Some places get unfairly labelled as “tourist traps” – over-crowded icons that seasoned travellers know to avoid. But the truth is that some spots are popular for a reason.
From Paris to Phuket and Cape Town to Victoria Falls, certain destinations are so iconic that skipping them means missing out on magic, especially when you know how to plan your visit smartly.
According to Flight Centre’s 2025 Global PR Survey:
- 46% of South Africans say they’re keen to travel during off-peak seasons to save money and sidestep crowds
- 96% intend to adjust their travel plans in 2025 for affordability (think booking early and bundling flights + accommodation + insurance into one package deal)
“There’s nothing wrong with chasing bucket-list moments… you just need a smarter way to experience them,” advises Antoinette Turner, GM at Flight Centre South Africa. “Flight Centre’s Travel Experts usually encourage travellers to consider travelling outside school holidays and to book curated packages that skip the chaos but keep the enchanting. We help make iconic trips more rewarding.”
So, before you write off these so-called ‘tourist traps’… read this first.
The Eiffel Tower – Paris
Why people roll their eyes: Too many tourists, too many selfies… too obvious?
Why it still rocks: Because watching it sparkle at night is pure joy, and no photo ever quite does it justice.
Smart tip: Visit early morning or after 10pm for fewer crowds (yes, it glitters until just before midnight!). Skip-the-line summit tickets via official vendors are worth every cent. Better yet? View from nearby Place du Trocadéro or book dinner at Les Ombres for front-row Eiffel views without elbow wars.
“Paris always delivers, but timing is everything,” says Turner. “We help clients secure high-demand experiences like Eiffel Tower access ahead of time so they can spend less time queuing and more time living their dream trip.”
The Burj Khalifa & Fountain Show – Dubai
Note: The Dubai Fountain will close for renovations this month and is set to reopen before the end of the year (hopefully in October!)
Why people roll their eyes: Mega-mall fatigue and endless queues.
Why it still rocks: Standing at the top of the world’s tallest building while watching fountains dance to Arabic opera is unforgettable, especially at sunset.
Smart tip: Book ‘At the Top’ tickets for around 5pm midweek – you’ll catch golden hour, sunset, and nighttime vistas in one go. Also, skip tourist-trap restaurants and head to Souk Al Bahar across the bridge for less-crowded dining with spectacular views.
Phi Phi Islands – Phuket
Why people roll their eyes: Overrun beaches and party boats galore.
Why it still rocks: Those turquoise waters? Those limestone cliffs? They’re even more surreal in person.
Smart tip: Choose an early morning speedboat tour (departing before 7am) from trusted local operators to beat the crowds from Krabi and Phuket. Or opt for lesser-known islands like Koh Yao Noi for similar scenery without Full Moon chaos.
“Travelling outside peak European summer (June–August) means better rates and fewer boats battling for beach space – which Flight Centre can help you time perfectly with flexible flight-inclusive options,” comments Turner.
Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe/Zambia Border
Why people roll their eyes: Wet shoes, plastic ponchos… crowded viewpoints that blur into misty whiteouts.
Why it still rocks: Nothing prepares you for hearing (and feeling) ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ up close.
Smart tip: Visit during shoulder seasons (May or September) for decent visibility. Don’t miss nearby hidden gems like Livingstone Island or Devil’s Pool, if conditions allow!
Table Mountain – Cape Town
Why people roll their eyes: Long queues in season; souvenir stands; jam-packed viewpoints.
Why it still rocks: You haven’t seen Cape Town until you’ve seen Cape Town from above – with Lion’s Head silhouetting against Atlantic blues under open sky.
Smart tip: Hike up Platteklip Gorge early morning then ride down once cable car queues die off – or buy online skip-the-line tickets timed just before closing when most tourists have already descended.
Sun City – North West
Why people roll their eyes: Old-school casino resort with plenty of history and nostalgia.
Why it still rocks: Whether you’re five or 55… wave pools, Big Five safaris nearby, worldclass golf courses carved out of jungle terrain – in one place – is hard not to love once you’re there again as an adult traveller (or parent).
Smart tip: Go mid-week outside public holidays/school breaks; overnight guests get early access perks at Valley of Waves before day visitors arrive en masse.
Ask your consultant about bundling Sun City stays + Pilanesberg safari drives + Joburg transfers all in one quote – you’d be surprised how affordable luxury looks when booked smartly upfront, says Turner.
Smarter travel starts here
There’s no shame in wanting postcard-worthy moments, but there is power in knowing how to unlock them affordably and meaningfully:
- Book early
- Travel outside peak season
- Bundle everything together
Flight Centre makes planning easier and lighter on your wallet, with exclusive deals like…
Bundle & Save: Get R5,000 off your booking!
Book any international cruise OR tour package in store (including return flights AND travel insurance) and save R5,000 per booking.* Minimum spend R80K applies | T&Cs apply | Must be subscribed FREE via flightcentre.co.za/p/subscribe
“Bucket-list trips don’t need bucket-sized budgets,” adds Turner. “With expert support behind every itinerary, Flight Centre ensures ‘iconic’ doesn’t mean overpriced.”
Let’s tick off those dream destinations the smart way. Start bundling today at flightcentre.co.za/deals/bundle-save
*Ts&Cs apply
