10 Surprisingly Great Travel Experiences We Were Told Wouldn’t Be Good

New York, New York, USA skyline.

Embarking on a journey often comes with preconceived notions, shaped by hearsay or travel advisories. However, the world is filled with hidden gems and unexpected delights that defy conventional wisdom. In this article, we explore 10 travel experiences that not only exceeded expectations but also shattered the misconceptions that surrounded them.

France

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In the United States, especially, there’s a stereotype that French people are rude, but many visitors found the opposite to be true. One traveler said, “Waiters in Paris weren’t rude at all. People were friendly and helpful. I felt happy trying out my French and we all enjoyed laughing about my struggles.”

Naples, Italy

Panoramic scenic view of Naples at night, Campania, Italy
Photo credit: Pani Garmyder // Shutterstock.com

“Everyone says to skip Naples or to pretend that the city next to Vesuvius doesn’t exist. I absolutely loved the city, its vibe and culture, its food, and its severely underrated museum. Use common sense, and Naples is an absolute blast. Loved it,” says one happy visitor.

Romania

Brasov, Transylvania. Romania. The medieval Castle of Bran, known for the myth of Dracula.
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One user said, “I love Romania, spent a few months working in rural Transylvania. Bucharest itself wasn’t my favorite city in the world but it’s certainly not the post soviet hell hole like you sometimes hear. One of my best nights out was hitting the Pálinka with some pub proprietor in Bucharest”

Istanbul, Turkey

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. The world famous monument of Byzantine architecture. View of the St. Sophia Cathedral at sunset.
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“Istanbul is my fav city in the entire world. I loved it more than Amsterdam, Barcelona, and London. Perfect mix of the East and West, clean, hospitable people, incredibly inexpensive (I live in San Francisco), and amazing food. I wasn’t expecting much but my word, it blew me away,” said an enthusiastic visitor.

New York

New York City skyline with urban skyscrapers at sunset, USA.
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“Being from the west coast of the US, I’ve always heard that east coasters move at a quicker pace and aren’t as friendly/won’t have time to stop for strangers. My first time in NYC, I had several strangers approach me to start a conversation or give me a compliment while I was wandering around alone. There was even a rich older lady next to me on a bench that ended up walking me around Central Park to show me her favorite spots.”

Michoacán, Mexico

Mexico, Michoacan, Morelia, a popular tourist destination, scenic Morelia Cathedral located on Plaza de Armas in historic city center.
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One commenter loved their time there. They said, “I went there last year during Día de muertos and was warned by so many people to avoid that state entirely. I felt completely safe in Morelia, and these other pueblos mágicos that I visited. The food was delicious and the people were so nice, I’m glad I didn’t listen to those people telling me I should stay away. The Día de muertos festivities were amazing there as well.”

Manila, Philippines

Facade of Manila Cathedral, Manila, Philippines
Photo credit: Sean Hsu // Shutterstock.com

One visitor said, “Everyone on reddit ‘don’t go there…You will get stabbed. Traffic sucks.’ Experienced some of the loveliest people, some of the best food and great shopping. Yes there were some sketchy areas but no sketchier than Los Angeles that’s for sure. Great street food, awesome bars to watch sports in, and epic drinks and you’re a short flight away from paradise. Traffic wasn’t too bad either if you avoid peak hours.”

China

forbidden city in beijing,China
Photo credit: chuyuss // Shutterstock.com

“The country is stereotyped as dirty, polluted, and industrial with not much worth seeing. The people get stereotyped as unfriendly, selfish, and rude…Parts of the country are indeed polluted and industrial, but other parts had some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve seen in my time traveling the world (and I only saw a fraction of the country). But the people were what really blew me away,” said one commenter.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Plovdiv, Bulgaria - September 8, 2021: Street in Kapana area of historic part of Plovdiv city
Photo credit: Fotokon // Shutterstock.com

You may have never heard of this place, but a few Redditors agreed on its charm. One user said, “It’s the perfect blend of interesting historical places, great food and nightlife. We mostly went to Bulgaria because we were on a budget, but it turned out to be one of the best trips I’ve had in years. Also the nature in Bulgaria is mesmerizing.”

Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal skyline with Sao Jorge Castle
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“I didn’t expect it to be bad since they have Latin roots but damn was it lovely, people were so helpful with directions even if they didn’t speak any English, nobody tried to overcharge me and all the recommendations that were given to me were spot on! We did a bit of a tour of the entire country and I would recommend it to anyone who has doubts,” says one enchanted visitor.

12 of the Most Underrated Cities in Europe to Add to Your Bucket List

Cityscape view on Ljubljanica river canal in Ljubljana old town. Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and famous european tourist destination.
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From charming medieval towns tucked away in the heart of the continent to vibrant coastal cities along the Adriatic Sea, this article will take you on a journey through Europe’s hidden jewels, offering a fresh perspective on where your next adventure should lead you.

Read more: 12 of the Most Underrated Cities in Europe to Add to Your Bucket List

20+ Amazing Things to Do in Cusco, Peru + Day Trips You Won’t Want to Miss

Young red haired smiling girl jumping in front of the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, Peru
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Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, never fails to captivate visitors with its rich history and vibrant culture. From exploring ancient ruins to savoring mouthwatering local cuisine, Cusco offers a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences for every traveler. In this post, I’ll share some of the best things to do in Cusco that I personally enjoy doing when I visit. 

Read more: 20+ Amazing Things to Do in Cusco, Peru + Day Trips You Won’t Want to Miss

14 of the Most Underrated U.S. Cities Americans Say You Need to Visit

Rachel Carson Bridge (aka Ninth Street Bridge) spans Allegheny river in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Editorial credit: Mihai_Andritoiu / Shutterstock.com

Feeling restless and bored of the usual ho-hum tourist spots across the good ole USA? Craving something more thrilling and exciting? Well, you’re in for a treat! Fellow wanderers have spilled the beans on some of the best-kept secrets in the country, and we’re inviting you to come along for the ride! So, fasten your seatbelts, grab a map, and venture off the beaten path to uncover some truly magical and underrated gems together!

Read more: 14 of the Most Underrated U.S. Cities Americans Say You Need to Visit

12 Beautiful Castles in Europe You Must Add to Your Bucket List, According to Europeans

Iconic castle Burg Etz over sunset. Medieval monuments of Germany
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Europeans have revealed some of their favorite castles in Europe to seek on an online platform. These architectural wonders range from the magical Eltz Castle in Germany to the romantic Chenonceau in France, the looming Hohensalzburg in Austria, and the beautiful Castelo de Almourol in Portugal, transport tourists to past periods of chivalry, royalty, and intrigue.

Read more: 12 Beautiful Castles in Europe You Must Add to Your Bucket List, According to Europeans