Some iconic sites just don't live up to the hype.
Skip these 10 tourist traps and visit our alternatives instead.
Stonehenge, England
This group of mystery stones has been described as mystical and magical.
But what you rarely see in the postcards is that Stonehenge is wedged between two very busy roads—and that you’re not even allowed to get close to the stones.
You'll pay an admission fee, of course, but you'll only be able to view the site from afar. (Tourists used to chip off pieces of the ancient rocks as souvenirs. This is why we can't have nice things, people.)
Instead: Check out Avebury, about 25 miles away from Stonehenge, where an entire town is set inside a stone circle.
Blarney Stone, Ireland
Legend has it that kissing this rock will give you the gift of gab, but judging by how many people smooch the stone every day, we think you're more likely to come away with a communicable disease.
(Especially if you believe the rumor that locals think it's funny to sneak in after-hours and use the Blarney Stone as a bathroom.)
You'll also have to brave long lines and a vertigo-inducing climb, and you'll be unceremoniously tipped backwards and headfirst over a ledge by a worker in order to get your peck.
Instead: Skip the long lines and spend your saved time exploring the Blarney Castle grounds, which are definitely worth the visit … and (probably) won't infect you with anything.
Pyramids at the Giza Necropolis, Egypt
If you're expecting a journey out to the quiet desert to see this world-famous wonder, think again.
Located in a suburb not far from downtown Cairo, the pyramids are set against the backdrop of a Pizza Hut, a KFC, and a ton of litter.
Be prepared to be surrounded by some of the most aggressive touts in the world, some of whom will literally jump into a moving taxi to try to sell you a camel ride.
You also can't touch the Sphinx or climb up the sides of the pyramids anymore.
Instead: Visit the less crowded (and less stressful) pyramids at Dahshur.
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