The year 2019 was exciting, and I have explored spectacular destinations all around the United States. But every trip is not as good as it seems on Instagram feeds of other people. I am sure you also have experienced that feeling when you experience different than you anticipated. I am sure you had read a lot about expectations vs reality at various tourist destinations. When you expect the place will be quiet with a minimum amount of people, but that’s not true. Here I am sharing my own experience of Expectation vs Reality of tourist destinations.
Expectation vs Reality of tourist destinations
I feel so disheartened when any tourist destination overrated or spoiled by tourists. It is fun to explore new places, but some destinations are not as attractive as it looks on the internet. Here is my personal experience with different tourist destinations.
Visiting Griffith observatory
Griffith Observatory is a fun place for all ages and attracts tourists all over the world. The parking lot gets full in no time, and you have to park the car near the Greek theater parking lot and take a shuttle. With all this hassle, you will see the observatory crowded inside and out.
Hollywood sign
Hollywood sign & Walk of fame are significant attractions in Los Angeles. Many people hike to the sign of Hollywood, but there are tourists like me who use lazy ways to get a picture with the Hollywood sign. There are different lookout points, but Griffith Observatory & Lake Hollywood park are my favorite. Finding parking at Lake Hollywood Park is a hassle, so be patient and watch out for pedestrians. Rest you can see in the picture
Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge is San Francisco’s most famous landmark and one of the seven wonders of the modern world. You pick any day of the year to visit the place you will find the area covered with tourists. No matter if it’s a viewpoint, walking on the bridge or drive through it. This bridge attracts a hefty amount of tourists.
Fabulous Las Vegas sign
The sign got so popular no matter its day or night, you will always see people around this sign. I literally waited in line to get a picture with the sign. There were three different angles people are aiming to get a picture with a sign, and still, it’s hard to get a photo without people in the background.
Sunset at Joshua tree national park
Joshua Trees are really unique, and you find them in the desert area only. The actual name is Yucca brevifolia Which is a member of the Agave family. This park attracts more than a million tourists throughout the year. Keys view is the best lookout point for sunset and sunrise and gets overflow, especially at sunset time. We literally parked on the side of the road and walk to the viewpoint. People reach there at least before an hour of sunset to save their spot for the best view.
Old Faithful at Yellowstone National Park
Old faithful is most popular among all 500 geysers, and its prediction of eruption is regular. Old faithful has lived up to its name. There is a boardwalk from where you can see the eruption. The whole area gets covered with tourists during the time of the eruption. Although I reached there before 10 mins of prediction time, I didn’t get a spot in the front row. So you can imagine how much crowd gathered there to see the eruption.
The bean in millennium park Chicago
The bean is a very famous landmark in Chicago, but it’s tough to find only your reflection on the bean because you got the background, don’t you? I have been to this place four times and the same scene every time. Especially in summers, you will find people all around the world.
Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
This aquarium is a family fun place to spend a day with some sea animals. The touch lab of Jellyfish was my favorite part, I never experienced anything like this before. Even feeding birds was also fun. As much as I love the aquarium, but the crowd was huge. Especially when there is a narrated tour, you barely see it.
Palm Springs aerial tramway