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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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 "visit," 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Baltimore - love it - but it is more of a day trip to me.

We really did not enjoy Hershey Pa. either. It wasn't what we had hoped.
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.
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

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...

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!

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.

MY husband HATES LA. DOESN'T understand why ANYONE would go there much less live there.

I personally couldn't handle not having a change of seasons. I don't enjoy the smog. The TRAFFIC, the high cost of living.....

Niagara Falls is another place that most people loathe...tacky tourist spot. BUT for Americans with US $$$ it is one heck of a deal!

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.

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.

I think it is possible to find something good in almost anything! AND simply enjoy the company you have!!!

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.

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.......

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)!!