Destinations where expectations are different from reality

Everybody takes those beautiful photos, pretending that we are all alone at the world’s most-visited tourist attractions. This is because it looks a lot nicer than the "real" picture, as you can also see if you scroll further down. How to avoid the crowds? We will give you some tips!

Louvre - Paris

One of the world's most famous museums, with one of the world's most well-known paintings, by one of the world's most famous artists. Yes, the beautiful Mona Lisa steals the hearts of many tourists. Well, that's only true if you can get a glimpse to see her since this is the harsh reality:

How to avoid the crowds
Would you like to enjoy a quiet moment with the Mona Lisa? We would recommend to go during the off-season period, so plan your trip to Paris in the winter, with a few exceptions: do not go during Christmas or on the weekends.

The Great Wall - China

China has a rich history dating back thousands of years and that is why there are a lot of historical sites. For example, the 5,000+ miles long Great Wall is one of the Seven Wonders of the World! You will be surprised once you get there, but not only because of its beauty...

How to avoid the crowds
Would you like to avoid this chaos? Go to a part of the Great Wall that is less crowded, like Jinshanling, Jiankou, Huanghua Cheng, or Zhuangdaokou. It will be a little bit more difficult to get there, but at least you will be able to take a picture of the wall without any tourists.

Trolltunga - Norway

That "all alone in the world" feeling, while overlooking the beautiful mountains and winding river ... No one can take that away from you in Norway! Enjoy the extraordinary views and let your legs dangle over the edge. How wonderful is that? Oh, there is an exception: don't take too long. The row of impatient hikers, breathing-down on your neck is only because they also want to take the same beautiful picture as you.

How to avoid the crowds
Avoiding this line is tricky. Many people start around 6:00 am in the morning with their hike, which means that you should start walking before that time to avoid the crowds. Of course, you can always go to another lookout point in the area.

Bamboo Forest - Japan

Wander through a deserted forest, where trees have been replaced by bamboo. Magical! Oh, but make sure that you are on time; otherwise, you will miss it all. The forest is easy to reach from Kyoto, which unfortunately means that many other tourists make the trip as well, so it won't look like anything like this:

How to avoid the crowds
If you would like a solo experience in the Bamboo Forest, you need to wake up early. If you leave before sunrise, chances are high that you are alone. Visiting the forest at night is not recommended, since you will not be able to see anything. Unless you are there at just the right time in December, during the Arashiyama Hanatouro Illuminations Festival, when the paths are beautifully lit until 9:00 PM!

Cambodia Angkor Wat

If you are traveling to Cambodia, you have to watch the sunrise. The, so called, Golden Hour is breathtaking! Especially, at one of the most famous tourist attractions, such as watching the sunrise over the Angkor Wat temples, makes it even more beautiful.

How to avoid the crowds
Since this is the most popular tourist attraction in Cambodia, you are certainly not the only visitor. For sunrise: be on time (5:00 am ... Yes, really!). Buy your ticket the day before and take a flashlight, as well as, something to eat/drink and insect repellent spray. Another tip: avoid the large lake at the temple, but go to the smaller lake closeby instead to get the best spot for the picture.

Machu Picchu - Peru

Machu Picchu, the mysterious Inca city on top of a high mountain in the Sacred Valley ... The perfect spot to visit in Peru! Be surrounded by its history (also maybe a few llamas), in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Too bad that together with you, 2,499 other visitors are allowed on the mountaintop at the same time. That mysterious feeling quickly disappears when you are in line to admire the city.

How to avoid the crowds
First, avoid the high season (June to August and December). Second, if you do not need to walk the Inca Trail, take the train. You are on top of the mountain a lot faster, and you are able to arrive early, the first train is at 5:30 am. Then it is still relatively quiet! Alternative: Choquequirao, an ancient Inca city, which is still undiscovered by tourists(!). You must be up for 20 miles of hiking; however, it is beautiful! In addition, you will be alone... just like a llama.

Trevi Fountain - Italy

Rome is a beautiful city. Just imagine an open-air museum, but it's an actual city: beautiful old buildings, narrow streets, and great fountains. At night, you might have the city to yourself. During the day, however ...

How to avoid the crowds
Similar to the tribulations that we have mentioned to see the Mona Lisa during the high season applies here. Okay, not the entire city, but at the Trevi Fountain, chances are very high (say about 99% of the time). If you want a beautiful, new profile picture or selfie, in front of the magical fountain, go at night or very early in the morning with the sunrise (still technically at night, since the sun in the summer comes up around 5:30 am).

Our final tip? Book your flights to a beautiful, undiscovered destination... without endless crowds! Compare and find our great flight deals on BudgetAir.com

Go back to top

Want to discover more amazing destinations?