Don’t Skip These Wonderful Travel Destinations Despite the Warnings

People love to talk smack. Many folks will dismiss specific destinations because others paint them negatively, but you can’t believe everything you hear. 

The fantastic destinations have seedy reputations, but they’re well worth the visit. 

Baltimore

Baltimore Marlyland from the Harbor at sunset.
Photo Credit: Sean Pavone via Shutterstock.com.

Baltimore has a bad reputation among US cities. Though there may be a few bad neighborhoods, most of the town is perfectly safe. Tourists will enjoy exploring US history through this iconic East Coast city. 

Kaunas

Panoramic view of Kaunas Lithuania.
Photo Credit: raigvi via Shutterstock.com.

The small city in Lithuania doesn’t get many visitors but don’t listen to those telling you to skip it. It’s a charming city with interesting museums and stunning architecture. 

Chicago

Portion of Chicago Skyline from lake Michigan featuring the Hancock building at sunset.
Photo Credit: Rudy Balasko via Shutterstock.com.

Many US citizens refuse to visit Chicago because it’s constantly in the news as a “dangerous place.” Like any large city, Chicago has a few rough areas, but the massive downtown area is perfectly safe and hosts some of the country’s best food, museums, and cultural icons. 

Belfast

Tollymore Park Gate in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Photo Credit: The Escape of Malee via Shutterstock.com.

Northern Ireland has a bit of a reputation, especially among the English. Don’t listen to naysayers who’ve been flooded with propaganda. Belfast is a fantastic city. 

Venice

A gondola on the canal with Rialto Bridge in the background in Venice, Italy.
Photo Credit: S.Borisov via Shutterstock.com.

People try to warn tourists away from Venice, but that’s primarily due to the flood of other tourists. It may be touristy and crowded, but it’s filled with stunning architecture, gorgeous canals, and the best of Italian culture. 

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh city skyline at dusk.
Photo Credit: ESB Professional via Shutterstock.com.

When you think of old steel towns that couldn’t survive the 21st century, Pittsburgh comes to mind. However, that reputation is entirely unjustified. Pittsburgh was an old steel town, but it grew and adapted with the times to become a top tourist destination in Pennsylvania

Athens

Athens skyline at dusk with the acropolis in the distance.
Photo Credit: Nick N A via Shutterstock.com.

Don’t listen to naysayers trying to bring Athens down. They’ll say it’s dirty, crowded, and dangerous, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The city bursts with history, but it’s worth visiting for the food alone. 

Bangkok

The Grand Palace at Bangkok, Thailand.
Photo Credit: Travel mania via Shutterstock.com.

The enormous Thai city has a seedy reputation, but don’t let that deter you. Although some parts are a little dirty and questionable, most of the city offers tourists one-of-a-kind experiences. From the floating markets to the Buddist temples to the modern conveniences, you’ll be impressed by this city everyone told you to avoid. 

New Orleans

Stylized empty Bourbon Street in New Orleans LA at sunset.
Photo Credit: Sean Pavone via Shutterstock.com.

It’s dirty, seedy, and fabulous! People disparage New Orleans for its dirty streets, drunken debauchery, and constant revelry, but that’s part of the charm. 

Outside the party, it’s also filled with some of the tastiest food you’ll ever eat and cultural icons you won’t find anywhere else. 

Paris

aerial view of Paris with the eiffel tower in it
Photo Credit: S.Borisov via Shutterstock.com.

Paris gets a ton of hate. People call the city dirty, the people rude, and the atmosphere snobbish. But we love it. 

Paris features some of the greatest artistic masterpieces in the world, delicious food, and a unique culture that you have to experience at least once. 

Detroit

Detroit Michigan skyline.
Photo Credit: Sean Pavone via Shutterstock.com.

Detroit has an awful reputation among US citizens, but it’s far better than the media would have you believe. There are many cool things to do in the Motor City, and the people have a lot of heart. 

Sao Paulo

The wire bridge in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Photo Credit: Thiago Leite via Shutterstock.com.

Many tourists avoid Sao Paulo due to crime reports, but you won’t have any trouble if you’re savvy and aware of your surroundings. It’s a gorgeous city with lots of fantastic cuisine and tons of exciting things for tourists to do. 

Pisa

The tower of Pisa leaning behind a church
Photo Credit: Gabriele Maltinti via Shutterstock.com.

Lots of people say Pisa is overrated, but some folks enjoy it. The small city is famous for the Leaning Tower, and although it’s overrun with tourists trying to take their standard shot holding up the tower, it’s worth the day trip from Florence. 

Philadelphia

Philadelphia skyline on a bright blue day.
Photo Credit: Gang Liu via Shutterstock.com.

Philadelphians don’t do the city any favors as far as reputation goes. The people who booed Santa and destroyed a friendly robot really stretch the nickname “city of brotherly love,” but if you can look past that, you can enjoy the rich history of America’s founding city. 

Lima

Where the cliff meets the ocean at Lima, Peru.
Photo Credit: Allen.G via Shutterstock.com.

Travelers tend to use Lima as a springboard to the “cool” places in Peru, like Machu Pichu or Nazca, but it’s worth visiting in its own right. 

The city has many unique neighborhoods, each bursting with a distinct cultural flavor, delicious foods, and fantastic scenery. 

California

picture of palm trees pointing toward the sky
Photo Credit: Tonktiti via Shutterstock.com.

California is a massive state with a huge variety of cities, ecosystems, and things to do. Find out the best the Golden State has to offer and start planning your visit!

Check out the 41 Best Things To Do in California

Fill Your Bucket List with Spectacular Adventure

The words bucket list in bold with some travel graphics, like a map, camera, and photos, spread around beneath it
Photo Credit: Rawpixel.com via Shutterstock.com.

The world abounds with excitement and adventure. Whether you prefer to get your adventures at home or out in the wild, we have bucket list ideas for you. 

Consider adding some of these 200 activities to your must-do list!

Why You Should Visit Aspen in the Shoulder Seasons

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Aspen is a winter wonderland perfect for outdoor skiing adventures. But if you don’t enjoy skiing, you should consider visiting during the shoulder season instead. Here’s why shoulder season is Aspen’s best kept secret!

You Don’t Need to Travel Overseas for Ancient Ruins

Tower ruins at Hovenweep National Monument in the Canyons of the Ancients.
Photo Credit: Zack Frank via Shutterstock.com.

Explore stunning ruins in your own backyard with an adventure through the Canyons of the Ancients.

The Best Horror Conventions in the US

Woman making a scared face wearing horror cosplay like a painted skull from Dia de Muertos.
Photo Credit: Dia De Los Muertos via Shutterstock.com.

Celebrate the horror genre by checking out the best horror conventions across the US

Source: Reddit

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