The Eiffel Tower, Paris

Maybe it's because travelers have covered so much lateral distance that they're inevitably drawn to the vertical. Worse, they're all drawn in July. One Virgin Travel Insurance  survey ranked the landmark the most disappointing site in the world. The wait to get to the top, which can be as much as four hours, invariably sets a person up for a robust anti-climax—sure, the view's great, but pretty structures aren't so pretty when you're actually on top of them.

Instead: Stay low to the ground with a peaceful stroll along the Seine at sunrise. Armed with a baguette and steaming coffee, you'll have a much more intimate view of Paris than la Tour could ever provide. If you still find yourself pining for it, buy yourself a paperweight reproduction at the airport.