Though many attractions are worth seeing, some didn't live up to the hype.
Famous attractions like the Spanish Steps and Changing the Guard ceremony weren't that exciting.
Having visited over 40 countries, I've been fortunate enough to experience many of the world's most famous tourist attractions.
Although tourist traps get a bad rep, they still get tons of visitors. About 89% of American travelers said they've visited more than one tourist trap in the past two years, according to a recent survey by PhotoAiD.
I think many popular attractions are worth going out of the way for, but not every one I've seen has lived up to its hype.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto was much smaller than I expected.Arashiyama Bamboo Forest felt like a small trail to me.
VW Pics/Getty Images
Kyoto is one of the most beautiful cities I've visited. As long as you don't mind waking at the crack of dawn to beat the crowds, you can enjoy some of the most gorgeous, serene settings in Asia there.
But Kyoto is also home to what I think is one of the most overhyped attractions in Asia, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
I expected a vast bamboo forest full of trails to get lost in. Instead, I found a short, wide trail winding through a small, underwhelming forest. The bamboo trees make for a cool photo op, but that's all.
The Spanish Steps didn't inspire as much awe as the rest of Rome did. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, or architecture enthusiast, there's plenty to appreciate about Rome.
sandrixroma/Getty Images
You could spend days in Rome without running out of famous historical and architectural sites to explore.
Most sites, like the Colleseum, left me in awe. Unfortunately, some of Rome's most famous landmarks, like the Spanish Steps, didn't leave the same impression.
If the Spanish Steps weren't on every list of things to see in Rome, I probably would have walked right by them without noticing them.
Aside from being Europe's largest and widest staircase, there was little about them or the surrounding area that stood out.
Watching the Changing the Guard ceremony in London wasn't worth dealing with crowds.The Changing the Guard ceremony can get crowded.
CARL DE SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images
Though I skipped the Buckingham Palace tour, I did stop by to watch the Changing the Guard ceremony.
There is something cool about witnessing long-standing traditions, and the precision of the routine is impressive. But, I found the experience to be pretty underwhelming.
Changing the Guard is seemingly on every visitor to London's checklist, and I found myself constantly jockeying for position just to get a glimpse of the ceremony. The 45-minute ceremony seemed to go on forever, and I didn't find it all that exciting or entertaining.
Neverending construction dampened the beauty of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.It seems hard to catch Sagrada Familia without a crane or scaffolding around it.
James D. Morgan/Getty Images
If you've been to Barcelona, there's a good chance you've seen Sagrada Familia. One of architect Antoni Gaudi's most famous works, Sagrada Familia towers above Barcelona's skyline and is visible from all over the city.
But it's still famously unfinished, and the never-ending presence of cranes and scaffolding makes it quite the eyesore.
George Orwell once referred to Sagrada Familia as "one of the most hideous buildings in the world." Though I can't say I fully agree with Mr. Orwell, I do think Sagrada Familia is pretty overrated.
I did appreciate the intricate details on the church's facade, and maybe my opinion will change if the church's construction is ever actually complete.
I didn't think Marina Sands SkyPark Observation Deck in Singapore was worth the price or the wait.Marina Sands SkyPark Observation Deck wasn't worth the price for me.
NurPhoto/Getty Images
Singapore is a clean city with a beautiful skyline and delicious food. It's an excellent place to explore on a long layover.
But at times, I felt stuck in one giant tourist trap, especially at the Marina Sands SkyPark Observation Deck.
Don't get me wrong, the views from the rooftop of the 57-story Marina Sands are breathtaking. But it wasn't worth paying $24 to wait in a long line only to have access to a small section.
I spent most of my time on the Observation Deck, melting in the sun and attempting to wedge myself into any small opening along the railing.
The bizarre mural inside the White Temple in Chiang Rai was a shocking discovery for me.I don't think I'd have missed the White Temple in Chiang Rai if I didn't visit it.
SOPA Images/Getty Images
I'd describe White Temple in Chiang Rai as a beautiful but bizarre tourist trap that you won't miss if you have to skip.
White Temple is more of an art installation than a temple. The buildings and grounds are stunning, but I felt very confused once I entered.
The interior of the main building contains large murals that seems to depict anything but Buddhist culture. Instead, the murals include a mix of American pop-culture icons and movie characters, like Spider-Man and Neo from "The Matrix." I also saw the controversial depiction of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
This was not at all what I expected from a "temple" in Northern Thailand.
