist trap, while California’s Fisherman’s Wharf led the pack in the US.
• The top advice on how to avoid a tourist trap is to visit well-known landmarks without making them the main focus of your trip ( 16% ).

High Prices, Tailored Amenities, and Lack of Authenticity Signal Tourist Traps

Whether or not an attraction is a tourist trap is largely subjective. 

Take the Eiffel Tower.

While some locals may roll their eyes and dub it a tourist trap, can you go to Paris and skip this iconic structure?

Sure, you might be surrounded by throngs of tourists (all snapping away with their cameras) and feel regret as you fork over money for an overpriced souvenir at a gift shop nearby.

The magic of this monument, overlooking the City of Lights, is undeniable.

But then, there are places like Romeo and Juliet’s balcony in Verona, Italy.

Most visitors believe this is where the star-crossed lovers whispered sweet nothings to each other. In reality, you’ll find yourself elbowing through some 10,000 people just to glimpse a balcony erected after Shakespeare wrote the play.

So, to help settle the debate, we asked survey respondents to identify what factors scream “tourist trap” to them.

Below are the results:

The data reveals that high prices (30%), amenities specifically tailored for tourists (28%), and, perhaps most importantly, lack of cultural or historical authenticity (27%) are the telltale signs of a tourist trap.

Wouldn’t you agree?

Nearly 9 in 10 Americans Have Been to a Tourist Trap Recently

Having established what typically makes an attraction a tourist trap, we wanted to delve deeper and ask respondents about their recent encounters with such places.

Here’s what we found:

A significant 89% of respondents admit to having visited what they’d call a tourist trap more than once in the past two years. 

This further shows these spots have a magnetic pull despite the flak they often receive.

But—what drives us to them?

Let’s take a look:

The data suggests social and external influences are major factors. 

Over half of Americans (~53%) indicated they were swayed by recommendations from family and friends or online media. So, think twice the next time someone insists on that “must-visit” spot.

Lastly, we wanted to examine how much visiting a tourist trap can mar the travel experience.

The results are in:

Regrettably, almost 70% of respondents said their overall trip enjoyment took a hit.

One potential reason for the lackluster experience? The dent in their wallets.

About 82% of participants revealed they had spent more than $50 at these places, with around 22% admitting to shelling out $201 or more.

This testifies to the high commercial nature of such spots.

But fret not.

In our next sections, we’ll unveil the most “trappy” attractions in the eyes of the public to help you sidestep them on your next adventure.

Skylon Tower Ranked the World’s #1 Tourist Trap

So far, so good.

Using the USA Today data, we compiled a list of the world’s most visited tourist attractions that many view as tourist traps. We then passed this list to our survey participants, asking them to pick which spots felt most “trappy.”

Below are the top seven that made the cut:

As you can see, Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls, Canada, claimed the top spot with about 10% of the vote. 

Hot on its heels were the Moulin Rouge in Paris, France (9%), and the Blue Lagoon in Grindavik, Iceland (8%).

Why is Skylon Tower deemed the biggest tourist trap? 

It’s an iconic fixture, offering panoramic views of the magnificent Niagara Falls. 

Many visitors voice concerns over the long wait times and exorbitant admission fees. Plus, other viewpoints in the area offer comparable views without the hefty price tag and crowds.

Now, if you’re curious about the most hyped-up tourist spots in the US, our next section spills the beans.

Fisherman’s Wharf Was Voted The Biggest Tourist Trap in the US

Without beating much around the bush, let’s jump straight to the heart of the matter:

As you can see, Fisherman’s Wharf is the frontrunner, pulling in ~11% of the vote.

So, what gives?

At face value, it promises a quintessential San Francisco experience. It has seaside charm, historic flavor, and postcard views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Visitors lament the hordes of crowds, overpriced eateries, and the barrage of typical souvenir shops that overshadow the genuine, local charm it once held.

Does that mean you should steer clear of the wharf? 

Not exactly.

After all, every San Francisco first-timer is drawn to this landmark. Instead, be mindful that while the views are a catch, it’s easy to get hooked on the touristy trappings.

8 Actionable Tips on How to Avoid Tourist Traps

In our last section, we aimed to give fellow travelers insights to bypass tourist traps. 

We presented respondents with tactical tips and asked them to identify the one they found most helpful.

Let’s dive into the results:

The leading piece of advice, with roughly 16%, is not to shun popular sites but to avoid making them the sole focus of your trip.

Plus, it’s a good idea to lean into personal connections and seek professional advice. 

Travel agents (12%) and local acquaintances (11%) are often the gateway to hidden gems, eateries favored by locals, and experiences that might not be on every traveler’s radar.

With this, safe travels!

Methodology

We conducted an online survey of 1,002 US respondents who had traveled for leisure in the past 24 months and had been primarily or jointly responsible for travel planning via a bespoke online polling tool in September 2023.

The respondents were 58.1% male, 41.7% female, and 0.2% identified as other. 28.9% of respondents were 26 or younger, 51.4% were aged 27–42, 15.6% were aged 43–58, and 4.1% were 59 or older.

This survey has a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 3%. Given the gender and age makeup of our sample size, the study’s findings are statistically significant for the population at large.

This study was created through multiple research steps, crowdsourcing, and surveying. Data scientists reviewed all survey participants’ responses for quality control. ​​The survey also had an attention-check question.

• BuzzFeed, “Over-Hyped Attractions Around The World”
• Insider, “8 Warning Signs You’re About to Visit a Tourist Trap”
• Lifehacker, “How to Spot the Worst Tourist Traps (and When to Just Give In and Visit Them)”
• Thrillist, “Most Overrated Tourist Traps in the World Ranked in New USA Today Study”

As a Digital PR specialist and a member of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), I have 5+ years of writing experience. Over the course of my career, my work has garnered significant attention, with features in numerous prominent publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, Inc., Business Insider, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, BBC, TechRepublic, Glassdoor, and G2.

Definition of 'steer clear of sb/sth'

• steer clear of sb/sth

Browse alphabetically steer clear of sb/sth

• steer a course
• steer clear
• steer clear of
• steerageway
• All ENGLISH words that begin with 'S'

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Article: How to Steer Clear of Tourist Traps in European Destinations

How to Steer Clear of Tourist Traps in European Destinations

To help you make the most of your European travels, we asked travel experts and industry professionals for their best advice on avoiding tourist traps. From avoiding all-inclusive hotel packages to exploring beyond tourist areas, here are the top five tips shared by CEOs, founders, and travel bloggers on how to have a more authentic European experience.

Avoid All-Inclusive Hotel Packages

Seek nature and hidden gems, ask locals for recommendations, travel during shoulder months, explore beyond tourist areas.

"Many hotels, particularly those in resort areas, provide an allegedly "all-inclusive" service. The plan is to serve meals at the hotel for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This scenario is perfect for families with children.  Just consider the amount of effort it will take to gather your large family and search for a restaurant. But seasoned travelers will ‌avoid all-inclusive packages. Most hotel cuisine is unhealthy, bland, and rarely varies across several days. It is the worst idea if you come to learn about the culture and sample the cuisine." Axel Hernborg , Founder and CEO, Tripplo.com

"Finding authenticity can be difficult. Avoiding the crowds and unexpected expenses can be a lot of work. But by doing some homework and looking for nature where you are going, you can plan an experience that is uniquely available only to those that look. Here are examples. In Provence, every spot an artist painted or had a drink can appear to be a trap. However, a hike to see the Roman Aqueducts reveals the history and unexpected natural beauty.  In England, the entire city of Brighton is great—but it can seem like one tourist trap after another. However, a quick bus ride to the Seven Sisters and you can see beautiful white cliffs for free.  You can visit the Amalfi coast and wonder if anyone is left in LA, but take a hike along the Walk of the Gods, you will see the incredible beauty of the place, and eat some fantastic food in peace.  In the Netherlands, a quick train ride and a bike rental reveal a completely different country. Look for nature—it won't overcharge." Jeff Zeanah , Owner, Zous Chef

"The best map is drawn on a napkin late at night at the bar... simply: ask the locals for recommendations. They usually tell you about places that you don't easily find in travel guides. And if they tell you to take a local bus, do it! It will get you to places that aren't usually frequented by tourists." Julia-Carolin Zeng , Director, Charlie on the Move Ltd

"Travel during shoulder months like April, May, September, and October, instead of during the peak summer season between June and August.  Mediterranean destinations are still warm (and sometimes even hot) during these months, and the weather can be pleasant in Northern Europe as well. Plus, besides beating crowds, you'll likely enjoy lower prices on flights and hotels. Win-win-win!" Robert Schrader , Travel Blogger, Leave Your Daily Hell

"Escape the clutches of tourist traps and embark on an authentic European adventure! Instead of falling into the overpriced snares near popular landmarks or crowded tourist hubs, dare to wander off the beaten path. Venture into the enchanting side streets, where hidden culinary gems await your discovery.

Unveil the true flavors of Europe by seeking local eateries tucked away from the touristy chaos. These hidden gems, untouched by the tourist stampede, offer a genuine taste of the region's culinary delights. Allow your senses to be tantalized by the aromas wafting from unassuming restaurants, where locals flock for a reason. Step away from the Eiffel Tower's shadow or the crowds of St. Mark's Square in Venice, and let curiosity guide your culinary expedition. Engage with the locals, ask for recommendations, and immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Europe. By venturing beyond the tourist traps, you'll discover unforgettable dining experiences." Luke Cheetham , Founder, uRisk Legionella Testing   ----------------------------------------------------------------------------   If you're looking to add to your closet, traveling, vacationing or just a night out on the town -  be sure to check out our   Country Collections   where you can shop local artisans from different countries with life long family-run boutiques and shops with long-standing cultural craftsmanship. The Italy Collection The Iceland Collection The Ireland Collection The Germany Collection The Scotland Collection World Chic Collection

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US Tourist Traps That Are Actually Worth A Visit

While locals and seasoned travelers know to steer clear of the overcrowded, overpriced and usually overrated, tourist-filled destinations, there are certain ‘tourists traps’ across the US that are worth your time. Head to these five iconic sights in the US, and prepare to sift through the crowds; however, take solace in knowing you won’t regret it.

1. alcatraz, san francisco, alcatraz, san francisco.

While locals know the Fisherman’s Wharf is a tourist trap not worth manning the disgruntled crowds, Alcatraz Island sure is. Home to the famous prison that housed some of the more notorious criminals of its time (think Al Capone), Alcatraz is a classic representation of the nation’s prison history frozen in time; not to mention, views of the San Francisco city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and chilly waters of the Bay make for breathtaking scenery that you’ll take home with you. For a spookier experience, head here for a night tour, where you’ll see the prison’s hospital and dungeon. Pro tip: book in advance as this night version books up quickly.

Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA, USA , +1 415 561 4900

Alcatraz Island | © 27707/Pixabay

Pike Place Market, Seattle

Seattle’s Pike Place Market has been an iconic Northwest destination since its establishment in 1907. While the market sees its fair share of tourists on the prowl for the legendary ‘fish slinging,’ there’s plenty of hidden gems within this area, including cafés, craft cocktail bars, a great selection of local produce, and eats so good you’ll be glad you made the trek. Plus, this one’s located on the stunning waterfront of Elliott Bay – the views alone should make this trip worthwhile.

Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, USA

2. Café du Monde, New Orleans

Café du monde, new orleans.

Although there’s almost always a wait, the beignets from Café du Monde are quick to make you forget you’re surrounded by dozens of tourists. An institution since 1862, the Café has gained national recognition thanks to its consistent appearance in pop culture, including novels, music, TV shows, and films; and while the locals say to stay away from this ‘tourist attraction,’ it’s advised to get your beignet on instead – you’ll be glad you did. Don’t forget to indulge in the chicory coffee, developed in the mid-19th century by the New Orleans Creoles, for a truly authentic experience.

Café du Monde, 800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA, USA , +1 504 525 4544

Cafe Du Monde | © Steven Guzzardi/Flickr

Ellis Island, New York

New York City is home to many of the nation’s most famous, albeit overly touristy, destinations – rather than face the crowds of the congested Time Square, plan a trip to Ellis Island instead. Once the entry point for over 12 million immigrants to the US, Ellis is bursting with history that begins as early as 1892. There are several exhibits and artifacts located in the museum, a Wall of Honor listing over 700,000 immigrant names, photo albums and family histories, and an audio tour detailing the story behind the island. History buffs, rejoice! Plus, you can get a picturesque view of Lady Liberty on your way to and from the island, a tourist attraction best seen from afar.

Ellis Island, New York, USA

3. The Capitol Building, Washington D.C.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Definition of steer

 (Entry 1 of 4)

Definition of steer  (Entry 2 of 4)

transitive verb

intransitive verb

Definition of steer  (Entry 3 of 4)

Definition of steer  (Entry 4 of 4)

dialectal British variant of stir

• marshall

guide , lead , steer , pilot , engineer mean to direct in a course or show the way to be followed.

guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers.

lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order.

steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly.

pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course.

engineer implies finding ways to avoid or overcome difficulties in achieving an end or carrying out a plan.

Examples of steer in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'steer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English, from Old English stēor young ox; akin to Old High German stior young ox

Middle English steren , from Old English stīeran ; akin to Old English stēor- steering oar, Greek stauros stake, cross, stylos pillar, Sanskrit sthavira, sthūra stout, thick

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

1894, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing steer

• steer clear
• steer (someone) wrong

Dictionary Entries Near steer

steerability

Cite this Entry

“Steer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steer. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of steer.

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Kids Definition of steer  (Entry 2 of 2)

Legal Definition

Legal definition of steer, more from merriam-webster on steer.

Nglish: Translation of steer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of steer for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about steer

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London’s Overhyped Tourist Traps and Overrated Sites

Planning a trip to London? In this London travel guide, I give you the scoop on the tacky tourist traps in London to avoid at all costs.

Sometimes, you have to gush over a lauded attraction. And sometimes you need to levy justified criticism, to give readers the real lowdown on a particular site.

I’ve written posts on overrated and overhyped tourist attractions in Lisbon and Paris . London deserves the same treatment.

If you prefer to steer clear of overwhelming crowds, London might pose a challenge, as it is notorious for being overcrowded. Additionally, the city can be quite expensive, often leaving visitors in a state of shock.

It’s crucial to assess whether the hyped-up attractions in London truly warrant your time, money, and energy. Consider whether you possess the patience and serenity required to endure long queues and waits.

However, the issue lies not with the destination itself. London is a city brimming with history, excitement, and constant transformation. The key lies in carefully selecting the places you intend to visit, ensuring a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

London’s Biggest Tourist Traps

Here are 15 of the worst tourist traps and places you should skip or avoid in London. Granted, some of them are often described as must see sites for your London itinerary .

But not to me. There’s so much to see in London.

You can safely cross these touristy London spots off your London to do list.

1. Buckingham Palace: a Plain Building Surrounded by a Gate

At Buckingham Palace, there’s always a crush of tourists. The Victoria statue and the wrought iron gate are quite lovely. But otherwise Buckingham Palace is just an overrated celebrity culture pit stop.

There are many more impressive imperial palaces in the world. Honestly, I think the building is a bit of an ugly carbuncle, with a mishmash of architecture. It looks like a hotel.

If you’re nonetheless an ardent royalist, be advised that you can only tour the royal state rooms during a 10 week period in the summer. It’s a 2 hour tour and you’ll need to pre-book tickets .

2. The Changing of the Guards: Glorified Marching Band

The 11:00 am changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace is likewise a bit of a yawn. It’s an elaborate, precisely-timed game of tag — in one door and out the other. Billed as an ancient ritual, it’s really just a marching band.

Plus, to see the marchers, you’ll have to start queueing up 1.5-2 hours in advance to be anywhere near the gate. Your time is generally better spent elsewhere. Snap a photo and move on.

Instead, if you’re in Westminster, head over to the Horse Guards Parade along Whitehall. There’s also a changing of the guard ceremony there. It’s a nice alternative to crowds at Buckingham Palace.

3. The London Eye: Crowds in a Pod

The London Eye is another skippable tourist trap I London. It’s just a ferris wheel.

Yes, that’s all it is. And yet the London Eye is an uber popular attraction in London, the most popular tourist site in the UK. It’s also known as the Coca-Cole Eye or the Millennium Wheel.

The London Eye was meant to be temporary. But, due to its financial success, the Eye became a permanent fixture on the London skyline in 2002.

To ride the ferris wheel, you’ll wait in a never-ending line to buy a ticket, wait to get on the Eye, and then be trapped in a capsule with a crowd for 30 minutes. Shudder.

To be sure, you do get a decent view of London from the Eye. The view is most beautiful in the late afternoon or early evening at sunset. So go then, if you’re really determined to ride the Eye. As a bonus, the usually massive queues for the Eye subside later in the day.

If you must ride, be sure to book a skip the line ticket . You can also skip the line if you booked the London Pass .

For spectacular views that are free, head to the Sky Garden, on the 43rd floor of London’s “walkie talkie” building on Fenchurch Street. It’s billed as London’s “highest public garden.” All you need to do is pre-book your free viewing.

If you’re visiting the Tate Modern (a fantastic museum!), you can also ride the elevator to the 14th floor to the viewing platform, for another completely free view.

4. Madam Tusssauds: A Wax Trap

London is overflowing with amazing, and mostly free, national museums with world class art. And British art, at that.

On the other hand, Madam Tussauds is a generic big city wax museum, with some British celebrities you might even not recognize.

I fail to see the allure of wax museums. But if you truly want to see the faux celebrities instead of just googling them, prepare yourself. You’ll pay dearly, wait in ghastly long admission lines, and have a noisy cramped museum experience. It may be so crowded you’ll be hard pressed to get a good photo with the Marvel comic characters or the royals.

Moreover, the sticker shock price tag is staggering. The standard ticket is almost $40 per person. Skip it and see some real art instead. Or else you may be the real dummy.

5. Picadilly Circus and Leicester Square

Picadilly Circus and Leicester Square are just noisy, crowded, and incredibly annoying Times Square types places. They’re where good taste goes to die.

You’ll be surrounded by cheap souvenir shops with trinkets made in China and fast food chains. Do you really want to eat at Burger King when you’re in London?

In Leicester Square, you’ll also find M&M World and the Lego store. And the world’s worst restaurant, Angus Steakhouse. I can’t imagine any less British places to visit.

If you’ve come to this area to see a West End show, great. If not, there’s not really anything to do but pass on through. Take a gander at the Shakespeare statue on Leicester Square, then leave.

6. Covent Garden: Watch Your Wallet

Covent Garden has been a popular London retail and leisure district since the 17th century. It’s a buzzy mix of tony restaurants, cocktail lounges, souvenir stalls, and food market halls.

If it’s your first time in London, you should definitely pay a visit and take a peek. But go early so you can actually see the interesting architecture and cobbled bones of the place.

Be forewarned though. Covent Garden is definitely a bit of a tourist trap, with street performers and overpriced eateries. If you’re too busy watching the buskers, you may lose your wallet.

Worried that Covent Garden has lost its authentic charm, city planners have been trying to resuscitate it. Apple Market has been renovated and the area is more pedestrianized now. It’s pretty, but packed.

7. Sherlock Holmes Museum: Psst! He’s Not Real

Sure, we all love Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. He’s a clever fictional hero and a master of deduction. But Sherlock Holmes is NOT a real person and doesn’t deserve a “museum.”

The Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street is therefore just flat out silly, a meaningless contrived attraction. Coincidentally, the museum is next to Madame Tussauds.

Plus, it’s an expensive rip off designed to bilk unsuspecting tourists. There are some (questionably authentic) Victorian trinkets, along with unrealistic wax figures. But the museum seems to center largely on the gift shop.

Apart from the paucity of offerings, a ticket to the museum is rather expensive (£15). And you’ll have a long wait to get inside to see junk. Don’t fall for this transparent charade, when there’s a plethora of real art to be seen and admired in London.

If you love Sherlock Holmes, instead take a 3 hour walking tour for the historic backdrop.

8. Peggy Porschen, An InstaTrap

It’s pink. It’s pretty. It’s Instagram famous.

Otherwise, there’s really nothing special about Peggy Porschen in London’s Belgravia neighborhood. Unless of course you’d like some overpriced mediocre cakes served up at a glacial pace in a crowded setting. ‘Nuff said.

On the other hand, Belgravia itself is absolutely lovely, a quiet break from the cacophony of the city.

Like neighboring Mayfair and Knightsbridge, it’s London’s champagne — with beautiful architecture, high end shopping, and lovely leafy gardens and squares. Belgravia is the perfect place for a leisurely and luxurious stroll.

9. Oxford Street: Generic Shopping

Like the Champs Elysees in Paris , Oxford Street is a crowded mess. Sure, there are lots of shops there (and the Christmas lights are divine).

But they’re mostly generic and ubiquitous ones, like H&M and Urban Outfitters. I know, I was recently dragged there by my teenage daughter, who found the area infinitely more fascinating than me.

If you want to shop with fewer crowds, try Carnaby Street, just 2 minutes from Oxford Street. It has some actual London based shops.

Better yet, head to a London neighborhood like Shoreditch, Notting Hill, Mayfair, or Chelsea for everything from vintage to luxury shopping.

10. Abbey Road: It’s a Public Road

Who doesn’t love the Beatles? I do, but not enough to visit Abbey Road, also known as the Beatles Crossing.

It’s located in a north London neighborhood of St. John’s Wood. Tourists flock there to recreate the iconic album cover of the four Beatles crossing the street.

But this isn’t really a tourist attraction. It’s an active public road. You could get killed trying to get your photo, unless you’re there at the crack of dawn.

11. The London Aquarium: Fish in London?!

Don’t spend your precious time in London at the London Aquarium on the south bank. London is land bound, not on the coast. Nothing you see at the aquarium will be remotely London-related. This is yet another generic big city site that’s eminently skippable.

In fact, this carnival-like area of south bank is best avoided. The entire section between Westminster Bridge and the Tate Modern is infested with tourists, buskers, and pickpockets.

If you want to sample the attractions of the south bank, either start at the Tate Modern and head due east or start at the Tower Bridge and head west.

12. London Bridge Experience: Costly Cheap Thrills

The London Bridge Experience is a deceptive name. It’s another of the jamboree-like attractions on London’s south bank.

It’s basically a walk through scare attraction that claims to take you on a journey through English history. But it’s really just an amusement park built into the basement of London Bridge Train Station. Skip it.

Don’t go to the London Dungeon, located near the London Eye, either. At this place , “costumed actors bray at visitors as they lead them through darkness from set to set, each representing another period of English history as a 13-year-old boy might define them.”

If you want a real experience, book a skip the line ticket for the Tower Bridge . It’s one of London’s most defining landmarks.

Built between 1886-94 during the reign of Queen Victoria, it was designed to mimic the architectural style of the Tower of London .

You can walk across the bridge on glass walkways, learn about the bridge’s history, and climb the two Victorian towers. This attraction is much less expensive and included in the London Pass .

13. Borough Market: Watch Out For The Tourist Buses

Borough Market is billed as a must see foodie site. It’s not really.

It’s a massive food hall that’s become mostly a tourist attraction, a victim of its own popularity. Tour buses stop here too, so you’ll be crushed by massive crowds. If you must go, head there before 10:00 am.

Personally, I prefer browsing at the Columbia Road Flower Market, Maltby Street Market, or Leadenhall Market.

You can also try the Camden Market. It’s located in a quirky neighbrohood covered in fantastic street art. Camden is known for its edgy shops and indie foodie specialties. It can be a fun place to visit — just not on the weekend when it’s heaving with tourists.

14. The 9 3/4 Platform at King’s Cross: Fake Site

I’m sorry, Harry Potter fans. But the 9 3/4 platform, a fictional secret platform that only wizards can use, is just a trolley in a wall at King’s Cross Station.

It’s not even the original one either, which was displaced during construction. There’s the proverbial gift shop next door and people offering to take your “professional” photo with a Harry Potter scarf.

You’ll also have to queue up take a picture with the trolley and sign. This process may take 30-60 minutes.

You’re better off taking a walking tour of London’s other Harry Potter filming locations . Here’s my complete guide to all the Harry Potter places to visit in London .

15. The Shard: Super Expensive Views

I hesitate to call the Shard a true tourist trap. The tallest building in the European Union is a cool place and an iconic landmark in London.

You’ll get an eyeful of London from the 69th and 72nd floors. The tour is well organized with timed entry passes and viewing telescopes.

But still. At 32 euros for just the standard ticket, it’s a horrendously expensive jig. Why pay this whopping fee when there are equally good vistas at the Sky Gardens or the Gardens at 120 for free?

16. Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is not my favorite place in London. It’s rather dark and dank. Not what you think of as a grand palace.

The displays aren’t well labeled. To learn anything about what you’re seeing, you have to pick up a book and walk around with it, looking for numbers.

If you’re a fashionista, the only real reason to visit is to see the collection of Princess Diana’s dresses.

If you’re staying nearby and have the London Pass , visit. If not, it’s a hike to get there and tickets aren’t cheap.

17. Notting Hill’s Fake Book Shop

The book shop that appeared in the movie Notting Hill is not a real book shop. Even though it’s banner says “the travel book shop,” it’s not. It’s a trinket store. It’s not worth finding it or walking inside.

But you may want to go inside the actual book shop that inspired the one in the movie. That is an actual bookstore with a fantastic selection.

When the book shop was asked to become a filming location, it turned down the offer. Hence, the other bookstore was used to film the movie.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the tourist traps to avoid in London. You may enjoy these other London guides:

• 3 day itinerary for London
• 5 Day Itinerary for London
• Free Museums in London
• Virtual Tours of London
• Guide to the Tower of London
• Guide to the Churchill War Rooms
• Guide To the Henry VII Chapel
• Guide to the Wallace Collection
• Guide To Hampton Court Palace
• Guide To the National Gallery of Art
• Guide to the Tate Britain

If you want to avoid tourist traps in London, pin it for later.

5 thoughts on “London’s Overhyped Tourist Traps and Overrated Sites”

You are hilarious! I throughly enjoyed your post! Learned a lot and have been to London various times. But honestly, instinctively I wasn’t ever drawn to those highlights.

Thx so much:)

Thanks! Me either, so many better things to do!

Wow! This totally scratches off everything on my itinerary of “things to do in London!” Hahaha! There’s no point in me even going, really. I think I’ll change my trip to Portugal. 😉

Ha! You can check out my 5 days in London itinerary for more ideas for London. But, hey, Portugal is awesome too. 😉

All These places listed are simply tourist traps and please, Don’t Bring your car (auto) to london – you are Liable to fall foul of mayor sadiq khan’s congestion charge AND low emmission zone charges

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Last Updated on July 6, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

Overhyped, Overrated Tourist Traps to Avoid at All Costs

Overrated tourist destinations.

There are plenty of attractions that you must see when traveling. You can’t go to Paris for the first time without seeing the Eiffel Tower, and few people want to come home from Yellowstone without photos of Old Faithful. But for every tourist destination that’s come by its iconic reputation honestly, there’s a crappy tourist trap that isn’t worth your time or money.

Sure, a lot of this comes down to personal opinion. After all, one person’s tacky attraction is another person’s campy must-see perfect for Instagramming. Yet, we feel pretty confident that the overrated tourist destinations on this list are a total wash. Their lines are long, the crowds add hours to your visit, and the chances of having the time to genuinely take in what you’re seeing are very slim.

Our advice: With the time and money you saved by giving these a miss, find some place more beautiful, compelling and unique to visit instead.

Plymouth Rock

Let’s start where America started, except that America didn’t really start here, anyway.

Put bluntly, this attraction is massively lame. It’s just a rock, in a fancy canopy that’s way more impressive than the rock itself. As the story goes, the Pilgrims first disembarked onto this rock in 1620 when they arrived in what would become America. They quickly founded Plymouth Colony, which is recreated down the road in a tourist destination much more worthy of your time.

But the truth is that no one even claimed that this particular rock was the arrival point until the mid-18th century, so…yeah, it’s likely all made up. Also, Native Americans were here long before the pilgrims showed up. Besides, the pilgrims landed at what would become Provincetown, on the tip of Cape Cod, a month before Plymouth anyway.

Blarney Stone

Let’s move across the ocean from Plymouth to another big ol’ dumb rock: the Blarney Stone near Cork, Ireland. The deal with this rock is that you’re supposed to bend over backwards to kiss it, and thus receive the gift of “blarney” – essentially eloquence.

If waiting in line for several hours to plant your mouth on a rock slimy with the moisture of a million other lips touching it is your thing, be our guest. But we’d rather walk around the more interesting grounds, including a garden of poisonous plants.

Completing our tour of overrated rocks, we’ll scoot over to Wiltshire, England, in order to warn you to avoid Stonehenge.

It’s not that this prehistoric monument is a total waste, but it’s never quite as grand as you were expecting. The stones aren’t 50 feet high, and the crowds take away the sense of eerie wonder that must have entranced those who stumbled upon the mysterious circle back in the day.

We’ll be honest – there are tons of stone circles all over the United Kingdom, many of which are far more impressive in their location and beauty than Stonehenge. The Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland are a great example.

Niagara Falls

It’s certainly not true that the waterfalls themselves are overrated. In fact, they’re stunning, a majestic display of the power of water.

The problem with the falls is the entire mini-economy of tourist crap that’s been built up beside (and under) them. The Canadian side is a little better than the American, but still, it’s just an unending array of gift shops, tacky restaurants and tourist attractions, as if Branson, Missouri set up shop beside one of Earth’s natural wonders…and blocked the view.

Times Square

Times Square, the beating heart of New York City, is loud, tacky, overcrowded and not very much fun. That won’t stop most tourists from venturing into it anyway, only to break free, several minutes or hours later, gasping at how awful it is. Yep, we said it.

While Manhattan has made real efforts to improve this area with pedestrian-only sections and better traffic flow, it’s still insanity, so we can only recommend going there if you’re on your way to a Broadway show. Otherwise, the best way to see it, if you must, is to walk down 8th Avenue and take a quick peek at its humming activity.

Four Corners

Lest you think we have something against crowds, our next stop on the overrated tourism tour is one that’s remote and rarely very crowded. Four Corners is where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet, forming, well…you get it.

As you may be aware, states don’t have actual physical borders, so there’s not much here but a plaque in the ground and a bunch of state flags. If you’re driving by anyway, sure, stop, but don’t go out of your way, like, at all. At least it’s free.

This might be the most controversial inclusion on this list, and we get it: If you’re taking the time to go to India as a tourist, you’re probably going to go to the Taj Mahal. But don’t say we didn’t warn you.

First, you will drive forever to get there. Then, you will stand in line forever to get in. And then, once you’re in, you and approximately one million other people will pour through the palace, utterly ruining its serenity by chattering, taking photos and generally missing the entire point of the place, which was built to mourn and honor a lost love.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Your enjoyment of this attraction will really depend on how much you’ve taken in the title of the place, because it says it all: There is a tower in Pisa, and it leans. That’s about it.

Oh, you can climb it, too, if you like waiting in line to exert yourself near utter strangers in order to glimpse an ok-ish view of the Italian countryside. Also, it’s 18 Euros (about $20) to do so.

Westminster Abbey

It’s not that Westminster Abbey isn’t impressive – it is. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Brits like Charles Dickens and Darwin, and explore the aisle where royal luminaries such as H.R.H. Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge walked on their wedding day.

It’s just that the church is so darn crowded, with guides leading herds of tourists around while braying out information. Also, a heads up before you go in: This is not the place where Prince Charles and Princess Diana got married (that’s St. Paul’s Cathedral) and it’s not where Jane Austen or William Shakespeare are buried (Winchester Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Trinity in Stratford, respectively).

There are a lot of famous churches and cathedrals in the UK; make sure this is one you really want to see.

Madame Tussauds

There are a bunch of these strange wax-figure museums in cities around the world, including Amsterdam, Paris, Sydney, London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York and Las Vegas. All of those cities are known as tourist destinations, which should give you all the warning you need.

This is, at best, a sort of weird place, and at worst, a hugely depressing slog which will make you question just why our society values celebrity so much. However, if interacting with creepy, poorly rendered copies of famous people is your thing, at least you know you have myriad opportunities to do so, as long as you’re willing to cough up some cash (generally between $20 and $35, or more if you want to tack on attractions like “Ghostbusters: Dimension Hyper Reality Experience”).

Versailles might be the most depressing tourist trap on this list, because it could be a beautiful and intriguing destination if it weren’t so filled with other tourists. But because so many people want to see Louis XIV’s palace about 30 minutes outside of Paris, and because the folks who run this place seem to have never heard of fire code guidelines, you’re almost guaranteed to see more of the back of strangers’ heads than the palace itself.

If you must go, explore the idyllic and less-crowded grounds instead, timed to when the fountains are on.

Wall Drug Store

About 10,000 signs alert you to the fact that Wall Drug is ahead when you drive across South Dakota, probably on your way to or from Mount Rushmore. The signs are fun, giving you something to look for while you drive what seems like an endless highway.

But just keep on driving and don’t stop: Once a gimmicky but real drug store, Wall Drug is now a shopping mall that specializes in crap. Imagine fake cowboy hats, fake cowboy boots and tacky t-shirts, not to mention overpriced food, as far as the eye can see. The only thing worth stopping for is the jackalope (a made-up jack rabbit/antelope cross-breed) statue, and the still-free cup of water.

South of the Border

Then there’s this place off three well-trodden highways in South Carolina, which makes Wall Drug look like the epitome of taste and subtlety. Like Wall Drug, South of the Border was designed to trap tourists (and their money), but it doesn't have Wall Drug’s history.

It was developed in 1950 to be intentionally campy, and boy, did the owners succeed. Attractions include a video arcade, a tiny amusement park, fireworks stores and a statue of “Pedro,” a crude caricature of a Mexican bandido.

This place is truly depressing, like the underbelly of American consumerism flipped over and left to burn in the sun.

Manneken Pis

Lest we start to think Americans have a lock on the tacky, Brussels steps up.

This inexplicably famous statue shows a little boy urinating into a fountain. Let’s be honest: If you go to Brussels, you’ll probably go to see him. But at least you won’t expect much. It’s a little boy. Peeing. That’s it.

The "Mona Lisa” at The Louvre

Millions of people flock to the Louvre in Paris every year, and a huge portion of those millions make their way to Room 711 to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous "Mona Lisa." We’ve been there. And we can tell you, it looks exactly like you were expecting, except smaller.

Is it worth it to wait in line for hours to peer through bullet-proof glass to see it? That’s up to you. But we can tell you that the Louvre has thousands of other pieces, almost all of which are beautiful and easier to see.

The Empire State Building

Yes, yes, it features in two of the greatest romantic movies of all time, “An Affair to Remember” and “Sleepless in Seattle.” All we can say is that these days, with its steep entrance fee, massive crowds and intensive security check, it’s hard to find much to love here. And when you actually get to the top, you can’t even see iconic sights like Central Park!

Our advice: Take photos of this building from outside, and move on. There are many places in the city that offer the opportunity to snap a great shot of the Manhattan skyline...and they won’t cost you $20.

Pyramids of Giza

They’re an ancient wonder, but pretty hellish for modern-day visitors.

For one thing, the Pyramids of Giza (the most visited pyramids in the world) are in a desert, and, as you may have heard, deserts are usually hot and dry. That makes for a difficult journey to the site. Add in the difficulties of negotiating your entrance fee — different prices are set for different pyramids — and the fact that exploring the structures involves navigating long, dark, narrow, low tunnels to see a bunch of empty rooms…and, well, we’ll pass.

Trevi Fountain

This fountain in Rome was completed in 1762 and has been revered for its beauty ever since. We’re mentioning that because you’ll likely have trouble doing more than glimpsing it unless you go at the crack of dawn.

Hundreds of people wait for hours to throw a coin in because a legend insists that doing so assures that they’ll return to Rome one day. Don’t bother being one of them — just book a return trip!

Hollywood Walk of Fame

The appeal of this array of stars set in concrete eludes us. It’s not like the famous people are there, or that the stars are in any way distinctive — they just have a famous person’s name on them.

If watching celebrity superfans and teenagers let loose on family vacations is your thing, then by all means, head down to Hollywood Boulevard. But we suggest you skip the stars as well as the former Mann’s Chinese Theatre (now the TCL Chinese Theatre), an inexplicably overhyped gaudy monstrosity of a cinema on the same street.

The history at this famous site in San Antonio is interesting, of course, and the courage of the people who died there compelling. But a glance at the website, where instructions for this “Shrine to Texas Liberty” include “Gentlemen, please remove your hats…” reveals the problem: It takes itself way too seriously, and streamlines a complicated history into simplified ideas about bravery and sacrifice.

Also, it’s small and often crowded and too hot.

Tower of London

Look, we know you’re going to go to the Tower of London if it’s your first time in the city. Just don’t say we didn’t tell you what to expect. The crowds are endless, so bad that in some parts you’ll queue for a half-hour in order to ride a people mover — including past the Crown Jewels — to maximize the number of people who can “see” the exhibits. And you’ll pay about $40 for the honor of doing so.

Also, keep in mind that this is a place that tries to pass off a bunch of loud crows as “the Tower Ravens.” Off with their heads.

Copenhagen Little Mermaid Statue

Fancy a long walk through Copenhagen for no other reason than to gaze at a four-foot-high statue stuck on the waterside, while jostling for space alongside a bunch of other tourists who got snookered into doing this?

If so, we have a suggestion of which statue to see. Prepare to wait a long, long time to get your photo taken with her.

Mount Rushmore

It’s a very cool sculpture, Mount Rushmore, set high in the Black Hills of South Dakota, begun by Gutzon Borglum in the 1920s and finished in 1941. But even if you have no issues with the men portrayed and the men who carved them, the problem is that it is set very high in the hills, so far away from the viewing platform at the National Park dedicated to it that you need to bring binoculars to really see much of anything.

Also, there are hundreds of people around you trying to see the same four faces. Next.

Roman Colosseum

When you’re planning a trip to Rome, people will tell you you have to visit the nearly 2,000-year-old Colosseum, but oh, we wish you wouldn’t. The queues to go in are long and disorganized. And once you make it in, the walking is difficult, there are tons of people there, and few interpretive signs are provided.

If you have to go, try to do so in the off-season, when there are fewer people and cooler temperatures. We hate to double-diss Rome in this list, but alas! Thumbs down. (And don’t worry: There are a million other amazing sites to explore in the city instead.)

Grand Canyon Skywalk

You might remember when this opened in 2007; people went nuts over the idea of a glass walkway jutting out over the rim of the Grand Canyon, theoretically allowing visitors to gaze down into the abyss. But the key word here is “theoretically.”

These days, the Skyrim is so crowded that you can barely see your own feet, let alone any tremendous views, and the price gouging is out of control: The cheapest ticket is nearly $50. Maybe instead just drive to a lookout on the canyon rim, and, you know, look out?

Statue of Liberty

The strange thing about the Statue of Liberty is that so many tourists are willing to go to Herculean efforts (generally involving at least a long subway ride and a ferry) to get to it when there is so much else to see and do in New York City. At least it’s now open, having been closed after September 11, 2001 for many years because of security concerns.

But the big secret of the Statue is that the views out of the crown aren’t very good, and you have to climb an extremely claustrophobic staircase to get to them. Our advice is to take the Staten Island ferry for a great view of Lady Liberty for far less time and money.

Whale Watching

We get it: Whales are majestic and beautiful creatures. But the truth of the matter is, unless you’re going whale watching in an area where there happen to be lots of active whales who like to jump and slap their tails around, you’re going to be underwhelmed.

Most whale-watching tours involve staring into the middle distance over the ocean for long periods of time, only to be sent running to the other side of the boat to see what looks like a small dark island appear and disappear in the water. And you paid $50 a person for that. Yay?

Bird poop. Sorry, but that’s what Venice is full of, due to all of the pigeons that flock here. Also flocking? Tons and tons of tourists.

What no one tells you about Venice (but we will) is that the canals make for lots of narrow and confusing streets, with quite a few dead-ends along the way. Now, picture those tiny streets packed with people, and smeared with…well, you know. Poop.

French Quarter

All anyone ever talks about regarding New Orleans is how charming it is, and given what the city has been through in the last 15 years, with Hurricane Katrina decimating it, we’re all for its charms being celebrated.

But the French Quarter is not charming. It’s full of visiting day drinkers and businesses that use sleaze to sell more drinking. Other areas of the city, like Algiers and the Garden District, are far more enticing and authentic.

The Las Vegas Strip

Everyone visiting Las Vegas thinks that it’ll be like being in one of the “Ocean’s 11” movies (original or 20th century versions). It is not. It’s much more like tromping around a bunch of fake (cool, but fake) attractions in the blazing desert heat.

Everything costs $1,000,000. Everyone is nice to you because they want your money. You can’t get close enough to those freaking fountains at the Bellagio to even really see the show.

Eventually, you’ll give in, go back inside, and play the slot machines for hours, just like everyone else.

The Hollywood Sign

For those who feel that giant letters just do not get enough tourist attention these days, this famous sign, high in the hills over Los Angeles, is must-visit. For everyone else, though, shots of it in your favorite L.A.-based movies or television shows are likely satisfying enough.

The hike up to the sign is steep, and, well, let’s just say the letters aren’t more interesting from behind. Hit pause next time you’re watching, instead.

Willis Tower

This used to be called the Sears Tower, and it’s a very, very tall building in Chicago, once the highest in the world, actually.

In theory, it offers amazing views of Chicago and Lake Michigan, but once you factor in the crowds and Chicago’s frequent bad weather, it’s not worth the trouble.

By the way, the Willis Tower offers the Skydeck, a glass-floor that extends out from the tower. You’ll pay $24 a person to enjoy all four feet of it. Yep. Four feet.

There’s no denying that Denali, the highest mountain in North America is stunning, an immense form on the horizon seen from the national park that bears its name.

The problem is that you have about a 1 in 3 chance of actually seeing it, since it makes its own weather and seems to be awfully fond of creating fog.

Alaska is a long way to travel to see fog, even if you vaguely understand that there’s a mountain in it somewhere.

Najing Dong Lu

Shanghai’s most famous street is frequently called a shopper’s paradise. It’s a pedestrian area, often compared to Times Square, which should be all the warning you need: like New York’s “shopper’s paradise,” Najing Dong Lu is crowded and full of scam artists.

And the shopping? Mediocre, and full of chain stores. Visitors who stand out from the Chinese crowd will be particularly targeted, harassed by frequent offers of counterfeit goods and ladies of the night.

Christ the Redeemer Statue

Like the Hollywood sign — a comparison that is not often made with Jesus — the famous Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro is better appreciated from afar or on screen.

The problem here isn’t the beauty of the statue, which is just as impressive up close, but rather the grueling traffic on the road to get there, and the massive crowds once you finally make it. Not to mention that plenty of tours stop for 10 minutes, tops.

Old Town Prague

Prague’s Old Town section, dating back to the Medieval era, is both historical and attractive.

Everyone else has figured this out too, however, so you’ll be lucky to catch a glimpse of the actual tiny, exquisite buildings while you trundle along, jostled constantly and trying not to trip over the cobblestones.

Arrive early or late for a better shot of actually seeing something there.

Sacre Couer

This cathedral in Paris, where prayers are said 24 hours a day, is stunning. As a bonus, the views over the city are gorgeous, too.

So, why is Sacre Couer on this list? Because of the super-aggressive hustlers on nearby streets, including by the entrance to the funicular that many visitors will take to and from the cathedral to avoid multiple steep staircases.

These ever-present scam artists don’t take no for an answer, and ruin what should be a peaceful, contemplative place.

Burj Khalifa

Oh, great, another super-tall building. This one is in Dubai, and, as of this writing, is the current record holder for tallest in the world.

The usual caveats apply here: if you absolutely must have a birds-eye view of Dubai or enjoy the idea of visiting an 148th floor, go for it, but most people will wonder if the trip to the top was worth $100 a person. Yes, really.

Forbidden City

Beijing’s most famous tourist attraction fails in the same way Versailles does: in an effort to let in as many tourists as possible, far too many people are in the Forbidden City most of the time.

It’s hard to imagine that a site as large as this one could feel crowded, but because most visitors want to see a relatively small portion of it, they tend to cluster together in cramped areas.

You’ll be moved along quickly by workers, and have a stunning view of the backs of many strangers’ heads.

Vatican City

There’s plenty to see in the Vatican City, but frankly, it’s depressing to experience this much wealth in one place. Everything not nailed down (and some things that are) seems to have been plated with gold, and there are enough tapestries and velvets and jewels to make you think you’ve wandered into Liberace’s closet.

Of course, there are some stunning works of art here, and you can enjoy them if you don’t think too hard about how much good such wealth could do in the world instead of piled up here.

Lavish in a completely different, tackier, way, Elvis’s mansion is still attracting visitors, 40 years after his death. It’s become one of those self-perpetuating tourist destinations, where people go because it’s there for people to go to, more than because they’re real fans of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Save yourself the trip and some money by buying a velvet Elvis painting at your local thrift shop. It has exactly the same effect.

The Sydney Opera House

Often referred to as one of the most iconic buildings in the world, and few visitors to Sydney will miss taking a photo of it. That’s all fine, but only those who actually want to attend a performance should make further efforts to see it up close.

Most visitors agree that the interior is nothing special, and not worth the trouble. Also, there are about a million steps around the property, making the appearance that you can glide right up to it decidedly incorrect.

Moscow’s jewel is a must-see for most visitors. But be warned: It’s just a square. There’s not much in there besides huge crowds. The better idea is to visit the old buildings around it and nearby, and snap photos of the skyline from outside of it.

Since construction scaffolding there seems to have become a new constant for Russia and it’s particularly dense around here, there’s even more reason to appreciate it from afar.

The White House

No matter what your opinion of the current residents of the White House, the tour itself is a bit of a snooze, unless you happen to snag a ticket during the winter holiday season when the decorations are pretty enough.

After waiting in a line for a very long time, it takes forever to clear security to get inside: seriously, it’s worse than taking a plane. The White House itself is surprisingly small, and the section you’re allowed to see even smaller. Add in the Secret Service watching everyone’s every move, and maybe you’d rather just watch another episode of “The West Wing”?

The Great Wall of China

Sure, if you’re in China, you should take the time to see the Great Wall. It’s pretty, uh, great. What’s not great, though, is Mutianyu, the restored section of the Wall not far from Beijing, where most tourists end up.

It’s frequently overcrowded, and, due to the restoration’s air-brushing effects, lacks the atmosphere of the rest of the wall. If you go, make sure you visit the less crowded, less tidy sections.

Khao San Road

We're sure this short street once deserved to be the most famous in Bangkok. But like so many places on this list, its popularity was its downfall. 

If you visit today, you'll mostly find a line of vendors selling the same elephant pants, cheesy bags with "Bangkok" printed all over or T-shirts with lewd references catering to the party backpacker crowd. Everything you find here, from the food to the alcohol to the souvenirs, is over priced and the entire road is meant for tourists. Do yourself a favor and skip visiting this "attraction" altogether.

It seems extreme to deem an entire country as a tourist trap, but when you're as small as Monaco, generalizations are a bit inevitable. 

We concede that the tiny country is very beautiful, with glittering views of the Cote d'Azur and aesthetically pleasing structures like the Prince's Palace. The problem is that Monaco is all looks and no substance. As an entire country that mostly seems to exist so the rich can go squander their money, the micro-nation is simply soulless. Unless you're part of the 1 percent and are going to gamble, a half-day trip from France is all you need. Better yet, don't bother visiting.

South Beach

We'll let you in on a secret: People who live in Miami usually skip South Beach. 

The city is filled with beaches, many of which are much more beautiful than the crowded and dirty one that basically puts Miami on the map. Yes, the area is definitely worth visiting, especially if you want to experience the legendary South Florida nightlife. But if you want to enjoy the sand, go elsewhere.

Sunny Isles Beach is the best in our opinion, but you can also stay within the city of Miami Beach by booking a hotel with a private beach.

The Eiffel Tower

We are by no means saying that the Eiffel Tower itself is overrated. In fact, we'd encourage you to cut ties with anyone snobbish enough to say so. 

What is overrated, however, is going up the tower. Sure, there's something romantic about saying you were at the top of one of the world's most famous buildings, but the problem is that the view you get of Paris is not the best. Why? Well, because a view of Paris that doesn't include the Eiffel Tower is inevitably underwhelming. Besides, the arduously long lines are not really worth it.

For the best view of the City of Lights, we recommend going up the Arc de Triumph at night. You'll get to see why the area is called l'etoile, or the star, and get a magnificent perspective of Paris that includes the Eiffel Tower. Another option is to go up the Montparnasse Tower, if only so its ugliness doesn't intrude on the otherwise breathtaking panorama. 

Hoi An is included in every guidebook to Vietnam for its incredibly well-preserved ancient town. We won't deny its beauty, accentuated by canals and bridges connecting different architectural styles. 

But once again, tourists have ruined a good thing and Hoi An is now more like Disneyland than a real town. The entirety of the place seems to run mostly to please tourists, with aggressive vendors, exaggerated prices and too many crowds. If you visit in summer, the extreme heat exacerbated by the masses makes you feel like a sardine in a tin can.

Swing at the End of the World

If you use any kind of social media, chances are that you've stumbled upon pictures of travelers in Ecuador swinging right onto what looks like the edge of a steep mountain. 

Though the pictures are definitely Insta-worthy and the views are pretty, this is a case of fake social media. In reality, you have to wait in line for 30 to 40 minutes just to get on the swing for about three pushes while your friends or tour guide snap pictures of you. Besides that, the swing isn't really at the edge of a cliff but rather on a slope that gives that illusion if you point your camera at the right angle. 

Ecuador has many places that are truly breathtaking and wondrous. Wasting a couple of hours of your time just to go take a picture that's really an optical illusion is simply a bad decision.

The thing about Phuket city is that besides being overly touristy, its beaches are most definitely not what they look like in pictures. Perhaps before the area was a poster child for overtourism or before plastic waste overtook the world, Phuket was truly a beautiful place to visit. 

Sadly, that just isn't the case anymore. Go to any public beach in Phuket, and you won't be able to walk 2 feet without running into trash. Even the sand sometimes also has trash, so sunbathing isn't very pleasant. The only clean beaches you'll find are the private ones, and those are not only expensive but feel more like Miami's South Beach than anything. You'll get restaurants with Western food, pop songs blaring and overpriced beer. 

The one exception to this are the Phi Phi Islands, which are not actually in Phuket, but which constantly get tagged as such. This is partly the reason why people expect beaches in Phuket city to be idyllic.

La Sagrada Familia

The construction of the Sagrada Familia has has taken hundreds of years longer than that of the Great Pyramid of Egypt.

Gaudi's most famous work and Barcelona's most iconic landmark, this church is certainly unusual and worth seeing — from the outside. What's really overrated is standing in line for hours and hours and paying almost $25 to go inside. Not that the geometric patterns and columns of the inside aren't astonishing, but much of it is still not finished and the crowds are unbearable. 

Although this is a place of worship, its status as a main tourist attraction have stripped it of any introspective, spiritual or even sacred feeling. We're not sure this is what Gaudi had in mind for his masterpiece.

Sacred Monkey Forest

Ubud's Sacred Monkey Forest is a tourist, backpacker and digital nomad favorite. It's lauded as a must-see place in Bali, which we think is just plain wrong. 

To begin with, Bali has many incredible sights that should be visited, including its numerous temples, like Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, its rice terraces and the imposing Mount Batur.

The Monkey Forest could be interesting as a temple, but its main draw is the several wild monkeys that have made their home here. What you mostly spend your time on is seeing people get way too close to the monkeys to try to snap a picture, which is something we definitely don't recommend, as monkeys can be aggressive and have very powerful jaws. There are also monkeys all over this Indonesian island, so we don't get the appeal of going to a jammed-packed attraction just to see them.

Let's be honest: Maid cafes are creepy. 

Now a typical stop in the itinerary of Western travelers — many of which have a disconcerting obsession with Japan — maid cafes are something you should skip. Their whole gimmick is that they're normal cafes, but instead of a regularly-clothed waitress, you get one that's dressed like a sexy maid. If that doesn't give you the immediate creeps, there's not much we can do for you. 

If you want to check out a themed cafe, we recommend the Alice in Wonderland restaurant or the Vampire Cafe .

The Space Needle

As far as city symbols go, the Space Needle is nothing to gush about, but it does make the Seattle skyline instantly recognizable. 

We're not against the Space Needle per se, but we wouldn't recommend paying the $30 to go to the top. The price seems exaggerated given that the structure doesn't even provide the best views of the city. Seattle also has many mountains and viewpoints that provide much better scenery for free.

If you want to have the cheesiest, most expensive tourist experience of your life, go to Epcot. 

This Disney park in Orlando, Florida, has you pay around $120 for the privilege to go in and see stereotypical replicas of actually cool places. Then, you get to go and spend even more money for inauthentic experiences and food that is for the most part pretty awful. 

Epcot may not be the worst Disney park in the U.S. , but it's a pretty close contender.

Even if you're not a die-hard fan of the "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies, this preserved movie set looks like a place you'd want to visit. 

Small houses with round doors are carved into the sides of soft hills and surrounded by the green countryside. The problem is that to see them, you have to pay about $85 for a tour that lasts around two hours. Groups of tourists are rushed through the set, so you don't have much time to really take it in and enjoy the beauty. As it should be obvious, the houses don't have interiors. 

Hobbiton is certainly pretty, but the experience of it is an expensive let down, especially when there are so many other amazing places in New Zealand.

Lombard Street

Winding down the hill like a snake, we can understand why Lombard Street in San Francisco first drew attention as a tourist attraction. What we don't understand is why it has remained one. 

An estimated 6,000 people visit Lombard Street daily , creating heavy traffic and making it impossible for residents to go on with their life. People willingly wait in traffic just to spend a few minutes driving down a zig-zagging street. Given that residents have complained about this problem for years, we deem this attraction one of the worst examples of tourism gone wrong in the U.S.

We hate to be those people, but if you had visited Tulum 10 years ago, you would have found the perfect jungle paradise that people still go look for. 

Then, of course, tourists arrived in masses. With them came the bulldozers that turned the town from small and sleepy to loud and crowded. Jungle was replaced by concrete and luxury condos, and resorts stand where there were once wooden structures. Sacred cenotes are being used for raves by spring breakers. Beaches are now also facing serious trash problems, even those within the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve, which are supposed to be protected. The situation is so bad that there are several op-eds trying to decipher who killed Tulum .

This area of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is one of the saddest examples of a magical place turned amusement park by unregulated and unconscious mass tourism. We're sorry to say this, but don't waste your time with it. 

The London Eye

The London Eye, the Ferris wheel that dominates part of the city's skyline is beautiful ... from afar. But doing a long line and paying a lot of money to go on it really isn't worth it. 

For one, the views aren't that great, and the experience is basically the same you'd get at any carnival that comes through your town. Unless you're dying to be trapped above the ground with your date, there are many more exciting things to do in London.

The Middle of the World

Ecuador capitalized on its location right on the Equator (hence the country's name) by building a monument and a museum on the "middle of the world." Both were really just a gimmick to allure tourists, and when the GPS was invented, it was discovered that the spot was actually around 700 feet off. 

While the distance to the real middle of the world isn't huge, it's still not very worth it. Yes, you can balance an egg on a nail according to testimonies, but besides bragging rights that don't mean much to anyone, it's not a very interesting place.

Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is definitely one of the best small towns in the U.S. But while we love the town, we'd advise anyone visiting to avoid its boardwalk on the weekends. 

During the week in the off-season, it's very pleasant, but when the crowds take over, it turns from peaceful to loud and crowded. All the stores and restaurants nearby are also overpriced and usually not that good anyways.

Waikiki Beach

Like much of Hawaii, Oahu was taken over after the kingdom was colonized by the U.S. and turned into a cash cow. But no place on the island has suffered as much as Waikiki Beach.

Where there was once a rugged shoreline and one of the most sustainable societies in the world, there are now countless hotels and resorts. None of these resorts are visually interesting, and they only work to provide visitors with access to the beach while blocking the sun and the view for everyone else.

You'll hardly see a Hawaiian at Waikiki unless they're working — that should be the only sign you need.

Casa di Giulietta

The house that supposedly inspired Shakespeare's most famous play is incredibly beautiful. Sadly, visitors saw its traditional beauty and decided that the best way to honor it would be by treating it like a bathroom stall in a dingy bar. 

You'll see the walls full of gum, love notes and scribblings that make it look like a sixth grader's notebook. Somehow, nobody has thought to put a stop to this infamous practice or the creepy tourist tradition of groping a Juliet statue to "get good luck in love." 

Once again, tourists have damaged a place that could've been incredible.

Mall of America

Mall of America is the largest mall in the U.S. That's its entire claim to fame. But really, it's nothing except a mall, and we'd hope that after the age of 15, we wouldn't have to hang out at the mall for no reason anymore.

It does have a roller coaster inside, but so do other much cooler attractions. It's not even good for shopping since you'll have to walk long distances to get from one side to the other. Skip it altogether when visiting Minnesota.

Seattle's Gum Wall

We thought hipsters had stopped being a thing a while ago, but this wall in Seattle proves us wrong. What's the attraction? That it's covered in gum. Big deal, so is every desk in every high school in the world. 

The worst part about it is that people actually make lines to take pictures in this unsanitary "attraction." Hopefully, a global pandemic will make them see the error of their ways, and this wall — who some ridiculous people call a work of public art — will disappear soon.

Drottninggatan Street

Every travel guide to Stockholm sends people to Drottninggatan for shopping. And, apparently, every tourist heeds the call. 

Rather than being good for shopping, the street has become a long gallery of souvenir shops that locals avoid like the plague.

Myeong-Dong

Like Drottninggatan, Myeong-Dong is a shopping district in Seoul, South Korea, that now mostly exists for tourists. The street does have actual shops, but the crowds make it annoying for actual shopping, and things are overpriced. 

People who don't know better also say the street food is great. They're simply wrong. Most of the street food stalls on the street are subpar, probably because they know tourists don't know any better. 

If you really want to see it, satisfy your curiosity. It definitely isn't terrible. But there's much better places for food and shopping in the South Korean capital. We personally love Hongdae's youthful vibe and Insa-dong.

St. Louis' Gateway Arch

The arch once marked the westward expansion of the United States. It's the largest arch in the world and something worth seeing if you're in St. Louis. 

But it's definitely not cool enough for you to make a trip to St. Louis just to see it. And given that it's basically the only attraction in the city, unless you have family or business there, you'll be fine seeing it in pictures.

Sydney Fish Market

The largest fish market in the whole world is bound to attract tourists. Many, many tourists. 

This is what dooms Australia's Sydney Fish Market, which could be cool otherwise. But the walking dollar signs that tourists often are to locals has inflated the prices of the fish here. Rather than a local shopping experience, you'll spend most of your time bumping into other people and trying to hear anything over the noise.

Myrtle Beach

Why is Myrtle Beach still a thing? Everyone knows that the South Carolinian beach town is dirty, overcrowded and overpriced. What's worse is that its beaches really aren't that nice at all.

We get air travel used to be expensive, so people didn't have a choice except to go to nearby beaches. But that has changed, and you can now access actually nice beaches in the same amount of time and for the same amount of money. Don't go to Myrtle Beach. Just don't do it.

Victoria Peak

The towering mountain that dominates the skyline of Hong Kong could be its greatest treasure. After all, it is the tallest hill in the city, meaning that it provides sweeping views. You also take a cute historic tram up to the top, which is actually an enjoyable ride. 

So what's the problem with Victoria Peak? Greed. 

Once you get to the peak, you're invaded by an ugly mall filled with overpriced restaurants and gimmick-y attractions like Madame Tussauds. You can still get a view, but you have to basically work to escape the traps. The whole experience feels like the definition of a tourist trap, which is terrible given that this is one of the most visited attractions in the world .

Disneyland Paris

Yes, yes, Disney is a dream destination for many people who can't get to Florida or California. 

But wasting time you could be using to explore Paris and its surroundings going on rides designed for children and meeting people in large cartoon suits? That's just not right.

We're sorry, Dubrovnik. We really do think you're one of the most beautiful places in Europe. 

Like so many other places on this list, however, Dubrovnik is impossible to enjoy. It's not just that it's popular and many people visit. It's that a lot of these people are day trippers who come in giant cruise ships. It's basically Venice 2.0. 

These people come down the ship in swarms, filling up the Croatian city with hundreds, sometimes thousands of more people who are in a rush to take pictures in the same spots. Given that Dubrovnik is a very old city and was not designed for a large population, the amount of people that come is simply unsustainable.

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Meaning of tourist trap in English

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• be the armpit of something idiom
• inhospitably
• sausage machine
• the Black Hole of Calcutta
• what's the world coming to? idiom

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Translations of tourist trap

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a place where owners can leave their dogs when they are at work or away from home in the daytime, or the care the dogs receive when they are there

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7 Secrets to Experiencing the Riviera Maya Like a Local

If you’re planning a trip to Mexico’s Riviera Maya, you’re in for an incredible experience.

This stunning stretch of coastline is known for its spectacular all-inclusive resorts, pristine beaches, and crystal clear waters.

While it can be easy to simply stay at the resort and enjoy all the luxuries it has to offer, you would be missing out on getting an authentic taste of the local culture.

To truly experience the Riviera Maya like a local and have a more meaningful experience, here are 7 secrets you should know.

Planning a trip to Mexico? Use my favorite travel resources!

Hotels: Expedia or Booking.com

Flights: Skyscanner

Rental Cars: Discover Cars

Tours & Activities: Viator

Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance Master

Secrets to Experiencing Riviera Maya Like a Local

Here are the best ways to experience Riviera Maya like a local:

1. Get Off the Beaten Path

If you want to really experience Riviera Maya like a local, you’re going to need to get off the resort at least once during your trip.

While the all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya are wonderful and convenient, they don’t give you a true taste of local life.

Instead, venture out off the beaten path and explore the local neighborhoods, markets, and restaurants in nearby towns.

For a local beach experience, head to Punta Esmeralda or Playa Xpu-Ha , which are popular among locals.

You also can’t miss visiting the nearby cenotes , natural sinkholes that are unique to this region and beloved by locals.

2. Try the Local Street Foods

One of the best ways to experience a new destination is through its food, and the Riviera Maya is no exception.

While you’ll find plenty of delicious options at your resort, be sure to venture out and try some of the local street foods as well.

In Riviera Maya, you’ll find local Yucatan specialities like cochinita pibil, a slow-roasted pork dish, and marquesitas, a crispy crepe filled with cheese and other toppings.

These can be found in downtown Playa del Carmen along 5th Avenue, or near any highly trafficked tourist areas.

3. Participate in Local Festivals and Events

The Riviera Maya is home to a vibrant culture, with many festivals and events happening throughout the year.

From traditional celebrations like Day of the Dead and Carnaval to the Riviera Maya Jazz festival, there’s always something going on in this region.

Take some time to research upcoming events during your trip and make plans to attend one.

A good place to check for upcoming events is the Ayuntamiento de Solidaridad Facebook page .

There’s usually always something going on in the main square outside of Town Hall in Playa del Carmen, with local food stalls and vendors.

4. Use Public Transportation

While taxis and private transportation are readily available in the Riviera Maya, using public transportation is not only a more affordable option but also a great way to experience local life.

The most popular form of transportation for locals in Riviera Maya is known as a “colectivo”, which is a shared van service that runs along the main highway from Cancun to Playa del Carmen and from Playa del Carmen to Tulum.

Taking a colectivo can be intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a very cheap and efficient way to travel between towns and explore different areas of the region.

You can read my full Playa del Carmen transportation guide for more detailed information on taking colectivos.

5. Dine at Local Restaurants

While it can be tempting to stick to the restaurants at your resort, dining at local restaurants is a must for experiencing the Riviera Maya like a local.

Not only will you get to try authentic and delicious dishes, but you’ll also support small businesses and interact with locals.

If you want to try out the best tacos in Playa del Carmen , I’d recommend heading to El Ñero, which is a late night spot popular among locals.

For seafood lovers, El Pirata is a local favorite for fresh and affordable seafood dishes. I’d also recommend trying the chilaquiles at La Cueva del Chango.

6. Learn Basic Spanish Phrases

While many locals in the Riviera Maya may speak English, knowing some basic Spanish phrases can go a long way in showing respect and building connections with the local community.

Take some time to learn common greetings, thank yous, and other simple phrases before your trip.

Locals will appreciate the effort and it will make your experience much more enjoyable and meaningful.

My e-Book “ Essential Spanish Phrases for Traveling in Mexico ” is a great resource to help you get started with learning basic Spanish phrases.

7. Steer Clear of the Tourist Traps

Like any popular tourist destination, the Riviera Maya has its fair share of tourist traps.

These are typically overpriced and overcrowded attractions that cater to tourists rather than providing an authentic local experience.

To truly experience the Riviera Maya like a local, steer clear of popular Riviera Maya tourist traps like Señor Frogs or Dick & Willy’s.

While they can be fun for a night out, they’re not representative of local culture and can be very overpriced.

Final Thoughts

I hope these tips will help you experience the Riviera Maya like a true local on your next trip.

Try to get off the resort at least once and don’t be afraid to try new things!

By immersing yourself in the local culture, you’ll have a much more authentic and memorable experience.

• The Worst Tourist Traps in Riviera Maya
• 15 Common Mistakes Tourists Make When Traveling to Mexico
• 7 Things You Should Never Do in Playa del Carmen

Traveling to Mexico soon?

These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:

Hotels : I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com . If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!

Flights : I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.

Rental Cars : I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.

Cancun Airport Transportation : I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!

Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.

Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.

Biodegradable Sunscreen : Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list ! Regular sunscreen is prohibited when swimming in the ocean and cenotes in Mexico, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen , which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.

The post 7 Secrets to Experiencing the Riviera Maya Like a Local appeared first on Viva La Travelista .

Phrasal verbs: travel

Worksheet overview.

This ESL worksheet is dedicated to 12 phrasal verbs about travel . Students will learn how to use them to talk about their travel plans, past trips and holidays. The first 9 phrasal verbs are introduced through a short text describing a trip (e.g. freshen up, looking forward to, show someone around ). Students work out the meaning of the verbs and then match them to their definitions. To practise, they complete 4 statements with the correct phrasal verbs and then discuss the statements in pairs or small groups. The last 3 phrasal verbs ( drop someone off, pick someone up, get around ) are introduced with a short dialogue. To practise them, students complete a few sentences so that they are true for them. As an additional practice task, students rephrase 4 sentences given, using the correct phrasal verb. The last 2 activities are focused on speaking. First, students write down 5 questions they will ask a friend about their last trip. Then they take turns to ask each other the questions. Lastly, students talk about their dream holiday. Use the printable conversation cards to practise and revise these phrasal verbs even further!

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Conversation cards

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Student’s interactive PDF

This worksheet works well in combination with the following lesson plans

Dark tourism

Vocabulary: adjectives (morbid, emotionally draining, creepy) Video: How to do Dark Tourism respectfully Collocations: tourist hotspot, hallowed grounds, morbid fascination

Christmas markets and holiday travel

Vocabulary: Christmas markets (mulled wine, Nativity scene, roasted chestnuts) Vocabulary: travel (book, travel insurance, carry-on) Video: Top 5 Christmas markets around the world

Tourist traps

Vocabulary: tourist traps (overpriced, touristy, overrated, tacky, to live up to, rip-off) Vocabulary: giving cautions and warnings (beware of, watch out for, steer clear of, think twice before) Video: The worst tourist traps in London

Travel destinations

*Formerly “Travelling in 2022” Vocabulary: adjectives (breathtaking, crystal clear, bustling) Functional language: evaluating experiences Phrasal verbs: travelling (embark on, kick off, get away)

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