Are you tired of spending more time waiting in line than actually enjoying your vacation? Well, you’re not alone. A recent study by Play USA analyzed Google reviews to uncover the tourist destinations with the most complaints about long lines.
Before you jet off on your next domestic or international trip, look out for these notorious line traps.
Long Line Traps in the USA
It might not come as a surprise that popular tourist destinations like Disney World often come with long lines. But did you know that there are other spots that might have even longer wait times?
According to Play USA’s study, the Powell/Mason Cable Car Turnaround in San Francisco, the Salem Witch Museum in Massachusetts, and the NASA Johnson Space Center in Texas are among the top destinations where people complain most about lines.
While these are just a few examples, there are many other tourist attractions in the United States that are notorious for their long lines. Some of the other destinations that made the list include:
- Hersheypark (Pennsylvania)
- Four Corners Monument (Arizona)
- San Diego Zoo Safari (California)
- The Alamo (Texas)
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York)
International Spots to Think Twice About
Long lines aren’t just a problem in the United States — you’ll find them snaking around the block in all corners of the world. In fact, Penang Hill in Malaysia tops the list of destinations worldwide with the most line complaints. And while Canada has fewer destinations on the list compared to the U.S., it still has a significant number of tourist spots with notoriously long lines.
Some of the other international destinations that made the list include:
- Calgary Stampede (Canada)
- Moulin Rouge (France)
- The Colosseum (Italy)
- The Great Wall of China
- Machu Picchu (Peru)
Tips for Planning Your Next Trip
To beat the lines and actually have fun on your next vacation, try out some of these strategies:
- Travel during the off-season: Many popular destinations experience peak crowds during the summer months. Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of off-peak times to avoid long lines.
- Book flights in advance: To secure the best deals and avoid sold-out flights, book your domestic flights one to two months ahead of time. For international flights, it’s best to book as far as three to five months ahead.
- Look into less popular attractions: While popular destinations are usually popular for a reason — and might be totally worth the wait — there are plenty of other lesser-known options out there that can provide just as memorable experiences.
- Consider alternative transportation: If you’re traveling to a popular place, try public transit or alternative forms of transportation to avoid traffic congestion and parking hassles.
- Prepare yourself to wait in line: Even if you take all the necessary precautions, you still might find yourself in one of those infamous monster queues. Be prepared to wait patiently and make the most of your time. Think ahead and pack some distractions, like a good book to read or a portable game to play with your family.
Ultimately, you don’t have to spend your vacation queuing up. Don’t be afraid to check out hidden gems and go off the beaten path. And if one of the worst line traps is on your bucket list, go for it — the experience might just be worth the wait.
