Indulge in a More Authentic Experience
If you’ve done much traveling, odds are, you’ve fallen victim to a number of tourist traps. While some are worth visiting when done right, there are other tourist traps to avoid altogether.
Frankly, they’re better left to those who don’t mind battling crowds, spending too much money and not getting much in return.
Consider these tourist trap alternatives for a more authentic experience.
Skip the Gondola in Venice, and Cruise in a Traghetto Instead
Taking a gondola ride in Venice is on the top of the list for romance seekers and just about every other traveler to this Northern Italian city, but following the herd often doesn’t result in the experience you imagined. In fact, riding in an overpriced gondola captained by a guy in a costume who will sing for you — only if you pay him more — is probably one of the cheesiest things you could possibly do.
Instead, hop aboard a much less expensive traghetto — it’s what the locals do when they want to get across the canals. It’s basically a gondola that’s not as fancy that crosses the canals at a variety of points where there are no bridges.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about paying an arm and a leg, as it costs only a few euros.
Instead of Catching Germs at Blarney Castle, Go to Ross Castle
There is probably nowhere else on the planet where more money has been made from tourists kissing a rock than Blarney Castle. Busloads line up every day to kiss the famous stone that sits atop the castle rampart in hopes of receiving the “gift of gab.”
Take a look at that rock after a day of endless people kissing it, and you’ll notice that it’s slathered with lipstick… and spit. Do you really want to do that?
There may be nothing worse than nursing a hangover that came from indulging in a bit too much whiskey or Guinness the night before, while climbing the endless, narrow staircase up to the top of the castle. You’ll be jam-packed in with zillions of others, before finally getting to the highlight of the experience.
A grumpy guy leans you over the edge, belly up and head back, to kiss the germy stone while an automatic camera captures it all on film, available for purchase in the parking lot.
If that doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, head to Ross Castle in Killarney instead. This castle with a fascinating history was built in the 15th century and truly delivers.
You might be anxious to book your hotel and air tickets, but hold up! Here's what you need to do know in order to get the best travel deals.
Avoid the Roman Colosseum During the Day, Go After Dark Instead
The Roman Colosseum, the most famously recognized symbol of Rome, is something that’s not to be missed. But forget about going during the day when there are hundreds, or even thousands of others to interrupt that unforgettable experience.
Not to mention encountering someone at nearly every turn trying to sell you something, or worse, those thieving pickpockets.
By taking a night tour, you can listen to the fascinating story of this classical ruin that once sat more than 50,000 into its perfectly arranged stands. Gaze out over the stadium, imagining the thousands enraptured by the brutal fights between man and beast, and see it all lit up against the backdrop of the night’s sky.
You’ll also get into areas that are usually closed to the public, and be able to enjoy it in relative peace, with typically less than a dozen people on each tour.
Head to the Top of the Rock Instead of the Empire State Building, New York City
While the Empire State Building is still one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, it’s also a major tourist trap. To get to the top, you’ll have to stand in a very long line — sometimes in queues that rival the worst lines at top amusement parks.
Additionally, you have to purchase a very pricey ticket, currently $54 USD for an adult admission to the top deck.
While the views are amazing, they won’t include the building itself, of course. Instead, go to the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, just blocks away.
Admission for an adult is currently $32 USD, and while it may be shorter at 850 feet high, the views are no less breathtaking, and you’ll get the very best view of the Empire State Building too.
Instead of the Pyramids at Giza, Visit Ancient Petra in Jordan
Nearly 5,000 people visit the Pyramids at Giza every day. Just getting there can be a nightmare, with just about every taxi in Egypt looking for ways to rip you off.
Once there, it’s nothing like you’d imagine. While one side of the pyramids are against the desert, the other side is a residential neighborhood, and just across the street from the main gate is a Pizza Hut, which is what the Sphinx is forced to look at day after day.
Then there are all the cheap “Made in China” trinkets everyone wants to sell you, and others insisting that you take a pricey camel ride.
Egypt’s neighbor, Jordan, offers a much better alternative: the ancient city of Petra. You won’t be hassled nearly as much, and this “lost city” that’s believed to have been built in the first century BC is one of the most fascinating sights you’ll ever experience.
Made up of hundreds of tombs, houses, a theater that could fit more than 3,000 people, temples, obelisks and altars where animals were sacrificed to calm angry gods or ask for favors, you’ll be able to explore for hours.
Why use a travel agent? To many, travel agents seem outdated in the age of the internet. But there are still some advantages to booking with one!
Shop Kensington Street Instead of Oxford Street in London
Shopping is big in London, with visitors heading there in droves to experience shopping on Oxford Street, home to over 300 shops. But what they find is the same stores they could be shopping at right at home, along with the very same goods.
Instead of doing the same thing everyone else does, skip Oxford and go beyond to one of London’s 70 or so shopping streets, such as Kensington, where you’ll find more unique retailers without having to battle the crowds.