Whether it’s Europe’s Mona Lisa and Leaning Tower of Pisa or the US’s Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Mall of America, any country you visit on your next big trip is bound to lure you in with these so-called “tourist traps.” Some tourist traps, however, may actually be worth a visit. Join us as we explore some of the world’s most well-known and worthwhile bucket list destinations.
The Blue Lagoon, Iceland
The Blue Lagoon, located in Grindavík, Iceland, hosts about 700,000 visitors each year. Not surprisingly, it has become the go-to destination for tourists in Iceland. The beautiful sparkling blue mineral-filled water stays roughly 100 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Considering its popularity, make sure you book your visit to the Blue Lagoon ahead of time.
Machu Picchu, Peru
In 2016, this incredible archaeological treasure brought in about 1.4 million tourists. The city, which was once home to the ancient Incas, was discovered in the jungles of Peru back in 1911. While many consider the ruins to be a bit overpriced, hiking enthusiasts will surely find the trip worthwhile, especially if they catch the sunrise from the top!
The Golden Gate Bridge, San Fransisco, California
Stretching 1.7 miles across the San Fransisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge is number two on the list of longest bridges in the world. A visit to the scenic destination will surely give you plenty of gems to fill your Instagram.
Mont-Saint-Michel, France
This tiny island is home to an incredible Gothic-style monastery from Medieval times and its very own small town. Even though Mont-Saint-Michel has carried the title of a UNESCO World Heritage site, the tourist destination has come under scrutiny in recent years for its poor treatment of tourists. Regardless, the monastery, located at an altitude of 262 feet, is still worth a visit.
