Copacabana Beach, Brazil
When you think of the iconic Copacabana Beach in Brazil, your mind may conjure images of warm sand, turquoise seas, and golden sunshine – the perfect location to sip a fruity cocktail. Thousands of tourists hit up the shoreline each day, after all, so you’re not alone in thinking a day at the Copacabana would be a day in paradise.
The reality…
In reality, the iconic beach is a no-go, unless you like being surrounded by rubbish, smelling the scent of raw sewage drifting through the air, and enjoy the potential risk of being pickpocketed. Don’t believe the picturesque postcards – Copacabana Beach is a dirty, crime-ridden cesspool.
The Eiffel Tower, Paris
The Eiffel Tower is visited by 7 million people each year, making it one of the most iconic landmarks in the entire world. Boasting stunning views of Paris, thousands of tourists venture up the structure every day, simply to get a glimpse of the most romantic city on Earth.
The reality…
Cramped, crowded, and congested, the Eiffel Tower is swarming with tourists. Worse still, France has been voted as the rudest country in the world, so forget about getting any helpful tips from the locals. With a queue time of up to three hours in peak season, it may be worth foregoing that sought-after Insta snap.
The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Great Pyramids of Giza are an incredible feat of engineering, one humanity is unlikely to ever match. Built over 4,000 years ago, the iconic landmark is the only Seven Wonder of the Ancient World that’s still standing, making it a prime hotspot for travel-hungry tourists.
The reality…
Don’t believe everything you see on social media – the Pyramids have the jarring backdrop of Pizza Hut and KFC, immediately shattering the illusion of stepping into the ancient world. Granted, it’s a nice view to have as you grab a bite to eat, but the littered streets, fast food chains, and bustling tourists all create a disappointing experience overall.
Niagra Falls, USA
Visiting Niagra Falls is on most people’s bucket lists, and it’s easy to see why. Hearing the crash of the falls plummet against the rocks, feeling the spray of cool water on your skin, and gazing at six million cubic feet of water hurtle to the ground is a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The reality…
While the sight of the falls remains impressive, you’ll be hard-pressed to grab a decent photo op with the high number of tourists crawling over each and every inch of the iconic spot. Besides the huge footfall, the nearest motel requires you to fork over huge wads of cash for a mediocre stay, while the stalls around the falls only offer tacky, overpriced momentos.
Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Sihanoukville is heralded as having some of the best beaches in Cambodia, boasting gorgeous white sands and turquoise oceans. The peninsula is littered with offshore islands, receiving millions of visitors each year, with tourists enjoying dipping in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, before snorkeling in the crystal-clear sea.
The reality…
While some areas of Sihanoukville are beautiful, the rest of the city leaves much to be desired. Most of the shoreline is littered with plastic and abandoned fishing gear, while the streets are rampant with crime and constant construction. Unless hammering drills and tainted beaches are your idea of bliss, it’s best to give Sihanoukville a wide berth.