Destinations where expectations are different from reality
Everyone takes those beautiful photos, pretending that we are alone in the most visited tourist attractions in the world. This is because it looks much better than the “real” image, as you can also see if you scroll down. How to avoid the crowds? We will give you some tips!
Louvre Museum – Paris
One of the world’s most famous museums, with one of the world’s best known paintings, by one of the world’s most famous artists. Yes, the beautiful Mona Lisa steals the hearts of many tourists. Well, that’s only true if you can take a look at it to see it, as this is the harsh reality:
How to avoid the crowds
Would you like to enjoy a quiet moment with the Mona Lisa? We recommend going during the low season period, so plan your trip to Paris in winter, with a few exceptions: don’t go during Christmas or on weekends.
The Great Wall of China
China has a rich history dating back thousands of years and that is why there are many historical sites. For example, the Great Wall over 5,000 miles long is one of the Seven Wonders of the World! You will be amazed once you get there, but not only for its beauty…
How to avoid the crowds
Would you like to avoid this chaos? Go to a part of the Great Wall that is less crowded, such as Jinshanling, Jiankou, Huanghua Cheng, or Zhuangdaokou. It will be a little more difficult to get there, but at least you will be able to take a photo of the wall without tourists.
Trolltunga – Norway
That “alone in the world” feeling, as you gaze at the beautiful mountains and winding river… Nobody can take that away from you in Norway! Take in the extraordinary views and let your legs dangle over the edge. How wonderful is that? Oh, there is an exception: don’t take too long. The line of impatient hikers, breathing down your neck is just because they also want to take the same beautiful photo as you.
How to avoid the crowds
Avoiding this line is tricky. Many people start around 6:00 am in the morning with their walk, which means that you should start walking before then to avoid the crowds. Of course, you can always go to another viewpoint in the area.
Bamboo Forest – Japan
Wander through a deserted forest, where the trees have been replaced by bamboo. Magical! Oh, but make sure you’re on time; otherwise, you will miss everything. The forest is easy to get to from Kyoto, which unfortunately means many other tourists make the journey as well, so it won’t look like this:
How to avoid the crowds
If you want a solo experience in the Bamboo Forest, you have to get up early. If you leave before dawn, it is very likely that you will be alone. It is not recommended to visit the forest at night, since you will not be able to see anything. Unless you’re there at just the right time in December, during the Arashiyama Hanatouro Illumination Festival, when the pathways are beautifully illuminated until 9pm!
Angkor Wat Cambodia
If you travel to Cambodia, you have to see the sunrise. The so-called Golden Hour is awesome! Especially, at one of the most famous tourist attractions, like watching the sunrise over the Angkor Wat temples, makes it even more beautiful.
How to avoid the crowds
Since this is Cambodia’s most popular tourist attraction, you’re certainly not the only visitor. For sunrise: be on time (5:00 am… Yes, really!). Buy your ticket the day before and take a flashlight, as well as something to eat/drink and insect repellent spray. Another tip: Avoid the big lake at the temple, but go to the smaller lake nearby for the best photo spot.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, the mysterious Inca city on top of a high mountain in the Sacred Valley… The perfect place to visit in Peru! Surround yourself with its history (also maybe some llamas), in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Too bad that, together with you, 2499 other visitors can climb to the top of the mountain at the same time. That mysterious feeling quickly disappears when you’re in line to admire the city.
How to avoid the crowds
First, avoid the high season (June to August and December). Second, if you don’t need to walk the Inca Trail, take the train. You are at the top of the mountain much faster and you can get there early, the first train leaves at 5:30 am. So it’s still relatively quiet! Alternative: Choquequirao, an ancient Inca city, which has not yet been discovered by tourists (!). You must be prepared for 20 miles of walking; however, it is beautiful! Besides, you’ll be alone… like a flame.
Trevi Fountain – Italy
Rome is a beautiful city. Imagine an open-air museum, but it’s a real city: beautiful old buildings, narrow streets and great fountains. At night, you may have the city to yourself. During the day, however…
Similar to the tribulations we’ve mentioned to see the Mona Lisa during peak season applies here. Granted, not in the whole city, but in the Trevi Fountain, the chances are very high (say around 99% of the time). If you want a new and beautiful profile picture or selfie, in front of the magic fountain, go at night or very early in the morning with the sunrise (technically still at night, since the sun in summer rises around 5:30 a.m.).
