Buzz
The destinations chosen by CNN below are likely already familiar to many, or at least you've heard of them once, as they are incredibly impressive and famous spots. However, not thoroughly researching the places you'll be traveling to can easily lead you into tourist traps, making your trip less appealing and even encountering unnecessary hassles.
Below are some small 'tips' to add to your travel knowledge 'arsenal,' so that when you have the opportunity to visit any of the destinations below, you can easily apply them.
Taj Mahal, India
As one of India's most famous attractions, drawing in 3 million tourists annually, it truly lives up to all the hype surrounding it. You can avoid noisy crowds by choosing to visit at sunrise or sunset. Another alternative to steer clear of the arguments from jostling crowds is to interact with street vendors or engage in conversations with other travelers.
Acropolis Fortress, Greece
Climbing up to the Acropolis fortress involves experiencing intense heat, navigating through tight ticket controls by guards, and facing large crowds of tourists. However, once you reach the summit, you'll understand why a million people worldwide undertake this journey every year.
Acropolis is built on a steep rock cliff 150 meters above sea level, not only regarded as the heart of Athena but also the heart of Greece itself.
The London Underground system, United Kingdom
Here, some have humorously likened the sight of commuters entering the Underground to sardines packed in a can, especially during peak tourist seasons. The bustling and complex nature of the London Underground system is palpable, but with a bit of map study, you can discover alternative routes to avoid congestion.
If you need a reason to explore this place, you can challenge yourself to visit all 270 stations of the London Underground within 24 hours.
Khao San Road, Bangkok, Thailand
As a renowned street in the capital of Bangkok, Khao San is often described by many tourists as 'a hub for backpackers, revelry, noise, and crowds.' Yet, this very atmosphere is what draws travelers to Khao San, seeking the thrill of it all.
Sacre Coeur Basilica, Paris, France
Sacre Coeur Basilica, also known as the Sacred Heart Basilica, is a famous Catholic church in Paris, situated atop Montmartre Hill and is a tourist hotspot comparable to the Eiffel Tower. However, most tourists follow the same route here, passing by souvenir shops deemed 'rip-offs,' unaware that venturing a little farther can lead to discovering Paris' quintessential cafes or tree-lined streets, the city's hidden charm often overlooked by visitors.
Stonehenge, England
'Sea of people' is a term aptly used to describe visitors to Stonehenge, with many not even getting close to the ancient stones. Nonetheless, witnessing this remarkable archaeological marvel, one of the world's most famous prehistoric sites, is a source of great pride.
Christ the Redeemer Statue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Standing at 30 meters tall, this statue is one of Rio de Janeiro's most famous tourist attractions, hence it's always bustling with visitors. You can dodge the crowds by avoiding weekends or choosing a less-than-ideal weather day for exploration.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
If Grand Canyon National Park is on your itinerary this year, skipping the 'Whistle Stops' or the popular Skywalk tour is an excellent idea. Most people experience these typical tourist spots, which isn't fair to this renowned landmark. Instead, you can bypass the 'cookie-cutter' destinations recommended by tour guides and delve into the depths of this 17-million-year-old land to truly appreciate its magnitude. It's a region with high temperatures, so avoiding summer visits is advisable.
According to CNN
***
Reference: Travel guide Mytour
TravelExplorer.comJune 6th, 2014
