Tourist Traps

These alternatives to some of the world's best tourist destinations offer must-sees and must-dos that will help you avoid long lines, high prices and masses of tourists.

The Vatican's a must. It's an official country. And at 0.2 square miles, much of which is dedicated to one of the best museums in the world, it's doable -- now more than ever thanks to the internet.

Take a look at the Lincoln memorial. When you are on the same level as the base of the statue, go right. There you will find a souvenir shop built right into the edifice. That's right, this makes it a tourist trap.

In 1987, Congress declared jazz "a rare and valuable national American treasure to which we should devote our attention, support, and resources." Harmless enough, but how exactly does that turn into a misbegotten National Park?

Fisherman's Wharf is a real wharf with real fisherman. Go ahead, have an expensive bowl of chowder or crab cakes. It's part of the experience.

I once sat in a restaurant by the pseudo Nile in Las Vegas' Luxor hotel, watching tour boats pass. The boats were filled with sightseers who paid good money to see me and my husband eating pastrami sandwiches.

While Independence Hall and Congress Hall next door, which was where the first few Congresses under the constitution met, are well done museums, much of which surrounds it is not.

As far as national icons go, Frédéric Bartholdi's Liberty Enlightening the World is the ultimate.

Back when I was a kid, first lady Ladybird Johnson announced the "See America First" Campaign. Travel America before going to Europe or the Middle Eas...

Even the savviest, most sophisticated travelers can find themselves with a soft spot for an out-and-out tourist trap. The experts at ShermansTravel ar...