Not everything you see in travel guides or life advice blogs is as amazing as it seems.
Some experiences are hyped up way beyond what they actually deliver. If you’re making a bucket list, here are 13 things that might not be worth the effort.
1. Watching the ball drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve
It sounds iconic, but in reality, you’ll be standing for hours in the cold, with no bathrooms, surrounded by a sea of people. The TV version is way better, and you get to enjoy it from the comfort of your couch. Plus, you can celebrate without freezing and waiting for hours to get back home.
2. Climbing Mount Everest
Unless you’re a trained mountaineer, this is a dangerous, insanely expensive, and physically brutal experience. The climb has turned into a crowded mess, and the environmental impact is heartbreaking. There are many safer, less crowded mountains that offer equally breathtaking experiences.
3. Riding a gondola in Venice
Yes, it looks romantic, but the reality is you’re paying far too much to float down a canal that smells… not great. Plus, you’ll be dodging dozens of other gondolas, making it feel less special and more touristy. You might get a better, quieter experience exploring Venice on foot or by vaporetto.
4. Visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Spoiler: It’s just a bunch of stars on a dirty pavement, surrounded by overpriced souvenir shops and costumed street performers. The magic of Hollywood quickly fades once you’re there in person. You’ll probably spend more time trying to avoid aggressive street vendors than actually enjoying the experience.
5. Staying at an underwater hotel
It sounds cool, but once the novelty wears off, you’re stuck staring at fish and water the whole time. Plus, these rooms are super expensive, and the views aren’t always as crystal clear as you’d hope. You might get the same vibe from a nice aquarium visit without the huge price tag.
6. Going to a full moon party in Thailand
These parties have become overcrowded, commercialised, and honestly, a bit trashy. Unless you love wading through seas of drunk tourists and stepping over litter on the beach, there are better ways to enjoy Thailand’s beauty. You’ll likely have a more memorable and peaceful experience exploring quieter islands.
7. Skydiving
Sure, skydiving can be thrilling, but it’s also expensive, and the experience is over in just a few minutes. If the thought of falling out of a plane doesn’t excite you from the get-go, there’s no need to force it onto your bucket list. You can find other adrenaline-packed activities that last longer and feel less rushed.
8. Attending Coachella
Coachella sounds glamorous, but it’s really just a giant, overpriced festival with long lines, extreme heat, and overcrowded spaces. You can probably have a better time at a smaller, more intimate festival without the hassle. Plus, the crowds make it tough to actually enjoy the music and atmosphere.
9. Swimming with dolphins
It seems magical until you realise many of these experiences aren’t ethical for the animals. Captive dolphins often suffer, and swimming with them in the wild can disrupt their natural behaviour. Watching dolphins from a respectful distance in the wild can be just as rewarding.
10. Going to the top of the Eiffel Tower
The view from the Eiffel Tower is nice, but it’s also overcrowded, expensive, and comes with a long wait. You’re better off enjoying the view *of* the Eiffel Tower from a café or nearby rooftop bar. You’ll still get that postcard-worthy experience without the lines and hassle.
11. Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Once you’ve taken the obligatory “holding up the tower” photo, there’s not much else to do. Pisa itself doesn’t offer much beyond this one attraction, making the trip feel a bit anticlimactic. You might find other nearby Tuscan towns more charming and full of culture.
12. Running with the bulls in Pamplona
Unless you enjoy the idea of risking serious injury or worse, this adrenaline-filled event is more dangerous than it’s worth. Plus, the ethical concerns surrounding bullfighting culture make it even less appealing. Watching from the sidelines or skipping it altogether might save you more than a few bruises.
13. Staying at an all-inclusive resort
The idea of unlimited food and drinks sounds great, but many all-inclusive resorts lack any real local culture or unique experiences. You end up feeling disconnected from the destination, and everything starts to feel a bit too generic. Opting for a boutique hotel or Airbnb can give you a more authentic and personal travel experience.
