Not all bucket list travel experiences are what they’re cracked up to be. In fact, many are a massive disappointment. From underwhelming road trip routes to sharing that picture-perfect beach with hundreds of other sunseekers, here are some once-in-a-lifetime vacation hot spots and activities that fail to live up to the fantasy.

The Inca Trail is one of the world's ultimate hikes and takes in some spectacular scenery (as well as tourist mecca Machu Picchu) but it's also tainted by the amount of people who want to do it and the hassle of getting a permit (access is limited to 500 people per day, and permits sell out months in advance). Your best bet is to strike a route to other quieter, permit-free parts of the Peruvian Andes. The Salkantay trek, which follows parts of an ancient Inca highway, is far more peaceful with awesome views of snow-capped Mount Salkantay and the Machu Picchu complex en route.  

When in Rome, you should stand in line for hours and gaze up at the splendours of the Vatican's Sistine Chapel ceiling. Or should you? Exhausting queues and people with a blatant disregard for the no talking rule do nothing for appreciating Michelangelo's masterpiece. In fact, you'll likely be so grumpy by the time you actually get to the chapel that you'll be tempted to get a customary glance and leave. Head to the Galleria Borghese – one of city's best art galleries – instead where visitor numbers are capped. Pre-book to see works by Caravaggio, Raphael and Titian.

Some dismiss this Neolithic landmark that’s stood in the Salisbury Plain for millennia as an unexciting cluster of stones. While we’re not that derisive, the visitor experience can be something of a letdown. With a entrance fee of around £20 ($24), hopes are high but now that visitors can't get close to these enigmatic monoliths, the awe factor has diminished. Something that's not helped by its proximity to the busy A303 motorway. Consider booking a small-group dawn tour or, for a more spiritual and serene daytime stroll through an ancient landscape, head to nearby Avebury. 

Enchanting green lights dancing across the inky sky or hard-to-discern hazy swirls? The elusive Aurora Borealis draw visitors north of the Arctic circle in the dark winter months, with places such as Tromso in Norway prime bases. But, as with any natural phenomenon, there's no guarantee of a sighting or if they'll be on their most dazzling form. Seeing the lights depends on weather and location so it's best not to base an entire trip (and all your hopes) around seeing them. Embrace instead the spectacular natural beauty of far north Norway with its snow-capped mountains and icy fjords.

If you manage to glimpse the soaring vistas from the world’s highest building without feeling queue rage it’ll be a miracle. On top of big lines, extortionate rates and the hassle you get to buy pictures, the view isn’t even that good from this Dubai landmark. Yes, the Burj Khalifa has sweeping views of the city, water and sands (haze can be a problem) but you're better off ogling at the structural beauty of the sleek man-made wonder itself from below. Take a look at more of the most expensive views around the world.

The vast sacred rock in Australia’s Red Centre is undeniably majestic. But the bun fight that accompanies witnessing it famously change colour during sunset is less magical. Noisy crowds, cars and coaches mean quiet contemplation of the monolith changing from burnt red to orange and purple as the sun fades is nigh on impossible. Sunrise tends to be quieter – head to Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing area from where you can take short walks to escape others.

The Louvre in Paris is one of the most-visited art museums in the world so you know you’re in for crowds. Among its many treasures is the surprisingly small and (it's almost universally agreed) underwhelming Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. While the enigmatic portrait appeals with its backstory (or lack of), the hordes of camera-wielding tourists jostling to snap it do nothing for the experience of appreciating the world's most famous painting. Nor does its bullet-proof enclosure. 

Seen by many overseas visitors as the pinnacle of luxury shops, in reality Harrods in London is a hard to navigate, busy and overpriced department store. Although, we will admit, the food hall is well worth a stop. If high price tags don’t put you off, opt instead for the more chic Harvey Nichols down the road, charming stores in village-like Marylebone, or head east to Shoreditch and Hackney to explore some of the capital's cool, independent boutiques.

Touted as one of the best swimming spots in Malta, the startling turquoise waters of Comino’s Blue Lagoon have long lured travellers and film location scouts. But this popular site also attracts hordes of tourists flocking to bathe in its stunning clear waters too. Many are disappointed though – although it's brilliantly blue, it's a narrow bay. Forget about stretching out on the sand, you’ll be lucky to get an inch on the small, crowded beach.

The ancient Terracotta Army in Xi’an is one of China’s top tourist attractions, but for many these tiny warriors are also one of its top travel disappointments. Housed in a hot and overcrowded hangar, you can only view the pits at a considerable distance which takes some of the wow factor away and you’ll be jostling with crowds most of the time. Only one pit has the figures all lined up as you see in photographs and the information about the figures and their discovery is pretty limited for English speakers.

With its mineral-rich, buoyant and balmy waters, visitors have travelled to soak in the Dead Sea since ancient times and today, many people still have a soak in the mystical waters on their bucket list. But is it worth the bother? As it’s so buoyant it can be very hard to move around in and the incredibly salty water can be painful, especially if you have any little cuts, and sting your eyes. Not quite the rejuvenating ritual you might be expecting.

When it comes to coveted Instagram shots, the rooftop infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands resort and hotel in Singapore is up there. But, assuming you’re happy to pay to stay at the pricey hotel in order to get access to the guest-only pool, you’re unlikely to have a serene swim. You'll be vying for views as fellow guests prop themselves up along the edge to snap pictures rather than doing strokes. And you can forget about getting a lounger...

Australia's vast coral reef is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders but its beauty has also led to its decline. Some snorkellers and divers are underwhelmed by the far from vibrant colours of the reefs and the masses of other tourists also out at sea. While it's possible to go with responsible operators to lesser-visited parts of the reef, realising the damage tourism is doing to the fragile eco-system, along with factors such as climate change, is definitely a downer. Read more about landmarks under threat from climate change here.

When it comes to underwhelming tourist landmarks, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is near the top of the list. While the town is pleasant enough, it's not worth a detour just to see the off-kilter (and surprisingly small) building alone. You’re best to spend your time exploring the hilltop towns of Tuscany such as charming San Gimigniano instead. It has numerous medieval towers, none of them leaning, but all impressive. The pretty town’s UNESCO World Heritage centre has lovely lunch spots too.

America and Canada’s waterfalls are iconic for a reason but many leave the beauty spot feeling miffed or downright annoyed. Crowds, tacky souvenir shops, seedy casinos and amusement fairs at the resorts, not to mention astronomical parking fees, do away with any romantic feelings you might arrive with. While Niagara Falls is undeniably impressive and beautiful, you might want to visit in winter so you have fewer crowds to contend with.

Catching waves off world-famous Bondi Beach is an all-Australian experience. While it's seen off its besieged-by-backpackers reputation, the busy waters, strong rips and territorial local surfers mean it's not a prime surf spot for beginners. Some are put off by its concrete backdrop too. Try Palm Beach in the northern beaches instead – it’s both picturesque and has plenty of little waves for newbies.

The thrill of being up close up to a dolphin is undeniable but so too is the uncomfortable feeling that you’re invading their space and, as some reports suggest, potentially stressing them out. Swimming with dolphins is one of the top activities touted to tourists in New Zealand with Kaikoura, Akaroa and the Bay of Islands all prime spots. However, from the playful sea creatures being no-shows to irresponsible tour operators (and tourists) getting too close, the whole experience can leave a bad taste in your mouth. 

When it comes to European experiences, a gondola ride along Venice's Grand Canal is normally top of the list. While some people love it for the romance and history, others leave feeling underwhelmed or royally ripped off. If you’re still not deterred, go for a gondolier who’ll take you along the quieter back canals. Better yet, save your money and get the traghetto (passenger ferry) across the Grand Canal. You can splash out on a rarely-disappointing bellini instead. 

Trekking to Mount Everest’s base camp is the ultimate bucket list adventure holiday. While it is an incredibly spectacular and rewarding hike, getting to the roof of the world is no longer the remote adventure it once was as overcrowding becomes a problem. Aside from this, the trek is beset with challenges: expense, severe weather conditions and a high chance of debilitating altitude sickness. There are other less challenging but spectacular hikes in the Himalayas including circuits around Annapurna.

From searching for vampires in Transylvania to hunting for Nessie in the Highlands, so-called cryptotourism (travelling to search for mythical beasts) has become more popular. While Loch Ness is undoubtedly a looker (and a cruise across its waters very pleasant), if you’re hoping for a sighting of the legendary monster in the loch’s inky depths you’ll be sorely disappointed. Even if you enjoy the thrill of the chase, the tacky souvenirs and hordes of other Nessie hunters will no doubt take the edge off a serious monster hunt.

Always fancied shaking your stuff at the world’s largest street party? Rio de Janeiro’s annual Mardi Gras is the ultimate carnival experience with its extravagant costumes, jaw-dropping floats and spellbinding dancing. But there’s far more to it beyond the famous Sambadrome. If you do manage to figure out exactly where the best blocos (street parties) are at, you need serious stamina to last the distance and the high crime rates can quickly kill the carnival spirit. 

Jumping in the car for the ultimate iconic road trip along the Route 66? You might want to take an early exit. The famous Mother Road, which stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, might go through some pretty amazing parts of America but it can also be dull in parts and very crowded in others. There are lots of other fantastic road trips – California’s Highway 1 (or Pacific Coastal Highway) for example. It's also popular but it’s spectacular at pretty much every bend and far more manageable. 

Bali: blissed-out beach paradise or dirty beaches besieged by tourists? A holiday on the Indonesian island brings about some divisive opinions. Some adore it for its tropical scenery, ancient temples and fantastic food while others lament its brash bars, drunk tourists and overhyped beaches. As with anywhere it’s all about where and when you visit, but be prepared that it might quite not be the island paradise of your holiday dreams.

Unless you’re going five-star all the way, you can expect average and eye-wateringly expensive food in the Seychelles – forget local flavours, everything is shipped in. You’re unlikely to make new friends (after all, honeymooners are not the best company) and while the water and beaches are beautiful, there's only so much sunbathing and sunset viewing you can do before island fever sets in.

Always fancied scribing your memoirs from the terrace of Les Deux Magots, Brasserie Lipp or Café de Flore? While sipping a coffee and cognac in homage to Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway or Jean-Paul Sartre in these well-preserved Art Deco cafés may be a Paris must-do, you’re better off heading to a lesser-known spot where you'll get friendlier service and won't pay over the odds for the privilege. The Marais has some lovely local hangouts.

If you're expecting an edge-of-the-world paradise, you'll be disappointed. There's been a massive population growth to match the tourist influx on the Galápagos Islands – clearly evident in the souvenir shop-laden Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz's main town. Tighter regulations are now in place to help preserve the fragile ecology and extraordinarily diverse wildlife, including limitations on boats. But you still may have to dodge fellow camera-wielding visitors as you attempt to snap the photogenic locals.

As you see the gargantuan structure of the Great Pyramid and the other pyramids rise from the desert just outside of Cairo, you can't fail to be awed by the enormity of their size and history. But then you swiftly see the fast food outlets in nearby Giza and spend hours avoiding the onslaught from vendors trying to sell you something, and the mind-blowing moment passes.

Spotting a majestic tiger stalking through the Indian jungle is stirring stuff, but the chances of disappointment are high as populations of the big cats dwindle. Some tours will promise the world but deliver nothing as you chase around a park along with scores of others. Of course spotting the elusive beast in the wild is a matter of luck but make sure you go with a reputable operator who will take you to the reserves with the highest density of tigers (Bandhavgarh is one) and manage your expectations.

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Gazing directly down at the Grand Canyon from 4,000 feet (1.2km) above certainly sounds like the ultimate viewing experience. But after a two-hour-plus drive from Las Vegas, long queues and an expensive entrance fee to get on the glass walkway, you’ll soon change your mind. You can’t even take any photographs from up there. The Grand Canyon West also lacks the grandeur and awe-inspiring vistas of the South Rim. Head there instead to marvel the gaping multi-coloured chasm.

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While it definitely can't be written off entirely as a tourist trap, it's best not to pin all your hopes on a trip to Iceland around the Blue Lagoon. The country’s most famous hot springs are famous for good reason – their startlingly warm milky-blue waters and dramatic lava rocks surrounds are awesome, but they have become a victim of their success. Swerve the crowds and steep entrance fee, and take a dip in some of the country's lesser-known springs instead. Try the Secret Lagoon in Flúðir.

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