Mar, I think you are a bit confused. The millions of people who are packing to move to L.A. at the beginning of every year are, in fact, illegal immigrants from Mexico, not Americans. <BR><BR>Oh, and for the record, L.A., and the surrounding area, was not in the top ten for population growth between 1990 and 2000. Vegas has been the fastest growing city with an average of 71,000 new residents per year. Quite a bit under 1 million a year, wouldn't you say.

I have traveled a lot and rarely find places that are truly disappointing. However, we stopped in Colorado Springs on our honeymoon and were disappointed. It was run down and touristy. I didn't think there could actually be a bad place in a state with such natural beauty. Boy, was I wrong. The only thing that saved that stop was a nice BB, however it was horribly overpriced.<BR><BR>The second disappointment was Texas, specifically Dallas. I can honestly say it was the people. The ones we encountered were RUDE. I'm not saying all Texins are rude by any means, but the people we saw were. I would not go back if at all possible, however there are rude people everywhere unfortunately.<BR><BR>I am really surprised to read that someone disliked the Cayman Islands. True, they are touristy if you're actually in town in the tourist areas. However of the beaten track, the island is very interesting. The most amazing thing is the snorkeling! I have never seen anything like it!!! The people are very friendly, too.

Katie, you were disappointed with the drive between Quebec City and Montreal because you had been to the Rockies and Alaska and expected it to be like that??? Umm, maybe you should look at a map, but Quebec and Montreal are nowhere near the Rockies or Alaska. This is like saying you were disappointed in the scenery between Des Moines and Lincoln because you'd been to Lake Tahoe and Hilo and expected it to be like that.

I think whatever someone's reasons for a trip being a disappointment is irrelavant. A disappointment is a disappointment.

What a contribution you have provided to this discussion, Mary.

Having ridden the rails for the best of 40 years, I think I can be considered something of an expert in this field. There are a few cities in the US that sink to an class of low-ness that none others can approach. These are the cities where you need to cover your children's eyes as you pass through. You need to hide your women. You roll up your windows for fear of breathing the air. They are, in this order...<BR><BR>1) Detroit<BR>2) Detroit (really, it's that bad, folks)<BR>3) Ashville, NC<BR>4) Philly<BR>5) Amarillo, TX

Why thank you.

Why is Philly so bad? I have plans to go there soon and I haven't heard much good about it.

Nothing is wrong with Phila. <BR><BR>As with all cities, there are areas that are less than attractive and I often wonder if those who rank on Philly do so based upon those areas. (for example, the Zoo is not in the best area, nor is old Vets stadium). <BR><BR>However, the city has much to offer, as it has some fantastic old architecture (city hall, the art museum) and some great parks (Rittenhouse square), and some great historic attractions (the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall). <BR><BR>You will enjoy your visit.

Mexico any part of it. The poverty is depressing. The food is mediocore. Not worth the always expensive and time consuming airfare from NY.<BR><BR>and I did try twice....never again.

Funny cosmo,<BR><BR>I do not understand how you could say that San Jose is not cosmopolitan just based on the existence of chains. San Francisco and New York City have lots of chains too, but that does not preclude them from being cosmopolitan cities. All American cities have chain restaurants and stores. What makes a place cosmopolitan is ethnic diversity, culture such as museums, ballet, opera, theater, etc, top quality dining, parks, a highly educated workforce and the like. San Jose posesses all of these qualites. The dotcom industry is cyclical just like any other busines and it will come back. There is a lot more to San Jose's economy than just high tech.

Funny cosmo,<BR><BR>I do not understand how you could say that San Jose is not cosmopolitan just based on the existence of chains. San Francisco and New York City have lots of chains too, but that does not preclude them from being cosmopolitan cities. All American cities have chain restaurants and stores. What makes a place cosmopolitan is ethnic diversity, culture such as museums, ballet, opera, theater, etc, top quality dining, parks, a highly educated workforce and the like. San Jose posesses all of these qualites. The dotcom industry is cyclical just like any other business and it will come back. There is a lot more to San Jose's economy than just high tech.

Please get off the San Jose good/bad argument. I think I speak for everyone when I say we are sick of it.

I've never had a disappointing travel destination. I guess it's because my husband and I have a good time together no matter where we are. We make it a fun time. If the hotel sucks, we change hotels or rooms, or stay out sightseeing more. If there's a lot of tackiness, we take it in, and try to meet the locals and just have a good time with all the tackiness, and let our hair down. If there's not as much to do, we get some wine and beer and go somewhere (by the beach, to a park, back to the hotel, wherever) and have a drink and a good time. We haven't been anywhere I'd totally rule out going to again. I don't really travel for an idyllic place; we travel to see how other people live, and to experience other places, with each other. I think it's the company that counts!

Most of my trips have been to cities. I love exploring cities so much, the architecture, the neighborhoods, the interesting &quot;finds&quot;. So, in general, I am very happy with the places I go (even Baltimore and Philly which many others seem to be unimpressed with). <BR><BR>That having been said, my biggest disappointment was Seattle. I LOVE Portland so much and Vancouver is beautiful and funky. But I was unimpressed with Seattle. Yes, Capitol Hill (is that the name?) was interesting and so were some of the areas near it. But in general I found the city empty and soulless. <BR><BR>Now, it might have to do with the fact that I didn't plan the trip myself. I let someone else do the planning and decide where we went. We probably spent too much time in boring touristy areas. I'm not saying I didn't have a good time. But overall, Seattle is not high on my list for places to visit again. <BR><BR>Can someone tell me what I missed?

i am a travelling uk resident places i would avoid<BR> staying in london<BR> malta dirty in a 60s time warp<BR> venice smells<BR> wales ugh!<BR> gatlinburg<BR> pigeon forge<BR> orlando<BR> myrtyle beach<BR> clearwater<BR> memphis wot a dump<BR> panama city<BR> But give the yanks some credit<BR> savanahh<BR> townend ten.<BR> charleston<BR> big sur<BR> death valley<BR> yosemite<BR> naples fl.<BR> northen georgia beautiful

#1 Worst Place is Jamacia! I like most places that I visit. I don't like Atlanta GA. mainly because it is a big city. Nashville, Tenn. is dirty and polluted. I like every beach area except Jamacia, even Myrtle Beach. That is if I stay south at Litchfield By the Sea. The main area of Myrtle Beach is crowded and very redneck. Orlando is too crowded, but I don't hate it. Florida is a waste if you spend it at Disney World instead of the beach. My favorite places are Grand Cayman, Maui, and Kauai, and Naples, Fla.

ALASKA<BR><BR>booorrring.

Montana is pretty depressing!

NY is a wonderful experience.. Tour the city........as well as upstate, It is beautiful. I also love Pennsyvania!!!!!!!!!!!!!<BR>worst states:<BR>Idaho<BR>California<BR>Iowa<BR>Massachu setts

Note to Pat from the UK: What don't you like about London?

XYZ ([email protected]) When making choices on where not to visit a second time you must contemplate all aspects of travel. I did not go to Montreal expecting the Rockies--I went expecting cosmopolitan charm. Everything was lacking. It is a decent city, but a city like many other. I'm sure it would be great if I was there for a business trip, but I would not consider it a travel destination when prioritizing my list of places to visit or revisit. It is not Europe in North America and it is not a place of outstanding scenic beauty --so yes I was disappointed. I was told the St. Lawrence is beautiful and was expecting some nice vistas. Quebec city had some, but near Montreal/in Montreal there are unattractive bridges and an unexciting skyline marring the beauty of the water. I wish I had had time to go boating, maybe then I would have seen a more scenic area--that is why I only addressed the cities and the ride between the city which I would describe as as exciting and scenic as the drive down I-5 in Californa. I would not mind living in Montreal, but life is not long enough for another vaction in that city.

Great info here. Now this is what I call a forum.

Katie: Quelle jouale de bete Americaine.

ANYWHERE in the midwest or south.

Love Seattle, but find Portland to be boring.

After having followed the thread, I am surprised to find that Clearwater is on the disappointing travel destination list.<BR><BR>As this question seems to be objective, I must say that Clearwater is much better than Miami and Key West because the accomodation and people.<BR><BR>Accomodation. I stayed in 3 different hotels: Hyatt, Sheraton, and Adma Marks. All of them could at least give me the minmal quietness I need. While in Miami, I stayed 4 different hotels, all of which were well ranked (I prefered not list the names). However I really could not believe that they are so noisy, the noise did not come from outside but inside. You kept on hearing the talking from maids, the doors and carts etc. Even I made the complaints, there was no improvements.<BR><BR>People. I was told that people in Key West were friendly. But I did not agree with that because when I asked some of them took a picture for me (as I was travelling solo at the time) they turned away and walked away hurriedly. That gesture made me really uncomfortable. Besides tourists in Key West were very showing off - where they had their dinner ... Some of people were unfriendly. When you asked the directions, they did not response. As a tourist, I even showed people the way many times when I was in Miami.<BR><BR>I do not intend to defend anybody as this question just for personal comments relating to individual experience. If any of you want to response, pls just tell me why hotels in Miami are so noisy. Are all the walls are so thin that can't keep off the noise? <BR> <BR>

Sherry I couldn't agree with you more. What a great way to look at life in general. Life is way too short to spend time complaining about petty things. The best people I know are the type who can have fun no matter what the situation. I don't think I've ever had a bad time on vacation. No dishes to do on vacation right?

Ignore Pat.... London is a beautiful, sophisticated, exiciting world capital...

Just saw this post, and am really surprised that no one's come to Gettobea's defense of Cape Cod! Granted, it's not for everyone; but for a Manhattan-dweller like me (Is that hick, Rick?), there is no place that is more relaxing, less pretentious, and just great to savor. Although I travel extensively and love visiting world class cities and majesticly beautiful scenery, I value the time I spend at the Cape - it's probably my favorite spot in the world. Maybe it's not a place to &quot;visit,&quot; but rather a place just to be.

I am with ACK and escape. Barnstable County in Massachusetts was recently found to be the second most expensive county to live in the US by a major magazine whose name escapes me now. Houses are well above the median for both the Northeast and the country. Affordable housing is virtually nonexistent, hence Section 8 housing is truly few and far between.<BR>

I was recently disapointed by Beaufort, South Carolina. There is a nice part of this town, but it is very small. A good place for one day or just to relax - not much to see or do.<BR><BR>As for the other places mentioned, everyone needs to keep in mind that different people enjoy different things and often we can have unreal expectations.<BR><BR>My experience with the much debated Cape Cod was wonderful. I went during Memorial Day Weekend - didn't expect to spend time at the beach - too cold. Enjoyed whale watching, Martha's Vineyard, shopping in small towns, etc. Stayed in a quaint cottage within walking distance to beach (inexpensive too). Knew it would be touristy.<BR><BR>Philly - lived there for over 10 years. It's a city. Expect some homeless and other stuff you would see in a major city. Enjoy all of the historical buildings and tours.<BR><BR>Baltimore - love it - but it is more of a day trip to me.<BR>

We really did not enjoy Hershey Pa. either. It wasn't what we had hoped.<BR>We also did the Cape Cod thing, and didn't really appeal to us. Went there and it was kind of desolate. Not much to do there, except drive around. It is very rustic. Hyannis isn'tvery appealing either.<BR>We did enjoy going to New Hampshire and Vermont though. Also did Kittery Maine shops...

I was in Cape Cod a few years ago over the 4th of July and it was so cold we took the blanket from our hotel so we could sit on the beach. I thought it would be more charming and was very disappointed. However, we made the best of it and had a great time. We were also very disappointed in Aruba basically because the people on the Aruba bulletin board kept saying that Aruba was paradise and heaven on earth so we had very high expectations. Paradise does not have a prison and oil refinery! Yes, we were very disappointed at both of these locations, but life is too short to complain. Make the best of what you have.......you never know what tomorrow may bring.

hmmm interesting topic<BR><BR>My husband doesn't like Asheville, I love it and could live there if the jobs paid better! HOWEVER, I still talked him into getting married at Biltmore Estate...even that place makes up for anything else crappy about Asheville. I love the small downtown shops and restaurants/bars. Easy place to hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway and see some beautiful natural sights...<BR><BR>Gatlinburg---YES it is a dump, however does every place have to be perfect. I always liken it to Myrtle Beach without the Water! BUT sometimes it is fun to goof off and be a tacky tourist. Relax, have some fun and be silly!<BR><BR>Myrtle Beach is still fun....IF you just want to hang out on the beach all day...go NORTH or South of the area but if you want to play some of the best putt putt golf...IT is a blast! Shopping...theme restaurants.<BR><BR>MY husband HATES LA. DOESN'T understand why ANYONE would go there much less live there.<BR><BR>I personally couldn't handle not having a change of seasons. I don't enjoy the smog. The TRAFFIC, the high cost of living.....<BR><BR>Niagara Falls is another place that most people loathe...tacky tourist spot. BUT for Americans with US $$$ it is one heck of a deal!<BR><BR>Just did the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney and Tasmania....they were AWESOME and we would move to Aussie in a heartbeat but each place had its own tacky tourist area. <BR><BR>Florida...won't go unless it is after the tourist/hot season! Charleston in my opinion and I lived there for 10 years is not as pretty as Savannah. It is easier to walk around Savannah and get to all the shops/pretty houses because they are closer together. The houses are better maintained and more survived the Civil War.<BR><BR>I think it is possible to find something good in almost anything! AND simply enjoy the company you have!!!<BR><BR>THE worst place I ever visited was MEMPHIS/TUNICA! what a dump! I am mad however, that I didn't get to see the Ducks march to/from the water fountain in the Peabody. That I wasn't on Beale street at night (daytime bleh!)....but that is because I had a crappy travel partner who couldn't stand to be away from the casino longer than 3 hours in 3 days. <BR><BR>

Cape Cod has the rockiest beaches. The water is full of oil and looks really polluted! Count me out!!!!!! It sucked!Been to NY and loved it.. Very classy people to say the least unlike cape cod

I liked going to Mystic Seaport. It was a great trip. The kids loved it. The worst place was Jamaica. Alot of beggers there.

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Atlantic City , New Jersey. I feared for my life there. Awful place to go on a vacation.

Malta.......<BR><BR>We were in port for one day on a cruise. In a word.......YUCK!

NANCY -- Couldn't agree with you more about Aruba (highly overrated!), one of the UGLIEST desert terrains I've ever seen (in contrast to certain parts of Arizona or even the Palm Springs area, which have truly beautiful desert areas)!!