17 Places Travelers Vow Never to Revisit (And Why)

Places I Won’t Revisit: The Reality of Travel Regrets

“What’s one place you visited that you didn’t love… and would you give it a second chance? Why or why not?”

This simple question I asked in our Budget Slow Travel in Retirement Facebook group unleashed a torrent of passionate (and sometimes controversial!) responses. It seems that even seasoned travelers have their share of destinations they’d rather forget. But beyond the list of “Places I Won’t Revisit,” a deeper conversation emerged about the nature of travel expectations, the impact of personal experiences, and the allure (or lack thereof) of second chances.

Table of Contents

1. The Usual Suspects: Cities That Underwhelmed
2. Beyond the City: Country-Specific Travel Regrets
3. The Dark Side of Paradise: When Beauty Doesn’t Compensate
4. Why We Say “Never Again”: Common Threads of Travel Regret
5. The Case for a Second Chance: When Redemption is Possible
6. Jeff and Lidia’s Travel Regrets (and Second Chances)
7. The Psychology of Travel Regret: Expectations vs. Reality
8. Tips for Avoiding Travel Regret (or Making the Most of a Second Chance)
9. Join the Conversation: Your Travel Regrets and Redemptions

1. The Usual Suspects: Cities That Underwhelmed

It’s clear that some cities consistently fail to capture the hearts of travelers. Overcrowding, pollution, and unfriendly locals were frequent complaints.

• Overcrowding and Tourist Traps: Venice, Amsterdam, and Barcelona were repeatedly cited as feeling like “Disneyland” or “movie sets,” overwhelmed by tourists and lacking authenticity. As Deanne Morrison put it about Venice, it’s “so touristy n Disneyland / movie set like, you don’t get the feel… of the place.”
• Dirty and Unsafe: Several large cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Cairo, drew criticism for being dirty, unsafe, or having significant issues with poverty and homelessness. Alex Skye described Washington and New York as “Filthy, garbage everywhere, people were rude and loud.”
• Rude Locals: The perceived rudeness of locals was a deal-breaker for some. Comments about Paris, Rome, and even Spain highlighted negative interactions with service staff and residents. Tatiana Romanovsky described Spain as “Unhospitable. Two weeks of feeling as if we were interrupting restaurant staff from doing better things than serving customers.”

2. Beyond the City: Country-Specific Travel Regrets

It wasn’t just cities that earned travelers’ ire. Entire countries were sometimes written off:

• India: While some praised India’s cultural richness, others found it overwhelming due to pollution, poverty, and aggressive touts. Michelle Renee simply said, “I wasn’t really a fan of India,” a sentiment echoed by others.
• USA: The US, surprisingly, received criticism for various reasons, including infrastructure issues, safety concerns, and cultural differences. Christine Taylor wrote, “From a tourist point of view it should have everything… But – I have to drive to enjoy it. I don’t always feel safe.”
• Bali: This popular destination was called out for being overcrowded, polluted, and overly commercialized. Kim Magwood described it as “Bali. Felt like an island Disneyland. And the sheer amount of trash was so sad.”

3. The Dark Side of Paradise: When Beauty Doesn’t Compensate

Even destinations known for their beauty weren’t immune to criticism:

• Jamaica: Despite its natural beauty, Jamaica was described as “lawless” and plagued by harassment and crime. Brad Bolton’s account paints a grim picture: “Traveling there as a single male was disgusting. Endless string of drug dealers and prostitution.”
• Morocco: While many loved Morocco, some found the touts and aggressive vendors overwhelming. Joanne Kenyon detailed her experience with “the aggresive, intrusive touts, scam artists on trains bargaining and arguments over services.”

4. Why We Say “Never Again”: Common Threads of Travel Regret

Analyzing the comments reveals some recurring themes:

• Unmet Expectations: Often, destinations fail to live up to the hype, leading to disappointment.
• Negative Encounters: Bad experiences with locals, scams, or safety issues can taint an entire trip.
• Overcrowding: The crush of tourists can detract from the authenticity and enjoyment of a place.
• Environmental Concerns: Pollution, garbage, and unsustainable tourism practices are increasingly turning travelers off.
• Culture Clash: Differences in culture, values, or social norms can lead to discomfort or negative experiences.
• Personal Circumstances: Travel fatigue, illness, or being in a bad headspace can significantly impact our perception of a destination.

5. The Case for a Second Chance: When Redemption is Possible

Despite the strong “never again” sentiments, some travelers expressed a willingness to reconsider:

• Time and Change: Some acknowledged that places can change over time, as did Narelle Bordon with Bangkok, “It used to be Bangkok. It was a smelly, dirty sewer when I was there in 1988. I swore I’d never go back. Roll on 2025, and I booked a week there at the end of January and couldn’t believe the transformation!”
• Personal Growth: Others recognized that their own perspectives and travel styles evolve. Robb Hillman’s experience in Ho Chi Minh City is a perfect example: “It used to be Ho Chi Minh City. I visited in 2001 and did not enjoy it at all. Looking back I had extreme travel fatigue but didn’t recognize it. Went back in 2023, the city was different, I was different, and we spent an amazing month there.”
• Different Circumstances: Weather, travel companions, or the specific area visited can influence our experience. As Sheryl Alstrin said about Amsterdam, “It was peak summer and just too crowded with tourist. Clearly a great place. I enjoyed the time in nearby Haarleem much more. Would enjoy trying again in the off season.”

6. Jeff and Lidia’s Travel Regrets (and Second Chances)

Jeff and I have our own share of travel experiences that didn’t quite hit the mark.

• Lidia’s Travel Regrets : For me, it was Los Angeles. While there are definitely pockets of charm and great things to see, I found the city’s reliance on cars and the vast distances between attractions to be a major drawback. Slow travel, for me, is about walking and immersing myself in a place, and Los Angeles made that feel almost impossible.”
• Lidia’s Second Chance: I’m not sure I’d rush back to Casablanca, but I’d be open to exploring more of Morocco. I’ve heard wonderful things about places like Chefchaouen and Essaouira, which seem to offer a more relaxed pace and a different side of the country
• Jeff’s Regret: Jeff, on the other hand, was underwhelmed by California. While he readily acknowledges its breathtaking natural beauty – he found the practicalities of traveling there quite challenging. The notorious California traffic, especially in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, was a major source of stress. The sheer amount of time spent in a car detracted from the slow travel experience he prefers. Furthermore, the high cost of living and travel in California, from accommodation to food, made it difficult to linger and truly immerse himself in the culture without constantly worrying about the budget. He felt that the emphasis on car culture and the high prices created a barrier to connecting with the place on a deeper level.
• Jeff’s Second Chance: Jeff is somewhat ambivalent about revisiting California. While he’s not eager to tackle the traffic and high prices again, he’s open to the idea of exploring more of the state’s less-visited regions. Places like the Eastern Sierra or the Northern California coast, with their smaller towns and emphasis on outdoor activities, might offer a more relaxed and authentic experience. He’d also consider a trip focused solely on a specific area, like a wine-tasting tour of a less-touristy region, to minimize driving.https://retireyoungtravelsmart.com/2024/06/20/the-best-packing-light-tips-and-tricks-for-budget/

7. The Psychology of Travel Regret: Expectations vs. Reality

Why do some destinations leave us feeling disappointed? It often boils down to the gap between our expectations and the reality we encounter.

• The Power of Hype: Social media and travel brochures often paint idealized versions of places. When reality falls short, we feel let down.
• Personal Filters: Our mood, energy levels, and travel style significantly influence our perception of a destination. What one person finds charming, another finds chaotic.
• First Impressions: A bad first experience (e.g., getting robbed, encountering rude people) can create a lasting negative impression, even if it’s not representative of the entire place.
• Control vs. Chaos: Travel involves a certain level of uncertainty. When we feel overwhelmed by chaos or lack control (e.g., in a crowded, disorganized city), we may develop negative feelings.

8. Tips for Avoiding Travel Regret (or Making the Most of a Second Chance)

While travel regret is sometimes unavoidable, here are some strategies to minimize it:

• Manage Expectations: Research destinations thoroughly but also be open to surprises. Avoid overly romanticized notions.
• Consider Your Travel Style: Choose destinations that align with your preferences (e.g., cities vs. nature, fast-paced vs. slow travel).
• Prioritize Authentic Experiences: Seek out local interactions and avoid tourist traps.
• Be Flexible and Adaptable: Be prepared to adjust your plans if things don’t go as expected.
• Allow for Downtime: Avoid packing your itinerary too full. Give yourself time to relax and absorb the atmosphere.
• Learn Basic Phrases: Learning a few basic phrases in the local language can go a long way in fostering positive interactions.
• Revisit with a Fresh Perspective: If you decide to give a place a second chance, try to approach it with an open mind and a different itinerary.
• Travel Insurance is Key: Always have comprehensive travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected events. https://retireyoungtravelsmart.com/2024/08/31/best-travel-insurance-for-retirees-peace-of-mind-on-a-budget/

9. Join the Conversation: Your Travel Regrets and Redemptions

What’s one place you visited that didn’t live up to your expectations? Would you ever consider going back? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!

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