Fantasy Vs. Reality: The Most Disappointing Vacation Spots

The Great Wall of China: Fantasy

Many a times, our visceral need to explore and expand our knowledge implores us to travel to beautiful foreign places. Specific locations boast world wonders, national symbols, and other reflections of architecture and natural greatness. However, are some of these landmarks overrates?

Travel advertisements on television can transform a place's representation by altering the lighting, music and scenery. Although these places are known for their beauty and ability to leave you in awe, it might be important to lower your expectations a little. Here are some popular but underwhelming vacation spots.

The Great Wall of China is known for stretching across the Asian-Pacific region for over 13,000 miles.

The Great Wall of China: Reality

It's deemed one of the classic seven wonders of the world and it is a world-class monument for years to come.

Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy: Fantasy

Since everyone knows how GREAT The Great Wall of China is, the traffic can get a little congested with the crowds and narrow walls.

The leaning tower of Pisa is famous for it's (unintended) tilt. The tower was build on an inadequate foundation on the ground and because of this, the tower leans to the right an approximate 3.99 degrees.

Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy: Reality

With the grass and the city as a backdrop, you may feel the need to take one of these amusing pictures.

Unfortunately, you're not the only person who wants to do that pose with the tower as well. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a very popular tourist destination and it's very rare that you are able to get a clear picture without anyone else attempting to do the same in the background.

The Mona Lisa, France: Fantasy

Also, as the tower continues to lean deeper, it faces danger collapsing under it's own weight.

You can find the Mona Lisa in Louvre, France, and it is perhaps the most famous and recognizable painting to date. This painting by Leonardo Da Vinci is a must-see for art lovers, or anyone who appreciates culture.

The Mona Lisa, France: Reality

It's a classic work of art after all.

What's also classic about the painting is the crowds that surround the painting that you will ultimately encounter.

The Eiffel Tower, France: Fantasy

You will need to wait a while and squirm your way through tourists in order to get a somewhat clear picture of the painting.

While you snap a selfie with the Eiffel Tower, you can enjoy the serene and modernity of Paris, the city of romance.

The Eiffel Tower, France: Reality

This 324 meter tower is the beacon of light in France.

Copacabana Beach, Brazil: Fantasy

Good luck finding a patch of grass for your picnic amongst the 7 mission visitors a year.

Known for it's mountainous scenery and blue waters, the Copacabana beach is situated in Brazil's metropolis, Rio de Janeiro.

The beach is also lined with kiosks so that you can grab some Brazilian snacks when you're hungry.