Most disappointing holiday/tourist destination/attractions?
Discussion
Disappointing, hugely expensive, Australia. Do many nice hols, so not inexperienced. Ok Sydney nice,lovely Xmas day in Eden @sea horse inn. They have the most boring roads,I have done 135,000 miles in the US and never been bored, even crossing the Mohave, which I have done maybe 40 times! They have sign saying ‘take a break,tiredness kills etc’ every km , should read boring road, get your head down. The most amusing sign, drive on the left, this an hour out of Sydney in the middle of nowhere.
Apologies if anyone is about to go, just my opinion.
Apologies if anyone is about to go, just my opinion.
havoc said:
Jaguar steve said:
Queuing up for mediocre meals in some noisy dining room - just like like Butlins in the 1960s? Fkuck that. 
Again, doing your research pays dividends, even if you're travelling the mainstream trail.
We've never gone FB or AI in our lives (OK, Maldives, once...but you're a captive audience). HB can be worthwhile if it's a cheap upgrade because it gives you a local option for lunch, or if you're too tired/lazy to go out to eat one night.
But that said, this year we went B&B in a genuinely really nice hotel (Canarian 5* so call it a low 4* in reality), and I got to see the evening buffet in operation...and it wasn't like any buffet I remember - 5 chefs cooking to order on display, a half-duck being carved, a paella with langoustines residing in it, etc etc.
Yes it was still a buffet, but for reference their breakfast was amongst the best I've ever experienced (couple of Scottish B&Bs and a fantastic Thai hotel excepted), so I think the dinner might be passable if I was forced into it.
Want to know what finally did hotel buffets in for me? A very long time ago seeing a fellow guest using the serving spoons in the dishes to taste them and then putting the spoon back into the dish.
Quite a lot of package tourists genuinely wouldn't see anything wrong with doing that.
havoc said:
Again, doing your research pays dividends, even if you're travelling the mainstream trail.
We've never gone FB or AI in our lives (OK, Maldives, once...but you're a captive audience). HB can be worthwhile if it's a cheap upgrade because it gives you a local option for lunch, or if you're too tired/lazy to go out to eat one night.
But that said, this year we went B&B in a genuinely really nice hotel (Canarian 5* so call it a low 4* in reality), and I got to see the evening buffet in operation...and it wasn't like any buffet I remember - 5 chefs cooking to order on display, a half-duck being carved, a paella with langoustines residing in it, etc etc.
Yes it was still a buffet, but for reference their breakfast was amongst the best I've ever experienced (couple of Scottish B&Bs and a fantastic Thai hotel excepted), so I think the dinner might be passable if I was forced into it.
David Beer said:
Disappointing, hugely expensive, Australia.p Do many nice hols, so not inexperienced. Ok Sydney nice,lovely Xmas day in Eden @sea horse inn. They have the most boring roads,I have done 135,000 miles in the US and never been bored, even crossing the Mohave, which I have done maybe 40 times! They have sign saying ‘take a break,tiredness kills etc’ every km , should read boring road, get your head down. The most amusing sign, drive on the left, this an hour out of Sydney in the middle of nowhere.
Apologies if anyone is about to go, just my opinion.
Not sure why Brits think that Australia is cheap. Its the most isolated western country in the world and almost everything that isn't grown or dug out is shipped in. Apologies if anyone is about to go, just my opinion.
When I stayed in London, I spent less money than when I lived in Australia. I'm still not back to my last Australian wage, but I'm effectively saving more money due to the huge drop in the price of almost everything.
soupdragon1 said:
What hotel? I do like the canaries
Iberostar Playa Blanca.Went through a major refurb a year or so ago...rooms are pretty typical but modern and clean, grounds look very good and are (at the mo) maintained well - multiple pools / 3 different sections / lots for (younger) kids to do.
Location is near-perfect - just-about on the sea, 5 mins from the nicest PB beach, 15 mins from the town-centre seafront promenade / restaurants.
Reception service is still just "OK" - they almost spoiled it at the start when they tried it on with the room category we'd booked (allegedly accidentally...), but all the other staff were hard-working and friendly, and the food/drink quality wouldn't be out of place in a boutique London pad.
Didn't see any of the usual risks at the b'fast buffet...most guests seemed courteous...but you pick carefully and take some hand-gel with you anyway...it's still a buffet!
captain_cynic said:
Not sure why Brits think that Australia is cheap. Its the most isolated western country in the world and almost everything that isn't grown or dug out is shipped in.
When I stayed in London, I spent less money than when I lived in Australia. I'm still not back to my last Australian wage, but I'm effectively saving more money due to the huge drop in the price of almost everything.
It’s not a dig at costs, i holiday for 9 weeks in total per year, so spend a few bob! But I had to do Australia. Did NZ the year before, so I do understand ‘isolation ‘. When I stayed in London, I spent less money than when I lived in Australia. I'm still not back to my last Australian wage, but I'm effectively saving more money due to the huge drop in the price of almost everything.
David Beer said:
captain_cynic said:
Not sure why Brits think that Australia is cheap. Its the most isolated western country in the world and almost everything that isn't grown or dug out is shipped in.
When I stayed in London, I spent less money than when I lived in Australia. I'm still not back to my last Australian wage, but I'm effectively saving more money due to the huge drop in the price of almost everything.
It’s not a dig at costs, i holiday for 9 weeks in total per year, so spend a few bob! But I had to do Australia. Did NZ the year before, so I do understand ‘isolation ‘. When I stayed in London, I spent less money than when I lived in Australia. I'm still not back to my last Australian wage, but I'm effectively saving more money due to the huge drop in the price of almost everything.
1. Cape Verde. Epitome of the 'rock in the ocean'. Man made resort chav-fest,it's like Gran Canaria on steroids,although it doesn't rain as much. Don't even try and get some local culture either ...
2. KL,in fact Malaysia,after visiting neighbouring countries. Lonely Planet books you owe me ... What an utter sh*te hole. The Twin Towers,there it is. Can we go now ? Penang,Langkawi can't remember a single thing of merit even the food was bang average. If you're on a budget/backpacking visiting duff places really registers.
3. Whitstable. All this hoity toity rubbish. Wind the clock back 30 years when it was an extension of 'Fanet.
2. KL,in fact Malaysia,after visiting neighbouring countries. Lonely Planet books you owe me ... What an utter sh*te hole. The Twin Towers,there it is. Can we go now ? Penang,Langkawi can't remember a single thing of merit even the food was bang average. If you're on a budget/backpacking visiting duff places really registers.
3. Whitstable. All this hoity toity rubbish. Wind the clock back 30 years when it was an extension of 'Fanet.
Three stand out for me:
1) Milan. Expected a beautiful city full of beautiful people. Reality was s
tloads of graffiti and constantly being hassled by illegal immigrants to buy hooky Loo-ey Voo-ey bags.
2) Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco. I loved the city as a whole, but this appeared to me as a fake chintzy Blackpool with added sea lions. Great to go to Alcatraz but not worth hanging around afterwards.
3) St Moritz. Admittedly only stopped in for 90 mins on a weekday in May on a motorcycle tour, but it just struck me as incredibly dull.
1) Milan. Expected a beautiful city full of beautiful people. Reality was s
tloads of graffiti and constantly being hassled by illegal immigrants to buy hooky Loo-ey Voo-ey bags. 2) Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco. I loved the city as a whole, but this appeared to me as a fake chintzy Blackpool with added sea lions. Great to go to Alcatraz but not worth hanging around afterwards.
3) St Moritz. Admittedly only stopped in for 90 mins on a weekday in May on a motorcycle tour, but it just struck me as incredibly dull.
PurpleTurtle said:
Three stand out for me:
1) Milan. Expected a beautiful city full of beautiful people. Reality was stloads of graffiti and constantly being hassled by illegal immigrants to buy hooky Loo-ey Voo-ey bags.
2) Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco. I loved the city as a whole, but this appeared to me as a fake chintzy Blackpool with added sea lions. Great to go to Alcatraz but not worth hanging around afterwards.
3) St Moritz. Admittedly only stopped in for 90 mins on a weekday in May on a motorcycle tour, but it just struck me as incredibly dull.
You've disappointed me on on so many levels,but appreciate the tip. Been to Milan with work but San F is a definite,for sure. Even Rick Stein hired a Mustang and did it - but alas a ragtop for TV. I'd want a classic 289 or Boss 302. Bucket list 1) Milan. Expected a beautiful city full of beautiful people. Reality was s
tloads of graffiti and constantly being hassled by illegal immigrants to buy hooky Loo-ey Voo-ey bags. 2) Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco. I loved the city as a whole, but this appeared to me as a fake chintzy Blackpool with added sea lions. Great to go to Alcatraz but not worth hanging around afterwards.
3) St Moritz. Admittedly only stopped in for 90 mins on a weekday in May on a motorcycle tour, but it just struck me as incredibly dull.
Edited by Dinlowgoon on Friday 20th April 00:47
Edited by Dinlowgoon on Friday 20th April 00:53
captain_cynic said:
Not sure why Brits think that Australia is cheap. Its the most isolated western country in the world and almost everything that isn't grown or dug out is shipped in.
Isn’t Britain the most isolated Western country because of Brexit and everything being shipped in from China? Australia and NZ are horrendously expensive in many areas
TheGuru said:
Isn’t Britain the most isolated Western country because of Brexit and everything being shipped in from China?
Australia and NZ are horrendously expensive in many areas
No surprises,you're catering for significantly less population per country. That's the attraction.Australia and NZ are horrendously expensive in many areas
And it's remote,obviously. If you don't buy in season and /or locally produced stuff it will really sting you.
But the upsides generally overcome that. Property is another story haha
Dinlowgoon said:
You've disappointed me on on so many levels,but appreciate the tip. Been to Milan with work but San F is a definite,for sure. Even Rick Stein hired a Mustang and did it - but alas a ragtop for TV. I'd want a classic 289 or Boss 302. Bucket list
If you steer clear of Fisherman’s Wharf you’ll enjoy San Fran. FW really is the pits. It surprises me when I read that people don’t enjoy visiting Milan. I think that as long as you’re not the type of person who needs to be entertained by tourist attractions and you’re prepared to wander around and find the interesting bits it’s a great city. Much like any large city really.
Unexpected Item In The Bagging Area said:
If you steer clear of Fisherman’s Wharf you’ll enjoy San Fran. FW really is the pits.
It surprises me when I read that people don’t enjoy visiting Milan. I think that as long as you’re not the type of person who needs to be entertained by tourist attractions and you’re prepared to wander around and find the interesting bits it’s a great city. Much like any large city really.
Agree, Milan is a very interesting city. You need to get out and about quite a bit but there's lots to see. Less petty crime than Rome too.It surprises me when I read that people don’t enjoy visiting Milan. I think that as long as you’re not the type of person who needs to be entertained by tourist attractions and you’re prepared to wander around and find the interesting bits it’s a great city. Much like any large city really.
ianrb said:
The Dumfries & Galloway Wild Goat Experience: It promises so much, but delivers so little.
= Tea spitting moment.Truly memorable disappointments on holidays have been thankfully few, I've usually just been glad to get away at all. I think a lot depends on you and your mood at the time plus your travelling company. We went on a hellish MSC cruise, like being cooped up in the Bates Motel with miserable greedy pensioners of all races and denominations (worst - Italian) but made the best of it with my lovely family and came back with some lifetime memories of Cork, Pompeii and Venice. British blitz mentality abounds.
Places I wouldn't recommend just on personal experience;
Gran Canaria; boring rock in sea, hassle from smug begging well dressed yoofs
Madeira; slightly less boring and overpopulated rock in the sea, some dramatic views and volcanic scenery, but certainly not the flowered jewel or undicovered gem its sometimes painted. Mad local drivers too.
Cyprus; boring dusty mound in sea, overhyped commercialised "historical" sites were a crushing disappointemnet after somewhere like Rhodes, though it was possible to find nice greek food
San Francisco; Alcatraz saves it along with the amazing bridge views, otherwise its just a city, no discernable vibe that it's famous for, and hundreds of down and outs in shanty towns on the outskirts. Chinatown is a complete piss hole.
San Diego; again prtrayed as a cultural jewel, the museums were boring and out incredibly out of date, and the world famous zoo was full of unhappy animals in cramped conditions that make Flamingoland look like the Serengeti.
Naples: hardly worth mentioning on this list as its not really a destination just a stepping stone to Capri or Pompeii but I was truly shocked at just how dirty and dangerous a western city could be in broad daylight.
Edited by Loose_Cannon on Monday 23 April 11:32
Jaguar steve said:
"No, I really don't need to see for myself - you're soooo much better at organizing holidays than me and I'm sure it'll be lovely"
"No, I fking detest both Stanstead and Gatwick in equal measure so it doesn't matter"
"No, honestly you decide and book the whole lot yourself Sweetness - stick the dates on the kitchen calendar when you're done"
This in f"No, I f
king detest both Stanstead and Gatwick in equal measure so it doesn't matter""No, honestly you decide and book the whole lot yourself Sweetness - stick the dates on the kitchen calendar when you're done"
king spades.Last night's conversation about coordinating my arrival with wife and son's arrival in Caen/Cherbourg/wherever ended with me pleading with her to just make a f
king decision regardless of whether or not it left me in a berth all night, a reclining seat, a deckchair or standing on my fking head in the disabled bog. Procrastinate any longer and the ferries will ALL have sold out; to me that was the pretty fking obvious clincher. I would gladly swap a night's sleep to avoid an hour of these pointless fking discussions.Mont St Michel
Was the halfway destination for a bicycle tour of Normandy, I knew it was popular, didn't realise it's the third most visited attraction in France, whilst impessive from outside once inside wall to wall tat shops and people shuffling along at 1MPH like a herd of zombies, it was like a st disneyland without any rides.
Was the halfway destination for a bicycle tour of Normandy, I knew it was popular, didn't realise it's the third most visited attraction in France, whilst impessive from outside once inside wall to wall tat shops and people shuffling along at 1MPH like a herd of zombies, it was like a s
t disneyland without any rides.Unexpected Item In The Bagging Area said:
Dinlowgoon said:
You've disappointed me on on so many levels,but appreciate the tip. Been to Milan with work but San F is a definite,for sure. Even Rick Stein hired a Mustang and did it - but alas a ragtop for TV. I'd want a classic 289 or Boss 302. Bucket list
If you steer clear of Fisherman’s Wharf you’ll enjoy San Fran. FW really is the pits. It surprises me when I read that people don’t enjoy visiting Milan. I think that as long as you’re not the type of person who needs to be entertained by tourist attractions and you’re prepared to wander around and find the interesting bits it’s a great city. Much like any large city really.
Loose_Cannon said:
Places I wouldn't recommend just on personal experience;
Gran Canaria; boring rock in sea, hassle from smug begging well dressed yoofs
[/footnote]
Cyprus, on the other hand, I tend to agree is a bit of a let down.
However, as I always like to qualify, disappointment is always proportional to how much you paid. GC is do-able on a reasonably small budget.
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff