6 Tourist Traps - Expectations, Reality & Alternatives

Expectation

Reality

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Now don’t get me wrong, this is considered a Wonder of the World for good reason. Stretching over 6000km (or 3800 miles) in 10 sections, the Great Wall of China attracts over 10 million visitors a year. The most popular sections are Badaling (pictured), Juyongguan, and Huangyaguan but with that much wall, there is simply no need to be fighting against the crowds.

A good alternative:

Instead try Jinshanling, one of the most beautiful stretches of wall, only 2-3 hours from Beijing; or visit Simatai by night for a truly unique experience.

Expectation

Reality

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A must-do on every tourist’s list when travelling around South America is to visit Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and take a photo in front of Christ the Redeemer. Plan your visit just right or you’ll be jostling amongst the masses, being photobombed by someone’s great aunt Agatha.

An under-rated alternative:

Instead, head toward the outskirts of the city and find the Mirante Dona Marta, Rio’s most stunning viewpoint. With an incredible vista of Sugarloaf Mountain, the city, beach and of course the Big Guy himself, this is the place to be.

Expectation

Reality

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Set amidst cafes and people hawking keyrings stands the goliath which is the Colosseum. The largest amphitheatre ever built, it truly is a sight to behold. But you may end up standing in long queues under the scorching sun for hours...

An Interesting alternative:

why not visit the Villa Doria Pamphili? Rome’s biggest park, it’s a favourite of locals and a great way to see both the historic and modern elements of the city in one leisurely stroll.

Expectation

Reality

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Ok, this isn’t a place, you got me. Housed in the Louvre in Paris, France, the Mona Lisa is one of the world’s most famous paintings. Millions of people visit every year to see Leonardo da Vinci’s eyebrow-less artwork, but if taking selfies with inanimate objects (and bystanders) isn’t on your holiday wish list, there are other works of art to peruse too.

An alternative to the Mona Lisa:

Venture down the hall a little further and find The Virgin and Child with St. Anne, also by Da Vinci. This piece is not only less crowded, it is (arguably) more interesting to look at and is also double the size of its paltry cousin.

Expectation

Reality

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By no means the only perpetrator, this is one of MANY hotels that have taken artful advertising photos to hide what is really on offer. The helpful folks over at Oyster.com have exposed many more on their site. More lemon than luxury, someone on their marketing team has clearly been busy on Photoshop.

An important consideration:

Always look for candid traveller photos on a site like tripadvisor before making a final decision. If you’re looking for something a bit more spacious to the hotel shown above, try the Conrad Hotel down the road.

Expectation

Reality

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Sun, surf, sand, nothing screams Australia more than photos of Bondi Beach. The reality is slightly different, covered with tourists from all corners of the globe you’re lucky to find space to lay your towel during peak season.

An alternative to Bondi Beach:

Take the bus further north and visit Bilgola Beach, a hidden gem with elbow room to spare.