Top 6 Travel Destinations That Aren’t Worth Your Money
There are many places to travel in the world, but not all of them are worth the money. This is especially true of locations that have become overly touristy or that significantly raise their prices during peak times, like major festivals or holidays.
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Whether you’re planning a last-minute summer vacation or thinking ahead for an upcoming holiday next year, here are some places that might not be worth the money, according to travel industry experts.
Venice, Italy
“I believe travel should be about the connection and discovery, not ticking boxes,” said Alex Cornici, CEO and founder of The Traveler. “Places like Venice are aesthetically pleasing, no doubt, but travelers often leave them hungry for substance and with a craving for more cultural engagement.”
That’s not to say that Venice is never worth going to, and if it’s on your bucket list you may find it worth your while. The city has long since been a prime destination for tourism, though, which has led to inflated prices and crowded streets and canals. According to Cornici, it’s also taken away from some of Venice’s charm and authenticity, two things many travelers go specifically for.
In terms of price, you could be looking at a fairly expensive trip, too. The average traveler spends about $1,738 for a week in the city excluding airfare, according to Budget Your Trip. Some people even spend closer to $4,500 during their visit.
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Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
“[Dubai is] yet another overhyped and pricey travel destination that I personally don’t find to be worth the money,” said Alonso Marly, a travel expert at SkyLux Travel. “The city itself is, of course, very impressive and instantly takes your breath away with its many skyscrapers, luxury cars and fancy restaurants, but the long lines don’t really make up for the price you pay when it comes to such popular tourist attractions as Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.”
Cornici added that Dubai can feel too manmade for many travelers and that it lacks the cultural depth of other Middle Eastern destinations.
“If you are after a high-end travel experience that offers better value for money, I suggest heading to Oman — the perfect place to experience old Arabia that offers beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, diverse landscapes and endless sunshine without breaking the bank,” said Marly.
A week in Dubai costs around $1,736 per person, including accommodation, local transit, sightseeing and food, according to Budget Your Trip. This doesn’t include airfare to and from the region.
Cancún, Mexico
Cancun has long been a top travel destination for newlyweds and those seeking a romantic or relaxing getaway; however, like so many other places, it’s become increasingly expensive and crowded.
“Most of the time, Cancun, with its beaches and lively nightlife, is swarming with tourists, so the experience of Mexico is somewhat less authentic and a little too commercial,” said Cornici.
According to Expedia, you can find all-inclusive packages in Cancun from around $800 to $2,500 per person, including a round-trip flight. Depending on your budget, this might or might not seem like a lot. The area being more touristy than ever before could also be a turnoff for some travelers.
New York City
“In my opinion, New York City is just not worth the money. At least not right now,” said Jasmin Diaz, travel expert and marketing specialist at Smoky Mountains. “Not only is everything higher in price, but every single place and tourist attraction is extremely over-crowded. This makes your time and spending your money unenjoyable. The air pollution and increase of garbage around the city is also unfortunate and unenjoyable.”
According to Momondo, the average cost of a hotel room in New York City is $375 a night, though you can find cheaper accommodations depending on when you go and where you stay. When you add dining out and entertainment to the mix, you could be looking at a very expensive trip.
Thailand
Marly suggested skipping certain islands in Thailand, particularly Phuket, Pattaya and Krabi.
“Now that the travel volumes have exceeded pre-pandemic levels, these exotic destinations get massively over-crowded all year long, leading to price inflation, increased pollution and a decrease in the quality of life for the locals,” he said. “The situation has [gotten] so bad that the local government has been forced to implement measures to control tourist numbers coming to these islands.”
If crowds don’t bother you, there is good news. Thailand is generally one of the more affordable tourist destinations to visit. A weeklong trip costs around $567 per person excluding airfare, according to Budget Your Trip.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
“The overly popular Croatian seaside city of Dubrovnik is another summer holiday destination I would suggest not to travel to,” said Marly. “Just last year, this historic city was named the most overcrowded tourist spot in Europe to the point that it has even been forced to take measures to limit the number of daily visitors and protect its UNESCO status.”
Over-tourism in Dubrovnik has led to multiple issues across the relatively small city, including major traffic jams and rising prices. A weeklong visit costs around $1,448 for two people excluding airfare, according to Budget Your Trip.
Instead of Dubrovnik, Marly suggested going to Šibenik.
“It’s a smaller and lesser-known Croatian seaside city with lovely Venetian-style architecture and a picturesque Adriatic coastline,” he added. “Perfect for an authentic European holiday experience and a much more peaceful time in the sun.”
Bonus: Big Cities
“As an outdoor enthusiast, I’d say avoid the big cities — especially if you live in one,” said David Ciccarelli, CEO and founder of Lake. “Unless you travel overseas and make a point of visiting the historical sites in a locale such as Rome or Athens, then traveling from one metropolis to another, especially within your country, will quickly reveal how similar most downtown areas are.”
If the hustle and bustle of major metropolitan areas energizes you, or if you have a specific reason for going — like an event or show — then, by all means. Otherwise, you might want to go off the beaten path or even explore outdoorsy areas instead.
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