Tourist Traps

I have traveled extensively through Italy and the only bad meal I have ever had in Italy was in Pisa near the tower.

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I like Vegas, it feels like a big amusement park to me. I wouldn’t rush back, but we had a great time when we went.

I hate Atlantic City (and actually most of the tacky Jersey Shore - and I live in NJ).

Funny…I liked Wall Drug. But then…I also liked the Corn Palace!

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Given the drive involved for us, I’d agree with Pisa.

Las Vegas seems to be something you love or hate. I hated it.

The Blarney Stone for similar reasons - long drive, not much there. Driving the Ring of Kerry was much more fun.

Manneken Pis and Stonehenge would be on the list if it weren’t for the fact that both were zero extra travel for us.

A few kitschy sites - Wall Drug, Four Corners, were fun just for what they were. Though Four Corners was 30 years ago and not much more than the plaque on the ground. I hear it’s become much more commercialized.

Mt. Rushmore is one of many “not sure the actual site was worth the trip itself, but the journey, the surroundings, and just having been there was worth it” locations. Glad I went, wouldn’t go again.

We had a great time at Niagara Falls but spent close to zero time in town. The White Water Walk, the hydro plant, the cable car, the Butterly Conservatory, etc. were interesting.

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I agree with Bourbon Street - there are only two spots I like to stop, a jazz club and a zydeco club - the rest is just cover music and bachelor parties.

When I took my D19 and her friend to visit Tulane we landed early in the morning. I had never been and figured it was a safe time to take two 17 year olds to walk down Bourbon. As soon as we got there the friend and I almost gagged from the smell - reminded me of an old fraternity basement. D19 didn’t say a thing. She has no sense of smell so I told her maybe it was a sign that Tulane would be a good fit. :rofl: I am heading there to visit her this weekend and she graduates in May!

I like cheesy and touristy if I am going for that - like Wall Drug & South of the Border are funny quick stops.

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I guess we all might define “tourist trap” differently.

To me it means, lots of people, lots of artificial activity or “side shows” (think Ripley Believe It or Not museum) , charging $ for everything or lots of opportunity to throw away money . And money traps to attract children to! Lots of lines to wait in.

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In my mind, a true tourist trap is one that is hyped on billboards for miles … and when mom & dad finally agree to stop, the kids love it & the adults consider it a waste of time. For me, those were The Mystery Spot, Sea Shell City and Call of the Wild. As an adult, I can’t believe that my kid self was thrilled when we stopped! Simpler times.

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This one roped me in, but I don’t mean to twine.

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Nashville. Wanted to love it but just didn’t. So many bachelorette parties everywhere you turned.

Hollywood…what a dump.

South of the Border. Saw so many signs we promised the kids we would stop there for an hour. if they behaved till we got there. It was about a 100 degree weather and they wanted to go on rides in the parking lot. Ughhhh!!

Busch Gardens Tampa- used to love this park but went last year and literally half of the coasters were closed for “maintainance”. What a waste of time & money.

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Agree with Hollywood walk of fame……awful

One bright spot though. We saw a sign for a tour of the Kodak Theater (I think it’s called Dolby theater now) where the academy awards are held. It’s right there but I guess everyone is so hung up on the stars and the tour busses to the stars home that they just don’t know about this.
So we went on the Kodak Theater tour, there were only 6 people total on our tour. It was wonderful. So much Oscar history, saw Oscar awards, stood on the stage. A little diamond in the rough of the awful mayhem going on outside. That was many years ago though so like others have said maybe people have caught on.

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Vienna gave me tourist trap vibes. We weren’t there long and had a great time, and saw some authentic things, but all the horse drawn carriages and little dinners where you could buy a ticket and watch people dance to Strauss waltzes were everywhere and heavily advertised.

Oh, you mean Hollywood Blvd? Or maybe Fisherman’s Wharf? :star_struck: :crazy_face:

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Wow, what a shame. Great school.
I love Williamsburg. For sentimental reasons, I guess. But in the area has Jamestown and it’s really interesting.

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Oh, gosh, oh my yes! LOL.

Just to clarify, what does “South of the Border” mean? Mexico, or this?:

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I went to China with husband on a business trip and among other places, they took us to the Great Wall. Very impressive but OMG what a tourist trap! The entrance took you through a village filled with souvenir shops - Great Wall snow globes, Great Wall refrigerator magnets, Great Wall playing cards - you name it. That was also the only place we were taken where they served rice with meals.

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You should check out our Great Wall
Of Gum. :sunglasses:

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You mean, Nash-Vegas? It’s a shame that the cool live music scene has been taken over by bachelorette parties and drunken party buses. Although several years ago, when I went to Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival, I also saw several bachelorette parties. Obviously they serve alcohol there, but it was weird to see screaming (drunk) groups of girls running around in “Bride Squad” shirts at a Disney property.

I agree with Myrtle Beach and would label it as one of the top tourist traps in the U.S. Charleston was also on the brink of becoming a tourist trap when they allowed cruise ships to dock there but I believe they’ve stopped that practice in hopes of preserving some of its upscale historic vibe.

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Two came to mind: Florence (lovely museums but so over commercialized — my least favorite city in Italy) and Old Faithful. We tend to stay away from tourist traps, though we love Disney. Oh and I agree with PP who said Plymouth Rock. Completely underwhelming.

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I wondered too! Never heard of this.

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