Jennifer Luna New Mexico’s tourist industry operates on the principle that adding “authentic” to any description automatically justifies doubling the price. Visitors encounter “ancient” attractions that opened last Tuesday and “sacred” sites that accept credit cards. The state has mastered the delicate balance between cultural appreciation and commercial exploitation. Your GPS might lead you to these places, … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in New Mexico
Welcome to Massachusetts, where even the rocks have marketing teams. The state that gave us the American Revolution also revolutionized the art of tourist disappointment. From overpriced duck tours that spend more time in traffic than water to “historic” houses that have been renovated more times than a reality TV star’s face, the Bay State … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Massachusetts
In New Jersey, tourist attractions follow the same business model as the state’s famous diners: big portions of questionable quality at premium prices. The Garden State has somehow convinced millions of people that paying to see a giant elephant or climb through a cramped battleship constitutes a vacation highlight. It’s the land where admission fees … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in New Jersey
In Florida, the only thing more inflated than the prices is the gap between expectation and reality. The state has perfected the business model of charging luxury prices for experiences that would embarrass a county fair. These attractions exist in a parallel universe where basic economics don’t apply and customer satisfaction is considered a quaint … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Florida
Kentucky’s worst tourist traps operate on a simple principle: separate visitors from their money while providing minimal value. After visiting all 120 Kentucky counties, I’ve developed a sixth sense. I can detect a tourist trap from the highway. The telltale signs include oversized parking lots and gift shops larger than the attractions themselves. My personal … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Kentucky
Kansas: Come for the world’s largest ball of twine, stay because you’re too disappointed to drive further. You’re better off knowing the truth about Kansas attractions before you visit. I’ve spent decades exploring every corner of this rectangular state. The result? A profound understanding of how ordinary objects become “attractions” when placed in the middle … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Kansas
Maryland might be America’s ninth smallest state, but it packs in tourist traps like crabs in a bushel basket. Planning a trip to Maryland? Before you pack those binoculars and crab mallets, let me save you from wasting your retirement fund on overpriced disappointments. I’ve spent years exploring the Old Line State, from Ocean City … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Maryland
Planning an Indiana road trip? Before you map those routes through the Hoosier state, let me save you from the disappointment I’ve experienced at these overhyped attractions. At our age, we’ve earned the right to skip the nonsense. We want authentic experiences, not tourist traps. I’ve wasted countless hours at these Indiana “must-sees.” Want me … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Indiana
Most people think Iowa is just corn and more corn, which is precisely why smart travelers love it here. You’re better off ignoring the travel snobs who chase Instagram-worthy destinations. Iowa offers something far more valuable: authentic experiences without the crowds or inflated prices. While others fight for selfie spots at tourist traps, you’ll have … Read moreTop 20 Things To Do In Iowa
While Louisiana offers genuine cultural treasures, it also serves up tourist traps with the same enthusiasm it brings to its famous hot sauce. After spending 45 days exploring every parish in the state, my credit card statements revealed a painful truth. I had paid premium prices for mediocre experiences. The worst offenders weren’t just disappointing … Read more20 Worst Tourist Traps in Louisiana