11 Popular Tourist Destinations People Voted Are Only Worth Seeing Once

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By Samantha Collins

Traveling the world is such an incredible experience that it’s tempting to revisit some spots to recapture the feeling all over again. While there are definitely places that will always be worth another go, there are also destinations that you can happily tick off your list and never return to. Here are those popular spots that you only need to experience once in your lifetime, according to travelers in an online forum.

1. Las Vegas, Nevada

Golden Nugget Casino on Fremont Street, built in 1946 it is one of the oldest casinos in Las Vegas.
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For many people, once is enough when it comes to the bright lights of Las Vegas. But unfortunately, while many travelers view visiting Las Vegas as a rite of passage, the amount of “excess” found in the city is more than some can handle. Even the most prolific partiers find themselves hard-pressed to keep up with all of the endless activities Vegas offers – many of which include plenty of alcohol consumption.

2. Disney World – Orlando, Florida

Disney-World
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Nobody denies the inherent magic of Disney World. From the familiar characters to the general whimsical feeling permeating the park, Disney World is a must-visit for many people – especially families with young children.

But, unfortunately, as many have revealed, once you peel back the curtain, you’re left with a basic overpriced theme park: the long lines, expensive concessions, and underwhelming rides don’t seem appetizing once you’ve experienced it before!

3. Venice, Italy

Venice, Italy
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The majestic canals of this European hotspot manage to lure visitors worldwide. Approximately 20 million tourists are welcomed into Venice each year! However, not everyone who visited is aching to go back. “We went during the down season, and the vibes were not it,” confesses one traveler.

“Locals were not nice, the food was average, and overall it was just a weird vibe. So maybe I went during the wrong season, but I don’t think I’ll ever return. Glad I was able to see it, though.”

4. Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece
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Aside from the historical landmarks scattered throughout the ancient city, countless people confess they will never revisit Athens anytime soon. According to them, Athens is home to many dirty streets covered with trash, graffiti, and a general feeling of being run-down – which is enough for them to think about exploring cleaner areas of Europe.

It’s a sad state of affairs when a city filled with so much remarkable history is also home to some seriously unkempt neighborhoods. 

5. Cancun, Mexico

Cancun, Mexico
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Known for its vibrant beaches and wild party scene, Cancun is a beautiful city on the Gulf of Mexico. Yet it can’t shake its reputation for only being a weekend getaway for people looking for a good time. “Mexico is an incredible country rich with natural beauty, art and culture, food, music, architecture, and friendly people,” says one traveler. Cancun, on the other hand, is a painfully soulless tourist party destination. I will never go back.”

As somebody who has visited Cancun twice for bachelor party-related events, I agree with this traveler’s assessment: it exists as a backdrop for mindless partying and nothing more. 

6. London, England

London-England
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Although it is one of the largest cities in the world, many people believe London is nothing to write home about and confess that they would only visit once. Citing bland neighborhoods and high-cost tourist attractions, many travelers recommend more cultured cities in mainland Europe for anybody who truly wants to experience a new and exciting city.

Honestly, this kind of assessment isn’t surprising for a town that experiences as much rainfall as it does – what traveler wants to deal with that?

7. New York City, New York

New York City, New York
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It’s easy to get lost in New York City – and it’s even easier to feel overwhelmed while walking its streets. I distinctly remember the feeling of insignificance I felt the first time I visited, and I’m not alone: many travelers reveal that they feel literally “small” when visiting, which is a feeling that no traveler wants to feel.

Add in the city’s unique smells and cramped infrastructure, and you’ll understand why many tourists believe that “once is enough” as far as the Big Apple is concerned.

8. Santorini, Greece

Gay Cruises: photo of cruise ships just offshore between land and an island just beyond the ships
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As one of the most beautiful places in Europe, Santorini gets plenty of visitors. Around 2 million tourists explore the city each year. One traveler sums up his recent experience in Santorini very matter-of-factly.

“It was five minutes of picturesqueness tranquility spoilt by aggressive restaurant/shop touts, overpriced, mediocre food, and tourist traps as far as the eye can see,” he states. “It’s absolutely 100% not worth the effort.” As a one-time visitor to Santorini, I can echo this statement!

9. San Francisco, California

San-Francisco
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Known as one of the most naturally beautiful metropolises in the United States, San Francisco frequently tops travelers’ lists of American cities to visit.

But, unfortunately, the city has suffered setbacks in the last few decades – especially regarding the issue of homelessness that many travelers point to as a significant reason why they say they tend to avoid San Francisco in their travels. While homelessness is a problem in many places worldwide, it seems especially prevalent in San Francisco over the last few years.

10. Brussels, Belgium

Brussels
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Outside of a few jaw-dropping architectural wonders, many travelers lament there isn’t much to do – or see – when visiting Brussels. “Outside of the breathtaking awe of some of the palaces, I couldn’t really find a lot to do there of interest, to me at least,” one man declares.

On the other hand, a few people suggest a city like Amsterdam, with much more to offer, as a great place to revisit over and over compared to Brussels. (Spoiler alert: these people are 100% correct!)

11. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona
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What’s not to love about Barcelona? From the stunning architecture of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia to the beautiful and accessible beaches, it’s hard not to be impressed by this cosmopolitan Mediterranean city. But is it worth a second visit?

“It was nice to see Catalonia, but it felt very much like an international city like New York,” mentions one visitor. “Madrid felt more Spanish to me and quite frankly nicer,” the same user adds.

Even the locals don’t understand all the hype about the city. “There are so many cities in Spain that are way more beautiful, cheaper, and with better food,” comments a Spanish traveler.

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