When arriving at the park in the summer, expect two to three-hour delays just to enter the valley. Even worse, the sheer number of tourists have unfortunately caused habitat loss and damaged the scenery.
If you decide to go after the summer peak, the trails are worn from overuse with park personnel not yet able to clean everything up. And with controlled forest burning taking place around the reserve, you may be in for a smoky hike.
Reality: The Sydney Opera House, Australia
No one can argue with the building’s visual appeal but unfortunately the Sydney Opera House is not as appealing to the ears.
The concert hall is known for its terrible acoustics, with major renovations taking place to address the problem. In the meantime, you can still enjoy the view.
Fantasy: Yosemite National Park, United States
Yosemite National Park in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains in the perfect place for hiking and camping. The park is known for stunning vistas, amazing waterfalls and ancient sequoia trees of enormous size.
This is truly a wonderful place to get away from it all, rock climb, picnic, go for a horseback ride or just sit around and absorb the beauty of nature.
Fantasy: Hollywood, United States
Hollywood is not just the place to go if you have a dream in your pocket or a guitar on your back. Tinseltown really has it all as a vacation destination, with shows, attractions, world famous shopping and the best hotels and restaurants.
Try and get a selfie with a big star while taking in the sights and enjoy the beautiful year-round sunshine. Hollywood welcomes you!
Reality: Hollywood, United States
The streets here are not just filled with celebrities and young actors about to get their big break, they are also brimming with tourists who want to discover the place they have only seen in their favorite movies or on awards shows on TV.
The capital of the movie world is a lot like the movies it creates, a lot of makeup and special effects, but underneath it all is just another West Coast town. Crowded, congested and more than a little expensive.