The world is full of travel clichés. Think: Times Square, the Trevi Fountain, the Pyramids, the Tower of London, Red Square, the Colosseum, the entire chain of Greek islands, the Taj Mahal (sigh), Disneyland, the Riviera and so on.
I thought I’d take a look at some of the most hideously clichéd – places so popular that they’re in danger of becoming unpopular. Why are they so famous, and are they worth the effort? It’ll be my personal opinion, of course... please tell me yours!
Cliché No 1 - The Eiffel Tower. Now here’s a confession: I’ve never been up it. I’ve looked at it from ground-level, though. And here’s another confession: I don’t like it. And before you come down on me like a ton (or tonne) of bricks, I love Paris. I mean LOVE it. So, I accept the Eiffel Tower as part and parcel. Is it worth going to the top? Very probably, because any elevated view of Paris is gorgeous. Those rooftops! But an Eiffel Tower visit isn’t free, and maybe your money could be put to better use elsewhere. Well, that’s what I think. Millions (billions?) of individuals think otherwise. HOWEVER: the Eiffel Tower is somewhere I’d recommend going well out of your way to see. Why? Because, if do, you’ll be in the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful cities – and maybe you wouldn’t have gone there otherwise!
Photo taken by mK B.