16 Times When The Reality Of Travel Fell Painfully Short Of Expectations
If you’ve ever battled your way through a sea of selfie sticks, you know that the reality of visiting dream destinations isn’t always so sweet.
You just can’t underestimate the power of a great camera and a clever crop. While traveling is absolutely always a privilege, you have to admit that watching throngs of people ham it up for selfies against famously beautiful backdrops is a little jarring (and endlessly annoying).
Here’s what happens when travel expectations are shattered by reality.
1. Westminster Bridge — Expectation

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Reality

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2. Love Park — Expectation

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Reality
3. The “Mona Lisa” — Expectation

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Reality

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4. The Great Wall of China — Expectation

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Reality

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This is just criminal.
5. The Statue of Liberty — Expectation

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Reality
6. Rio de Janeiro — Expectation

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Reality

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7. Millennium Bridge — Expectation

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Reality

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8. The Forbidden City — Expectation

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Reality

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9. The Great Pyramids of Giza — Expectation
Reality

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10. The French Riviera — Expectation
Reality

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You can’t unsee this, folks.
11. Old Faithful — Expectation

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Reality
12. The Hall of Mirrors — Expectation

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Reality
13. The Brooklyn Bridge — Expectation
Reality

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14. Palazzo Pubblico — Expectation

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Reality
15. Trafalgar Square — Expectation
Reality

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16. The Colosseum — Expectation

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Reality
Hey, even if you happened to hit your dream destination during a protest (or, Heaven forbid, a Santa convention on the French Riviera), being able to see the most beautiful places in the world is a gift. Has the reality of traveling ever fallen short of your expectations?