Tourist destinations are tourist destinations for a reason. They’ve got some architectural marvel, natural world wonder, or a combination of the two that make them a must-see. But there are obvious downsides.
Imagine this scenario: You’ve spent months planning the perfect vacation to Rome. Your room is booked and your itinerary is set. You land at Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport and head out for your first activity of the day: the Colosseum. But when you get there, you see the throng of tourists.
Three hours, two gelatos, and a world of agony later, you’re finally in, only you’ve missed your lunch reservation at La Carbonara and you don’t have time to head back to the hotel before that sunset stroll through Piazza Navona you’ve been thinking about ever since you planned this vacation.
Long lines and teeming tourists are one of the unexpected pitfalls when it comes to traveling that we completely underestimate. What you need to remember is that time is money. With a little extra planning, some online booking and, yes, waking up a little bit early to avoid the droves, you can avoid the worst of it.
Read on for 17 tourist attractions that are worth braving the crowds for, along with our handy tips and tricks for how to avoid them.
