In February, a bungling travel agent made headlines after sending a traveller to San Juan in Puerto Rico rather than San Jose in Costa Rica. Easy mistake to make – the city name, country name and airport code are all pretty close.
The mistake could have been far worse too – there are some other similar-sounding destinations across the world that you really wouldn’t want to mix up. We’ve picked out five pairings where you really want to be sure that you’re heading to the right one…
Dakar
Where: Senegal
The vibrant Senegalese capital is one of Africa’s most happening cities. There’s a huge percussion-heavy music scene and plenty of worthy attractions such as the IFAN Museum of West African Culture. Throw in beaches, superb coastal scenery and frenetic markets, and you’ve got a pretty darned cool destination.
But don’t get it mixed up with…
Dhaka
Where: Bangladesh
Horrendously overcrowded, with teeming slums and near permanent traffic congestion, Dhaka is hardly and exotic idyll. Throw in thick air pollution and a propensity for wide-scale flooding, and you’ve not got the ideal holiday spot.
Toledo
Where: Spain
One of Spain’s most magnificent old cities, and the country’s religious heart, Toledo is a magnet for day-trippers from Madrid and longer term visitors. It’s famous for its art-packed churches, superb cathedral and fascinating Jewish quarter.
But don’t get it mixed up with…
Toledo
Where: Ohio, United States
The American Toledo was named after the Spanish one, but is rather different. Yes, it’s reasonably well known for its art, but there’s a more modern slant. The same applies to the architecture – think Frank Gehry and the world’s first glass-covered building.
Queenstown
Where: South Island, New Zealand
The South Island’s action sports capital is an awesome place to hang-out. Ski, raft, skydive or bungy jump by day, and hit the bars at night. It pulls in the adrenaline junkies from all over the world, and it’s even busier in winter when the snow bunnies descend.
But don’t get it mixed up with…
Queenstown
Where: Tasmania, Australia
Often nominated as Australia’s ugliest town, the Australian Queenstown was originally a mining settlement. Pollution from smelters and quarrying have ensured that the surrounding landscape looks somewhat stark. Highlights include mine tours and some large slag heaps to gawk at.
Giza
Where: Cairo, Egypt
Home to arguably the most famous ancient monuments in the world – the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid – Giza is on many people’s must-see list. There are other pyramids, temples and royal mortuaries for fans of ancient Egypt.
But don’t get it mixed up with…
Gizo
Where: The Solomon Islands
Not a pyramid in sight, but a fair few crashed warplanes. The second largest town in the Solomons looks a bit down at heel, but it has the saving grace of being a brilliant dive destination. The sea is pretty much pristine apart from the odd WWII shipwreck, and that makes it worth the trek for SCUBA fans.
Valencia
Where: Spain
Arguably Spain’s most happening city at the moment, Valencia boasts Europe’s largest aquarium and the mad Las Fallas festival every March. It’s also home to the huge City of Arts and Sciences and some of the best food in Europe. It is where paella was born, after all.
But don’t get it mixed up with…
Valancia
Where: Lahore, Pakistan
Pakistan isn’t on most people’s list of must-see destinations anyway, and even if it was, Valancia would be pretty near the bottom of the list. It’s a planned urban area – essentially Pakistan’s take on Milton Keynes. Nice for middle class locals to live in; not so exciting to visit.
This article was originally written for AOL UK.
Copyright David Whitley
