Despite the frustrations noted in the post, global travel remains a booming industry, with a “robust and sustained travel demand” this year even amid growing geopolitical tension, notes the U.N. World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Around 300 million tourists were reported to have traveled internationally in the first quarter of 2025, which is around 14 million more than in the same period last year, according to the UNWTO.
From tourist traps and overcommercialized cities to underwhelming landmarks and overpriced resorts, Reddit users did not hold back.
Hollywood Boulevard and Walk of Fame, California
One cited Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles as a let-down, particularly the iconic Walk of Fame. “It seems so glamorous in movies and photos, but up close it’s crowded, gritty and full of pushy vendors and costumed characters,” wrote u/Substantial-Cost-429. “Interesting to see once, but definitely not like the postcard version.”
The Alamo, Texas
The historic Alamo site in San Antonio also came under fire. “You know how you always picture it in the middle of nowhere surrounded by sand? Well it’s not. It’s one block downtown San Antonio surrounded by high-rise buildings,” said u/False_Ad_555. “But the Riverwalk in San Antonio is amazing,” they added.
The Mona Lisa at the Louvre, France
Others expressed disappointment with international attractions.
Crowd control and expectations also played a role in disillusionment. “The Mona Lisa [painting] at the Louvre [museum in Paris],” wrote u/incunabula001. “You have to wait in a long a** line full of tourists only to get a few seconds to look at a (IMO [in my opinion]) underwhelming portrait with people doing obnoxious selfies around you.”
Oktoberfest, Germany
Even Oktoberfest, a world-famous beer festival in Germany, didn’t escape critique. “More specifically Munich,” said u/Critical-Wolverine29. “Now I’m not saying you won’t have a good time, it’s just if you want to go to a place … with a million other Americans singing Sweet Caroline [the song] with €30 [ around $34] chicken or schnitzel getting s***faced with €15 beers under a large tent with an oompa band, and spending €20 [around $23] and an hour long wait to ride the Ferris wheel, go right ahead!!”
A spokesperson for Oktoberfest told Newsweek: “What a shame u/Critical-Wolverine29 didn’t enjoy themself at Oktoberfest—but 6.7 million people did last year.”
Noting that entry to the beer festival is “completely free,” the spokesperson said “no ticket is needed; you…
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