I was just thinking about this the other day. One of my coworkers had spent a day and night in Dubai on a layover. My first, gut reaction was “no fucking way do I want to set foot or spend one cent there” and then I thought, there are some cool buildings and sights to see; I could spend a day there. Ditto pretty much the whole Middle East. I have no doubt there are some beautiful places and lovely people, but no more than a day for me,thanks.
What I know of China seems really unpleasant, as does India, for the reasons others have stated; too crowded and dirty.
I love amusement parks, but that soul sucking Disney empire in Orlando can fuck right off.
An island cruise seems pointless, though I might consider cruising down the Rhine or around some nice fjords
Mt Everest is a wonder but I would never want to (attempt to)climb it or any other mountain. Even if I was physically fit enough, it doesn’t seem in the least bit pleasurable.
For some reason I have an aversion to Wisconsin :o
Ooh, yes, good shout. I can’t stand built up artificial tourist resorts, so combine that with an oppressive state which brands my wife and I as criminals for our relationship, and it’s a big no thanks from me. I’m amazed how many people go there.
Pretty much any amusement park not involving water. I don’t like scary rides.
Other than that, there are some places and styles of travel that don’t particularly appeal to me (e.g., Las Vegas, Dubai, all-inclusive resorts), but very few that I would categorically rule out if, say, I had a free stopover or a family member willing to pay my way. I figure you never know, and I’ve done stuff in the past, like cruises, that I didn’t think I would like but that turned out to be fine.
Las Vegas. I don’t gamble and I hate kitschy entertainment. Sin City? I’ll take New Orleans (though I haven’t been since Katrina - how is it these days?)
I’m with the OP on the Caribbean, too, along with Miami and Hawaii. The beach would be great for about 15 minutes, then meh. I feel that way about most places whose top/only attraction is the beach. Beautiful ocean views are a great backdrop, but I want something more substantial up front.
Beaches in general. I have never understood people who act like lying on the beach looking at the ocean is nirvana. The few times we have went it tends to be crowded, sand gets everywhere, hard to park, worried about stuff getting stolen, etc… I’d much rather be in a forest somewhere.
The one thing I did like was the times I got to snorkel in the Bahamas and Hawaii. Pretty cool.
There’s plenty to do in Vegas even if you don’t like those things. There’s plenty of high class shows (Cirque de Soleil, Penn & Teller), there’s some fun museums (Mob Museum, Atomic Testing Museum), Red Rock Canyon is just a few minutes out of town and is beautiful and it’s fun walking down the strip and checking out the monuments/fountains.
Would I go to Vegas multiple times if I don’t like gambling and nightlife? Probably not. Is it worthwhile going at least once? I felt like it was.
I’m another who dislikes beaches enough to avoid them. I live less than 10 miles from the beach and I go less than once a year and that only for a few minutes at a time.
Other than that, there aren’t many places I’d actively avoid seeing as long as it were safe and someone else was paying for the vacation. I’d avoid dangerous places though, like most countries on the bottom half of the Freedom Index.
I’ve been to LV, and other than the Hofbrau house, not much interest.
Cruises too crowded and forced silly itineraries.
A girlfriend I had was absolutely bonkers over both of those things/places. “I just love love LOVE all the shows!!!”. She’d take a “safe” all-inclusive enclave over an open ended exploration any day.
Pfffft! I don’t need to or want to be “entertained”, especially in a contrived forced manner.
There are things that seem like they would take too much money or effort compared to the enjoyment I’d get - compared to other places (which may cost more, but have a better expectation of enjoyment) but so far, almost* everywhere I’ve gone, I’ve had a good time.
The thing that makes a place a “no” for me is the answer to the question “what will happen if things start to go wrong?” So, countries where the US is actively hostile? Nope.
But most places, if the price were right, I’d give them a go. Even though I might not see the appeal beforehand, I’m open to being pleasantly surprised. For example, I’m usually a go on my own and explore the area traveler - but this winter, things have aligned in such a way that an all-inclusive makes a lot of sense. It’s not my normal style. I’m a bit wary. But, who knows, maybe it’ll be great.
*I can only think of one place where I did not, and it was a small blip in an otherwise great vacation.
I live in San Diego and everyone tells me I should visit Mexico but I have absolutely no desire to do so (at least, the parts of MX that are easily accessible from SD)
My husband wants to go to Hawaii and I don’t want to do that either.
