Sometimes, you don’t know if a destination is a tourist trap until you’re standing in a crowd of tourists or being pressured into purchasing something you don’t want or worrying if you just got scammed by a local asking for money after taking your photo. Most travelers have no interest in visiting tourist spots that feel seedy and don’t deliver on the promises all those travel ads said these destinations would deliver.

Not everyone will agree, but enough people have had frustrating experiences in these different destinations that it might be worth thinking twice before going or finding a similar, but less-touristy spot nearby.

1. Cancún, Mexico

Travelers call Cancún the “Vegas of Mexico” since its main business is tourism, and it has promises of a great nightlife scene. But a lot of visitors show up and feel like there isn’t much else in the area besides all the resorts, so it’s no surprise that it’s a proper tourist trap. There are a number of smaller, more active beach towns just a few miles away from Cancún that have great resorts and safe, yet vibrant communities to explore.

2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is pretty much designed to be a tourist destination situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. There is a lot of fishing, biking, and bird watching, and it’s the starting point for the United States’ most-visited national park. But the actual town of Gatlinburg is a different story. Travelers have described Gatlinburg as tacky. Others have said the city specializes in fast food chains, gift shops, and motels, making it a tourist trap. There’s a lot to do in the area, but it might not be the vacation you dreamed of when visiting the Great Smoky Mountains.

3. Tangier, Morocco

Tourists love visiting Morroco but struggle to escape some of the tourist traps of Tangier. When the cruise ships dock, there are a number of shops waiting to sell tourists knock off items and upcharged souveniers. Tangier is still one of the most popular cities to visit in Northern Africa, and the natural beauty might be one reason to visit.

4. Nassau, Bahamas

There’s a lot to see in Nassau, Bahamas, but visitors say the stores and shops are designed with tourists in mind. They often sell cheap souvenirs at high prices. Plus, much of the beachfront is being developed by big resorts, making it harder to find a spot to enjoy the ocean without other tourists and dishing out money for the big hotel chains.

5. Niagara Falls, New York

Although the actual falls boast incredible natural beauty, Niagara Falls the town is typically overcrowded and expensive. Visitors feel the surroundings are tacky and the attractions underwhelming, especially on the Canadian side of the falls, where most of the tourist attractions lie.

6. Santorini, Greece

Travelers love Santorini for its food, views, and island vibes, but they all say it’s very touristy. There are a lot of tourist shops in the city that do big business with travelers who come to the island. While it might be a bucket list destination for some, there are a number of other Greek Islands worth visiting that won’t have the same crowds as Santorini.

7. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

More tourists visit Myrtle Beach annually than the number of people living in the state of Pennsylvania. The nice weather, beautiful beaches, and nearly 2,000 restaurants are what attract so many visitors each year, but some attractions are definitely tourist traps. Local restaurants and shops might be hard to find amongst the chain establishments and the number of travelers who venture here each year.

8. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok certainly gives off the same vibes as many other tourist trap towns since it’s also a cheap destination for many travelers. Visitors to Bangkok reported how locals direct travelers to tourist shops where they earn a commission if people end up buying something from the shop. But for other visitors, seeing the city and country is still a once-in-a-lifetime experience for so many.

9. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is home to a number of places that feel like tourist traps, which isn’t surprising as the city focuses on tourism. The number one tourist trap that locals say to look out for is long-haul rides, where your cab driver takes the longest route, so you’ll owe them a larger fare. Other scams to watch out for are characters and showgirls walking down the Strip, saying they’ll take a photo with you, but in the end, demand a large sum of cash for the photo.

10. Rome, Italy

Rome is a city full of history and charm, but with so many people wanting to visit it, the tourist traps are plenty here. Travelers say someone is always trying to sell you something, and everything is costly. It’s important to watch out for scammers and pick-pocketers at some of the major tourist attractions, where you’ll often see people giving out “free bracelets,” but once it’s on you, will demand money for it.

11. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Although framed by beautiful natural scenery, Wisconsin Dells is home to many tourist attractions. It might be the “Waterpark Capitol of the World,” but there are a number of places that aren’t worth the hype. The town looks tacky in some places, but if visitors want to escape the tourist trap of the area, head out on one of the many boat tours which take people away from the waterparks and tee-shirt shops, and shows how beautiful this area can really be.

12. Venice, Italy

Another big tourist trap is Venice, Italy. With a number of major cruise lines stopping here and the flood of tourists who want to see the infamous canals, there are a lot of spots that can make the city feel like a tourist trap. Be aware of common scams, including the “bracelet scam” or people selling fake items to visitors as they explore the city.

13. Albufeira, Portugal

Many travelers agreed that souvenir shops and people selling cheap trinkets on the sidewalk have taken over this beautiful little spot in Portugal. Many visitors feel the town’s beauty has been marred by the sellers, especially as more and more tourists set off to explore the beautiful beaches of Portugal.

14. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a popular destination for backpackers and travelers alike, as it’s one of the most beautiful yet cheap destinations to visit. Some travelers have described Bali as seedy and saw scammers targeting backpackers and people in their early twenties visiting. The city wants to attract tourists, but finding an authentic local experience is difficult, though it’s worth it.

15. Byron Bay, Australia

Byron Bay is a gorgeous destination with powdery sand beaches and bright blue seas, but it’s also a trendy tourist destination. Travelers must be prepared for how expensive even the most basic services are when visiting.