Missouri Travel Mistakes to Avoid 😬 (Don’t Do THIS in St. Louis or Branson!)

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00:00Planning a visit to Missouri? Don't let simple mistakes put a damper on your trip.

00:05Whether you're drawn by the legendary barbecue, iconic landmarks, or small-town charm,

00:10there are a few pitfalls every traveler should dodge to get the most from their Missouri adventure.

00:15Let's break down the biggest blunders and show you how to do it right.

00:18First up, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. It might look like the perfect spot for a quick photo op,

00:25but travelers often make the mistake of thinking they can breeze through in 10 minutes.

00:28In reality, the Arch is an experience.

00:33Beyond the striking steel curve, you'll find an in-depth museum about westward expansion,

00:38a tram ride that shoots you up to incredible views, and a surprisingly busy security checkpoint.

00:44So don't make the rookie mistake of squeezing it in between other plans.

00:49Set aside at least one to two hours and save headaches by booking your tram tickets online ahead of time.

00:55Lines can get long, especially in peak season.

00:58When people think Missouri, barbecue isn't far behind.

01:02Many visitors stop with what's most obvious, a plate of ribs in St. Louis.

01:06But here's where you can really level up your trip.

01:09Missouri is home to two barbecue powerhouses.

01:13Kansas City claims legendary status with its smoky burnt ends, tangy sauces,

01:18and spots like Joe's KC or Q39 that locals rave about.

01:22St. Louis does serve up outstanding ribs and pork steaks,

01:27but limiting yourself to just one city's style is a missed opportunity.

01:32Try both.

01:33And whatever you do, don't get caught blindly swearing allegiance to one over the other

01:37until you've tasted both for yourself.

01:39Now, on to Branson.

01:41It has a reputation as a magnet for retirees.

01:45And sure, those tour buses line up for classic country shows.

01:49But Branson offers way more than its senior citizen stereotype.

01:53There's Silver Dollar City, a throwback amusement park with world-class rides,

01:58plus mountain coasters, zip lining, and high-energy live concerts for all ages.

02:03If you're traveling with friends or family, don't dismiss Branson.

02:08You might just find yourself yelling with adrenaline

02:10or laughing along at a comedy show before you know it.

02:13Another common mistake,

02:15trying to save a few bucks by booking hotels way outside the cities.

02:19It might look cheaper on paper, but it'll cost you valuable time.

02:23Missouri cities, especially St. Louis and Kansas City, are sprawling,

02:27and commutes can drag on with traffic.

02:30Stay central when you can.

02:31You'll wake up closer to the must-see museums,

02:34thriving food scenes, and vibrant nightlife that make these cities great.

02:39Speaking of must-see attractions, don't forget to lock in reservations.

02:43Places like the City Museum, an art and play playground,

02:47or St. Louis Cardinals games can sell out,

02:49often days in advance during the busy season.

02:53In Branson, top-tier shows and theme park tickets book up fast, too.

02:57Save yourself the disappointment by reserving online wherever possible.

03:01While it's tempting to stick to the urban highlights,

03:04don't ignore Missouri's stunning natural beauty.

03:07The state's parks and rivers offer breathtaking escapes.

03:11Hike the castle ruins at Ha Ha Tonka State Park,

03:15float along the clear waters of the current river,

03:17or wander the trails of the Ozarks.

03:20Whether you fish, paddle, or just soak up the views,

03:24Missouri's great outdoors deserve a spot on your itinerary.

03:27For getting around, remember that public transportation is limited outside city centers,

03:33and ride shares won't always be available,

03:36especially in the Ozarks or rural areas.

03:39Renting a car is your best bet for exploring at your own pace

03:42and making spontaneous stops along the way.

03:45Last but not least, always check local event calendars before you book.

03:50A seemingly quiet weekend can turn busy and expensive

03:53when there's a college football game, music festival, or state fair in town.

03:59Prices spike, and hotels can fill up quickly.

04:03With a little research, you can sidestep the crowds,

04:06or, if you're a fan, plan to join them.

04:09Steer clear of these mistakes, and you'll see Missouri at its very best.

04:13Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your favorite show-me-state spot,

04:18or one still on your bucket list in the comments.

04:20Let's see.

04:26We'll see.

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