Como: I don't get the attraction
 

Living in Switzerland, I've never met a local who has made Lake Como their honeymoon destination. In fact, it's really just viewed as a nice place but it doesn't top any lists. Bellagio is not easily accessible and doesn't offer more of a wow factor than Lugano or Ascona.

I wonder if this is an American thing?

I'm American, and although I've only seen a small part of Lake Como, it wouldn't be my choice either.

But then again, I honeymooned in...get this...Disneyland, CA - 40 years ago, My husband couldn't believe that I'd never been and we didn't have money for anything more exotic. It was fun for a couple in their early twenties, so maybe Lake Como has the same appeal to young people who haven't traveled much.

When I lived in Perth, Australia, I didn't understand why droves of Singaporians would fly over to have their wedding photos taken in front of a difficult to access boat shed on the shores of the Swan River. But times have changed - we could barely afford a photographer at our wedding let alone consider a pre-wedding photo shoot.

Is it something akin to not wanting to visit somewhere too similar to where they're from? I live 1/4 mile from the beach. I'm at the beach at least 200 days a year, whether beaching, walking, running, taking photos. I will never ever travel to go to a beach anywhere. I don't care how nice other people think it is, I can do that at home.

Well, I don't "get" destination weddings either. But it's not about me.

My philosophy is "You do you. I'll do me." Everyone wins....

IME/IMO its more a 'fame' thing than an 'American thing'. Just like in Scotland . . . 90 % of first timers place Loch Ness on their lists of musts. That's because its the famous one -- maybe its the only Scottish loch they've ever heard of. Loch Ness isn't even on the top 20 list of scenic lochs (probably not even on the to 50)

Most travelers to Italy have heard of Lake Como whereas a big % won't know of any others.

A big benefit of the community knowledge on Fodors is we can tell them about other more 'fabulous-er' options.

Wow. I didn’t realize that the reasons I really enjoyed my time at Lake Como were that I am an American who hasn’t traveled much and that I didn’t do enough research on this forum to find a place that was more fabulous-er. Dumb me just thought it was beautiful and uncrowded with a lot of fun things to do. Plus it was very convenient to drive to and park for free right in front of our hotel. Thanks for enlightening me.

"I wonder if this is an American thing"....What do you mean by this, kleeblatt?

For me, it is a beauty thing:
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...96a389764e.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8b78f6357f.jpg
Both of these shots taken from the ferry.

FWIW, most of my travel guidance comes from Eyewitness. Here's a quote about them from online:
"Dorling Kindersley Limited is a British multinational publishing company specialising in illustrated reference books for adults and children in 63 languages. It is part of Penguin Random House, a subsidiary of German media conglomerate Bertelsmann"
So, it's a British, German, American thing, eh?

Readers of La Chartreuse de Parme might also have an affinity to Lake Como.

Personally, I didn't care for Lake Como when I briefly visited it nearly 30 years ago. The circumstances were a big factor, though. We had been in Europe for 2+ weeks and had seen nothing but grey skies and rain. We pulled into Lake Como under cloudy skies and it simply didn't feel welcoming or inviting. We got back in the car and didn't stop til we found the sun on the coast of Liguria. I'd happily return to LC for a better look, but it isn't on the top of my list.

I visited Lake Como with family for the first time last Spring. It appeared that the majority of visitors were either American, like myself, or British. We stayed in Bellagio for 4 days, sandwiched between a week in Paris and 3 days in Milan. While in Paris and Milan, the days were quite busy with sightseeing and other activities. In Bellagio, we just relaxed and enjoyed the stunning scenery and some very good food/wine. We wandered around the town, did a little shopping, visited the gardens of some beautiful villas, took a ferry across the lake to Varenna for a stroll and some gelato - you get the idea. I found that it was perfect for what we wanted, which was a little vacation from our vacation!

I'm American (not that it matters, really) and it's not on my list per se. I grew up around lakes. Hiking to them, swimming in them, picnic near them. The last thing, in general, I want to see is another darn lake (with exceptions). That does not mean that I won't ever go, it's just not a focus for me.

People want to go where they want to go. I don't understand the allure of Barcelona. But I'm not going to judge people if they want to go there, same with Como. They may not understand why I want to see Serbia, for instance, and that is perfectly fine.

Generally, what baffles me more are the folks who post: "We want to go to Milan, Lake Como, and Rome. What should we see?" If one does not already know what they want to see, why are they going? There has got to be a reason why they choose where they choose, right? Or not? Not sure.

Maybe it's an Instagram thing. I just googled and 1.7 million hits came up on Instagram.

Bellagio has been famous long before Instagram.

No one has been labelled dumb for going to Bellagio or to the Lake of Como (Comersee) in general. The area is certainly beautiful but it's not a holiday destination for many Europeans. I was merely pointing out that it's more popular for those from the US (and UK).

Maybe Rick Steves then?

https://classroom.ricksteves.com/vid...eymoon-country

"No one goes there nowadays. it's too crowded." -- Yogi Berra

My two cents worth, ever meet anybody who went to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon? Best comments --

Jean: "No one goes there nowadays. it's too crowded." -- Yogi Berra

Travel Nerd: People want to go where they want to go. I don't understand the allure of Barcelona. But I'm not going to judge people if they want to go there, same with Como. They may not understand why I want to see Serbia, for instance, and that is perfectly fine.

John183: Wow. I didn’t realize that the reasons I really enjoyed my time at Lake Como were that I am an American who hasn’t traveled much and that I didn’t do enough research on this forum to find a place that was more fabulous-er. Dumb me just thought it was beautiful and uncrowded with a lot of fun things to do. Plus it was very convenient to drive to and park for free right in front of our hotel. Thanks for enlightening me.

It is probably an American thing because of Rick Steves and the hype regarding George Clooney’s villa.

My visit there was in 1995, predating George Clooney. I’m not certain how Lake Como even came to attention, but it almost seemed mythical, like Camelot. Maybe that’s why our disappointment/lack of satisfaction was so unexpected.

>>> The area is certainly beautiful but it's not a holiday destination for many Europeans. I was merely pointing out that it's more popular for those from the US (and UK). >>>

But you started out by saying, "I don't get the attraction". I don't get the people who don't see the attraction or who say they were disappointed or those who try to analyze the reasons others have for going there and liking it.

For anyone who can see, I think the attraction is obvious. It is spectacularly beautiful and IMO, it is the most beautiful of the many lakes in northern Italy, including the two areas you mentioned. Its wondrous natural beauty is enhanced by the man made villas , the fabulous gardens and charming streets and towns, which for me have a certain quality that set it apart from other similar and undeniably beautiful lakes. Sometimes it's just a feeling you get about a certain place. People like what they like - it's no big mystery.

I first went to Lake Como back in the 70's, before Rick Steves and Instagram and George Clooney and Fodors forums, Two friends and I "discovered" it while exploring Italy. I have since returned several times and never questioned why I like it.

I don't get the attractions either, but i am glad they exist.
They serve a useful function of vacuuming most of the tourists from the places I like to visit.