What is the most hyped overrated place in the world?

Orlando

My initial reaction to your question is: well, if there's so much travel information available (like here at Fodor's) then whose fault is it that you went into New Orleans or Cancun or Puerto Vallarta with your eyes closed???

Second reaction is: many people love all the places you mentioned. The point is that they weren't what YOU like, so to state that they are 'overhyped' is less than accurate.

Third reaction: if you went with someone knowledgable about London and New Orleans I think you'd be able to find things about both that you like. Not your perfect vacation, perhaps.
But to say that London is an overhyped waste actually makes you look a bit foolish. You were either too lazy to discover its unique assets or you don't value history and culture.

As to your initial question, the past 5 years I can't think of anyplace I've visited the world over in which I was caught off guard (in a negative way) by what I encountered because I always do enough reading ahead of time so that I know basically what's to be expected.

Buenos Aires - very dirty shanty town.

Whoops! I meant Puerto Vallarta - what was I thinking?

I have loved 99% of the places I have visited. London has so many historic points of interest and it is an exciting city.

The only place I wasn't impressed with was Fiji but in reality this was my own fault as I am past the point of wanting to lie about on the beach. I found it boring. Yet the islands are beautiful.

As a poster above said, every place has its positive points for certain people. It may not be what you want but exactly what another is looking for.

Best place I have visited? New Zealand, hands down.

Oh, I know what he was trying to say, roadtripper.
Sure, there are lots of places that market themselves heavily and try to appear to be something they're not.
And I agree that the Mexican resort towns are right up on top of that list. I didn't enjoy any of them when I first visited (pre-internet days) and won't ever go back.

My point (bluntly stated, yes) was that there's so much info out there these days that no one should get burned by hype. This thread may indeed open someone's eyes about some particular place. But the internet has been a boon to the savvy traveller who doesn't enjoy being the victim of hype.

Ireland did it for me as a over-hyped place. Yes, it was pretty, but the Ring of Kerry was a windy road which lacked the beauty of say places like the Columbia Gorge in Oregon.

London didn't wow me either. I guess I had heard so much before I went and was so excited that when I got there I just felt that it was dirty and bad food. I'd go back again, but it isn't my my favorite place.

Florida was no big shake either. Bunch of old people and rednecks. I did enjoy Sarasota though.

New Orleans was beyond any of my expectations - loved it! Love Scotland! Love Italy!

To each their own.

Brussels, Belguim. Actually, it wasn't the visitor promotion that hyped it for me but the guide books. After a day we cut our time short and headed on to Paris where we really could use the extra time!

I found San Antonio to be overhyped. I think they have been promoting the city heavily lately. It is not a bad place at all, just didn't live up to all the expectations.

I think that is a great question! Everybodies opinion of heaven may be different, so I hope I don't step on any toes here.

My answer is Cancun. Sure, the beaches are great, but the whole place just gave me the creeps. It was overpriced, too touristy, and was just too much like Vegas on a beach, without the casinos. Don't get me wrong, I adore Vegas. But when I want a beach vacation, I will always think Fiji. Never Cancun.

Dublin, Ireland had some problems that you can't know about until you get there.
I did a ton of research, online and off line pre-trip and I found nothing to indicate that during their summer months they have an overcrowding problem because of all the Spanish language students they allow in.
Being a smaller city, they literally cannot handle this. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but believe me, when you're there for awhile it is.
I would never go back there again during the summer.

Without a doubt in my mind: Pisa, Italy.

I hate when someone says they don't like "Florida". Florida is not a city it is a huge state with more than just rednecks and old people. BTW - I don't live in Florida.

I love New Orleans and London and find it hard to believe that anyone didn't. (Sorry, Greg). But, to each his own...opinions make the world go 'round.

My vote would be for articifial cities like Vegas, Orlando and Cancun. ICK!

Oh, John G, you are so right. Just spent the hottest, stinkiest, most crowded three hours there last July. Gotta love the tee shirts depicting a naked Bart Simpson climbing up the leaning tower, though.

Disney World......both of them!!!!!!OK Disney Land and Disney World.

It depends on what you like. We love REAL places that have history and where real people make a living and would go on living without tourists. We love London...Chicago...Rome...Edinburgh...Boston..the entire island of Puerto Rico. Hate artificial stuff...any theme park, tropical island that exists just for tourism, Las Vegas more than once..and especially Disneyland. But understand why some people like them.

My vote goes to Costa Rica, especially the Capital, what a dump!

Also most of the forests outside of the National Parks are clearcut.

Anyone who has spent even a little bit of time reading up on Pisa, Italy (non-proprietary information....especially Fodor's Europe board) knows that it's a waste of time.
The question of "overhyped" and "don't waste your time" destinations on the Europe forum virtually always trumpet Pisa.
In fact, on our first trip to Italy we drove all over from north to south, and drove right past Pisa without so much as stopping in. Still don't regret it.

Brandi, why would you feel badly about not liking Cancun? That's a very common opinion indeed.

New Orleans- four square blocks of fun surrounded by a giant ghetto.

Philadelphia-Why go here when Boston, Washington, and New York are so close?

Phoenix-I've got mini-malls and Blockbuster videos, and Little Caesars right here at home.

Savannah-See New Orleans.

Seattle-Big disappointment. Runaways and panhandlers.

After seeing signs for what seemed like hundreds of miles my biggest disappointment had to be Wall Drug.

Vi said it all -- what a dump -- about San Jose, Costa Rica.
When Costa Rica outspends by multi-millions of dollars to promote itself compared to all its 6 neighbors in Central America, they should at least do something about their capital city.
And, when an offical CR tourist website lists 14 things to do/see in the capital and that INCLUDES the Butterfly Farm, it's fair warning.

Bert, I didn't realize internet access was already available in central Mississippi.
Hmmmmm.
Have your local legislators restricted access for women? Wouldn't want them gettin' all edgukated an stuff.

I see! Now that there has been a tragedy in NY we all have to love it? Its dirty ( not as bad as it once was tho') noisy, people are not nice, weather is dreadful, shows are expensive. So what is wonderful about the place - Its not pretty either.
AND I still say that I am entitled to my opinion. Those of you who have to reduce themselves to a stupid slinging match about the South show your ignorance in geography and stupidity in your generalisations.

Manzanillo, Mexico.....YUCK!!! Our ride from the airport to the hotel winded past beautiful scenery and banana trees and foliage. Then we rounded the bend near the ocean and.......there were THOUSANDS of locals camped out on the beach in makeshift tents. There were no public bathrooms or showers, so I assume the ocean was used for these purposes. I have never seen so many people camped out so close together (on a beach). I don't have a problem with poor Mexicans who want to get away somewhere with their families. But if I had known they were all going to Manzanillo, I would have gone somewhere else. Oh well, I was young and a very inexperienced traveler.

I would say third world countries that sell themselves as paradise. Jamica comes to mind. Nice and green but nasty poverty, begging, touts and nasty people.

Another vote for New York City. Shattered Shattered (Remember the old Rolling Stones song?

St. Lucia

I agree with the person who asks "How can you lump all of Florida together?" Our family goes there often and there are many parts we really like including Disney, contrary to popular opinion on this board.

The most disappointing destination we have found lately is Key West. Liked the Keys a lot but thought Key West was way overrated.

Cancun, or as I like to say, "Mexico Light." There is nothing Mexican about Cancun. Some dining choices: Pat O'Briens, the Rainforest Cafe, Planet Hollywood.

Granted the beaches are nice. However, the throngs of drunk, low-class Americans that visit isn't my style. I'm pretty sure that I was the only guy at the pool without a tatoo.

Yes, I realize some people love it. Neither I, or my wife, are among them.

Miami is terrible unless you are right next to the water.

I second Miami! We were there for a night last year, while coming back from Key West. Neither me nor my fiancee could stand it! The food was awful (at least the places we went to) the buildings were tacky, and all the women dressed like hoochies!

But, to each his own - many love the place!

Ashleigh, your use of the word "hoochies' just made me giggle. I have to agree. Even worse are the hoochie mamas who are in their 50s, all tanned and leathered and in bikinis. YUCK!

In South Beach, I didn't mind the Hoochies so much. It was the guys dressed like said Hoochies that I found troubling.

GROUND ZERO-
and the tourists are coming in droves,taking pictures in front of it, buying tee shirts,laughing and talking while they watch the workers, sickening.shameful.

AMEN to the Ground Zero comment.

Savannah, GA and St. Augustine, FL

and Pigeon Forge, TN What was I thinking?!!

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but to hear that NYC is overhyped just confirms that you need to take the stuff that you read on the net with a grain of salt. Anyone who couldn't enjoy time in NYC either didn't go with an open mind, or expected green prairies and was mad when they didn't find that.

Amen to that xx.
Mr Douglas in Green Acres couldn't appreciate NYC, and certainly there are those who are beach-only type vacationers;
but NYC has it all, and Manhattan has most everything in a small walkable region.
SF is more beautiful from a distance (but not up close), SD has a beautiful harbor, other cities have better weather.
But for a city vacation, you just can't beat NYC.

I would say places that are poor but spend lots of money on advertisement. Costa Rica comes to mind. Also Mexican beach resorts.

Over its prime=Key West
Still Magic=Paris
Boring,Most overrated=New Zealand

Wow, I can't believe there are three votes against Costa Rica--it was one of my favorite vacations! If the naysayers had done their research ahead of time, they would have found that all the tourbooks tell you there's not much going on in San Jose.

Overhyped places--Hollywood (Walk of fame, Chinese Theatre, etc.) was a dump; Miami/Southbeach was a big overpriced let-down. I ordered a Margarita and the waiter looked at me like I had three heads when I said "with salt". It arrived with sugar on the rim. Some hotspot.

I'll back up the vote on Miami. Visited about 4 years ago for one night. We were afraid to walk anywhere - all the shops were boarded up and it looked completely run down. We had to escape to South Beach for the rest of the vacation.

My other vote is for Seville, Spain. Visited 2 years ago in July. Hot as he@#, airfare was ridiculously high, and the city stunk. The plumbing is not up to US standards, and the streets are just dirty. The people were mostly rude to us, as they could tell we were American. The saving graces were the Cathedral (amazing) and it was cheap!

Kauai - hands down. The back roads of Kentucky wrapped in a pretty package. Nothing like flyer a couple thosand miles to eat at McDonalds. Where was the White Castle?

Like one of the above psoters, I hate artificial stuff,so my vote is split between San Antonio and Orlando--there's no "there" there, you know? But attitude and expectations play a huge role in any tourist experience...duh, right? For example, I went to Brussels (on business) expecting a dull, gray (NATO)company town filled with nondescript office towers, and so wasn't disappointed when that turned out to be true, at least about one part of town; for the rest, I was pleasantly surprised at how charming the city was. Maybe low expectations are the way to go, eh?

TEXAS - too many Billy Bobs and Betty Lous and blow hards

Key West is overrated in my book. Having traveled throughout the World, there are much nicer tropical destinations.

My standard is whether I could bear to spend a week in the place. By that yardstick, I would absolutely dread spending a week in Las Vegas, Orlando, and Hollywood.

The Marriott in Aruba

Venice, Italy and it's "romantic" canals! What a great big sewer! It stinks, it's dirty, the water is polluted and beyond being brown. The people are rude, it's hot, and the so-called historic architecture are run-down buildings.

Caymen islands, the Florida Keys but at three times the cost.

Many will disagree with me and it's certainly not the MOST overrated place but I was disappointed with Mount Rushmore. It's quite far from other attractions (although the Black Hills area that one drivers through to get there is quite lovely) and you are unable to get close enough to it to truly appreciate the scale and sheer size of the monument. Just my opinion but on a trip with a limited time schedule I'd hesitate to include Mt. Rushmore.

Most things made by man are disapointing, made by god, exceptional!

I agree with the message posted by Midwesterner. San Francisco has got to be one of the most overrated places. It has a population of only about 730,000; behind LA, San Diego, and San Jose(The Capital of Silicon Valley). It is nothing but a large dirty town with an out of control homeless population, not to mention the mere 3 hours of sunshine per day throughout the summer months due to the persistent fog.

San Francisco is not even in the same league as NYC!

How could "123" say the beautiful, romantic palazzos of Venice were "so-called" historical buildings? 500 years old counts as historical in my book. I thought it was one of the most evocative, unique cities I've visited.
I also enjoyed Puerto Vallarta--but we stayed in Mismaloya, away from the town, near the jungle. It was gorgeous, had much nicer beaches, and I thought the Mexican people were very warm and lovely. We took the local bus into town for the great restaurants.

Interesting thread,

If you don't like cities, they are all overpriced, overrated, and most are dirty.

If you do like cities, you just have to know where to look. I have been to many of the big cities in US and Europe and always seem to have a good time.

I live in the NYC area, and clearly this is the best, but I found the comments here against London and San Fran to be a bit harsh.

In SF, ask some locals for restaurant tips (House of Nan King is a local favorite) and take one of the tourist bus trips and a Cable Car to get a feel and appreciation for the city.

Comments on Philly and Miami are fair, but even there you can find places to enjoy. There are some fine seafood restaurants in Philly, as well as an excellent art museum and historic sites. There is also a beautiful botanic garden in the outskirts.

South Beach Miami has many good restaurants as well, plus warm water in February when its 20 F in NY. It helps if you can speak at least one of the local languages. I met a family there from France who didn't speak English OR Spanish!!

South of the Border (South Carolina)

Note to Justine: There is no beach ANYWHERE on Key West (a true Honky-Tonk town, in my opinion) that can compare to the beauty of 7-Mile Beach and its glorious, gorgeous water on Grand Cayman!!

I am not from Hicksville just in case you lot think I am but I will also go for New York as being the biggest dump in the world. Just tell me what there is about the place that is nice? Its got a park - big deal. Broadway?? expensive. Where are the beautiful avenues? Beautiful buildings - not just the biggest and the most garish. The people of NY need a reality check, they are nothing if not rude and uncommunicative, they are unhelpful and just down right unfriendly. There are slums there that would make Mexico City look good and you say its a wonderful place. Bah and Bah again

Lots of slamming of NYC and SF on these boards lately. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but these people strike me as the type who:

Go to Olive Garden for good Italian food.

Stay at a Holiday Inn in Paris because they have ice machines.

Think Venice is dirty and prefer trips to Orlando.

Don't understand why people drink "eXpresso".

etc.

Hey, why not jump in on this:

I'll go with the entire state of New Mexico, which I like to describe as "dumpy Arizona". And Santa Fe - it's like a committee from Disney, boutique mall tenants, and overpriced hotel owners got together and built a plastic version of a southwestern town. Should be an attraction in Orlando.

OK now we are dumping a entire state for 1 city?? It sounds like dumping Florida for Orlando!! I have to disagree on New Mexico it is to me still a pristine gem. Not over hyped in the least!! OK Santa Fe treads there but Chimayo, Taos, Las Truches, anciemt ruins, spiritality, beautiful adobe churches, I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!! Oh well that is why this is a thread!!

Paris with it smugness is totally overrated!
You have dog do do everywhere,eiffel tower looks like radio tower, what it is.
Champse you know the street!! Is Michigan Ave. With its disneystore, radioshack,Mcdonalds.
The garbage around the bridges on the SEine.
No ice, no washcloths. No ice machines in your hotel.
The churches with all its falling facade I thought I was going to get hit by a gargoyle!!
Last but not least Too many french and the all talk french too!!

Thank God for Branson!!

To each his own!

I respect y'all's opinions, but I believe you are missing out on some good city experiences.

As to NY, yes its a little dirty, but its full of energy and very cosmopolitan -- you don't go for Central Park! If you like museums, restaurants, tall buildings, shows, street life, etc; its hard to beat the city they named twice.

By the way, the perception of NYers as unfriendly is way off base. Just walk the streets, and you will see people come right up to you...and ask for money!

Just a local joke.

But seriously, try asking someone for directions in NYC and you will be pleasantly surprised (if they say you have a spot on your jacket and try to clean it, say no thanks, move on and watch your wallet!).

If you don't like NY, you must not like cities, and that's okay.

None of them could compare with the beauty of Yosemite in California, the White Mountains in New Hampshire, or the European Alps.

As for Paris, yeah, there's a lot of dog poop (which you won't find in NYC) and the Eiffel's a disappointment; but the Metro is easy and safe, the museums are great. If you want a cool church, I recommend Sacre Couer (French teacher, forgive my spelling!)

Look for the strengths of each city; ask the locals for what's good; and try to learn and appreciate the local language or culture.

Okay, here is a city I found overrated:

Los Angeles.

Go ahead and rip me, but I found it to be one highway after another, with no sidewalks, limited public transportation, very little character, except in Disneyland, which had a lot a characters, but is way overpriced.

If you go to California, San Diego or San Fran are much more interesting cities.

One day I'll give you LA folks another chance, but so far you haven't captured my imagination!

I second TJ! LA stinks!!! I am not an LA fan at all. I guess I never could get over getting thrown off a hotel shuttle at LAX and profanely cursed by a cab driver during my whole ride to the hotel of the same shuttle that I was not permitted to ride. I was 20, young and cute, and was very polite to both the cab driver and bus driver prior to my getting insulted!

Oh, my first reaction is Islamorada FL!!! I just love the commercial for the snorkeling the state tourism puts out. They don't tell you for true snorkeling you have to get on a boat and travel 1.5 miles away from the coast, although you probably could walk out as it doesn't get over 4 ft deep for half a mile out. Great snorkeling is on the southside of MAUI! In Islamorad, we were basically marooned their for 2 weeks at a "resort" with NO BEACH at all. In fact most of the beaches are private so any public ones are about 12' wide by 4' deep. The ONLY exception to our disappointment was the resturant "Dino's. They had fabulous Italian food and homemade Neopolitans! YUMMY. Unless your a fisherman or love laying on loungers by a hotel pool I would avoid this area!

That's funny, I always thought of Islamorada for fishing and Key Largo for snorkeling. Also, it's the coral reef that attracts divers and snorkelers, not the beaches.
Maybe the travel advertising is misleading.

Wow, people really get offended if you don't have the same oppinion as they do! I will bite though. I would have to say the biggest disappointment in travel I have ever experienced was Grand Cayman Island. Went there on a Carnival cruise (and I DID read up on it by the way). Our table mates were also quite shocked by GC. The cruise ended up being wonderful, we can't wait to go again, but will choose different ports next time! PS: I thought New York was fun, but several people in our group were ripped off left and right. One guy in our group was robbed the first night. Right on the well lit street! I would go back, but only go out in the daylight! One more thing, I agree...totally sick that people are visiting Ground Zero as a tourist attraction! Where is your respect?

NICE, South of France: The armpit of the Riviera. Ugly high priced hotels in a city filled with crime, tourists and arrogant hateful French people.

Funny, I thought Nice was NICE. Beautiful setting and great location to explore the rest of the area.

I just had to jump in this one! Contrary to some of you folks, I love NYC, Mexico City, Paris, London...I'm a city person, a museum person and a "great food" person. So if your town has all of these, then I am a fan. Mountains and forests just don't do it for me...

OVERRATED: CANCUN. I went in January, before the crowds, and I don't think I've been in a more sterile environment. It should be the 51st state with all the English speaking and Outbacks-type restaurants, not a hint of Mexican culture anywhere. BUT the beach was gorgeous and the weather superb...

San Francisco has got to be THE most overrated dump I have ever visited. Those who say NYC is dirty, should see SF. Trash in the parks, panhandlers, hookers day and night in plain view. If you want to see a third world city in the U.S., go to SF, it won't disappoint.

London has horrible weather and the food is postively shameful, but the sights make up for it...I loved London (and Straford Upon Avon). New Orleans has good food, but I agree that overall it's a huge disappointment. There were young black boys tap dancing for change on Christmas Eve in 30 degree weather! It was appauling. My vote for the most over-hyped city is Asheville North Carolina. I did my research, but never got the feeling that it was just a one horse town....which it is! The Biltmore Estate is beatuiful, but the admission fee is ridiculously high. The good news is that that there are a lot of beautiful and interesting spots surrounding Asheville.

New orleans was a big disappointment to me. I had envisioned a historical, "Anne Rice" mystical ambience; listening to southern jazz; peeling large shrimp; shucking oysters; etc. Instead it was just one big low class drinking place selling crappy t-shirts.
San Jose, C. R. also, almost brought on an asthma attack it was so polluted, worse than Mexico City.

TTT

We usually find something to like about most places we go, but we particularly LOVE Grand Cayman. It's not the destination for fantastic shopping(although it's not bad) or great night life, but you truly can't beat the water and 7 mile beach. I do think, though, that it's not really possible to get the true feeling of Cayman on a cruise. Go for a week, stay in a condo and relax, walk the beach, eat at the fantastic restaurants, enjoy the safety and cleanliness of the island, and you'll be sold!

Bill; Thank you!!! I live in Santa Fe and would love to have less tourists here! Keep up the good work!

Worst traffic: LA

Worst food: Prague

Worst tourist attraction : Disneyland Paris and Fisherman's Wharf (pathetic in such beautiful cities)

Worst all-round city: Sao Paulo Brazil (although perhaps not too hyped anyway)

Orlando, Atlanta and Dallas, all running neck and neck.

Lenore you're a little behind the times with your classification of London's food as "shameful". While it certainlyu isn't Paris, a great number of very good restaurants have opened in London in the past 3 years.

London has more restaurants with food ratings at or above 25 in the Zagat survey than Chicago or New Orleans.
True, it lacks a wide variety of world class top restaurants, but it now has a nice variety of very good places.

Mitch: I am a London fan but the problem I have is that the really good restaurants cost an arm and a leg (like £100/person)! Whereas, you can go to places like Paris or Rome and find really good food at moderate prices. When I'm in London, I usually stick to Indian and Chinese food cause it's reasonable priced (£30/person or less) and good.

This website and Kauai.

How can anyone say that the food in London is shameful? It's one of the food capitals of the world now.

And you don't have to pay £100 a head for a good meal, believe me.

Well, it's certainly not hyped or overrated, but it is the worst place in America that I've been to: Atlantic City. It even smells bad!

Also, I've been to Mexico twice (Manzanillo and Cancun) and will NEVER ever go back again.

However, I do feel the need to defend New Orleans. It's a fun "weekend" destination for the partiers among us.

And I second "South of the Border" South Carolina. What's that about????
Time for the wrecking ball!

We've travelled to many places and the worst was Jamaica. It was dirty and there was evidence of poverty everywhere. I knew we made a mistake, when I felt very unsafe on the drive from the airport to the hotel. I would never go back there.

ttt

kenav - Why are you topping a 5 year old thread?

Jamaica...hands down!

"It was dirty and there was evidence of poverty everywhere.'

As if those "attributes" are peculiar to Jamaica??????

Cruises

While I disagree, I totally understand all the comments re: NYC. New York is the abolute best and absolute worst of what a place can be. It's got the best diversity, food, shows, energy, entertainment, museums and buildings in the world. At the same time it is extremely expensive, loud, crowded, aggressive, dirty (relative to rural America not to other cities), and can seem unfriendly. Those who find it as overhyped are probably focusing on its negative qualities without seeing its redeeming ones.

As for the poster who said *Kauai - hands down. The back roads of Kentucky wrapped in a pretty package* - it's fine not to like Kauai, but to compare it with Kentucky? You either haven't been to Kauai or haven't been to Kentucky.

Washington, DC. I still don't understand why do many Americans are willing to burn a week's vacation here.

Other disappointments that I've actually experienced- Seattle, Redondo Beach, Myrtle Beach.

I think that distinction belongs to none other than Walt Disney World~Orlando. Thank God my children have not shown any interest in wanting to go!

To A Traveler - Curious to see if things are different 5 years later.

Anywhere in Hawaii!!

I bet if we wait long enough every spot on earth will eventually be mentioned.

1. Brazil.
2. Barcelona.
3. Madrid.
4. London.

although i did love london, i believe it is still overrated.

Author: Dukey
Date: 05/02/2007, 10:29 am
I bet if we wait long enough every spot on earth will eventually be mentioned.


I think every spot has been mentioned.

St. Lucia. Except for meeting some other nice people who were visiting, this place was awful!

OMG! St. Lucia - between the Pitons - is my favorite tropical location ever!

Jalousie Plantation and Ladera resort!
Snorkeling right off the beach at the base of the Pitons!
Absolutely incredible.

Like most here, I tend to research most places pretty well before I visit so usually have specific reasons for visiting a place and I am rarely surprised or disappointed. That said, the only place I can recall being total disappointed by that I was actually looking forward to visiting was Taos, NM. I can't explain why, exactly, except to say that I had heard and read so much about how beautiful and magical, etc. it is and when I got there....meh, this is it?!!!

i thought i had really researched a visit to panama city, panama. DON'T GO. don't believe what you read.

Perhaps what is "overrated" is/are threads like this which end up having people disagreeing about what is overrated!

My response would be Venice. It is not quite what you would think, it has sort of turned into a Disney attraction. But with that said, we took time to visit the historical spots and really talk about what had happened there and ended up loving it. Not that we would go back again, once is enough. Same with Pisa.

Just a comment on Florida. If I saved money all year to take the kids to Florida and went to a theme park each day, I would hate it too. Visit the Kennedy Space Center, check out a beach, take a canoe ride. Life is too short to pay $4 for a bottle of water each hour.

Niagara Falls

I always wondered about Niagara Falls - but went this week because I was so close. I was expecting not to enjoy it very much. I was wrong. I found it amazing.

I was on the Canadian side and that may have made a big difference. Beautiful parks and lawns and flowers. Families enjoying the above. The falls themselves were beautiful and the trip on the Maid of the Mist was more than I expected. To be in the middle of the horseshoe falls and feel the power of the falling water - amazing.

I did smile (and actually took a picture) of the sign announcing - Clifton Hill (Tourist Area). Such a discrete warning about what you are about to approach. But lots of fun for kids and families - and it looks like a tourist town gone wild, a la Myrtle Beach, Gatlinburg, et al.

Niagara Falls in and of itself is a beautiful site to behold, however, the touristy, overpriced aspect of it is what I don't like.

Just a note about Orlando - OK, my wife and I, who now have kids in college, would not waste our time going there. But really, it's not a place, it's a theme park. And its also the best theme park in the US or the world, for that matter. You go there with your small children to have fun, ride the rides, etc. THEY love it. And for that it's great.

Why does kenav keep reviving 5 year old posts. Anything Disney...

Las Vegas smells like a sewer. Could not wait to get to Zion NP.

I love the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Yes, Clifton Hill is kind of tacky, but it is geared to families. Niagara-on-the-Lake is an absolutely beautiful little town surrounded by wineries. I don't know how anyone can say it is overrated.

The Great and Powerful Thingorjus

I found that Quebec City, outside of some interesting buildings, didn't have much to recommend it.

Other than that Canada rocks. Most civilized nation on the planet, IMO.

personal experiences: the hague, holland. Loved the rest of holland though. Las vegas, Nevada. Been here many times and just dont see whats so great.

After a fantastic trip through the Canadian Rockies, made a stop over in Whistler,Canada. Very disappointing town resembling a big boring shopping mall.

Agree with Cancun. Left early and had to pay a premium to get out. (And I love Mexico, having been there at least 15 times.) Cancun is one big row of mega modern resort hotels so far removed from Mexico and Mexican culture that you might as well be any whaere else.

Second, New Orleans. Interesting architecture, but was so bored with their pride in cheap booze and sleaze.

Have to part company on London. I have been to quite a few countries and cities, and London is the greatest city in the world. It is expensive, but what ever you want is in London.

Los Angeles for sure. The place is filthy.

First off - I have to say that a vacation is something most people seem to do to get away from the normal humdrum lives. (By the way, there is nothing wrong with humdrum daily living - it in itself can be peaceful).

I for one like to go to a place that affords some diversity of entertainment - which would include historical value, good restaurants, and lots of wonderful scenic drives and little country towns & a bed and breakfast. THAT is my idea of a vacation.

Some folks like the beach, busy nightlife, AND/OR Amusement parks, eateries, and so the list goes - They long for excitement, right?

So - what is it - Excitement - Peace and Quiet - History Buff - Beaches and Activity?

Unfortunately - all cities seem to have a down side - the seediness sort of thing going on. It's hard to avoid those places if you are not familiar with the area.

I will tell you - I have lived in Houston for over 4 years - here are the good and the bad for those who want to visit.

Montrose area - diverse, eclectic, gay, lots of out of the way restaurants, and you will have more than your share of "street" folks meandering around...BUT it is close to the Museum district which offers Art museums, Zoo, and the IMAX, also Outdoor Theater.

Westheimer/Galleria area - more than your share of traffic - and road construction..be prepared! Shopping can be costly but fun if that is your thing.

If you want to go to the Hill Country, or the Beach/Galveston - be prepared to drive at least 3 hours to get to either area.

Best area to visit - if you can find the stores through the Trees is: The Woodlands area. Take Woodlands Parkway off of I-45 - very nice mall with alot of outdoor restaurants. Can be a nice reprieve after being in the Houston Area. 40 miles North of Houston.

This is for anyone who'd be interested in visiting or moving here. Housing is cheaper, but it's cheaply made housing...Everything is big, and only about 10 feet from your neighbor. Developers get more money for their investment if they provide that sort of living.

Areas to avoid - Sharpstown area, East Houston between 45 and Hiway 59. Avoid travelling on I-45 during 7am and 9am. Best highway is Hardy Toll road if you're going north to south.

Nicest area to live, in my opinion, has been the Woodlands - even for a rental, it's worth the drive.

Also - living here may be cheaper, but I have found that you have to struggle to find a good paying job. With so much ethnic diversity, someone can always be hired for a cheaper rate.

Overrated:

Singapore
Dublin (had a nice time, but way overrated)
New York
Boston
Daytona Beach
Atlantic City




Reporting from Key Largo - yes it's overrated but I didn't have a choice....(I believe that the Florida Keys are overrated unless you are into fishing or diving). It's one long shopping strip, tacky 60s style resorts and marinas on top of marinas.

Going home today, the beautiful Siesta Key. Totally different part of Florida.

I am somewhat amazed by the people who have called Paris " overrated " , knocked the Eiffel Tower,New York dirty etc.

Have they really seen these cities ? Or do they just arrive in town,go to the few tourist attractions they have given themselves too little time to see,---then quickly head out of town.

Chance are these people just do not like big cities. The apply small town standards,unable to find and enjoy things they have never seen before.

As Damon Runyon said " Once you cross the Hudson you're camping out " And Paris just becomes better and better.

Disney-fill in the blank.

Las Vegas - everything is fake. The "canals" of Venice are a swimming pool shaped like a ditch. The Effiel Tower blocks the sidewalk and then there is New York, New York. I will go to Paris, Venice or New York to see the real things, thank you.

starrs... I agree that the Jalousie Plantation is our idea of paradise. We took a water taxi to Soufriere and it was a filthy, scary place. We saw men peeing right in plain sight. Ugh.

To me the worst places are the artificial ones, like Vegas and Orlando.

I find something to like in every city I visit.

Yes, Whistler BC
Lake Mead, Nevada

Houston, TX
yuck

I agree about the Keys, though I will go back to Key West even though I was underwhelmed by it. I was expecting much more of a gay/bohemian vibe. I really liked the KW guest house we stayed in, and the architecture reminded me of the Carribean.

Another place that undewhelmed me was Phoenix. I'd go back to Arizona for a vacation, but Phoenix had nothing to offer, IMO.

I'd put NYC in the overrated category. I grew up there and it is a phenomenal city, but it gets waaaay too much media attention. Practically every travel magazine has an article about NY in it. Mix it up, fellas. Besides, midtown has become an outside version of Paramus Park.

I always come away from Washington DC thinking I missed something.

kenav & A Traveler...I'm glad this thread was revived - it obviously is still relevant!

Overall, many of the Caribbean islands where the culture is often overcommercialized or the poverty overshadows the beautiful beaches. With all the money pouring into those islands, you would think the people would be able to live a better life there! Although, there are a few places I have been there that I enjoyed for one reason or another, like Old San Juan in Puerto Rico, Anguilla, and am dying to go to Virgin Gorda and St. John USVI.

Even Hawaii, a place I know well and love, is often overrun w/ overcommercialization. Ever been to the Hyatt luau in Kaanapali? It is a cheesy Las Vegas dinner show with coconut shells and hula skirts. I love a good authentic cultural experience...

Boston...nuff said

Boston? Really?

PARIS!!!!!!!!!!!

Places that I found overrated:

Florence, Italy
Las Vegas
London

Of course these are just my opinions!

Tracy

Cruise ships. I cannot wait to get off once I'm on. That says it all.

Places i can live without: he entire state of Florida, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, LA, Phoenix, Eiffel Tower, the tourists in Florence, while the mountains are beautiful Switerland can pass as a cleep clinic, changing of the gaurd at Buckingham Palace, Las Vegas and Atlantic City, the tourist haunts in Costa del Sol.

I was born in NYC and have lived there all my life. If you want clean spend your next vacation in an operatimg room. If you want quiet stick your fingers in your ears, but if you want the want the most vibrant city in the world, you are very welcome in NYC.

Branson, MO, is definitely overrated. The ugliest, cheapest, tackiest small town I've ever seen. Chicago didn't appeal to me at all - but it may have been the fact that I visited in the winter time.

Nassau, Bahamas-particularly the Straw Market and the Queens staircase. The changes over the last twenty years have not all been for the best.

My parents wanted the entire family to take a limo tour of the island. I had been there many times and told them not to bother, but they wanted to so bad, we did it anyways. Midway through the tour, our guide stops the car and has everyone get out. He then announces "The Queen's staircase" as he sweeps his hand up towards a flight of coral rock stairs going up a hill, then forward, obviously looking for a tip. That's it-no history, no explanation. The looks on their faces were priceless!

Paris? Overrated? Really?

Paris, Texas...right?

Puerto Vallarta is overrated. I know a lot of people love it, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.

good grief....the thread that will not die.
After coming back from a splendid trip to Austria , I would say one of the most overblown, overhyped places is Eagle's Nest in Berchtesgaden. Sure, Hitler went there. He went lots of places. It's just a small place with a bad restaurant high on an alp where you'll share a view with hundreds of tourists, elbow to elbow, camera to camera. Horrible. Hey, there are HUNDREDS of alps with cable lifts and great views...this place is a ZOO.

Hawaii.

its advertised so heavily like its paradise on earth, so serene, so tranquil and beautiful.

but when you get there, you find yourself admidst the vulgarities, both blantant and obscure that engulf waikiki beach.

everything is expensive. you went for the luau, sightseeing, kiyaking, etc..and if you dont mind shelling out the big bucks to see and do everything hawaiian style,.then have fun and pay your huge credit card bills about a month later.

most get to hawaii and are overwhelmed at the sheer costs of many items. they usually resort to trying to save money, by eating overpriced hamburgers at mcdonalds on a daily basis, and thinking of ways to have fun and not go into debt during their vacation.

the whole while, you are hosted by hawaiian who internally and eternally despise all foreigners who they blame for bringing excessive annual trash and cockroaches to their one-sacred pacific isle.

As someone mentioned earlier, Puerto Vallarta Mexico was a major disappointment to us. We went in July(though the travel agent said it would be fine) and it was just hot and sticky. The ocean water at our hotel was brown-ish and we heard it was the combination of some storms that swirled up the sand plus the aftermath of some sewage problem a nearby hotel had a week before our arrival(it was suppsedly fixed and the water okay to swim in but we preferred the pool after hearing the stories), the town itself is good for one thing-to get drunk in, and the locals could bug us on a beach we were hoping was private to the hotel. No, we can't say our memories of this place are fond at all.

I know I risk opening myself up to more criticism by adding another city to the list, but here goes... Miami Beach.

Now, I visit the place just about every year and really like it, but I still think it is way overrated. The art deco hotels are awesome, the Delano was at one point one of my favorite hotels and the beaches are great. But, in terms of return-on-reputation, I'd say Miami Beach is more about the reputation than what you get back in return for your visit.

The downsides, for me, is that Miami Beach doesn't seem authentic in any way. It seems to me that all the hipsters who try to be part of the scene are playing a role and that they know they're playing a role only they all seem intent on maintaining the facade. That whole "dancing on the tables and sipping Cristal" is so forced. The shopping is good for about one afternoon, but far too many of the shops along Lincoln Road sell nearly identical clothes (last time I was there, it was that faux-cowboy shirt with goth/skull mix). And there are far too many areas in Miami Beach that are too dangerous to wander through.

I do like Miami Beach (and am going again this November), but it seems to be all empty calories, all hype, and no substance.

New York.

I do like Miami Beach (and am going again this November), but it seems to be all empty calories, all hype, and no substance.

?????

You're going BACK?

How can a place which exists in the first place not be "authentic?"

Another vote for NYC.

<<I do like Miami Beach (and am going again this November), but it seems to be all empty calories, all hype, and no substance.

?????

You're going BACK?

How can a place which exists in the first place not be "authentic?">>

*LOL -- seems like a contradiction, I know. I admit that I think Miami Beach is a cool place and that I like it, but it is ridiculously overrated. The sizzle is much greater than the steak.

Perhaps I misspoke by saying Miami Beach was not "authentic". I love the architecture and absolutely love the beaches -- both very authentic -- but the nightlife is really no better than plenty of other cities' nightlifes. If anything, the clubs in Miami Beach seem to be filled with a greater percentage of Paris Hilton wannabees than anywhere but LA, only I find much of the party atmosphere in Miami Beach to be forced and inauthentic. No one has to agree with me.

Did anyone notice the peculiar five year gap in posts?

Yes I did! And most are still overrated, overhyped, etc.

For those who chose NYC - how is it overrated in your opinion? What did you expect vs. what you exprienced?

I have a similar question about NYC,
for a big city how is it over-rated?
What could it offer that it doesn't?

perhaps they got lost in the subway!

Aspen was definitely underwhelming, not to mention the hardship of actually getting there

the Hamptons in New York. Pretty, but not worth the drive out - unless you're going to your own beach house!

Cancun!

We travel a lot with our kids and here's what my 11 y.o. daughter gave me:

1. The whole cheesy hotel area/strip around Niagara Falls (Canadian side)

2. Jamaica (though she loved the food in Jamaica---she said the jerk chicken was great)

3. Anything Disney--crowds and long lines

I think if I went to Hawaii and never left Waikiki I would feel the same way!

I'd have to add Denver to this list. Before I had visited Denver, I had all these expectations of a high altitude city with large evergreens and green everywhere.

When I first visited Denver, I left with the impression that Denver was a flat, brown, lifeless place.

I did enjoy the mountains, but to me, Denver ain't all what it's made out to be - it's way overrated.

I vote for Paris. It was the most disappointing and unsettling trip I have ever encountered. I will never go back.

I thought the coastal walk and the mansions on Rhode Island were overrated.
Zante in Greece is a dump, Not fussed on Barcelona, Salou in spain is horrible.

The island of Jersey was overrated, just very ordinary.

I find we travel all over the world and usually, whats in our own backyard so to speak is far superior to what we encounter on our hols!!

Reading this post, I'm reminded of the movie/play 'Shirley Valentine' where there are Brits who vacation in Greece but really just want their fish and chips and everything to be the same as home.

And some people should just stay home or at least analyze why they're visiting the places they chose and for what purpose. I'll never forget touring the Tower of London reflecting on its distinctive history and hearing a big brash tourist (yes sorry to say, an American) complaining with a drawl, "Well it sure doesn't compare to Disneyland!!!!! Enough Said!

The whole of middle America (particularly BRANSON Yuk!. The other people who put Las Vegas then they really did not get it did they!Anyone who can say NYC cannot be serious. The ones that said London were right and I live there!

Aruba

Cinque Terra....way over hyped. Rick Steves has it aslmost as a "holy place" where one whispers when one talks about it.

The other people who put Las Vegas then they really did not get it did they!Anyone who can say NYC cannot be serious. The ones that said London were right and I live there

I "get it", and I'd take London over Las Vegas any day! Good thing there's something for everyone.

Reading this post, I'm reminded of the movie/play 'Shirley Valentine' where there are Brits who vacation in Greece but really just want their fish and chips and everything to be the same as home.

The first time my MIL and her companion went to Europe they came home complaining "If they just used the dollar (instead of pounds, lira and francs), everything would be better".

Outer Banks,NC- I just don't get why everyone loves it so much.

Marseille, France- not at all what I was expecting for a seaside city in the South of France.I had been to Cannes previously and was expecting something similar.

St.Martin- just didn't do it for me. I'll take St.Thomas/St.John any day!

I would also agree with Key West and pretty much all the Florida keys being highly Overrated. Even the water is an ugly green color unless you go far out on the boat. but that doesn't count. Just a dump from Florida City all the way to Key West with it's overpriced trinket shops and flat boring Landscape. I am amazed the Beach boys added Key Largo to the Lyrics of their hit song "Kokomo"

Two upsides are the Key lime Pie and hidden rope swings along the bridges off highway US-1.

Well, I've surveyed all 165 responses. The consensus of all the experienced travelers in this thread is that the Whole World is overrated.

Any place is great when your baby's there, but when not:

A town's a lonely town,
When you pass through
And there is no one waiting there for you,
Then it's a lonely town.
You wander up and down,
The crowds rush by,
A million faces pass before your eye,
Still it's a lonely town.

HTTY

Why dig up a 4 year old thread?

Why dig up a 4 year old thread?

So Jetzy (a first-timer) could bad mouth Key West.

HTTY

jetzy registered and somehow found this 10 year old thread ?? It was stupid in 2002, stupid when it was topped in 2007, stupid when it was topped in 2008, and still stupid . . .

Phoenix ,fer shure, is the most overrated. Miles concrete highways with ugly sound walls, fake turf everywhere...makes me thirsty just thinking about it!

Las Vegas

Oscar Wilde on Niagara Falls:

"the second biggest disappointment in a young bride's life"

Woops, didn't realize this was a 4 year old thread until it was mentioned... But I think it's still valid in 2012. I could see the silliness in renewing a thread about outdated computer software or the latest Fad's, but it's about travel spots.

Yes, everyone's opinion is different but when places like Key West & Vegas keep popping up on this thread more often then other places, then it may sway someone to choose the alternative if they were contemplating 2 different vacation spots. That's how I found this thread!

I will add New Orleans to the overrated list unless it's Mardi Gras.

"Climbing up the Tour Eiffel" - Its good to be there but I was just irritated by the loooonnnnnnnggggggggggg queue I've ever seen.

jetzy registered and somehow found this 10 year old thread ?? It was stupid in 2002, stupid when it was topped in 2007, stupid when it was topped in 2008, and still stupid . . .

I disagree. I find it fascinating that when I come to this forum I am in the company of people who are unable to appreciate what places such as Paris, Hawaii, Barcelona, and New York have to offer. It's sad, but intriguing.

HTTY

Wall Drug


(about as overrated as are TEN-year-old threads)


This thread is like a comet, which thrives within view every five years