Between tourist traps vs. hidden gems, which make a destination worthwhile? Let’s find out in this article.
Travel can differ from person to person; some like to venture to 5-star resorts and soak up the sun in far-flung destinations, others love to embark on group tours exploring world wonders, and many out there want to get as far off the beaten path as possible. So, what is the definition of a worthwhile destination?
Is it a place that tourists have not yet overrun, a place that is jam-packed full of historical sites and landmarks, or thriving with exciting resort hotels and activities?
This article will explore whether tourist traps or hidden gems make a destination worthwhile. So, if you are eager to see more of the world, keep reading!
What makes a destination worthwhile? – avoiding tourist traps or not
When many of us sit down to plan our next trip, we often weigh the pros and cons of the destination. Does it tick our boxes? Will it end up being disappointing? Can we afford it? Many factors come into play when planning a trip, but what makes a destination worthwhile in the first place? The answer depends on you.
Travel is a personal experience, and once you begin to venture off to see the world in different ways, you quickly realise which travel style suits you best.
I believe that tourist traps are not always tourist ‘traps’; in fact, they attract plenty of tourists for a reason, but there are certainly plenty of places in the world that are highly overrated.
In saying that, many travellers strictly avoid tourist traps in favour of hidden gems, which can be a fantastic way to experience a destination, mainly if it is through the advice of locals.
But is it beneficial to avoid tourist traps and only stick to hidden gems? Experiencing a destination means seeing it from every angle – warts and all, and sometimes, those tourist traps can pleasantly surprise you.
It is often said that three things make a destination successful: accommodation, accessibility, and available activities, and this can be true.
It’s all about balance – experiencing both tourist landmarks and hidden gems
As someone who does not like to follow crowds, particularly to busy touristy landmarks, there are times when I make an exception and have no regrets.
Getting off the beaten path is a fantastic way to experience a country from a local point of view, but visiting landmarks like Victoria Falls in Zambia or Torres del Paine in Chile are must-do activities no matter how touristy they may seem.
No longer is the definition of a destination one or the other; it is both, and depending on which kind of tourist you are, you may sway more in one direction.
A tourist trap is an establishment created to attract tourists – and their money
In contrast, a tourist landmark is a place that offers a cultural experience and genuine attractions. Many tourist traps, such as the Las Vegas Strip or Hollywood, can be seen as inauthentic, but while these destinations may not appeal to everyone, it does not mean they are not worthwhile places to go.
After all, they wouldn’t be tourist destinations if this were true. So, is it better to skip these places and opt for genuine cultural experiences? Again, that depends on you.
Changing the way we travel – embracing a different approach
Tourist traps and hidden gems attract different types of travellers, and many of us are eager to experience more authentic destinations, which shows our ways of travel are changing.
Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see tours to places like Pakistan, Colombia, or Bhutan, which shows that travellers are eager to get off the beaten path and visit new and exciting destinations.
Tourist traps often lure tourists with their flashy marketing approach and lines of expensive souvenir shops, while hidden gems offer unique experiences that cannot be compared.
While discovering hidden gems is one of the best ways to experience a destination in its true form, we cannot avoid visiting places that have long been on our travel bucket list.
Of course, being surrounded by crowds eager to grab that iconic photo for the gram or being hounded by people trying to sell you things can sometimes be a nightmare. Still, one of the best ways to see these places without annoyance is to visit them in the low season.
Once you have ticked them off your list, you can continue discovering more hidden gems that await, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds.
