Globetrotter reveals the worst places she has travelled to
Seasoned globetrotter Lauren Heavner has revealed the five countries she would never return to, explaining why she will never recommend the popular destinations.
Heavner documents her travels online, and after visiting 170 countries, she has formed some strong opinions on what destinations are not worth travelling to.
Lauren explained to MailOnline the reasons behind her controversial picks for her least favourite travel destinations, recounting her experiences in the holiday hotspots that earned them a place on her list.
Monaco
In a viral TikTok video, Lauren explains that she’s been to the city-state of Monaco “at least 20 times”, but says “it’s not for her”, saying, “It just doesn’t have much of a culture. It’s impossible to walk around the streets and see anything.”
She further explained to MailOnline, “The thing about Monaco, the bitter pill you can’t quite swallow, is that it’s unapologetically built for the ultra-rich. Every time I’m there, I’m confronted by my place in the food chain.”
Despite its flaws, Lauren admits that Monaco is “beautiful at night” in the video and said the “view alone” could get her back there, despite the rich destination leaving her feeling like a “peasant”.
Ghana
Lauren explained that she's been to the capital of Ghana, Accra, a few times, but said that there “wasn’t really much to do”, and felt “unease” as she explored the city.
She commented, “I wandered the streets of Accra on my own for a while. But it didn’t take long before unease crept in.”
“The chaos, the unfamiliarity, it’s not the kind of place that coddles a lone outsider. I felt slightly on guard. Maybe it was paranoia, maybe it was instinct - but either way, I retreated after only a short time of wandering solo.”
She went on to tell MailOnline, “What stayed with me most about Ghana was the stark reality of its struggles. The poverty was impossible to ignore. Children working, shops stocked with imported goods far out of reach for most.”
Despite her experiences, Lauren explains that “the lingering regret of not seeing enough” could lure her back.
Malaysia
Recalling a trip to Malaysia with her friends, Lauren said the destination felt “pretty corrupt” and struggled with the social issues.
“I was there with a group of friends. It was one of those punishingly hot, humid days where even breathing felt like work,” she said, recalling when she visited the batu caves.
“We were all in shorts, naturally. But then came the rules: women had to be covered - no knees, no shoulders. Men? ‘Yeah, come as you are, it doesn't matter’.”
She added that the worst aspect of her time in Malaysia was “the lack of things to do in the capital”, which she says “felt like a city waiting to impress but never delivering”.
Canada
Lauren acknowledged that picking Canada for her least favourite destination was controversial, but explained that the country is “really not that exciting for an American”, clarifying to MailOnline that “there aren’t many negative aspects of Canada”, it’s just too “familiar”.
She explains, “It’s familiar to the point of feeling predictable. The same big-box stores, the same general vibe - just with better manners and a lot more Tim Hortons (a Canadian coffeehouse and restaurant chain).”
Lauren concluded, “Canada is great, but it’s not exactly exotic. It feels too much like home.”
France
Lauren slammed Paris as “overrated” and said the capital is “the worst part of France”, and urged travellers to head elsewhere in the country.
Speaking to MailOnline, she says she has “never felt unsafe in France” but adds that “Paris can be slightly dodgy in certain areas”.
Lauren added, “Let’s just say France isn’t exactly known for rolling out the red carpet for outsiders. There’s a certain coolness, a guardedness that can feel like a wall if you’re not prepared for it.”
The seasoned traveller recommends heading to “the French Riviera” or anywhere “other than Paris”.
Image credits: TikTok / Shutterstock