All tourists like to save money where they can, while some need to travel on a budget. But not all cost-friendly destinations are worth it. Many are cheap for a reason, and visitors may leave feeling disappointed.
Experiences will vary, but some budget locations appear on the avoid list more than others.
1. Riga: Latvia
This is my main contribution to the discussion. I visited Riga in 2006 and quickly regretted it. Admittedly, it was a bachelor weekend, but it seemed overwhelmingly seedy, and our aging party was not impressed. Riga was also gray and bleak for the 48 hours we were there, and my experience is echoed in many traveler reviews.
2. India
India is a country that gathers mixed reviews from travelers and is a nation of extremes. On the one hand, there is spectacular scenery and stunning monuments like the Taj Mahal. Successful locals live in opulence, but dreadful poverty remains evident throughout the big cities. India is also an expensive place for those who fall ill, with high medical costs for those who need treatment on their travels.
3. Kyrenia: Northern Cyprus
Here’s another suggestion from my list of travels. The word ‘unspoiled’ suggests an authentic travel experience, which we got over in Northern Cyprus. Unfortunately, it also meant Kyrenia, where we stayed, was rundown and underdeveloped. When it rained, which it did a lot, mud ran through the streets. I met a couple from my neighboring county, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that the man was on the verge of tears when he revealed they had bought a property here without paying a prior visit.
4. Brazil
Backpackers often give the best insights into a destination’s value for money. In the case of Brazil, many have positive experiences regarding the people and the sights, but traveling within the country has been an issue. While it may be cheap to get there, bus travel around Brazil is more expensive, and local transportation is also crowded and uncomfortable.
5. Dominican Republic
In the 1980s, the Dominican Republic emerged as the most budget-friendly country in the Caribbean. Suddenly, the region was within reach of most travelers, and a host of all-inclusive resorts were made available. However, with a high crime rate across the Dominican Republic, many didn’t feel safe here and were reluctant to leave the hotel and explore the country further.
6. Switzerland
The only thing cheap about Switzerland is the cost of getting here. Budget airlines fly frequently to Geneva, and there is an excellent public transportation network from that point onwards. Hostellers have a few options, but the day-to-day costs are prohibitive, with ridiculous prices for even the most essential food and drink items.
7. Medellin: Colombia
It doesn’t mean you should go there because it’s cheap. Colombia may attract tourists, particularly backpackers, because of the perceived level of danger. Travel forums report muggings and assaults, which can obviously take the gloss away from your holiday.
8. Blackpool: England
It’s traditionally been one of the UK’s most popular family holiday destinations, but Blackpool may have fallen on tough times. I visited here in 2023 and liked the town, but others have complained about rundown accommodation and scams across the Pleasure Beach. It’s a dreary picture, but I urge anyone to come to Blackpool and make up their own minds.
9. Paris: France
Some tourists rightly or wrongly refer to Paris as the ‘city of scams.’ Several complain about pickpockets, while others have experienced individuals posing as representatives of charitable organizations. The most popular tourist destinations are targeted, so while many will visit without issues, the message is to be wary.
10. Almaty: Kazakhstan
Backpackers, beware of traveling to Kazakhstan. Previous visitors complain of vast distances between places of interest that are a big letdown on arrival. Hostel accommodation is especially poor, according to some tourists who mention dirty, rundown rooms with inadequate washing facilities.
11. Egypt
Another land of stark contrasts, Egypt has a high concentration of the ‘must see’ destinations on the planet. On the downside, many travelers report concerns over the aggressive nature of street vendors, who are unescapable at all those top locations.
12. Luxembourg
As someone with family in Luxembourg, I travel here quite regularly. Flights are reasonably priced, and while my accommodation is free, hotels and guesthouses seem competitive. The issue with Luxembourg is that there is little to do. It’s a clean country but also too sanitized to be exciting.
13. North Vietnam
The Vietnamese are not always welcoming to US tourists, and there are obvious reasons. Travelers from other nations sense a divide between a country that has become a popular hotspot for tourists on a budget. According to some reviews, experiences can vary, but those in the south tend to be much friendlier than their northern counterparts.
14. Memphis: United States
Forbes Advisor is a respected authority in the world of travel, and in a recent survey, Memphis topped the list of worst places to visit in the US. The issues involved high crime rates, poor public transport, and restaurants with low ratings on independent review sites. If that hasn’t persuaded you to avoid Memphis, it also ranks poorly for quantity and quality of tourist attractions.
15. Rome: Italy
A common complaint among visitors to Rome is that it’s hard to get ‘off the beaten track.’ Everywhere is crammed with tourists, but what can they expect when the city boasts some of the most historic and important sites? Another gripe concerning restaurant owners trying to hassle people into visiting their eating establishments is more valid.
16. The Algarve: Portugal
Opinions on any destination will be mixed, but this will arguably be the most divisive suggestion of all. Many reviews of Portugal state that it is affordable, safe, and friendly, with hours of sunshine. I don’t disagree with these thoughts, but on my two visits to The Algarve, I’ve returned home with food poisoning on each occasion.
17. Manchester: England
I have family in Manchester, too, and I wish they hadn’t relocated. It claims to be a city that has regenerated, but acres of wasteland remain, while crime is rife in some parts. It’s a subjective opinion of Manchester, but other reviews suggest I’m not alone in my thoughts. The city also suffers from notoriously bad weather.
18. Houston: United States of America
Houston is seen as a cheaper tourist destination in the United States, but not everyone is happy that they came here. Proud Houstonians stand up for their city, but some travelers complain about poor weather, gridlocked traffic, and an overwhelming stench from oil refineries.
19. Oslo: Norway
The Norwegian capital is another city that can catch tourists on a budget. Flights and accommodation may be cheap, but there is a shock in store for those who haven’t done their research. Food and drink are costly, while many tourists complain there is little to do once they’ve arrived.
20. Hong Kong
In contrast to Oslo, many travelers found Hong Kong to be cheap in terms of essentials. Tourists like to come here for shopping because there is zero duty, while internal transport is inexpensive. According to some, the trap lies in accommodation, which they found prohibitively costly.
21. Jacksonville: Florida
Many of my English friends choose Florida as a holiday destination, so I was surprised to see Jacksonville make Forbes’ list of places to avoid. Bleak weather, dangerous driving conditions, and restaurants that receive consistently bad reviews have persuaded me to stay away.
22. Bruges: Belgium
While Bruges used to be a delightful place to visit, I fear it’s now become a tourist trap. This city provides stunning architecture, plus great bars and, of course, those delicious Belgian chocolates. It’s cheap to get here, but many outlets are now overpriced and preying on gullible tourists. I would recommend Ghent for a similar but more budget-friendly experience.
23. Malaga: Spain
From personal experience, Malaga seems to have changed in a short period. When I visited at the start of the new millennium, it was a quiet location ideal for the golfing holiday I was taking. Now, it appears almost overrun by expats, and the prevalence of street sellers in every outdoor area is tiring.
24. Cancun: Mexico
Like the Dominican Republic, Cancun has emerged as a destination for tourists who want to see a location without putting in too much effort. The abundance of all-inclusive resorts has made this area of Mexico more affordable, and there are indeed some stunning beaches. Some feel that Cancun is no more than a ‘tourist trap,’ while the noisy nightlife has spoiled the area and given it a Spring Break feel.
