No Desire to Visit

Every time I've visited a place I thought I had no interest in, I've been pleasantly surprised by how much I learned and how much I enjoyed my time there.

Keeping that in mind, my "no desire to visit" locations include Vienna (sounds too stuffy and boring) and almost all of the former USSR eastern block countries.

The "want to visit ... why" exceptions include Lithuania (the family of a friend and work colleague were refugees from there after WWII) and Bulgaria (our trainer is an immigrant from there 💪).

After I had lived and taught in Hungary nearly thirty (!!!!) years ago now, about four years later I went back to do a summer internship. My mom decided to come visit, in part, I think, to see what this place was that had captured my heart so.

She tried to get her sister to come with her. (Now to be fair, my aunt never traveled anywhere outside the United States, never even to London for example.) but she told my mom she wasn't interested in Hungary because it was “so gray” there.

Her imagination wasn't able to get past the black-and-white images she had always seen on television, to understand that there was a technicolor riot of life to be seen.

I guess for me the place I’m not interested in actually going is a place I would absolutely love to go if it weren't completely overtouristed and crowded: the Cinque Terre. It looks sooooo beautiful but I don't think I could deal with the crowds.

Otherwise, the main places I am not interested in going to are hot southern beaches in July and August !! But send me to Sicily in May or October and I would be in heaven.

If there were a specific reason, I would go most anywhere in Europe. For example, if a friend invited me and had a place for me to stay, or if there were a specific event I wanted to see. The only places in the world I would not go would be ones I felt were unsafe, due to violence, disease, or natural disaster type concerns.

But there are plenty of places I have no specific desire to visit. For whatever reason I'm not interested in Germany, other than Berlin. I've also been to Munich and areas nearby and had a fine time, but no desire to go back or see other parts of the country. Also Ireland. Just not interested. But in both cases I know I'd have a great time if I happened to go. These are obviously very popular countries, people love visiting them, and I can see the theoretical appeal, I just don't feel it. I can't even say why. I do tend to prefer places further south (Spain, Greece, Croatia, Italy...), but there are plenty of more northern places I enjoy or want to visit so it's not just a simple north/south of the Alps thing.

And Frank II, good call on the Blue Lagoon. Iceland is amazing. The Blue Lagoon is not, and while I had a decent time, it's definitely not worth it.

Kim, I agree on the Cinque Terre. Looks lovely but due to the crowds I have no interest. Somehow I'm ok with crowds in cities, but they tend to ruin more natural-beauty focused places for me.

Also, I adore southern Spain, but some of the costa del sol beach towns look like an absolute nightmare. You can find much nicer and quieter beaches in Spain. As an American, if I wanted that sort of overcrowded beach scene I'll go to Florida, a cheap 2 hour flight away! I'm aware that northern Europeans consider this region of Spain similarly to how I consider Florida.

I have no interest in going to Antarctica.

The Blue Lagoon was amazing. Also, Barcelona is a very interesting city.

For some reason, the island of Sicily hasn't interested me enough to pay to go there. Italy is one of my favorite countries and I still haven't been to Umbria yet. Had a trip planned for there, but cancelled due to COVID.

I was planning to go to Bosnia & Herzegovina in the fall but canceled due to the Delta surge. I'm planning on trying again in August of this year (I'm hoping political tensions remain just political tensions). When asked about my next trip, the reply of "Bosnia" nearly always gets a funny look and a "Why?" I'm interested in pretty much all the old Soviet block countries.

For whatever reason, Spain and Portugal are nowhere on my travel radar at this point. There are too many other places I want to see.

I can't think of anywhere I absolutely don't want to visit. As others have said, sometimes a place I visit holds more interest and fun than I had imagined. I will say the Blue Lagoon was awesome. Mingling with people from all over the world in a warm pool with champagne was truly wonderful.

When I took a Baltic Cruise in 2019, I was not that interested in Tallinn Estonia but I ended up loving it. It was beautiful and interesting and turned out to be one of my favorite places. Very rich culture and history.

You never know.

I don't really have a desire to visit Spain or Poland or Portugal (Portugal is a maybe - someday far down on the list.)

Central and South America hold no interest.

Beach destinations in the winter (or any time of year) hold no interest for me.

Now - if someone gave me an all expenses paid trip to Spain or Poland or Portugal - sigh me up!

Eastern Europe holds no allure for me, nor do China or India. But I’d go most anywhere in Western Europe and Japan holds interest.

Overall, I am done with large cities and gravitate to smaller towns as long as I can get there without renting a car.

Have never, ever wanted to visit Russia. There is nothing there that interests me. Dubai looks interesting, but not enough to spend my hard-earned euro to go there on vacation.

There is not a huge desire to go to S. America or Central America, but I wouldn't turn down a free trip there.

I had no desire to visit the blue lagoon but when I invited my mom along on my Iceland trip, I thought I would add the activity as something more low tempo for her. I ended up LOVING the experience and we stayed for HOURS. Expected to be there for two max and stayed for well over 4. Was super surprised by how much I enjoyed it and by the price. Maybe it was because of covid but it wasn’t as expensive as I was expecting.

I also had no desire to go to Paris but my dad invited me on a work trip and I’m not going to say no to a free vacation so I went. Paris completely blew me away and I have no idea why I ever thought I wouldn’t like it.

These experiences make me very wary of ever pushing something off my list but there are still a few places I don’t have a big desire to go. Italy being one. I went on a trip to Venice, Rome, and Florance about a decade ago and I really have no desire to return to any part of the country. I also don’t have a huge pull to go to Greece. I figured I will see these places one day but for now they are at the bottom of my bucket list.

The only place I can think of that I want to go to that people might question is Albania. When I was traveling the Balkans, everyone told me how I needed to go and now I’m super intrigued.

Good question. Greece is low on my list, and most of my husbands lifelong friends are Greek. Go Figure. Also Finland, Sweden, and Denmark. We stopped at the main cities on a Balkan cruise but nothing is pulling me back for a return visit. Norway was on that list but after some reading (thanks to Rick’s $5 guidebook sale in 202) I have put it back in my list. Iceland too. No desire, even if it was free. Serbia, but my husband would like to visit Tito’s grave.
We usually travel with my cousin and her husband, we are almost like one person. Since I do all the planning, I will say to them, how about Spain 3-4 weeks in September? They will let me know which are the best dates, and off we go. Whenever I ask them where they want to go, they answer, wherever you plan. I wonder if they have any places they aren’t interested in.

Does anyone else have places they don't want to visit even though they are popular (and may be spoken about on this board? Or other places you want to visit that might have other people saying "why?" (Let's keep it to Europe.)

Tough question. Popular places that are lower on my list would be Portugal, Ireland, and the Amalfi Coast.

Places people ask why would you go there, would be Baltic countries, Russia.

I don't have any "absolutely not" countries, but there is a bottom of the list.

My advice to those who skip places because of crowds, plan your day around the crowds. First thing in the morning and later in the afternoon you can miss the crowds at popular sites. Go to the "off sites" during the meat of the day and enjoy leisurely lunches and stroll through parks, walk lakes or sit and watch the crowds scurry.

Only Russia comes to mind.

Hmmm, I think that “no interest” for me = “not yet enough knowledge”. I can’t think of anywhere in Europe I wouldn’t be interested in going, if I had a reason. That being said, I won’t be able to get everywhere so I have a long list of places I KNOW I want to go - and countries not on that list currently are Germany, Finland, Portugal, Iceland, Lithuania, and Latvia (plus India, plus South America as a whole, and much of SE Asia). I don’t even know why I am not in a hurry to visit…..

But again, I sure didn’t have Ireland or Croatia or Slovenia on my list of top ten either in the past few years and after being there, absolutely love them. Like Frank II, Barcelona was never on my list (love Andalusia) but a really cheap flight plus a really strong need for a trip is taking me there next month. And the more pictures I see, the more intrigued I am, so I suspect I will love it also. Add me to the short list of those who would be fine not going back to Vienna or Paris (although I had a great time and am glad I went).

Edit: Christina, I am hoping to work Albania in for 2023! Even my “travel friends” are going to wonder both why and where it is. 🤣. Dave, same for BiH. Keeping my fingers crossed for fall of 2023.

There are no places that I wouldn't try at least once, but there are some that are further down my "everywhere" list. And there are some places I've gone to that I expected to love and came out of there with a "meh." For example, I traveled solo to Greece many years ago and tacked on Italy just as an afterthought (I had 3 weeks there so why not?). I wound up leaving Greece early after a few not-so-great experiences and heading to Italy. I loved Italy so much I went back a few years later and would happily go there again. Part of the problems with Greece involved the time of year, transportation and a few other things, so I would never tell someone not to go there based on my experiences, but I probably would not go back.

Paris was another such experience - I enjoyed my time there but have no real desire to go back. That being said, I'm glad I went. I agree with Christina about trying places - the last time I went to Germany and Austria, I decided to tack on Salzburg, even though I feared its touristy reputation. I wound up loving it - it's incredibly beautiful with many things to see and do that do not involve The Sound of Music. :)

And Frank, I'm with you on the the Blue Lagoon - I was in Iceland several years ago and had no desire to go there. I will say that I was short on time, so I might try it (especially after the comments here) if I went back. I do have a desire to visit Barcelona, but it would be a quick trip. Southern Spain (particularly Cáceres in the Extremadura area) is one area that I absolutely loved and wish to go back to. And my cousin and her husband just bought a centuries-old house in the Basque region (his mother is from Spain and he has family there) so I'm hoping to finagle an invite there in the sometime future.

Every time I've visited a place I thought I had no interest in, I've
been pleasantly surprised by how much I learned and how much I enjoyed
my time there.

5 years ago, my answer would have been London. Both my wife and I had looked through some guidebooks to decide on where to go next. After looking at the London books we both agreed that we'd drop it well down the list. But an opportunity came up to go and now it's my favourite city I've ever been to. It turns out, my favourite trip always seems to be the one I've just been on. So my current answer is Germany and Ireland, but from past history, I'll end up wondering why I said that.

My husband and I have a "priority list" for future trips, but have also decided retirement allows us to be much more flexible and open to new destinations. For instance, last month we spent a week on a cruise with port calls in Spain, a country not on our priority list. We went because the destinations seemed interesting, our Covid-related concerns were addressed as best as possible, and it was an incredible "deal". Plus we could easily get to Rome and use our Covid cancellation vouchers :). Loved Spain and now want to return! Also a very positive cruise experience-and I have not been a cruise fan. Going forward I know we'll keep making plans based on that priority list but will stay open to new ideas.

Kim, I read your comment about the Cinque Terre and that makes me sad that it is like that now. I went there many years ago in the early to mid-90s when Rick Steves books were still relatively unknown. I was traveling solo and got off the train, wandered into town and held up one finger saying "una camera" over and over. Finally a little old lady dressed all in black came over, grabbed my hand and led me to a building nearby. She continued to pull me up 2 flights of stairs and took me into a small apartment. She showed me a room, her husband wrote down a price, I nodded my head and I stayed there for four days. We communicated by sign language or a bit of French (her husband spoke some French and I spoke even less but it worked). I think I was the only tourist in town.

So when I hear about it now, I wonder whether the "Back Door" philosophy has failed. Rick Steves once gave a lecture in my home town of Cincinnati and came out beforehand to answer questions. I asked him about the Cinque Terre and how so much has changed since he first started promoting it in his books. He didn't really have an answer and I didn't expect one but it seemed to bother him. I just wonder where you draw the line.

Um, Syria? But that could change if the situation were to drastically change.

Other than that, I'm with Ladyvet27. I find things to enjoy and appreciate no matter where I go. Often, it's been the places that weren't top of my list that I ended up enjoying most.

My first trip outside of North America was to Hong Kong and Tokyo. I went there because my husband had a work trip to Taiwan, via Hong Kong, and I met him there after his work trip was done. We added on Tokyo, because we had to change planes there on the way home, anyway. These weren't high on my list at all. In fact, I don't think I'd ever thought much of going there. If I had, Japan/Tokyo would have been higher on my list than Hong Kong. However, it turns out I enjoyed Hong Kong a lot--moreso than Tokyo. And I'm glad I went when I did. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable going there right now.

When I finally made it, on my third trip, to the top place on my "list": Prague, I enjoyed it a lot, but it was Budapest that stole my heart. We added on Budapest because we were roughly following the itinerary cruise ships took (after looking into a cruise and deciding we could go for twice the time for less than half the cost if we did the trip on our own). We knew very, very little about Budapest. It sounded exotic and interesting, but we really didn't know what to expect. We thoroughly enjoyed it and could have stayed longer.

I have yet to be to Greece, which was right near the top of my "list" at one point. Now, we kind of go where the wind takes us. By that I mean that we take advantage of opportunities that present themselves. e.g. Our trip to Lisbon, Madrid, Barcelona, and Nice came up because of great airfare deals. We had originally been thinking of Peru. Our trip to Namibia happened because my brother went there and raved about it. It hadn't even been on our radar before that. Our trip to Denmark, Norway, Scotland, and the south of England came about because our daughter was going to school in Exeter that year, and we met with her at the end of her exams and travelled to places she hadn't yet been. (She had travelled a lot around Europe on her school breaks.) My husband really wanted to see New York, and I didn't, but I had a wonderful time there. Our upcoming trip to Ireland is happening because, when we looked at how to get to/from Croatia, the best deal was by transiting through that country, so we decided to take advantage of that.

I've sometimes seen people criticized here for booking trips to a country without really knowing what they want to see and do there. Well, I've often done that, and it's worked out wonderfully. Budapest, Ireland, and Namibia are all examples of that. I've decided it's best to toss out my preconceived notions and be open to new experiences.

That said, the idea of large crowds WILL put me off. It doesn't mean I won't go, but I will do my best to avoid peak times in popular places.

Fun thread. Everyone loves Iceland but it holds little interest for me. Romania is moving up my list of places I want to visit though.

I think our sense of what’s popular on this site is probably different from the average population. Budapest is probably the City I most want to visit. I’d guess that’s a common choice around here but likely a lot less so outside of this forum.

BB, that is so true. We are taking my cousin and her husband back to Croatia the end of June to finish the trip they started last September. They had to leave from Split 10 days early due to a death in the family. We wanted them to see Istria, Rijeka, and Zagreb. I got my RS Eastern European guide to peruse and it opened to the pages on Ljubljana. My husband and I haven’t been there since the breakup of Yugoslavia. Well, I figured we will be driving from Rijeka to Zagreb anyway, what’s a 3/4 day detour. So now Ljubljana is in our itinerary.

The Louvre is a place I've never really desired to visit, but will go anyway just because it's a place you go while in Paris. I'll likely research the heck out of it and maybe I can find a tour or info that lets me tour it as a former Palace and not an art museum.

Frank II - since in your question you mention a place not a country I thought I would throw in wineries. Any winery. We’ve been to many before and discovered they are all basically the same. Grapevines, oak casks, long bar where wine is served. So now we just avoid them. They usually are outside of the city and take up a chunk of valuable sightseeing time. Besides, my husband doesn’t drink wine.

Barbara, same here. I don't like wine, so wineries don't interest me.

Magaluf, never been, never will.

Been to Paris and Barcelona, wasn't impressed by either and most likely won't return.

Madrid doesn't interest me despite Spain being one of my favourite countries to visit.

Iceland holds no appeal. Dublin was far too hostile. I'm intrigued by Athens but the squalor puts me off. I love long weekends in Eastern European and former Soviet Bloc cities. My top destinations in Europe I want to visit are Lisbon, San Sebastian, Sopot and Tirana (odd given my reasons for doubting Athens).

Blackburn, Sheffield, Scunthorpe, Doncaster, Oldham, Burnley and Hull. I spent a weekend in Hull once, it drained every ounce of optimism and joy from me.

The big cities hold no allure for me. Have been to Paris 3 times and it was ok, but no need to return. London once, and liked it better than I thought. Vienna twice and found it rather boring. Amsterdam once was enough, but I like Haarlem. I like Prague and would go back there. Really have no desire to go to Rome or Berlin. I have been to all the Scandinavian Capitals and don't need to go back. I think I might like Spain and Portugal if I ever get a chance to visit. I prefer smaller cities such as Luzern, Venice, Salzburg or tiny villages like Freiburg, Nurnberg, Bacharach, Germany, Hallstatt, Austria and Gimmelwald, Switzerland. I would like to go to the smaller cities/villages in Greece, but not Athens. Have been many places in France but no desire to go back.

Frank II,

Interesting question! I haven't given it a lot of thought but I suppose there are places that I have no desire to go, either because of money constraints or because of lack of interest. I'd put these on a five point scale, with five being places I would really like to visit or return to, and zero being places that I have absolutely no interest in seeing....

• 0 - China - given the fate of a few Canadians that have visited there, I don't plan to ever set foot in the country.
• 0 - Thailand - it seems to be very popular in the winter, but there are other places that interest me more.
• 0 - Myanmar (although I would like to see the historic sites from the WW-2 railway)
• 0 - Mexico - been there, done that. No desire to go back.
• 2 - South America - the only place I'd like to see is Machu Picchu.
• 2 - South Africa - I'd like to visit Natal province and see Rorke's Drift. I've thought about a Safari but it's low on my list of priorities.
• 1 - Russia - Other than St. Petersburg, I don't know what else there is that might interest me. I'm less inclined to visit countries that require a formal Visa.
• 3 - Cuba - I've been considering a visit there for awhile but will have to do more research on it.
• 3 - Hawaii - I'd love to return to Oahu and re-visit the Pearl Harbour sites. I'm sure there's more to see since my last visit. It would also be a great place to get some winter sun, but I'll have to wait until travel is more "normal".
• 4 - Poland - I've only made one visit to Poland so far, and I found the people there to be absolutely wonderful. I'd like to see more of the country, including Warsaw, Krakow and Auschwitz.
• 4 - Hungary - I would at least like to see Budapest. I haven't done any research on other sights there.
• 4 - Australia - It would be nice to see some of the country, and I'm still thinking of taking one of the railway trips there. This will also have to wait until travel is more "normal".
• 5 - Italy - I'd like to finish my last visit there that was unfortunately interrupted by an injury.
• 5 - Switzerland - I never have to think twice about returning to Switzerland.

Magaluf, Benidorm, Ibiza, Albufeira, The Floribama and Myrtle Beachof Europe.

I had no desire to visit Italy. Then I went for 12 days on the recommendation of friends; I've been back about half a dozen times and have another trip planned (yay!!) for next month.

Georgia and Armenia weren't on my radar. 2 Israeli guides I knew well were taking a group, so I went. Amazing places I think everyone should see.

I had a 3-night stop in Bangkok on my way home from Australia and New Zealand. I've been back to Thailand twice for long stays which ended up extending to Cambodia, Vietnam and Hong Kong - none of which I'd thought about before that.

I had no desire to visit Portugal until I saw the photos friends took of their trip. My 3.5 week trip was excellent.

I could go on. My point is that just because I might be misinformed (or just uninformed) about a place doesn't mean I'd skip a good opportunity to visit it. One of the joys of travel is being pleasantly surprised.

My problem is that i've been traveling to Europe for 51 years, and we've been to just about all the major cities 4-5 times each. The thrill of going to very familiar places is just not there. any longer.
We have visited the southern coastal cities of Spain a couple of times and found them to be a sea of high rise condos. We finally visited inland Spain just before the pandemic, and we loved Madrid, Granada and Barcelona. The country is large, and we'll be back.
We have put off visiting Portugal because it's so far west, but it's on our bucket list along with the Eastern Adriatic countries across from Italy.
My wife has developed some mobility issues, however we've figured out how to travel with a folding electric scooter without assistance. The cruise industry is coming back, and we're taking another Baltic Cruise in June and spending a week in London area where we're very familiar with the turf. Cruise lines are throwing some very inexpensive trips out there around Europe.
We used to travel fast and far by rental cars--seeing everything possible on our trips. But we now travel slower, and we're getting so much more out of our trips. There's nothing like travel off the beaten path, as Rick Steves says.
We have also found that the advent of budget European airlines gives us the ability to see one area and then take a quick one or two hour flight to a completely different place.
Now we pray that political tensions will moderate. We show little interest in traveling the U.S. domestically in our retirement years.

For me it’s Berlin. I love Germany and have been there 6 times. I plan to go back. But I have never been to Berlin and don’t want to go. I mean if someone said here is a free trip to a Berlin, I’d take it, but it’s not a place I plan to spend my limited vacation time on.

France & Italy. Any truly large city. I tend to be underwhelmed by things that are 'the number one tourist attraction' somewhere. I, too, have no interest in visiting the Blue Lagoon (I'd rather spend much more time thoroughly exploring Þingvellir).
I'm not a person who likes to say 'never' though. And have pleasantly surprised myself. On my last trip, I really did not want to visit Copenhagen. It was part of a packaged tour, though. But I loved it & now it's my favorite city (I did avoid a certain mermaid, though).

Aimee, thank you but my memory is actually pretty crappy. However, I keep a travel journal on every overseas trip and write everything down. It gives me something to do when I'm eating dinner in a restaurant or riding on the train but more importantly, it brings all the memories back when I re-read them.

And you're right - Rome is nothing like the small villages and towns (although I love Rome!). Rick Steves goes on about Sienna a lot, but I wound up loving Assisi - it was beautiful, charming and peaceful. And I still have not covered the whole of Italy. I would love to spend a month or so there and travel from village to village.

Btw, Ireland is not at the top of my list but after reading some of your posts and others here, I might have to bump it up. I have a feeling I would really like it.

It's interesting to read all these diverse opinions.

For me it's anywhere in Europe, at least for now, with the exception of Turkey. I've been to Europe ten times, and while there are lots of corners of that continent I'd still like to see, the rest of the world beckons much louder. I'm planning to take my second trip to South America this spring, and hope to visit Turkey sometime in the next year. After that, Israel and Jordan, various parts of Africa, Thailand, and New Zealand are at the top of my list. But it's an ever changing list, so who knows...

At first I thought “Great Topic” then I realized I would have to be negative about some place in the world. That’s not an easy thing on several fronts.

I guess there are a few places where I would feel uncomfortable because of personal belief sets. I would probably feel even more uncomfortable if I went anyway and enjoyed them.

If someone had told me 5 years ago I would go to Albania and Kosovo I would have told them no way in hell. Well, they were open during the worst of COVID, so of course I went. Loved them.

Eastern Asia isn’t at the top of my list, but Western Asia; yes, and soon I hope.

I think Dave above mentioned the advantages of European Discount Airlines. That opened up a bunch of the world that I otherwise would have never seen. You can bounce all over once obscure parts of Europe and Western Asia now in an hour or two; then return to some sort of familiar comfort in Central or Western Europe. It turned a lot of “nevers” into “why nots?”

I’ve been to 50+ countries, some for fun, some for volunteer work, and some for business. Only one “European” country I would never go back to and that is Russia. Many I have seen/been and wouldn’t probably return for various reasons (too cold in Scandinavia) but no absolutely NOT except Russia.

Sticking to Europe -- I have zero interest in the Riviera or any popular high-end beach resort. That said, Spain was low on my list, but in November I went there and really loved it. I can't imagine this happening with the Riviera, but I'll never find out because I it is not even on the bottom of my list. I just can't see flying all the way to Europe and hanging out on a beach. My husband is even less interested in this than me.

I have visited 78 foreign countries and enjoyed every one of them
Still there are things that I like about some places:

1)Dining, I love Mediterranean food, which includes Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Turkey, Israel and Arab countries. Not that I don't like German, Scandinavian or British but just love the Med dining. Still, I like variety and Japan, China, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand are great. Still, after a wonderful three week tour of China and eating Chinese food every day, except for breakfast, I was ready for western food again. Further, take notice that dining in Peru is exquisite. The dining in South America is different in every country. Peru is amazing. The potato came from Peru and when you get potatoes there, you may get 8 different types on your plate. Also, empanadas in Chile and Argentina are great. Argentine steaks are beyond compare.

2) History, as a lover of history, including ancient history, I love places like Italy (one of my favorites), Greece, Turkey and Israel. Still, love traveling the countryside of Great Britain and its historic places. Just don't order Lasagna in a British restaurant. It's OK to order it in an Italian restaurant in Britain, just not a British restaurant. Get fish and chips instead. Also, places like Machu Picchu in Peru and pyramids in Mexico (outside Mexico City and more on the Yucatán) are special. More, the Great Wall of China, Terracotta Warriors in Xian, China are special as is the city of Kyoto, Japan. Israel is not to be forgotten with its amazing Biblical history.

3) Art, again place like Italy, France come to mind. The Sistine Chapel is at the top of my list for art, but the Vatican Museum,, museums in Florence, Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, St. Petersburg, New York City and Washington, DC have lots of great art. The Richsmuesm with all the Rembrandt's is one of my favorite in Amsterdam.

4) Scenic places, Around the Horn of South America, the Swiss Alps, Great Ocean Highway south of Melbourne, Australia, the Fjords of Norway, Hawaii, Madeira, Glacier Bay in Alaska and the Canadian Rockies are high on my list.

5) Wildlife, still haven't done my safari in East Africa (set for this July after postponing it for two years). but I am sure that will be super. The wildlife in Alaska or the Argentine Patagonia, Australian outback, or unusual animals/birds on the Galapagos Island (that trip is set for April/May.

Still, must mention the few negative issues over the years:
1) First time in Paris in 1983, I had no idea so many Parisian waiters could be so rude. Still, after several visits to France, 99% of the people were wonderful.
2) Worst drivers in the world were in Saudi Arabia (lived there 5 years), although Boston area is worst in USA. Also, Egyptian drivers can scare anyone.
3) I have always loved Russian Literature and music, going to the Mariinsky Ballet to see Swan Lake in St. Petersburg was a big YES,
still, many Russians seem to think Americans smile and are too friendly. Still, I understand that if you every make a friend of a Russian, they are the best friends ever.

3)

I’ve been to 50+ countries

I have visited 78 foreign countries

Okay, I counted. I have a lot of catching up to do; a mere 31 out of the 195 possible; 33 if you count California and Hawaii. (22 in Europe out of a possible 44 so I am halfway there).

To the point of the post: Never had an experience that I regretted and there isn’t a place that I would not return to under the right circumstances.

There aren’t many places that I wouldn’t want to try within Europe, however Russia hasn’t particularly interested me compared to other places. I am sure it has its good parts and I would like to travel on the Trans Siberian railway.

Monaco holds zero interest - some old money, but mostly nouveau riche tax exiles trying to out spend each other. Gross.

I have no interest in the French Riviera either.

Andorra - most of the things I have heard aren’t favourable.

Benidorm and the high rise Spanish costas.

Austria isn’t high on my list. Nor is Switzerland. I know the scenery is great, but it just doesn’t appeal. Maybe it’s because the only people I know that have been there go to ski and I don’t ski.

Anywhere by cruise ship. There was a tv programme on last night about a huge cruise liner and it seemed like hell - people eating and drinking 24/7. A chef said people eat one meal a day i.e. they never stop.

I'm down to visit anywhere in Europe, but my current interest is The Balkans, Italy and Eastern Europe. Bottom of the list are probably Denmark and the Netherlands. My favorite place is always 'somewhere I haven't been yet'. Beyond Europe I'm drawn to Africa (most of it), Central Asian/The Stans and various tropical islands. South America is less appealing. Loved NZ but not keen on Australia. Dubai and the like are firmly bottom of the list.

I can't find a single good reason to visit Scotland. And I have tried to find a reason. Maybe that's also why the Romans said it wasn't worth the bother. Its damp, treeless, lots of obnoxious plants, and everyone lies about how important their place is, depending on who you are talking to: No wonder the national beast is a Unicorn. :)

I can't find a single good reason to visit Scotland. And I have tried
to find a reason.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEZJWB9G_BY

I expect some day I will end up going there, but Italy just does not call to me. Same with Portugal, despite knowing people who think both countries are fabulous.

I can't find a single good reason to visit Scotland. And I have tried
to find a reason.

Whiskey

Golf

Seafood

Castles

Loch Ness Monster

Spain. Even though I have to friends who now live there. Sure the Basque area interests me but enough to visit?
Germany.
Portugal.
London.
Most museums..... although I will go to a resistance museums but the Louvre (hard pass)

Tried to think of some/any that I have no (as in zero, zip, zilch) interest in visiting (not only Europe, but the entire world), but couldn't definitively pick any ... now some are lower on the priority list but I still have the desire to go (but this just could be a bad case of cabin fever).

My latest 'thing' is seeing how many of the top items in various categories I can see ... famous paintings (4 of 49), statues (6 of 25), Basilicas (15 of 88) and Catholic Shrines (7 of 15) ... multiple trips that are fully planned (just need the launch dates), once the world really opens back, up will vastly increase these numbers ... and also the number of UNESCO sites I have visited (only 45 of around 1400, give or take).

Threadware (and also Francis) ... add the The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo ... that's in my Top Ten.

Agree that Spain is not for everyone, especially those faint of heart, from North American travelers I have spoken to they either love Spain or they hate it. It's a land of extremes and emotion, distinct from what is typically thought of as "European", thanks to the isolation of the Pyrenees.

I found it very interesting in the Monday Night lecture of this week that both Rick Steves and his co-author Cameron Hewitt mentioned the thing they disliked most about Europe is the Tapas scene in Spain, mainly how difficult it is for outsiders and described Spanish tapas as a "full-contact sport", I have to agree.

I will never visit Russia or China even if someone else paid for it. To me the Blue Lagoon was ok; my wife loved it. I would like to revisit Iceland to see different parts of it. My wife still wants to see the northern lights. I’d love to visit Cuba; Havana, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba, and Cienfuegos all interest me. I’d also like to return to Guatemala, Peru, Argentina, Chile, and Ecuador. I loved the time I spent in each and I know we barely scratched the surface of each. I fell in love with Spain when we lived there, we go back every couple years, and still have places we haven’t made it to.

I find myself wanting to argue with nearly everyone on this thread because nearly every comment mentions some place near and dear to my heart. There are some places I held off for going to for far too long - like Italy - only to discover that I adore them. There's some I expected to like a lot more, like Spain, that I find myself less and less interested in. (After 4 trips I still haven't fallen in love with Spain, but I'm giving Barcelona another try in April for my husband's sake!) But even if I'm not rushing back to Spain, then I remember the parts that did surprise and wow me, like the pinchos scene in San Sebastian or even better, the underrated, understated Bilbao - and I DO want to go back!

I'd even like to go to Russia, because St. Petersburg looks amazing, but at this point I'm going to have to wait for another government to be in charge to go there, probably. (Kicking myself for not going when a good friend lived there 10 years ago). Was never that interested in Northern Europe, but after a visit I dream of a week in a shack on the Stockholm archipelago. Can't get enough of Paris, which wasn't on my list until I went there because friends were visiting. Now I've been 7, 8 times? Need to go again. Soon. Berlin is possibly my favorite city in the world (except for Rome, and London, two other cities I previously had little interest in) and I'm back in 2 weeks after 5 years - can't wait!

The point of this is just...don't rule anything out. Our prejudices of why we "won't like" something usually turn out to be incorrect, at least in my experience.

If there is no DQ, then why go? Right DQ!

After having met and retained great friendships with several folk on the RSETBD tours I’ve traveled with them (and alone) to places that may not have ever crossed my radar. I’ve had phenomenal times in the locations, great experiences with the culture, and loved the countrymen. Beyond Europe I had no desire or plans to ever travel to Africa. The four weeks that I spent there ranks amongst my top adventures. People everywhere have been generally warm and welcoming. My goal has been to see the country through the hearts of the people who live there; to avoid the tourist perspective. I learned so much from my first and subsequent RS guides.

DQ,

"Threadware (and also Francis) ... add the The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo ... that's in my Top Ten."

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is definitely a good reason to visit Scotland. It's a magnificent performance! I haven't been for a few years, but thankfully we have a smaller version right here so I can enjoy that every year - https://okanagantattoo.ca/show/performers/ .

And if you can't get to Old Scotland for the tattoo, come to New Scotland...
For the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo

https://nstattoo.ca/

James,

If there is no DQ, then why go? Right DQ!

Don't tell the suits, but this DQ was never a big fan of their DQ, but I do like their logo ... I'll take a Braum's milkshake over a Blizzard any day (if you're in North Texas / Oklahoma, you know what I'm talking about).

Nicole / Ken ... thanks for the links, both look like a great time if you can't make it to Scotland ... might be time to do a little pre-planning.

I am definitely a fan of colder areas vs warm, so for me I have no desire for Greece and Spain. We did Portugal, but for a different reason and while it was very hot when we were there, I did enjoy it.

We got back last night from our third trip to Iceland. Obviously we love it there;) I had heard such mixed things about the Blue Lagoon, that I went with an open mind, but was a bit reserved. We loved it! We arrived when they opened and that helps as the crowds are not there yet. We did the same thing at GeoSea and arrived at opening and had a great time. We did Myvatn after dinner one night though and it was not pleasant at all. WAY too many people. I am sure it is really nice on any other day or given time. We did the Sky Lagoon this time and that surpassed all of our expectations!

One place that I have been to twice, but have no desire to return is London. I know many people love it, but it just doesn't draw me in. We went to Scotland in the winter and loved that but not sure I would want to go in the summer.

Iceland has become quite popular, but with our trip this time being a winter one, I often got those looks and then the "why?". My answer is why not;)

Pisa - not interested in an accident of construction. I love architecture and history and Firenze is one of my favorite cities.
I visited Paris and Venice when I was 18 and I wasn't impressed. The French were rude (or was it ME not speaking French). And the Venice canals stank. I returned 30+ years later with my family in tow and I found them both great.

This is funny because, at the time I want to travel, tickets to Barcelona are the most affordable and really have no desire to go. I think I associate it a lot with night life, sports and crowded festivals... none of which are my particular cup of tea. Probably my discomfort is more related to ignorance since I have family from Italy and Ireland and a wild mix of Scottish, Irish, German, French, etc... on the other side, so those places "feel" both more familiar and more intriguing to me.

I guess it's a good thing we don't want to go everywhere... My list is impossibly long with the places I do want to be. Cities are like books. I have to try not to think about how many will be left unseen in my life.

I was very skeptical about going to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. It seemed expensive and a hassle, but my son and I both loved it!

I don't care to visit France - especially Paris. We did a day trip long ago, and I really didn't even want to go then, but it confirmed my opinion. On the other hand, we've been to the UK more than 40 times (all included at least a short time in London) and I'd go back in a heart beat. Scotland has my heart and soul. Austria and Norway- I'd return there. I don't think I want to visit much of South America, Mexico, Central America, or many Middle East countries. But I desperately want to return to Australia- we only got to visit Sydney and the Blue Mts. on our one visit, more than 15 years ago (and we just might get to go there in the not too distant future!!!!!). My husband is interested in Japan, but it holds no interest for me. Hong Kong, yes- want to return there, only had 1 full day.

So- I'll gladly return to many places, and have lots I want to see that I haven't seen yet. But I there are parts of this world I just wouldn't miss if I never make it there.

Any place tropical and beachy. I hate the heat.

The Blue Lagoon was a highlight for us in Iceland, and yes, we visited other thermal pools as well. It was a lot of fun.

Toni......Paris is not France. Paris is Paris. I've been numerous times and the only reason I go now is to change trains.

However, much of the rest of France would surprise you. I found most people welcoming and many speak some English. The landscape is amazing and the food, of course, wonderful. I too had some hesitation but I'm glad I went. I'll be going back to see more of the country.

Japan was another place that surprised me. My preconceived notion was of Tokyo being crowded and overwhelming were quickly squashed. The country, outside of the cities, is beautiful. The people were friendly, polite and caring of others. I was supposed to go back when the pandemic hit and now I'm waiting for the country to open so I can return.

A little late to the party, but a really interesting and fun thread.

As far as Europe goes, I have no real interest in the French Riviera, but I wouldn't turn down a trip in one fell into my lap. I figure that one day I'll be on a Western Mediterranean cruise that'll stop in one or other of their ports and I'll be happy to poke around for a few hours (or take a tour into the interior). Same with Ibiza. I enjoyed my brief visits to Mallorca and Menorca, but Ibiza's "playground for the rich" reputation is off-putting. I'm sure I'm missing real gems hidden beneath.

But I agree with many of the previous comments that a place you have no interest in can turn out to be a cherished memory and a place you can't wait to return to. That was my experience with both Oslo and Helsinki. I also seem to have unpredictable travel "moods." I love big cities and the museums, historic sites, etc., they offer (and I grew up in NYC so I'm well-accustomed to urban chaos) but sometimes I just shut down and can't handle the noise, traffic, etc. This was my experience with Palermo. I felt harassed (literally and figuratively) and bombarded with constant stimuli while I was there and couldn't wait to leave. But I think if I'd gone at the end of my trip, when I was more relaxed, my reaction would have been different. I'm a little worried I'll react the same way to Istanbul (plan is to go in May) and am trying to book a couple of quiet days somewhere beforehand.

Caroline

I have no interest in going to India or China - if we can mention Non-European places. Greece is not on my to-go list except for the islands.
Went to Italy only because it was my (ex) husband's turn to pick and LOVED it! have returned twice.
Went to Russia only because dad was paying (LOL) and loved it!! loved the people and the art.... sad to think of those people now.
Went to Normandy/Paris not thinking I would love them but did!

Guess going places i dont think I would like works out for me!

Your reply is very interesting & surprising, Carlos!

“I found it very interesting in the Monday Night lecture of this week that both Rick Steves and his co-author Cameron Hewitt mentioned the thing they disliked most about Europe is the Tapas scene in Spain, mainly how difficult it is for outsiders and described Spanish tapas as a "full-contact sport", I have to agree.”

Our first tapas experience was in Madrid, and we were intimidated at first because all of the places to eat were so crowded. But, luckily after walking around, we found an almost empty restaurant that was just opening for the first time. When we arrived, one of the workers was attaching the front wood sign near the window. We told them in our tourist-Spanish that this was our first tapas, and they were very kind to suggest some options. Everything was very good. After a few days, we had a much better feel of how to order and felt fine, even comfortable with the crowded places. We really appreciated the assistance of the young owners of that first restaurant!

luckily after walking around, we found an almost empty restaurant that was just opening for the first time. When we arrived, one of the workers was attaching the front wood sign near the window. We told them in our tourist-Spanish that this was our first tapas, and they were very kind to suggest some options.

Your experience may have been the exception to the rule I think, as they were just opening up and hungry for customers? It may have been a different experience with a venerable establishment decades old that is busy with locals every day. I honestly never noticed how difficult it was for foreigners until I moved to the States and talked to Americans who had visited Spain, Rick and Cameron's experience confirmed what I heard.

I've never seen an authentic Tapas experience replicated outside of Spain to be honest, so it may be quite a culture shock even for people who have eaten "Tapas" in their home countries beforehand.

On the other hand, I sometimes find American fast food restaurants intimidating lol!

I've never seen an authentic Tapas experience replicated outside of Spain to be honest,

This is an understatement. I have looked everywhere for this experience outside of Spain and have never found it, especially here in the US. I miss the Spanish tapas experience.

[EDITED] Currently not: Russia, Serbia, Belarus, China, North Korea, Iran

Top of my list TO GO: Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Taiwan,

Anyone who rules out India, China, North Africa, Western Europe etc, etc. will miss out. Whatever the reasons, reconsider. Travel with an adventurous and open mind. Many places that you might presume to be dreadful are not. Some that you might presume to be spectacular are not. The only way to tell is to go. Take a train in India. Go to Agra, but also travel to the North and see the tea plantations, the mountains etc. Go to Taiwan and travel out from Taipei, but experience Tapie before you do. Go to Japan and visit Tokyo, but then travel to Himeji or Akita.
In China, Shenzen, in the news today, is such a cool place. The local noodles from the street vendors are fabulous.
Istanbul is both dreadful and wonderful but once you leave it to visit the rest of the country it will blow your mind. Olives, coffee, deserts, goats....
Paris is a must do unless you have your head in the sand. Will you love it? Who cares? It's Paris. There is no other.
If you want to call yourself a traveler you need to get to the places you say you don't want to go and decide based upon your experience, not based upon a preconception. Goodness, Stockholm on a summer night, how could you not want to experience that? Helsinki, Oslo, all cool places, just not what you might expect.
For me, the only out of bounds is Pisa. I have managed to avoid it. Not because I don't want to see it, only because there so many other options.

One person's "wow" is another person's "meh."

As I say often, it's your time and your money. Spend both in a way that pleases you.

Mack, I agree with you, and would love to see the places you mention that I haven't yet seen.

But as for Pisa...we had no interest in going there. Everyone we knew, plus most posters here, gave it a thumbs down. However, we were ready to get out of Florence, which we didn't love as much as everyone else seems to (and, yes, we did wander around and not do only the top touristy sites). So, we decided to take the train to Pisa one day. And, unexpectedly--but maybe it shouldn't be unexpected for us by now--we loved it! We thought the leaning tower (and the baptistry) were absolutely beautiful and would have been well worth seeing even if the tower didn't lean. We had a lovely meal in Pisa. We enjoyed a break at the botanical gardens (even in November). And the pretty view along the river gave us some great photos.

(BTW, I don't know why people take the bus from the train station. It's not THAT long a walk to the tower.)