MSN: 14 Hawaii Tourist Traps To Avoid

Above, resort luaus are seen as commercialized, focusing on
spectacle rather than authentic tradition. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether one is traveling domestically or internationally, tourist trap abound everywhere one goes. 

This is also true when going to Hawaii. With Hawaiian vacation costs rising insanely, avoiding tourist traps is one way to save some money.

That is the topic of a slideshow article at MSN.

They begin it with:

Many popular Hawaiian destinations are criticized for overcrowding, commercialization, and diminished cultural authenticity. From overdeveloped beaches and staged luaus to costly attractions and safety concerns, these spots often leave visitors underwhelmed or at risk. Understanding these pitfalls can help travelers seek more genuine and sustainable experiences across the islands.

 To read more, go here.

50 American Tourist Traps

Above, oddly, Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion is on the tourist trap list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Traveling the U.S. is a popular pastime for many Americans. Visiting tourist attractions are part of allure.

However, some can be considered "tourist traps" that will make visitors feel like they've been ripped off. At least in the opinions travel bloggers and travel industry professionals.

AOL has posted a list of what are considered to be tourist traps.

They begin it with:

For better or worse, tourist traps are part of the American landscape. Countless overhyped, colorful, quirky, and sometimes downright mystifying spots draw sightseers nationwide — at least, when a pandemic isn't making travel too dangerous and complicated for such silliness.

Whether an attraction qualifies as a tourist trap is often in the eye of the beholder, and some are still beloved by locals. Travel blogger David James of The GypsyNesters has his own test: whether visitors leave feeling a little swindled. "But we love tourist traps," says his wife and fellow blogger, Veronica James. "David cannot pass them by. Boomers are really into this stuff because, when we were kids, that's where we went. We would pack up our station wagon and go to these places."

Some are iconic locales now overrun or overrated. Others lure road trippers out of the way of their intended destinations. They might be cheesy, inauthentic, overpriced, crowded, boring, ugly, or just plain not worth the time. We talked to travel bloggers and industry professionals and read online reviews to identify tourist traps in every state.

To see what they are, go here. 

Japan's Worst Tourist Traps and Where To Go Instead

Above, Tokyo Tower. Tourist trap or not? Photo by Armand Vaquer.

No matter where one goes, there are places that could be considered "tourist traps" and some that would be more valuable culturally.

Such is the case with Japan. Japan Today posted an article on what the writer considers "tourist traps" and what places one should go to instead.

It begins with:

TOKYO - The best destinations in Japan include serene traditional streets and ancient temples in places like Kyoto. In Tokyo, iconic “must-see” attractions such as the Tokyo Tower or the “exhilarating” experience of cruising in go-karts are hard to miss.

However, while these activities offer a glimpse into the culture and are undoubtedly enjoyable for some, they only tell part of the story. Japan’s frequently recommended destinations have earned their reputation for good reasons. Yet, they can often be swamped with tourists. These sites sometimes cater so heavily to foreign visitors that they risk becoming mere reflections of travelers’ preconceptions rather than showcasing the authentic essence of Japan.

Thankfully, for those eager to dig a bit deeper, Japan is peppered with innumerable hidden gems. These lesser-known spots can satisfy your wanderlust, providing experiences that echo the allure of the more renowned locales without the crowds.

To read more, go here. 

Japan's Overrated Tourist Attractions

Above, the Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Travel to a foreign country is sometimes a hit & miss proposition. Some travel "experts" recommend some attractions, while others recommend steering clear of them.

This is one thing that is best left up to the individual.

An article in TheTravel covers some of those Japanese places they say are overrated but actually underwhelming.

They list ten such places along with what they consider alternatives. But it is finally up to the traveler to heed or ignore their advice.

It begins with:

Tokyo is fast becoming one of the world’s top tourist destinations. With a rich culture, interesting history, and amazing food, it is no wonder that many people come to the country to spend their vacation. However, as in any famous destination, there are tourist traps that we should avoid. These are the overrated attractions that are in most to-visit lists when in Japan but are actually underwhelming. 

Save your yen and spend your time more wisely by skipping these over-hyped places and going to the alternatives instead. You will not only enjoy the views but will most definitely be more relaxed when you skip the tourist traps and make better use of your time and money.

To read more, go here.