Most overrated tourist attractions in the world
#46
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 571
I disagree here. Maybe the beach itself is overrated, but Venice is a great place. One sip at Intelligentsia Coffee there will forever change your definition of espresso...
#47
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: TYO
Programs: Tokyo Monorail Diamond-Encrusted-Platinum
Posts: 9,599
Lots of people have mentioned Avebury as more satisfying to visit than Stonehenge - I am not going to disagree. In fact, I take a little bit of North Wilts pride in the matter.
However, I think it's not a matter of archeological significance that makes people feel that Avebury is a better place to visit. I think it's more to do with the fact that you can enjoy Avebury without a feeling of being ripped off, herded around, and prevented from appreciating the site.
How the powers that be managed to turn Stonehenge into such a complete cluster***k of a tourist trap and hell hole is beyond me. It ought to be a spectacular experience. (It's also a mystery how they've managed to keep the crowds coming).
However, I think it's not a matter of archeological significance that makes people feel that Avebury is a better place to visit. I think it's more to do with the fact that you can enjoy Avebury without a feeling of being ripped off, herded around, and prevented from appreciating the site.
How the powers that be managed to turn Stonehenge into such a complete cluster***k of a tourist trap and hell hole is beyond me. It ought to be a spectacular experience. (It's also a mystery how they've managed to keep the crowds coming).
#48
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 4,449
Food is the attraction!
I've had Hawaiin poi. That stuff is simply nasty. I had luaua pig. It's okay, but just bland pork with no flavor at all. I make better pork chops at home on my frying pan and some bread crumbs; no need to stick a whole pig in the ground for 6 hours.
I had some phenomenal meals here on these trips.
New York:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyjKhInVj8Y
Chicago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyFDjeEdRAI
Food is a great tourist attraction for me!
But the problem with Hawaii is that if you are at all conscientious about your health and skin cancer risk, you stay indoors between the hours of 10am and 4pm in Hawaii. So you stay in your hotel room or go to the indoor mall. There is only so much beach a human can do.
#49
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
SFFlyer123.. Hilo.. mix up some touring, with some volcano and some beach.. Besides Hilo usually rains so minimal cancer risk.. its' when you're hanging around Kona and the Kohala Coast.. use SPF 50 if you're that conscious health wise.
#50
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DFW
Programs: AA, 1.5MM, GE
Posts: 213
Wow, tough crowd here. Great topic.
I really enjoyed Stonehenge, Mt. Rushmore and even Wall Drug, SD (for what it is, a tourist trap). Agree on the Hollywood stars and Venice beach (although very interesting...).
Probably the only place that we left disappointed was "Old Faithful of California" in Calistoga, CA. Granted we were there many years ago, by looking on their website it seems to have improved over the years.
http://oldfaithfulgeyser.com/visiting.html
I really enjoyed Stonehenge, Mt. Rushmore and even Wall Drug, SD (for what it is, a tourist trap). Agree on the Hollywood stars and Venice beach (although very interesting...).
Probably the only place that we left disappointed was "Old Faithful of California" in Calistoga, CA. Granted we were there many years ago, by looking on their website it seems to have improved over the years.
http://oldfaithfulgeyser.com/visiting.html
#52
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 13,565
But the problem with Hawaii is that if you are at all conscientious about your health and skin cancer risk, you stay indoors between the hours of 10am and 4pm in Hawaii. So you stay in your hotel room or go to the indoor mall. There is only so much beach a human can do.
#54
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
#55
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 5,270
Right - South America is arguably even more dangerous due to the ozone hole, but I'd never let that deter me from a trip to Patagonia. There are always precautions you can take - in my case, hat, lightweight long-sleeved shirt and pants, and sunscreen for good measure. Makes me look like a tourist but it beats melanoma.
#58
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 4,449
true, but there are other things to do
True, however, there are other things to do when the sun is out. If you are in Bangkok, you've got great thai food that is delicious, unique, etc. You can go to the king's palace, temples, shrines. You have go to markets. There is much else to do in Bangkok. In Hawaii, all you have is the beach and poi...
#59
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 4,449
The big island
I've actually been to Hilo and Kona. I saw the black sand beaches. Then, all there was left to do was eat poi....
#60
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: DFW
Programs: AA PLT; SPG PLT
Posts: 326
I walked right past that corner when I was out walking specifically to see it. I was expecting something bigger, or more noticeable, or with a crowd. Went a good 2-3 blocks further before realizing I'd gone right past it.