Fear of missing out can be a powerful motivator, especially when traveling. Social media and glossy travel guides often convince people that certain activities are must do experiences. Unfortunately, some travelers discover too late that these hyped up attractions are overpriced, overcrowded, or simply not worth the time. Below are 20 travel activities that many people admitted they only did because of FOMO, and later regretted.
1. Gondola Rides in Venice
A gondola ride in Venice sounds like the pinnacle of romance. In reality, many travelers have found the experience underwhelming. Short rides lasting around 25 minutes can cost up to 90 euros, and instead of drifting through quiet canals, you may end up stuck in a gondola traffic jam surrounded by dozens of other boats. Some visitors have said that a ride on the vaporetto water bus at night offers a more authentic and affordable view of the city.
2. Visiting the Four Corners Monument
The Four Corners Monument marks the spot where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah meet. Many tourists take the trip just to snap a photo standing in four states at once. However, several visitors have noted that the monument is not exactly at the true geographic intersection, and aside from a quick photo opportunity, there is little else to see or do. The surrounding area can also be windy and dusty, which makes lingering less appealing.
3. Eating Fugu Sashimi in Japan
Fugu, or pufferfish, is a delicacy in Japan that must be prepared by licensed chefs because of its potentially lethal toxins. For some travelers, the idea of eating something dangerous is irresistible. However, many who tried it admitted that the taste was bland and the texture unremarkable, similar to overcooked squid. Given the high price and the anxiety some felt while eating it, many said it was not worth the hype.
4. The Monkey Forest in Bali
The Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud is promoted as a serene, cultural, and wildlife experience. While the monkeys can be cute from a distance, many travelers regretted visiting after aggressive monkeys tried to snatch food, water bottles, or personal belongings. Some visitors reported scratches and bites, and left feeling stressed instead of enchanted.
5. The Tiger Temple in Thailand
Animal tourism can be controversial, and the Tiger Temple in Thailand became infamous after reports of drugged tigers and unethical practices emerged. Many travelers who visited out of curiosity later said they wished they had not supported the attraction. The photos with tigers came at a cost to the animals’ well-being, and many former visitors now recommend avoiding such places altogether.
6. Climbing Mount Fuji in Japan
Climbing Mount Fuji is on many bucket lists, but not everyone enjoys the reality. The ascent can be exhausting, crowded, and lacking in scenic variety for much of the trail. Many climbers end up hiking at night in order to see the sunrise from the summit, which means they spend hours in cold darkness before reaching the top. Some said they appreciated the view but would never do it again.
7. Visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles often appears glamorous on television, but visitors often find the area crowded, noisy, and lined with tourist traps. The sidewalks can be dirty and the surroundings feel less like a glamorous movie hub and more like a congested urban street. For many, the reality fell far short of the dream.
8. Whale Watching in Poor Conditions
Whale watching can be magical, but when the weather is rough or the whales are far away, the experience can turn miserable. Some travelers who booked whale watching tours during off-season or without checking conditions ended up seasick and disappointed after hours at sea with minimal sightings.
9. Visiting the Red Light District in Amsterdam
The Red Light District is often promoted as a must see cultural curiosity. While some visitors find it interesting, others reported feeling uncomfortable or unsafe, especially late at night. The atmosphere can be more rowdy than intriguing, and for those not genuinely interested in the adult entertainment aspect, the visit can feel awkward and forced.
10. Taking a Cruise Just for the Experience
Some travelers book a cruise because it seems like a classic vacation option, only to discover that they dislike the crowded environment, constant upselling, and limited time at destinations. Seasickness and long queues for activities also add to the disappointment for those who are not naturally drawn to this style of travel.
11. Visiting Times Square on New Year’s Eve
Being in Times Square for the famous ball drop is a dream for some, but many who have done it once say they would never do it again. The crowds are massive, security lines are long, and people often wait for hours in cold weather with no access to restrooms. The televised version is much more comfortable to watch from home.
12. Taking an Overpriced Safari
Safaris can be incredible, but booking without research can lead to disappointment. Some travelers paid thousands for game drives in overcrowded jeeps, seeing few animals or feeling like the tours were more staged than authentic. The magic of wildlife spotting can vanish quickly when surrounded by dozens of other vehicles vying for the same shot.
13. Visiting Stonehenge Without Context
Stonehenge is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, but for some, the reality is anticlimactic. Visitors cannot touch the stones and must view them from a distance behind barriers. Without a guided explanation or personal interest in history, the visit can feel like a long trip for a brief photo.
14. Riding a Camel in the Desert
Camel rides are heavily promoted in places like Morocco, Egypt, and Dubai. While the photos can be stunning, some travelers found the rides uncomfortable and physically taxing, especially under the hot sun. Concerns about animal welfare also made some wish they had chosen a different activity.
15. Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is iconic, but the small area around it is often packed with tourists taking the same “holding up the tower” photo. Aside from climbing the tower, which requires a ticket and more waiting, there is not much else to do nearby. Some travelers regretted the time and expense to visit for what felt like a brief novelty.
16. Pub Crawls in Tourist Districts
Joining a pub crawl can seem like a fun way to meet people, but in tourist heavy areas, the experience often involves overpriced drinks, crowded venues, and shallow interactions. Many travelers said they preferred exploring local bars at their own pace rather than following a rigid schedule.
17. Visiting the Mona Lisa at the Louvre
Seeing the Mona Lisa in person is a bucket list item for many, but the reality can be disappointing. The painting is smaller than many expect, and the crowd in front of it can be so dense that visitors get only a few seconds of partial viewing. Some felt their time would have been better spent exploring other parts of the museum.
18. Going to Oktoberfest Without Preparation
Oktoberfest in Munich is famous for beer, music, and lively crowds, but travelers who arrive without reservations often end up wandering outside packed tents or paying high prices for food and drinks. For those not enthusiastic about beer or large crowds, the event can quickly lose its appeal.
19. Swimming in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
The Blue Lagoon is heavily marketed as a must visit geothermal spa. While it can be beautiful, some visitors were put off by the high ticket prices, crowded pools, and tourist heavy atmosphere. Those looking for a more natural and quiet experience might prefer less famous hot springs in the region.
20. Chasing the Northern Lights Without Checking Conditions
Seeing the Northern Lights is a dream for many, but poor planning leads to disappointment. Some travelers book expensive tours without considering weather forecasts or solar activity levels, resulting in nights spent waiting in freezing conditions without any sightings. The frustration of missing the lights can overshadow the rest of the trip.
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Disclaimer: This article was created with AI assistance and edited by a human for accuracy and clarity.
