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Planning a trip can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time.
There are so many places to go, things to see, and experiences to have.
But not all destinations are created equal, and some prove to be downright disappointing, dangerous, or just plain boring.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the ten cities you should erase from your travel plans if you want to avoid disaster.
From high crime rates and political instability to overpriced tourist traps and underwhelming attractions, these cities are better left unvisited.
Read on to find out which ones made the cut and why.
#1. Salt Lake City
If you ask people to list places not to visit, Salt Lake City would be one that you wouldn’t think would show up.
Yet here it is.
Here is why, according to one traveler. “Been back a few times and the people there are more contemptuous than a wolverine with a burning thorn in it. Not just in driving, but in everything the general public does there is done with true disdain for every other living creature on earth.”
#2. Los Angeles
LA is another Californian city that people no longer enjoy visiting.
They have some of the same issues as San Francisco, but this isn’t why so many people dislike the area.
One person summed up the feelings of many by saying, “I don’t understand how everything you want to do is always a 30-45 minute drive away, no matter where you are in the city. My entire vacation there felt like I was either driving, sitting in traffic, or finding parking. Despite being such a major city, somehow, nothing is ever just a walk away. The size and sprawl are just insane.”
#3. Dubai
If you look at pictures of Dubai, it seems incredible.
It is like a real oasis in the desert.
But apparently, the city is all about the almighty dollar, not culture.
One person said, “Absolutely no soul. Everything is just a display of wealth.”
#4. Miami
Another city you might not think to make this list is Miami.
Many people said aside from South Beach, the city is nothing but trouble.
One person said, “I only go to Miami to visit friends and family. Otherwise it is a hard pass. Stayed the night with a friend the night before we were leaving for a cruise. Silly us left the majority of our luggage in the trunk. We went out the next morning to find our car broken into and all our luggage gone. Had to make an express trip to the mall to but clothes for both of us for 7 days. Plus, Miami traffic is ridiculous.”
#5. Port Sudan
Sudan won’t show up on many top ten lists and for a good reason.
It simply is not a nice place to visit.
One recent traveler shared their experience, and it doesn’t make anyone want to go.
“It was 120° F in the shade. I couldn’t find a beer to save my soul. And the only water I could find was from a literal mud hole with camels laying in it, and they charged by the glass! Plus customs wouldn’t let me into the city unless I paid him a $50 entrance fee.”
#6. Nashville
If you are planning a trip to Nashville, think again.
Many people mention how the city has become the go-to destination for bachelorette parties, meaning downtown is overrun by drunk girls doing stupid things.
The good news is if the nightlife isn’t your thing, there are still plenty of things to do.
#7. Cairo
You might think a trip to Egypt to see the pyramids and experience a different culture would be high on people’s trip lists.
But more and more people are refusing to go, especially women.
One woman shared, “As a female who solo traveled all over the place, nothing was worse than Cairo. No pyramid seeing is worth the things I put up with.”
#8. San Francisco
A once must-see city, San Francisco has gone downhill to the point where many people refuse to visit.
Those who must visit do everything possible to make the trip as short as possible.
This is primarily due to a laid-back policy on crime and homelessness, which has left many people, including residents, feeling unsafe.
As a result, it is the top city people refuse to visit.
#9. Houston
Many people are moving to Texas for various reasons, including nice weather and no state taxes.
But not every city in Texas is a place you want to go.
This includes Houston.
One person said about Houston, “pollution, traffic, rain and humidity, dangerous industry, hurricanes, and no zoning.”
Another person said, “stormy mosquitoes, the size of B-52s.”
#10. Cabo San Lucas
If you hear people travel to Mexico, the most popular places are Cancun and Cabo.
But surprisingly, many people who went to Cabo returned with negative reviews.
One person said, “The beaches were nice, and the food was good. Everything else was unbearable.”
Another person added, “I found Cabo really overrated. It’s like Mexico Lite. As someone who no longer drinks, it doesn’t have much to offer. Beaches look nice but you can’t go swimming. I had more average meals than good meals. American prices and little Mexican culture.”
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I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
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