Right before you arrive at any major tourist destination, monument, or event you face the prospect that what you see will meet (or won’t) your high expectations. There are those places though that despite the crowds, commercialization, and increasing popularity won’t let you down, even now that I’m further raising your expectations.
1. The Taj Mahal – India
As you walk up to the entrance of the Taj Mahal it’s easy to feel disappointment coming beyond the security checkpoint since you can’t get a good view from there. Once you round the corner though and see the Taj Mahal it will take your breath away. The feeling is that of walking into a king’s royal court.
2. The Blue Lagoon – Iceland
The Blue Lagoon is the most visited tourist site in Iceland (you can avoid some of the crowds by visiting Iceland in the winter) and plastered over almost every brochure about the unique island. It’s almost impossible to escape as you can see steam rising from it on your way from Keflavik International Airport into Reykjavik. The blue pools of water outside of the visitor center are just a taste of what’s to come. One step in the 40C (104F) waters and you won’t want to leave.
3. Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) – Turkey
This former church, upon which the Ottomans built a mosque, was later converted into a museum. You can see some of the attempts to uncover the church inside the walls of Ayasofya. Walking through this architecturally impressive building that houses multiple cultures and religions spanning over 1,000 years will exceed even your highest expectations.
4. Boracay – Philippines
Yes it’s getting a bit overcrowded and more and more shops and tourists are popping up, but Boracay is still one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. The Philippines itself is underrated so I strongly recommend it as somewhere to see but don’t let anyone talk you out of Boracay. One look at sky on your first night there and I know you’ll agree.
5. The Capitol Building – United States
Tours of the US Capitol Building are free and US citizens can get (also free) guided tours by emailing their Congress representative. You’ll learn a lot about the building and US history on the tour or if you’re a careful reader but one thing you shouldn’t miss is a live session of Congress. Time your trip well and you can catch the American legislative process in action.
There are several other places I could have put on this list, including the Great Wall of China and Machu Picchu, but would like to hear your take. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to add the Guinness Storehouse as one popular tourist attraction that doesn’t disappoint after I visit it this weekend. Later this month I’ll look at the other side of the coin and let you know the places that don’t live up to their reputations and why.
[photos by: ironmanixs, ilriccio, Chewy Chua, meckert75]
Definitely agree with you on the Taj Mahal – so many people tell me that they don’t want to see it because it is too touristy, but it is about three million times better than the pictures. I hopefully will be able to add Angkor Wat to this list because I have heard such great things about it. The Guinness Storehouse, in my opinion, wouldn’t make the list, but you might think differently. I didn’t realize you were in Ireland now. Hope you enjoy it!
Thanks Akila, I got invited here for a free trip and decided to extend it a few days and see some of the city. I’m actually headed to the Guinness Storehouse now after replying to the comments π
The Taj really took me by surprise even though my expectations were so high. I look forward to hearing what your impressions of Angkor Wat are.
It’s funny how you can get so used to a world class tourist attraction like I have with the Capitol. I used to walk by it every day on my way to work and barely notice it. Once in awhile I would look up though and think “wow.”
So totally with you on that and the Blue Lagoon (the crowds do nothing to make it less awesome). Still working on getting around to the others….
DC is a great place to travel and a lot of the attractions and things to do are free. I’ve heard the White House tour isn’t all that great but I enjoyed the Capitol. Lots of hidden artwork in the corridors throughout the building.
I so totally agree with Boracay! I was there when it was ’empty’ back in the late 80’s. I enjoyed it when it started developments in the early to mid-90’s. I would still go there today, if only to wax nostalgia about the good old days of Boracay. But the white sand beach and the starry night skies are a real draw!! Love Bora to death! By the way, I just posted about “The Mid-Boggling Foods of the Philippines”. See if you agree with me…
Happy weekend,
Jen
I saw your post on Facebook about it Jen, can’t wait to read it π I feel in love with Boracay as well and the Philippines in general. More people need to travel there.
Very interesting list, Anil. And strangely, the only one I’ve been to is the Capitol building, and that was as a child. Nice to see some unusual travel destinations being talked about.
The next one I’ll be at is almost certainly Machu Picchu. Can’t wait to see how the first impression goes.
I have been to 4 of the 5- and now I want to go to the fifth place- the blue lagoon in Iceland- it looks fantastic!!
hah, I would never have guessed Iceland was the odd one out!
Thanks for the post. I would love to visit iceland. Great information, and nice pics.
It’s right on the US/Europe route, might as well!
Loved Hagia Sophia, what a magical building that is! I’d also add in Machu Picchu to this list. It’s another place that’s far more than any picture could capture. Worth joining the tourist parade at least once to get there.
I think the reason these places are so compelling is their history, blended with their timeless quality, beauty and enigma. At least for the man-made destinations, there’s a feeling that the architects harnessed something beyond what the human mind can comprehend. Being privy to that makes it worth the time and effort it takes to get there. You seem to forget the other people experiencing at the same time.
Nico, one of the best comments I’ve read – I think you’ve captured the essence of these places and why they are so incredible. They are all man-made but seeing what humans can do is remarkable. The stories behind many of these places really take you back a moment to reflect when you’re there.
That Blue Lagoon looks fab, but I have to disagree about the U.S. Capitol building. I would recommend people check out the Library of Congress instead.
Awesome DC sight to visit.
What a beautiful post. I can’t imagine being disappointed if I had the opportunity to see any of the faraway (to me) places on this list. Thanks for calling a few of them to my attention. My wish-list is always growing!
Which is the closest? Next trip perhaps π
I’m elated to say I’ve seen Hagia. It was staggering, such amazing craftsmanship. The Taj Mahal is coming up in the fall. Cannot wait! π Another spot on article Anil.
Ah Istanbul is a most incredible city. My favorite…
I think it says a fair bit about you Anil, and the great group of travelers that you attract to your site, that these places are considered “touristy”. To most people – certainly to most Americans – these places might as well be on the moon.
Myself, when I consider a very popular tourist site that delivers, the first thing that pops into my head is the Louvre. You want to hate, you see the lines and the tourists and you think Oh man, how lame. And then it just blows you away.
Interesting point – touristy certainly in the number of people they draw in per year and their popularity in their respective areas. It’s a shame Americans don’t travel more.
taj mahal is truly breathtaking… i couldnt agree more…
despite of the big crowd in boracay, it’s still one of my favorite destinations… of all the beaches and islands that i’ve been to, boracay seems to have the whitest and finest sand….
It’s touristic but since many people pass up the Philippines for other destinations in SE Asia, it’s not as bad as it could (or should be). Wonderful beaches there, absolutely beautiful.
I MUST go to India. That’s on my top to do list.
It’s a land of contrasts but an incredible place to travel. So much to see and do there…and of course the Taj π
Hagia Sophia sure is one amazingly beautiful building. I love Istanbul! Each time I go there I see at least three dozen things that I haven’t noticed before. It is such a nice blend of old and new. DC is a great city, too. There is a lot to see including the Capitol building. The reflecting pool in front of it is pretty cool, too. My next destination may be Iceland in an effort to see all five you’ve mentioned, Anil. Great list!
You should go to Iceland! Great deals from IcelandAir (check the website they often have good special deals) and it’s on the way to Europe. You would *love* the Blue Lagoon and the shopping. Reykjavik is your kind of town!
Great post, Anil! This is an interesting collection of popular tourist destinations. I definitely agree with you on most of them.
Thanks Sonya π
I haven’t been to any of these so i can’t really judge but I do believe that sometimes some top sights can be a disappointment, especially if they’re overcrowded. Also I think it really depends on the mood you’re in and the circumstances in which you experience them. Remember that photo of Princess Di looking so miserable in front of the Taj Mahal just before her split was announced.
That’s true – and most of these are pretty crowded throughout the year. From my experience I’d say the crowds didn’t take away much from any of these places and for the Taj helped to add to the effect a bit. Can’t put my finger on why though.
Couldn’t agree more on Taj Mahal and Haghia Sophia – seen them both and was awed. Thanks for mentioning Boracay – the combination of talcum-powder sand, gorgeous sunsets and emerald green waters make it a perfect tropical retreat. I just don’t want to see it become another Phuket.
I think it’s a long ways off from that. With some clever marketing though and perhaps as Thailand gets more expensive it might be in 10 years.
Funny, I’ve been to the ones outside the US, but not the one place you mentioned in the US! Good list of some of the traditional and unique!
I agree that the Philippines are often overlooked – but even more so, the Philippine mountain area is even more overlooked! If you go north into Banaue and see the 3000 year old rice terraces – they certainly won’t disappoint either! You can hike from village to village there and really learn about the other non-beach culture in the Philippines!
As for an American destination that I visited over 3 times and never disappointed – Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay – very interesting history and amazing views!
I missed out on Alcatraz in the time I spent in San Fran, I was a bit worried about what it might be like and if it was worth the price (a bit expensive as I recall). Thanks for the recommendation though, I will certainly take it next time I’m in the area there.
I’ve seen three of these and fully agree. Others that I’d add to the list include Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, Antarctica, Sydney Harbour and Sistine Chapel/Vatican Museum (and many others).
I keep hearing good things about Machu Picchu and thanks for adding some other good inclusions to the list.
I can just keep staring at The Taj Mahal photo for minutes. I wonder how I will react when I see it in person… eventually.
I don’t know what it is about it but seeing its picture has that effect on me as well.
The only place I’ve visited on your list is the U.S. Capitol building. But when I’m in Washington D.C., my favorite destination is the Space Museum. I would love to visit the Taj Mahal without any crowds. One of the world’s great attractions that did disappoint me was China’s Great Wall. The section I visited was very touristy, crowded and steep. I’d like to try again though at another location on the wall. Other great sites to add to your list: The Grand Canyon, the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto and Bangkok’s Grand Palace.
Ooooh, one of my absolute favorites! I love the Space Museum.
When I was at the Taj Mahal it was crowded but didn’t really feel like it. I’m not sure if it was a relatively slow day but it’s pretty huge and I didn’t feel crowded, only a bit when entering the Taj.
umm the Taj? It’s not bad I guess… I haven’t been to any other places you mentioned. Sucks!
Good reason to hop that Reykjavik flight from Toronto!
What a lovely post! I can’t see how anyone would be disappointed visiting any of these distant destinations. Thank you for highlighting some of themβIβm definitely adding a few to my ever-growing travel wish-list!