I'm kinda the same way, I generally try to keep my expectations down, and this idea of a top x list, really is brand new, and mostly cause I tend to say (for all things, music, movies, books, etc.) that something is on my top x list, and then list like 20 things that are on my top 5 list. But then I realized for man-made travely things, I really do have a top 5 list, so I wrote it down. I'm not just going to Cambodia for Angkor Wat. I'm going because I think Cambodia will be a good place to go. That Angkor Wat is there is icing on the cake. Equally, I plan on spending like 4-6 months in S. America. I'm not going to just go for Machu Pichu, but I will make sure I see it while I'm there.
There is always a chance of being disappointed by stuff. I certainly have been by some places, while being surprised by how amazing others are. As you travel more (assuming you will) you tend to learn what sorts of things you tend to like, what is too touristy, what is amazing even when its packed, etc, as well as who you trust more when they say something/some place is awesome. For instance, when someone says a city is great for shopping, I tend to stop listening. That helps lessen the likelihood for disappointment.
In Rome I made all my plans for seeing things while I was there. More often then not I stumbled across stuff, rather than searching it out. Like the Pantheon. I didn't even really realize what things were in Rome, and was completely surprised when I saw things like the Column of Trajan or the Arch of Constantine.
Yeah, I've done A LOT of that. Or stumbled onto great cities cause they were on my way somewhere, like Sarajevo. Thats part of why I don't just go somewhere to see x and y, cause then you miss a lot. But, that doesn't mean that I can't really really want to see some specific stuff. Like I'm sure there is stuff you've learned about that you'd love to see in real life. And that way the next time you feel like traveling, you can happen to choose a city that has one or more of those things in/near it. Or, ya know, just ask me. I wont steer you wrong.
Which stuff? Israel? You're going this summer. Belize? I think I'm going to go back in the next year or two (on my s. America trip). London? Its... ok.... but if you start traveling to Europe, you'll probably have a lot of chances. I've been at least 5 times.
There is always a chance of being disappointed by stuff. I certainly have been by some places, while being surprised by how amazing others are. As you travel more (assuming you will) you tend to learn what sorts of things you tend to like, what is too touristy, what is amazing even when its packed, etc, as well as who you trust more when they say something/some place is awesome. For instance, when someone says a city is great for shopping, I tend to stop listening. That helps lessen the likelihood for disappointment.
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