10 Travel Destinations That Score at Best a 3 Out of 5 According to Americans

Woman showing awesome

Are you tired of going on dream vacations? Are you bored of traveling the world and experiencing new cultures? Does the prospect of going on a thoroughly-average adventure intrigue you? Well, look no further. Recently, experienced travelers met in an online discussion to reveal the most average vacation destinations in the United States. Not every vacation has to be “epic.”

1. Reno, Nevada

Reno, Nevada USA - September 23, 2022: Aerial view of the Reno Nevada cityscape as seen from the north with haze in the sky from the nearby wildfires.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

If you travel to Reno instead of Las Vegas, let’s be honest: You’re asking to be disappointed. While there’s fun to be had, it comes off as second-rate. “It’s kind of dingy, and the ‘Vegas, but cheaper’ atmosphere wears off fast,” confesses one man. “I loved Circus Circus as a kid but couldn’t stomach it as an adult.”

2. Ocean City, Maryland

OCEAN CITY - MARCH 10: View on Ocean City Maryland beach on March 10, 2013. Ocean City MD is a popular beach resorts on East Coast and one of the cleanest in the country

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

As someone who spent summers in my early 20s in Ocean City, I can speak from experience: The town is fantastic initially, but its shine quickly wears off.

I’m not alone in feeling this way, as many people believe it’s excellent for small children and people in their early 20s, but everyone else should stay away. The town offers little beyond endless bars and miniature golf courses.

3. Branson, Missouri

BRANSON, MISSOURI—APRIL 2017: Busy street in Branson, Missouri with the Branson water tower in the background.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Every self-respecting Midwest American family has to make at least one trip to Branson. It bills itself as exceedingly family-friendly, but the town is slightly above average, leading to a ho-hum vacation experience. “I’m from Indiana, and I had a friend growing up whose family went to Branson every year, and they bragged about it like they were going to Hawaii,” one woman remembers. 

Hey, to each his own, and everyone is entitled to their own opinions and perspectives.

4. Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA - November 3, 2022: The Mary Vee fishing vessel travels through the Absecon Inlet.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

It’s a beach town home to dozens of exciting casinos — what’s not to love? Well, for starters, there’s the urban blight, rampant homelessness, and the general unappealing visual nature of the city. It’s a vacation destination that could go either way and probably revolves around the dice roll.

5. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Visiting an island is supposed to be exciting, right? But, as it turns out, anyone who visits Mackinac Island in Michigan will only end up disappointed. “It’s a pretty little island in Northern Michigan that is famous for its fudge and lack of cars,” reports one father. “Nice walking trails and quiet, but nothing too exciting going on.”

6. Ocean Shores, Washington

Ocean Shores, Washington- April 21, 2018: Man holds American flag as he walks along the beach.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Let’s add another disappointing coastal destination to this list, shall we? Travelers admit they walk away unimpressed by Ocean Shores, as the rough beaches and seemingly endless parade of seagulls frequently ruin any good vibes that could be had.

7. Panama City, Florida

Aerial view of the modern skyline of Panama City , Panama with modern Highrise buildings.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

According to many, Panama City proves that any local government can take a naturally beautiful place and turn it into a mindless tourist-centric free-for-all. After all, there’s a good reason why millions of college students flock to Panama City for spring break – it’s a cheap party town promising cheap thrills.

8. Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls State Park - New York

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

If you take the falls themselves out of the equation, Niagara Falls is a kitschy, sleepy town that only offers minimal excitement for visitors. “I never understood the people who stay an entire week in the falls,” laments one resident. “You can see the falls and experience all the top attractions in an afternoon.”

9. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach South Carolina Drone Skyline Aerial.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

While going to the beach always is good for the soul, the tourist trap atmosphere that permeates Myrtle Beach these days makes the trip less enjoyable. Countless people believe that Myrtle Beach has been on the downswing for years. I still want to go.

10. New Smyrna Beach, Florida

New Smyrna Beach City Florida June 28 2020 people gathering on beach to relax and sunbath and swim

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

An overall uninspiring beach town deserves an equally uninspiring review, so I’ll leave it to someone familiar with New Smyrna Beach. “It’s a beach, so that’s nice,” he laments. “You can drive on the beach. That’s like the most exciting thing to do there. The beach is pretty mid. Also, it’s the shark bite capital of the world.” Wow, it sounds like this guy is still salty that a shark bit his hand off.

No Second Chance: 15 Travel Destinations Around the World That “Failed To Impress”

Tourist man with hat riding on camel background pyramid of Egyptian Giza, sunset Cairo, Egypt.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

There’s nothing worse than being psyched up for a trip only to be let down when you get there. These are 15 travel destinations around the world that failed to impress the travelers who visited. 

No Second Chance: 15 Travel Destinations Around the World That “Failed To Impress”

15 Travels Destinations “So Difficult” To Visit They’re Worthy of Your Bucket List

antarctica

Image Credit: zhudifeng/Depositphotos.com.

Sometimes, you have to “risk it for the biscuit” (as we say in South Africa) which travelers often do to get to a beautiful or bucket-list destination. These 15 off-the-beaten-track destinations are so challenging to get to that it’s an achievement when you reach them. 

15 Travels Destinations “So Difficult” To Visit They’re Worthy of Your Bucket List

20 Most Dangerous Countries in the World Americans Should Avoid in 2023

Image Credit: bezikus/Depositphotos.com.

Wanderlust may take you all over the world, but some countries are too dangerous to visit, and knowing which are best avoided in 2023 could keep you safe.

Let’s take a closer look at a list of the most dangerous countries in the world based on data from the World Population Review.

20 Most Dangerous Countries in the World Americans Should Avoid in 2023

15 Countries That Serve up the BEST Street Food Experiences

napoli icecream italy

Image Credit: natamc/Depositphotos.com.

There’s something about the vibrance of street food, the richness in flavor, and the rawness of surrounding cultural scenes. Not only is street food more affordable for travelers, but it grants a more authentic experience since this is where natives also gather and convene.

With that said, here are 15 countries serving up the best street food experiences, as voted on by an online foodie forum.

15 Countries That Serve up the BEST Street Food Experiences

15 Incredible Places in the U.S. You Might Not Have Realized Were UNESCO Sites

Woman traveling with map.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

There’s nothing better than discovering there’s even more to a place than you thought. Whether you know it or not, these 15 incredible places in the U.S. are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and all worth visiting.

15 Incredible Places in the U.S. You Might Not Have Realized Were UNESCO Sites

Where indicated, some images courtesy of Depositphotos.com.

Source: Reddit

Posted in

Chris Phelan

Leave a Comment