Not every vacation lives up to the hype. A recent analysis of over 97,000 Google reviews of 100 popular cities around the globe revealed the destinations that left visitors feeling underwhelmed, according to the Daily Mail.
Cancún, Mexico, topped the list with 14.2% negative reviews. Travelers complained about expensive prices, aggressive vendors, and a lack of authenticity in the popular resort town.
Coming in second was Antalya, Turkey, with 12.2% negative feedback. Visitors criticized the destination for overcrowded beaches, unwelcoming locals, and excessive commercialization.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, secured the third spot with 11.9% negative reviews. While its all-inclusive resorts are popular, many tourists felt disappointed by the lack of worthwhile attractions outside the resorts and the constant pressure from vendors.
Other cities that made the list of disappointing destinations include Beijing, China, and Orlando, Florida. Beijing was often described as polluted and overcrowded, while Orlando received backlash for its high prices and long waiting times at attractions.
Mumbai, India, and Honolulu, Hawaii, also earned unfavorable reviews. Tourists found Mumbai overwhelming, while Honolulu was criticized for not justifying its high costs.
Johor Bahru, Malaysia; Kyoto, Japan; and Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, rounded out the top 10. Johor Bahru was marked as underwhelming and unclean, Kyoto was seen as overcrowded and unfriendly, and Playa Del Carmen’s rising crime and prices turned off many visitors.
Interestingly, a similar post by BuzzFeed in 2024 included Orlando but highlighted 23 other disappointing destinations, such as Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Paris, France, and Nashville, Tennessee.
As travelers continue to voice their opinions online, these cities stand as reminders that even the most famous tourist spots may not always live up to expectations.
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