In national travel surveys, 1 in 4 Americans say they regretted at least one U.S. city trip, and over 90% admit they actively avoid destinations due to safety concerns, cost, or negative reviews.
Online sentiment analysis shows that phrases like “never again,” “not worth it,” and “overhyped” spike most around large U.S. cities with high prices and visible urban stress.
Meanwhile, international tourism to the U.S. fell about 8–9% year-over-year in 2025, hitting big cities hardest. When fewer new visitors replace disappointed ones, reputations stick.
Detroit, Michigan
22.5% of Americans say they avoid Detroit entirely, the highest avoidance rate among major U.S. cities in national surveys.
Crime perception plays a major role: Detroit consistently ranks in the top 5 U.S. cities for violent crime per capita, reinforcing hesitation among leisure travelers despite revitalization efforts.
Chicago, Illinois
While the city welcomed over 55 million visitors pre-pandemic, perception has shifted. Media coverage of crime and rising hotel costs contribute to Chicago’s ranking among the top cities people say they actively avoid.
Atlanta, Georgia
Despite being one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, Atlanta consistently posts a high avoidance rate among leisure travelers.
Surveys indicate many people associate the city with heavy traffic congestion, urban sprawl, and concerns about crime, causing it to be viewed more as a transit point than a destination worth planning a vacation around.
New York City, New York
New York shocked analysts by ranking 4th among the most avoided cities, with 18.1% of respondents saying they wouldn’t go.
NYC hotel prices average 30–40% higher than the national urban average, and crowd stress is cited as a leading regret factor. Times Square, in particular, consistently ranks among the most disliked tourist zones in the U.S.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore sees 17.4% of Americans avoiding it entirely. The city regularly ranks in the top 10 for violent crime rates, and travelers say attractions feel limited outside a few designated tourist areas, reducing repeat interest.
Anaheim, California
Disneyland tickets now exceed $100–$160 per day, and visitors report long wait times and overcrowding. Surveys show cost-to-satisfaction ratios are among the worst for family destinations.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco hotel prices rank among the top 3 highest in the U.S., and tourism still sits well below pre-pandemic levels, reinforcing disappointment among repeat travelers.
Austin, Texas
Austin hotel prices rose by more than 40% in less than a decade, while population growth strained infrastructure. Travelers cite traffic, crowding, and loss of “weird charm.”
Miami, Florida
Miami hotel rates are typically 25–30% higher than in other Florida cities, and visitors frequently complain about nightlife chaos, scams, and limited walkability.
Dallas, Texas
Dallas records 14.3% avoidance. Surveys show many travelers describe it as “fine for work, not for vacation.”
The city struggles with leisure branding, and its tourist satisfaction scores trail those of peer metros.
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville’s massive geographic sprawl makes attractions difficult to access. Travelers say the city lacks a concentrated tourism core, reducing its appeal as a return destination.
Los Angeles, California
LA’s traffic ranks among the worst in the U.S., and visitor surveys consistently rate Hollywood Boulevard as one of the most disappointing attractions nationwide.
Key Takeaways
- “Never again,” cities aren’t always unsafe; they’re often expensive, stressful, or underwhelming.
- Online sentiment now permanently shapes tourism reputation
- Cities lose appeal when expectations exceed reality
- Value, calm, and walkability matter more than landmarks
Also on MSN: 12 hidden blood clot signs you need to look out for
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Simple Habits to Recharge Your Mind and Body
10 Simple Habits to Recharge Your Mind and Body
Feeling drained doesn’t always come from significant events like a sleepless night or an intense workout — often, it’s the small daily choices that leave us running on empty. The good news is that science shows simple, consistent habits can help restore balance. From mindful breathing to nourishing foods, these practical routines recharge both mental clarity and physical stamina.
Here are 10 simple habits to recharge your mind and body, backed by research and easy enough to start today.
