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"If you want to get the most out of your travel experience, you have to live like the locals! Don’t visit a nation unless you’ve learned the language and immersed yourself in their culture. And never eat anything you could buy in your home country!"
If you’re tired of seasoned travelers gatekeeping and putting unnecessary rules on what you’re allowed to do where, we’ve got the perfect list for you down below, pandas. Unpretentious globetrotters have been sharing their hot takes when it comes to seeing the world, so enjoy reading their thoughts and be sure to upvote all of the replies that relieve some of your vacation-stress. And keep reading to find a conversation with experienced traveler Sarah Hollis, also known as The Pack Mama!
Image credits: Alean92
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I'm a mostly solo traveler who doesn't care about making friends/meeting people.
I've never stayed in a hostel.
I don't like traveling more than 2-3 weeks.
I'm buying a magnet from a stupid souvenir shop.
I travel to relax, not to hold myself to rules written by someone else regarding what "real" travel is.
I I 2 years ago
Every time we go on a trip my wife buys a magnet for the fridge and I buy a bottle opener, small things that remind us we went there.
Howl's sleeping castle 2 years ago
I like buying the magnets and postcards. I like how my fridge door looks.
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Awkward lady 2 years ago
I've run out of room on my fridge for magnets, but I still keep buying them! Mr. Awkward Lady buys mugs! We don't care!
Agfox 2 years ago
We have a collection of brocade-like pigs from one store in Kyoto, they're our favourite souvenirs. Enclosing a pic of 2, they come in a range of colours & patterns Pigs-652b9...8785d7.jpg 
Alex Hurley 2 years ago (edited)
Me and my wife travel and buy nothing but the best magnets we can find.
Meredith Lill 2 years ago
Magnets and a Christmas ornament. My tree is filled with travel memories.
RELATED:
#2
After a long day of sightseeing, I will happily eat popcorn and watch Netflix in my room rather than experiencing whatever nightlife a destination might have to offer.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
One of the biggest problems with nightlife is that it's at night. That's when I snuggle with the cats.
Howl's sleeping castle 2 years ago
Oh I agree. I live in a metro city but once the clock strucks 9, I start looking for cabs home
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John Smith (he/him/xy/️) 2 years ago
Nightlife is noisy, smelly and overcrowded, doesn't matter which country you go to.
2CentSally 2 years ago
When my husband and I travel, it's a marathon not a sprint. We have one activity (hike, sight seeing, tour etc) planned per day and use the rest of the time to chill. If we want to do more, we do. But our schedule is never completely packed
Gabi Dingeling 2 years ago
I don't want to spend my money on dying from a hangover in my hotel room... Been there, done that, never again...
Gabriele Alfredo Pini 2 years ago
I need to sleep if I want to do all the good things during the day
Cathy Jo Baker 2 years ago
I love visiting foreign grocery stores! If somebody wants to try McD's every new country they visit, go for it! I am not a big fan of McD's although I will admit to eating a McChicken the first time I was in Lima, Peru, because I was hungry and so tired of trying to figure out what and where to eat.
To gain some perspective on this topic from a seasoned traveler, we got in touch with Sarah Hollis, aka The Pack Mama. Sarah is an American expat living in Austria with her husband Eric and their three fur babies, and she was kind enough to share some of her controversial travel opinions with Bored Panda.
One of her hot takes is that every minute of a trip must be planned. "While this way of traveling leaves very little room for spontaneity and relaxation, this is how I make sure I am making the very most of my time in a new place," Sarah explained.
"Waking up at sunrise is my favorite part about visiting a new place. I think 99% of influencers and photographers would agree that exploring a new place extra early in the morning before other tourists are out and about is the best way to spend a morning in a new country," the travel expert continued.
#3
Not sure if snobs think this (maybe the more cocky ‘travellers’), but I don’t really care if someone is slightly ripping me off in a developing country. I am never going to haggle over a couple of dollars. I also don’t care if look like a tourist cause I am one.
YetAnotherSarah 2 years ago
Some travel blogger (can't remember who) said something along the lines of, "Haggling is part of their culture, not yours. You can afford it. Just buy it." I really took that to heart. That scenario doesn't always apply, but when it *does*, I consider the item, consider what I would be willing to pay for it if I were at home, and use that price as my buy/reject point. Let them "take advantage." Why should I win harder?
Remi (He/Him) 2 years ago (edited)
I sometimes haggle a bit if it's expected, but I'm not trying hard and I don't have the skill. Only if people look at you all disappointed for not haggling though. Edit: pressed send too soon, needed to write the rest of the sentence
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David 2 years ago
Haggling is part of the fun. In most haggle countries you will still end up paying more than the locals but in many places if you do not at least try to haggle they are literally insulted and/or think you are an idiot. And if you are not made of money, the extra prices can really add up. On my last PI trip I took home a lot of gifts for other people and I saved a LOT of money overall by haggling. But it was a win-win situation. When I wanted more stuff just before we flew out, I returned to a little shop / stall I'd visited a couple of times before. I'd spent enough there already that she just gave me good prices. And I'm sure it was all still a lot more than it cost them to obtain. At another shop I bought about 30 key chains and fridge magnets custom painted with names of friends / relatives. We haggled, I came back after he'd had day or so to paint them. I got them for way cheaper than US prices. We were both very happy with the transaction.
SadieCat17 (she/her) 2 years ago
Whenever it comes to haggling as a cultural norm I feel like that one scene in Monty Python's Life of Brian
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Lyone Fein 2 years ago
THIS. When I was in India, I was well aware that I was way richer than all the people around me. Even though I was travelling on student grants, I gave my money freely.
Saint Thomas 2 years ago
Even if you haggle you're going to pay (much) more than the real country value. But accepting any price is not good either for the local economy. It drags the prices up for the local population as well. I like systems like in Laos where there are two prices grids clearly placed in the taxi/tuk tuk: one for the locals, one for the tourists.
Funhog 2 years ago
Interesting about the price grids. Am curious about the price difference: How much do locals pay vs. how much do tourists pay?
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Skinny Pig 2 years ago (edited)
Also, time is money. I'd rather pay a little more and save myself the time and frustration of haggling and just buy what I want and move on to the next activity.
ॐBoyGanesh 2 years ago
When it’s doable, I like to good-naturedly haggle along with them until they get to their lowest price then pay them the original asking price. It’s typically a matter of cents or dollars to me. I mean, I’m not doing this for Persian rugs or anything. But for trinkets and other small mementos, it’s part of the experience.
Raven Hayden Rudnik 1 year ago
Often for you it is not a lot of money, but for those people it is. You have to argue about the price ofc because it would be rude not to tho
#4
My friend calls grocery stores "food museums." I absolutely love going on cultural trips to the food museums. You can learn a lot there It is my must-do/activity simply because I want to browse to see what may be staples within their household, price range, how they market, people watch, etc.
Lyone Fein 2 years ago
I agree. Plus, what better way to experience the food of the place you're visiting than shopping and cooking?
Wood Carver 2 years ago (edited)
Even if you don't have the capability of cooking one of my favourite trip activities is to go and buy a giant bag of different snack foods. As packaged food it's mostly allowed back home and you get to try what I figure are the cultural touchstones of foods. Sure try the delicious delicacies but also you really get to know a people when you know what they eat at 245 am while watching TV in their underwear lol. Warning you run the risk of discovering a snack food you cannot get out of your head for years. I'm talking to you peanut butter muddy buddies from Texas.... I dream of you at 3am
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David 2 years ago
YES. Probably true for most folks but very true if you are an American and traveling to a "not western" country. The grocery store experience can be very different in some countries. You will (probably) also come to realize the huge variety of choices you take for granted in the US. Not every (other country) grocery store has 13 kinds of mayo and 137 kinds of soda. PS - Second best if you are in the US - explore the little Asian grocery markets. Or we also have a little Mexican one close by. Their target audience is 'not you' and can be fun to explore. Plus I do a lot of Asian style cooking and can find stuff at the Asian store the mainstream stores don't have.
Andy Cran 2 years ago
love those type of shops,we have similar in UK...I get lost in the various ingredients and always overspend,my usual thinking is "ooh I've never seen/tried/heard of that I'm giving that a go " usually can find a recipe online to get me started
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Ima Manimal 2 years ago
I absolutely love grocery shopping and a foreign country… It’s a whole new experience
Sans Serif (Sans) 2 years ago
Also a must do for me if I'm only visiting a different state - especially in a different region of the country.
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Gavin Johnson 2 years ago
First time I went to France I was 6 years old. 1980s Carrefour, Mammoth, E.Leclerc Hypermarkets were awesome. As a British child it was all about sweets and sporting goods, ‘Mum can I buy a crossbow?’ 😂 Now I’m a little older, I still love Hypermarkets 😀
Jane Thorne 2 years ago
Everywhere we travel, I check out the grocery stores. It says so much about the culture.
Auntriarch 2 years ago
Absolutely! And it's truer than deli-type shops, they only tell you what people would like you to think they eat
Load More Replies... Agamemnon O'Neill 2 years ago
I like supermarkets and cemeteries. They tell you a lot about a culture
Ervin Conn 2 years ago
I like going to the market for a more selfish reason. I go through the produce section to try to memorize the names of the fruits an vegetables so I recognize them on the menus. Things like onion == zwiebel in Germany.
Shoshana Sherrington 2 years ago
Except for Canada. As a Canadian I realized that our groceries are the same type of stuff as American groceries but with less and less variety. For instance I didn't know that our CANADIAN BRAND Canada dry ginger ale has multiple flavours until I saw them in the US. I've only ever seen maybe four flavours of Oreos. First world problems
#5
Sometimes the best way to see a place is to book the tour with the bus and guy with a microphone talking about the scenery.
Not-a-Clue (she/her) 2 years ago
It's a great way to get your bearings in new city and work out how you want to spend the rest of your time there.
Kel_how 2 years ago
Absolutely! I've done that in London, Glasgow, Boston, and many other places. You get to see lots of history in a short amount of time.
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Robert T 2 years ago
Or a boat. I've done this in Amsterdam and Copenhagen. It's nice having someone point the sights out to you whilst you just sit and admire it all.
Pferdchen 2 years ago
That's how we discovered The Poezenboot (Cat boat), a floating cat sanctuary, in Amsterdam. It became a regular stops on all subsequent visits to Amsterdam. The perfect place for tourists missing affection from their cats back home!
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Lily Braunekatze 2 years ago
I used the hop on hop off bus as transit for a week in London. All on a one day ticket. If they ask if you have one just hold it up they never look at it.
Jay Cee 1 year ago
I hope that somebody abuses the hospitality of YOUR home town someday.
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Jo Davies 2 years ago
I love using these buses! The one in Cape Town takes you to wine yards as well. Means you can do a wine tasting and not have to worry about driving.
Taibhse Sealgair 2 years ago
The final afternoon after a few days in London and we were beat. So we just got on an open-top double decker and just drove around for a few hours. Just looking. Just watching. It was actually really cool.
Leslie Wright 2 years ago
HOHOs rock. This is how I got around Edinburgh last Jan. Great deal and they have an app too, so you can see where the busses are when you need them.
Rebecca Restrepo 2 years ago
I’m from Manhattan and I always take guests on the Gray Line tour bus (well pre Covid) p get to see some of the best sights and have transportation!
Sarah also says there is a difference between a tourist trap and a tourist attraction. "Some travelers intentionally skip well-known landmarks and tourist hotspots in favor of discovering lesser-known gems, but there is a reason why certain places are so popular, so go visit them all," she noted. "Just make sure to avoid overpriced stores and people trying to sell you flowers on the street."
"Never ride the camels or donkeys when traveling to places like Jordan, Egypt, or Morocco," Sarah added. "While they make for a great photo for Instagram, you are encouraging animal abuse and child labor."
The Pack Mama also says fancy restaurants are overrated. "A lot of them charge you a sitting fee, and any time I eat at one, I always have to have a second dinner because the portions are so small."
#6
I don’t care about meeting new people. I travel for a lot of reasons and people isn’t one of them. I like food, architecture, nature, animals, history, beaches, warm weather, sports events, quality time with friends and family.
Weasel Wise 2 years ago
Quality time with friends and family that you can have with those same people the rest of the year. Avoiding the people of the country you're visiting voids you of all the culture that goes with the food, architecture, history, sports, etc..... It allows people to think outside their own private bubble, to expand the mind, understand other ways of being and thinking. Idk. Maybe it's just me? I find it really important to learn about others so I can do my best to avoid being an ignorant twàt with a tendency to be xenophobic. But what does this stupid American know?
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Olga Sushko 2 years ago (edited)
Is this even a thing? I usually travel solo and I would never bother a local just to have a chat. Similarly, I'd freak out if a stranger started a long conversation with me out of the blue.
Fora Nakit 2 years ago
But traveling as a tourist you usually don't have time to connect with those people, so what's the point?
Load More Replies... Jane Thorne 2 years ago
My husband is a scientist and I am an artist. We both have conferences all over the world, and spend summers in Switzerland, where he works with his doctoral students at CERN. It always gives us an opportunity to live like residents in many situations. I love that sort of exploration and freedom to wander without an agenda.
gerard julien 2 years ago
" I don’t care about meeting new people." How did you meet your friends ??
sturmwesen 2 years ago
Maybe their social demand is met? Not everybody thrives to build new relationships regulary.
Load More Replies... White Sauce Hot Sauce 2 years ago
I've been to a lot of places. The one constant is that people are the same everywhere. They just wear different clothes and prepare flour/vegetables/meats in slightly different ways.
Anony Mouse 2 years ago (edited)
I don't think the person who posted their section meant to not meet people at all but us introverts prefer a quiet trip full of individual pursuits versus....well, the opposite. More than a handful of people and I just want to bolt back to the room! The solution? More nature and travel during the week and never on a holiday. There are slower times at most museums, galleries, etc where it's not so crowded. Visit smaller markets instead of the one recommended to the vast majority of tourists. It's choices such as these that allow me to interact at a level of comfortability perfect for *me* yet experience everything the area has to offer.
Load More Replies... #7
It’s okay for travel to just be some fun hobby, not a mind bending, life altering experience
Matthew Thompson 2 years ago
The greatest accomplishment I have done in traveling is to give my children (now grown) a taste of traveling and how to enjoy it for what it is not what you might have imagined it to be.
hwatinternation 2 years ago
My dad's taken us on a couple trips, and it's definitely helped form an idea of travelling again and what it is I'd like to do while travelling. More of a fan of nature stuff than I thought I would be thanks to him.
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Anony Mouse 2 years ago
Pretty sure I left myself in Hawaii or Nova Scotia. I'd be willing to go again and look!
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Mamza Paulse 2 years ago
I think for people who can’t afford to travel much need it to life altering to be with the money.
The Veil of Fire 2 years ago
Not all locations that everyone loves is going to be the spot you love. I love Venice, during flooding season. Im a nut but I enjoyed more then when it was dry. I also prefer Assisi over Rome/Vatican. Find your niche and enjoy it.
Robert T 2 years ago
I used to travel a lot for work, but I always made a point of trying to see something of the place I was visiting, even if it was only to find a nice restaurant to eat at in the evening. I must've walked miles through so many cities doing this. If I managed to get a weekend out of it too, I would go an do some more touristy stuff.
TrippyBanana 2 years ago
It's the only hobby I have that I work for and then once I've achieved the goal to get where I want to go I just enjoy myself. Plus, I get to include my other hobbies like photography and bird watching.
#8
Wanting to see a lot of touristy places doesn't make me less of a traveler. There's a reason these places attract a lot of people and most of the time it's because they are beautiful.
David 2 years ago
Plus I would hope for most of us that is not ALL we see. It's a mix. Every country I visited in the navy I tried to see the big famous things (the pyramids, the christo statue, Pompei, the vatican etc. But I ALSO went out of my way to get out of the tourist area, see local stuff, eat local food etc. Wanting to see (some famous thing) doesn't mean you don't also want to try to absorb come of the local culture that isn't tourist trap.
María Hermida 2 years ago
You must be very careful when you get out the tourist area. Depending on the country, the time of the day, whether you are a man or a woman... it can be risky. Get all the information you can from reliable local sources and stick to the safe areas. There are dangerous areas in every city in the world, even in Europe. Do follow the locals' advice. In natural areas, if the locals don't do it, just don't do it! You are not smarter, stronger or fitter.
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roddy 2 years ago
A friend in Toronto had a visitor from Germany who wouldn't go to Niagara Falls because she'd heard it was "touristy"! It's a natural wonder. You aren't even looking at the other tourists, you're looking at a waterfall. Absolutely insane level of snobbishness.
UselessKnowledgeFont 2 years ago
Sadly there's now a huge, gaudy, price gouging area on the Canadian side (won't even go into my impressions of Niagara, NY). The flash junk and PTSD inducing fireworks make me hesitant to ever return. At least never again in summer. It felt too much like a tiny Vegas
Load More Replies... Dr Robert Neville 2 years ago (edited)
I try to go off season if I'm going to see something really touristy. Mainly to cut out every single person from my palace of Knossos photos.
Sonia Ceacero 2 years ago
Totaly agree. Many people seem to be self-conscious about being a tourist. You're a tourist, that's fine.
TrippyBanana 2 years ago
The Eye is not one of those things, but it is the first of what became popular in like every city that has a ferris wheel.
Never Snarky 2 years ago
I love un the US. When I was a kid, some neighbors took their children to Paris. They didn’t “bother” to see the Eiffel Tower because it was too touristy.
Oskar vanZandt 2 years ago
I like to admire tourist attractions from the exterior... not paying ridiculous amounts to queue to see/experience something.
Sarah also noted that budget travel offers a more authentic and adventurous experience. "When you stay in a hostel, eat street food, and use public transportation, you aren’t so shielded by the comforts of a 5-star hotel, fancy restaurant, and private car," she explained.
And you may not agree with this one, but Sarah has observed that many European cities are quite similar. "I would much rather spend time exploring the adventurous side of a new country rather than walking down a cobblestone street to another church," she told Bored Panda.
If you're short on time, the Pack Mama recommends free walking tours. And remember that you need to be able to adapt when exploring. "If you expect Western-style conveniences wherever you go, you will run into a lot of frustrations along your trip," Sarah says.
#9
I usually hit a travel fatigue wall at some point. Usually at the 2-3 week mark. Am I going to sit in my hotel room and watch s****y TV and order room service? You bet I am. Will I feel guilty I’m not ticking things off my list that day? Not in the slightest. I’m an introvert and need decompression time.
Lame Llama 2 years ago (edited)
We live in Europe, it's normal. Actually a lot of us take 2x 2-3 weeks a year.
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Whydoyoucare? She/her cis/les 2 years ago
I’m an introvert and I hit decompression time after 5 days. Who are these people?
Bubs623 2 years ago
Ok who can afford to travel for 2-3 weeks at a time? And who can get off from work for that time- consecutive weeks? Oh wait. I'm an American and also expected to have my phone on and check my email. Right. I forgot.
Linda Tisue 2 years ago
It took becoming an expat to be able to travel. Not owning a car and single payer health care means I have much more money and holiday time.
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Gavin Johnson 2 years ago
Did a mini tour of Europe in our MX5, roof down, smelt the countryside as we went. Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Denmark, Holland, Belgium and finished down I n Paris for a few days, we’d stopped in some fascinating places, seen some awesome stuff, got to Paris and spent a whole day in our room watching the Olympics and eating and drinking. No visiting, no photos, no touristy stuff, we’d just reached our limit. Next day, Sacre Coeur, Moulin Rouge and overdosing on sights again 😀
Oskar vanZandt 2 years ago
I will most likely never hit this "travel fatigue wall" as I only go abroad for a week at a time unless I'm visiting family... then it's about spending quality time together.
sweetrottenpeaches 2 years ago
I am so tired of this introvert/extrovert s**t 😂 this has nothing to with being either of these.. -_- so boring
David 2 years ago
You must not be an introvert. I am an introvert. I find the post very relatable. I guess you are trying to say anyone can get travel fatigue. That is true. But it is a bigger deal for introverts because (for many of us anyway) being out in public / crowds / trying to socialize / lots of noise - is very draining. Conversely, many extroverts say crowds / parties are what charge their batteries. To me, that concept is alien even though I've seen it said enough times to believe it is true for those people. TLDR: True, but more true for introverts.
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#10
Not all of your friends are compatible to travel with you.
Make sure you have discussions when traveling with friends about things like sleep/ wake times, strict planned agenda vs laid back exploring, eating out vs cooking in, picking attractions you want to see, having time alone to explore, etc before you go.
Even a good destination can be ruined with the wrong person with you.
Wend kirk 2 years ago
That’s why travelling solo is great, or if travelling with others agree that won’t be joined at the hip.
Emma S 2 years ago
Went to New York from UK alone and loved it. Got up when I wanted, ate where and when I wanted, saw all the sights I wanted, didn't have to see anything I wasn't bothered about seeing and at the end of the day I guilt free sat in my roon reading. Didn't have to fit in with someone else's schedule and end up feeling resentful because they didn't want to do something I did or vice versa. I think travelling alone could potentially save some relationships.
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The Veil of Fire 2 years ago
Travel solo with friends. As a family going to amusement parks we walked in as a unit then after setting the planned meet ups for lunch, dinner, leaving. We scattered! We went off on our own or in pairs. Its ok to separate, just plan on how to keep in touch and meet back up at certain times.
Dr Robert Neville 2 years ago
That's why I go for a wander down to the shops in the morning while my wife is snoring her head off. Grab some fresh bread/pastry, come back do a tea or coffee with croissant/toast/bacon sandwich.
E2U&U2 2 years ago
My best friend of 30 years and I discovered we were incompatible travelers as we wanted to do very different things. But best friends have learned to create solutions. Ours was to have breakfast together, go our separate ways and meet in the evening to swap stories of the day.
Tameeza Joyce Lightowler 2 years ago
I once saw a last minute package deal to go to Prague for technically 3days, it was incredibly cheap like 2nights in a hotel for about £89 including flights I texted my friends and said that we have to act fast but if you want to come? Let's go! Only one could go. We had only really one full day in the city but packed in a lot of sightseeing. I had a travel book that included a map and did say to my travel friend that I really wanted to see this place, that place and then we can do whatever you want if that's okay? It was mainly film sites and a couple of other places, he was happy enough to go along with it because we then did what he wanted to 🙂 The hotel was on the outskirts of the city so we shopped in the local supermarket, ate one night at a local pub where the locals were laughing with us because we were trying to say "Thank you" in Czech! They pronounced it for us and it was a nice night! I have travelled solo and would do again tho 🙂
Remi (He/Him) 2 years ago
A friend of mine and his husband travel separately for just this reason. They've been happily together for over 20 years, but they just aren't travel compatible
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
I’ve been very fortunate to have had good travel experiences with most of my friends. I have some friends who are extremely active like myself and others who are a bit more laid back and I know to plan accordingly. However, I still really love solo travel as I’m not beholden to anyone and can just wander around with no agenda.
ॐBoyGanesh 2 years ago
Things can go south even with people whom with you travel well. Circumstances can change. The key is being open to going off on your own if there’s a conflict on what to do. I recently travelled for nightlife around a particular festival. My buddy came for the festival and to do all the touristy things I’ve already done. I’d sleep in while he was out exploring, we’d meet for lunch & then either do something together or apart, he’d be in bed with a book by 10:00 as I’d be getting ready to go out. We accommodated each other & communicated. It was great to not be alone yet not have to be beholden to things I had no interest in.
#11
I like to return to the same place over and over again if I loved it. While I also value experiencing new places, I love building a deeper connection to a place I love and I find it easier and more relaxing at times to simply show up somewhere familiar vs plan a whole trip around somewhere entirely new.
Glitterati 2 years ago
Doing this for the first time in my life this summer and can’t wait. It’s not glamorous, just beach camping near home but it was great last year so why not do it again
Lara 2 years ago
My family went to the same town for holidays for years. We all loved it. Seeing the town change and grow. It felt like going to our second home. We revisit the beach we have been to a thousand times and eat in the same restaurants.
Lara 2 years ago
Hermanus, South Africa will always have a special place in my heart ♥
Load More Replies... Dr Robert Neville 2 years ago
I never understood people who did this until I went to Crete, immediately felt comfortable there, just chilled and got on with people. I'm now looking at buying a place there.
Robert T 2 years ago
I did this quite a bit with some of my work trips. I must've clocked up almost a working year in Denmark, and although I didn't stay in Copenhagen itself, I used to regularly get the train in at the weekend. I know my way around pretty well now and there are a number of shops and cafes that I like to visit. Similarly with Zurich and Brussels. I had a set of restaurants that I like to eat at and would walk the same route to get to them, taking in some of the nicer parts of the city.
Auntriarch 2 years ago
We've been to Vienna six times, and will certainly go again
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Molly Badgett 2 years ago (edited)
Agree. I lived in Washington, DC, when I was younger and I still need a "DC fix" now and then. It makes me so happy to trigger the memories. I've traveled to Europe many times and love, love, love it, but DC is my "comfort travel."
Anony Mouse 2 years ago
20 years ago, I treated myself.to a divorce trip in DC because I wanted to visit the Smithsonian again (usual high school trip the first time). I don't know why it was so stuck in my head but it was...and it was my first solo experience. Pure bliss! I've since taken work contracts in DC twice and it's time to go back as it's been quite a few years. "Comfort travel" indeed!
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Upstaged75 2 years ago
My family and I go to the same place every year. It's beautiful and we all have a great time. We did that when I was a kid too - I have wonderful memories of my summers. Now we get to watch the nieces/nephews/grandkids make their own memories. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Glenn Schroeder 2 years ago
Same here. I didn't see a mountain until I was 60 years old, when my wife and I spent 5 days in the mountains in a little tourist town in northern New Mexico. We've spent a week there every year since, and we have our cabin reserved again for next year.
We were curious what Sarah's thoughts were on some of the responses in this thread. As far as the ones she agrees with, she shared, "Visiting a McDonald’s in every country is something I thought only I did. To see other people do this is so funny. Currently, I have visited 10 McDonald's around the world, and the McBoat in Germany is high up on my list."
Sarah also seconds the idea that not all of your friends will be compatible travel partners with you.
#12
It drives me mental when people on here say things like, ‘if you go to _city X_, forget about all the tourist destinations and go wander around the small neighbourhoods, where the ‘real’ city is.’
That’s what I’m going to do, forget the things that draw people from around the world or wherever, and go check out where you go to buy your groceries.
I’m a tourist dammit!
David 2 years ago
DO BOTH. The famous stuff is sort of fun and makes for good bragging flexes with your friends. But some of my best memories from many of the countries I have traveled to came from the those little out of the way areas that nobody back home has heard of.
John G 2 years ago
Pre Google maps we wandered around Reykjavik looking for an ice cream place our waitress had told us about. Definitely got the neighborhood tour.
Load More Replies... 2CentSally 2 years ago
We make it a point when we travel to stay in small towns/villages outside of major cities, but close enough we can drive in and do some touristy stuff if we want. Everyone has heard of Munich and Stuttgart, but who has heard of Bad Tölz or Sasbachwalden?
Dorothy Reiser 2 years ago
I grew up in Tokyo, and the year my family decided to move to Mexico, my mom realized I hadn't seen all the important places in Japan. Don't wait to see the sites.
Lizz 2 years ago
We once unknowingly wandered into one of the most dangerous banlieues in Paris... Enjoyed the beautiful architecture, little mom'n pops stores and whatnot. Called a taxi when we noticed it was getting dark. The taxi driver said we were f**kin nuts to be there and that a tourists eat had been cut off over €5 the week before. Oops!
Sonia Ceacero 2 years ago
What we should forget is the advice of others as tourists, and do what we like.
Dr Robert Neville 2 years ago
I like staying somewhere out of the way and travelling to attractions, except in America, out of the way there is half a day's drive.
The Scout 2 years ago
I found it very interesting when visiting Venice, that I could get lost and wander into some unsightly forgotten church at a side road, just to find myself eye to eye with a Michelangelo painting or in a 11th century crypt... The tourist places are the most known ones, not necessarily the most interesting. That tour I also completely by accident found the tomb of one of my favourite renaissance composers, along with a nice Tintorello painting, by getting off the "vaporetto" at the wrong stop and inadvertedly stumbling into a church for shadow. If a city is interesting, it often is on a wider scale.
Mario Strada 2 years ago
Pro tip for Rome: if you go to piazza Navona, you are only a block or two away from some hole-in-the-wall craftsmen shops where they restore the local art. I lived in Rome for 23 years and I had no idea. I went back to visit, took a walk and landed in this place with artists chiseling stone in back alleys. I mean, somebody has to fix all the stuff that breaks and they have to be someplace nearby because stone is heavy and fragile.
#13
I stay in one place when I travel. So when I went to London for a week I just went to London (I mean I took a gray line tour to like Bath, but that was it) People get really judgy that I didn't do England, Ireland AND Scotland in the entire week. Like naw, that's not enough time for me and would be too stressful.
And to add to that I'm not renting a car. I'll be taking those tourist buses and grayline for exploring.
ravenhorse 2 years ago
It's impossible to "do" England in one week, much less Ireland and Scotland also. Who are these people?
Alex Davis 2 years ago
I live in the UK and am in a travel group on Facebook where lots of people post about visiting the UK, mainly Americans. Some post their itinerary and I think because countries like Canada and the USA are so big compared to us, they think that they can see many places in 7- 10 days. One guys travel plans in 14 days including flying into Heathrow doing london in 36 hours then driving to the following places: Bath, Cornwall, south wales, north wales, ferry from Holyhead to Ireland and doing Dublin and somewhere south of there, ferry back over to holly head to Lake District, Edinburgh, Loch Ness, York and back to london to fly home. I asked him if he typed in the driving between these places into google maps as it would be possible be he would literally be driving the whole time and never sleep really. He genuinely expected them to be like 30-60 minutes apart from each other and that the ferry time was like crossing a river. He was shocked when I showed him the google driving time
Narwhal Blast 2 years ago
So you spend the whole week seeing England and Ireland and Scotland from the window? Because I don't think you get to see anything else in one week... one week was nearly enough for me to see London, and I still want to go back and explore some more!
Nizumi 2 years ago
London is one of those cities where you can actually spend an entire two week vacation, do something neat every day, and never go beyond Zone 6. This covers everything from Hampton Court and some countryside, to everything right in the city centre. London is HUGE - people often don't realize just how massive it really is.
EP 2 years ago
I definitely thought London was just the city part. I never thought to look further into it. Now I will check it out.
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Apatheist Account2 2 years ago
I tried doing Ireland in one week - barely able to spend 2 hours in a tourist spot before having to drive on to the next hotel. It's a lot bigger than you think.
Remi (He/Him) 2 years ago
If you only have one week, you can barely get to know one bigger city in that time. Large cities, two weeks minimum for me and smaller cities one week minimum. If you're on a 4 week trip, that means you can probably do two or three places, but if you choose a city with lots to see and great day trip options, you can stay at the same place the whole time too
María Hermida 2 years ago
In most European cities a car is useless. Most cities have wonderful public transport. I have a love/hate relationship with the underground. I actually hate it, but I have to admit it is the absolutely best way to move around, because it's fast and foolproof. Even *I* can use it without getting lost.
Dr Robert Neville 2 years ago
The only time I've really done something like that was NZ, Auckland, Taupo, Waitomo, Rotarua, Wellington, Picton, Kaikoura, Nelson, Franz Josef and Queenstown in 3 weeks, some places 1 day, some 3. Just about not relaxing to not be stressful.
#14
I like restaurants that have pictures on the menu... :')
David 2 years ago
It is handy. Especially if you can not read the language. When I got to Japan (80s) I was amused to find that the plastic food in the windows thing was not just Asian restaurants in the USA. It was common over in Japan too. That saved me a couple of times. One time I carefully copied the japanse symbols under the fake food onto a napkin (the restaurant was upstairs from the display window) and they could tell what I wanted. Another time a Japanese guy was passing buy, saw us pointing at the one we wanted. He spoke a little English so he went inside and ordered for us. I still remember that guy because he was absolutely THRILLED that we wanted to eat Japanese food. (at first he was offering to show us where to get a hamburger cuz I guess he thought westerners only wanted western food)
Robert T 2 years ago
It takes so much guesswork out of ordering, and it really doesn't bother me if I'm eating at a chain restaurant. Sometimes I just want something simple and quick. Don't get me wrong, I have learnt quite a lot of food words in about half a dozen languages, and it has saved me the embarassement of having to ask for the "special" English menu several times. However, sometimes you end up with something that isn't quite what you thought it would be. LOL
As far as an answer in this thread Sarah doesn't agree with, she noted that she doesn't understand people who insist on going to the same place every time they travel. "There are way too many places in the world to keep going to the same place over and over again," she told Bored Panda. "Sure, you can repeat a place if it’s your tradition, but make sure you also travel to more places around the world."
#15
I like to buy ultra tacky souvenirs with the name of the place on it. Love a good key ring to add to the pile I have too
JL 2 years ago
I'll do you one better, when I go to an attraction gift shop, I look for the same magnet as what I bought elsewhere, just with a different medallion. s-l1600-1.jpg 
Susan Reid Smith 2 years ago
I buy souvenir t-shirts. In my casual life they are bright and fun to wear. Worn out ones are in a box and I plan to make quilts out of them.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
If you're happy with it, that's all that counts.
Andrea Steinacher 1 year ago
I used to buy souvenirs like dishes, vases, even table cloth in times long gone - now I´m done with fridge magnets or useful things like bottle openers or kitchen ware
MadRatter 2 years ago
My brother got my sister and me the most tacky things he could find in a souvenir shop in Prague. We go on holiday together and buy each other a surprise gift in souvenir shops. My sister got a bright pink bracelet saying "Prague" in rhinestones. I got a little green rubber wallet for coins, saying "I ❤️ Prague". We absolutely love the stuff we get each other, no matter how tacky!
Celtic Pirate Queen 2 years ago
I collect fridge magnets. My friends & family are so good about making sure I get one from wherever they've gone.
#16
I like airports. I arrive early in order to wander around.
David 2 years ago
If you know you will have a longer layover, check out the airport's web site ahead of time. For an upcoming trip to PI we have another long layover in Inchon Korea airport. On their web site I discovered some things to do at the airport that I didn't know existed last time I was there. Not every airport has cool stuff but some do.
Remi (He/Him) 2 years ago
Ended up staying the night there, because the flight was cancelled. Excellent airport for spending time.
Load More Replies... Matthew Thompson 2 years ago
This really depends on the airport. I have flown out of Kansas City numerous times. It isn't the kind of airport that holds one's interest long.
Cathy Jo Baker 2 years ago
Well... I wouldn't say I LIKE airports but I am always early because the check-in process plus security makes me a nervous wreck. I get that over with, then I can relax until my flight.
Oskar vanZandt 2 years ago
I like to arrive early so I don't have to rush around and want to clear security as quickly as possible...
Gimme that Cash 2 years ago
I live in singapore and T3&4 of changi airport is where many activities are held by schools because there are so many facilities and food options. I remember going there for dance practices when I was in secondary school. I also went on the tall slides until I was 17 or so. Don't judge. My inner child still wants to go again.
Paul Moore 2 years ago
People watching in airports, excited to go away, big hugs on their return, sad business traveller who's done 50 times this year already.
#17
You can just go to a country or city without having a strict itinerary for each day and without knowing much about the place. You can simply arrive and leave your accommodation in any direction and see where you end up (but you shouldn’t do that in dangerous places obviously)
David 2 years ago
TAKE A BUSINESS CARD FROM YOUR ACCOMODATION if available. If you get lost, it can be very helpful for getting back to your hotel. In some countries even the address may look like gobbledy gook to you but it won't to the locals.
Lily Braunekatze 2 years ago
I once spent an entire day walking around Budapest with one of those super cheesy 8x 12 tourist maps from the rack in the hotel. Got lost met some nice people, watched football projected on an adjoining buildings wall and ate some mystery food. I didn't understand a lick of what anyone said, none of them understood me, we just did charades. It was a fantastic day.
Robert T 2 years ago
This is literally how I explore cities. I might pick some place on the map to head for, but I will have a good wander. You find something interesting, you go in. If not, you keep walking having a good look round. It is easier to find your way back to your hotel with Google Maps, but I have a reasonable sense of direction and managed perfectly well in the age before smartphones.
Angela B 2 years ago
Did this in Venice. Had a few places that were "must see" for me but I tried to only choose 2 or 3 per day. Also needed to factor in that some places were closed on certain days of the week. Saw and experienced some amazing things by wandering/getting lost/found again that I had no idea were there.
Kira Okah 2 years ago
Me in most of my travels around Beijing. Didn't have a clue where I was going, once walked several miles in 37 degrees because I could, ended up at an air conditioned shopping centre next to a historical market and it was wonderful. Yes I took the subway back after, I'm nuts but not that nuts.
Dr Robert Neville 2 years ago
Nope. My wife won't do that, has to know where we're going in advance.
Remi (He/Him) 2 years ago
I could never. But that's something that depends on a person. I like making huge lists of possible things to see and do and then picking something from it depending on the weather and my mood for the day
At the end of the day, Sarah doesn't believe there should be any strict rules when it comes to traveling. "Traveling is about exploration and personal growth, so imposing hard and fast rules would not be practical or desirable," she shared. "However, I think every person needs to remember they are representing the country in which they come from, so make sure their itinerary respects local customs, has a minimal environmental impact, and represents your country well."
If you'd like to hear about Sarah's own travels or get more travel tips from her, be sure to visit The Pack Mama!
#18
I try to take a trip to a particular beach town in the South of France every year. Not Nice, a much smaller one, with naught but a blue-flag beach that's not nearly crowded enough to have to reserve a chair and a boardwalk full of family restaurants and shops that specialise in flipflops and plastic buckets. Yes, yes, travel expands the mind and all that, but sometimes a girl just wants to eat a croissant for breakfast, go to the beach, and then have an ice cream sundae the size of her head in lieu of lunch before heading back to make more vitamin D while working her way through a bottle of cheap, icy cold muscat sec.
Kira Okah 2 years ago
Digging the idea of that sundae. Mmm. It's 5am and now I want ice cream.
Auntriarch 2 years ago
Its bloody cold here but I really want some icy cold muscat sec
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Jane Thorne 2 years ago
So many destinations in France, the beaches aren't my first choice. The history and ambiance of the small villages are wonderful. We have had an apartment in St.Genis Pouilly for many years. Living there and traveling elsewhere has been a wonderful experience and educational for everyone.
Lila Allen 1 year ago
Oh I know where you went. I won't spoil it, but it's my favorite too. Side note the lovely cafe that is over by the square on the side opposite the municipal building has the best croque monsieur I have ever had
Judith Remkes 2 years ago
Oh man, this one hits me in the feels.... Guess it's time for a lazy beach holiday!
#19
I was staying in Waikiki and made it a point to visit their McDonald's for the Hawaiian style breakfast and fried pies. Some lady commented while I was walking with the bag that she couldn't believe someone would get McDonald's in Hawaii! Joke's on her because those pies were fire.
David 2 years ago (edited)
I LOVE eating the food of whatever country I am in. That said, I did also enjoy visiting a McDonalds in Hong Kong. It was the 80s, I was surprised to even see one, and I was curious. The menu was same-ISH but had some difference like bowl of noodle soup. The burger sauce was a bit different too. Also I was AMAZED at how fast the lines moved. Six registers wide, a solid line of people in front of each register. Was expecting a long-ish wait. Instead I was at the front with them asking what I wanted while I was still trying to read the menu. I have never seen a US McDonalds with such fast service.
Chris Ulm 2 years ago
I used to live in HK and loved McDonald’s there, even though I’m not a fan in the US. They fry their fries in peanut oil and they are sooo delicious. Sucks if you’re allergic, but amazing if you’re not. Plus, they still fry their pies and they have different flavors.
Load More Replies... Cathy 2 years ago
Go to Macdonald in India!! They have so many vegetarian burgers that are awesome!
Kira Okah 2 years ago
Got that in China. "Why are you in Burger King and not in a Chinese restaurant?" Because the restaurant is more expensive and those chilli fries they had at the time were heavenly. I lived there over a year and went to plenty of proper local restaurants, and sometimes I wanted burning hot spicy chilli chips while doing my homework.
Nice Beast Ludo 2 years ago
Like in some parts of new england McDonald's used to have a lobster roll. I don't know if they still do
Gianna B D 2 years ago
I was seriously tempted to go to Wendy's (I think it was Wendy's) in Scotland because they allegedly had a "Cajun burger" and I really wanted to know what Scottish people think Cajun food is like.
The Veil of Fire 2 years ago
Made it a point to try out American businesses in different areas. It was fun seeing the different items on the menu, the different look of the establishment. Yes, I ate McD's in Italy a couple of times, I also found the best German restaurant, Chinese place, and many good local places that serve good down home Italian food. Ate awesome pizzas daily. Just have fun while traveling...let those who voice their opinionated ideas go their own way.
Dr Robert Neville 2 years ago
Sometimes after eating every variation of the local food for x weeks you want something base like pizza or burgers, it's like a palate refresher.
Megan Lauhon 2 years ago
Ha! I was just in Waikiki and my mother made the same comment about 'Who eats at McDonald's in Hawaii?'. Then she saw our lunch bill from the hotel restaurant and reconsidered Micky D's. (We didn't go but we hit that Dennys on the corner a few times).
#20
If I find a restaurant I love I’ll just eat there again instead of trying something else. I also used to scoff at eating the hotel breakfast because I thought it was more authentic to find a cute spot out in town but by the time I actually find one and get to it I’m hungry to the point of being frantic and usually it’s disappointing anyways.
Der Kommissar 2 years ago
Some of the best breakfasts I have had while traveling have been in hotels. Some were buffets, some a la carte.
tracy black 2 years ago
just returned from san antonio texas we stayed in a hilton there and that breakfast was freaking awesome
Load More Replies... David 2 years ago
Some of the best food I've had over the years came from little shithole restaurants that looked like nothing. Best tempura I've ever had came from what was basically a three sided "carport" (building style, not actual parking) with a sawdust floor. Just two old ladies, one counter, an oil pot and pots of ingredients. I pointed at things I wanted, they wrote down the price on a napkin. It was cheap and amazing. Must have been 1988 because the Seoul Olympics was on a little B&W TV hung on the wall. Basically, wherever you go, try to walk until people stare at you for not being one of them (aka away from tourist area) and then find food places just for locals and it is often very good and very affordable.
Michael Largey 2 years ago
I spent a week in another country last summer. On one hand, the breakfast served at the hotel was very representative of the country's cuisine. On the other, the country was the UK.
Alexej Dvorak 2 years ago
I'm not a particularly avid traveller, so my expertise might not be great, but I have never once had a bad breakfast at any hotel I stayed at.
David 2 years ago
I have for domestic (US) travel. Like when you are driving some place and just get a budget hotel in some passing city to sleep before driving on. The included breakfast is often cold cereal and milk, orange juice, a basic fruit bowl apple / banana and usually some sort of bread and a toaster. Some have had even less so your choice was basically either carbs or carbs with sugar. I've also lucked out on the other end where they actually do have a bunch of good food and they make your omelettes to order and extras and just quite yummy. Sorry - TDLR - On the bad end it was a cup of bad coffee and a dry muffin.
Load More Replies... Skinny Pig 2 years ago
If there's a free breakfast buffet I'll stuff myself silly so I can spend more on a really nice linner
Matthew Thompson 2 years ago
Truly continental breakfasts throughout Europe are rarely disappointing. Even my few adventures on the African continent, a nice hotel really shows itself in its breakfast spread.
Dorothy Reiser 2 years ago
Always eat at the establishment that has a lot of locals. The empty places are a warning.
Glitterati 2 years ago
Hotel breakfast buffet is a highlight! (Except that time in March 2020 I caught covid from someone at one. That sucked)
#21
Permanent travel / people who do this for a living are not to be trusted with travel advice. They have lost sight of reality AND they are biased as their paycheck depends on your reactions.
Mark Savoie 2 years ago
Anthony Bourdain said something to the effect of avoiding the popular spots and visiting out-of-the-way obscure sites. Horrible advice! Sure, if I travelled for a living like he did, maybe it's a good idea. But if I'm going to be in India just once in my life, I'm going to go see the Taj Mahal if at all i possibly can.
Agamemnon O'Neill 2 years ago
I think that's great advice for food, but who wants to sit in the Indian equivalent of Newark for a week? You want to see the STUFF.
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#22
I don’t care about the nightlife, bar scene, or whatever, after a whole day doing something, I’ll use the evening to sleep and relax.
No hostels, idc to sleep with strangers in a room.
I’ve had one of the best pizzas in Thailand, might not be local, but other cuisines can be amazing too, so I’ll try.
Bored Retsuko 2 years ago
I mean, with that view in the pic (yes I mean the landscape not the woman!), just lying in bed and staring out the window would be an experience.
Ivona 2 years ago
She's sleeping on a thin mattress on the floor, it's a strange arrangement.
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Raymond Core 2 years ago
I'm from New Orleans and there are lots of world-class Italian restaurants but on a trip to Bangkok, at my friend's golf club, I had the best spaghetti and meatball, garlic bread, and salad, ever.
LastButNotLeast 2 years ago
...Sorry to tell you that here in Italy garlic bread Is not a typical dish... And spaghetti and meatballs are not so common as you(the rest of the world) think...
Load More Replies... Dr Robert Neville 2 years ago
I had a great pizza in Rhodes, mind you it was a Pizzeria owned by young Italians.
Upstaged75 2 years ago (edited)
I just spent a week at the beach with my family. I spent most of the time sitting on the beach or the deck (overlooking the water) and reading. The rest of the time I played with my niblings and ate tons of yummy seafood. By 9pm each night I was in bed watching TV. I wouldn't change a thing! :)
Kira Okah 2 years ago
That is one thing that I will say - one of the best spaghetti dishes I have ever had was at a hole-in-the-wall place in Dalian, and a teenie little dumpling shop local friends took me to in Shenyang had better dumplings than any fancy expensive Beijing restaurant I went to.
Mario Strada 2 years ago
The best pizza I had outside Italy was, of all places, In Taipei, Taiwan.
#23
I find the obsession with getting to know locals, finding locals to hang out with to show them around bizarre and entitled. Like, you get to brag about the cool authentic experience you've had off the beaten tourist path and get to big yourself up as being 'better' than regular tourists, but what's in it for the 'local'? As a local of my own city, I would have no interest really in entertaining a tourist for a significant amount of time beyond giving directions or a short conversation. I have my own life, I have stuff to do, errands to run, friends who actually live in my city that I will see for more than one day in my entire life and can have meaningful friendships with. I also wouldn't know any cool off the beaten path spots that the people who go out seeking 'authentic, local experiences' would want, because I spend a lot of my time at work, or at home, or doing boring everyday stuff. Tourism is an industry with an infrastructure around it - there are people whose job it is to guide you round cities, there's all kinds of walking and food/drink tours. Spend the money paying people to do this rather than feeling entitled to people's time and expecting the people who live in a city to do it for free.
David 2 years ago
I would never feel "entitled" to anyone's time but if the other person is willing you can have some great experiences. Some people volunteer to do this. At least they did when my navy ship came to town. I have great fishing memories from Alaska from a couple who took me in for the weekend and great memories of horseback riding / kangaroos / sightseeing from a family who took me in in Australia. And in poorer countries - you can make it worth their while in return. In the PI in a small village some distant relatives (by my brother's marriage) let us stay in their house and even gave up their bedrooms for us. She cooked meals for us. But we didn't just "use" them. We brought in a whole pig, bags of rice and other food and hosted a village wide feast. We paid to have extra water hauled in. We left them money when we left. Other stuff too. My point is we went out of our way to make it a win-win situation. Do that even if the person is a stranger.
Glitterati 2 years ago
A Thai family in a tiny village cooked my husband and me dinner and booked us amazing accommodation with a family member. I can’t even remember how we ended up talking to them. It was so incredibly generous of them. This was 18 years ago and I’ll never forget their kindness. But I absolutely agree that seeking out locals is really weird. That said we’ve taken friends of friends that we don’t know on ‘tours’ of Melbourne so many times! We even helped Ruby Wax find her hotel once 😃
BrownTabby 2 years ago
A Hawaiian in the other post said this about Hawaii and people flipped their lids at the idea that not all Hawaiians want to be ~graced with our presence~.
Dr Robert Neville 2 years ago
I chat to people in shops and restaurants, in Europe plenty of the younger generation have loved in London so we chat about that (a lot of them speak English with a London accent). But wine shops, asking for recommendations, honey shops weirdly, met some lovely people with honey shops, get them talking about their hives and they'll bend your ear all day. If people love what they do they'll talk to you about it because they're proud, and frankly I'm interested, ask a chef or even a member of wait staff how they got that flavour/texture and if they have time they'll tell you.
ormondotvos 2 years ago
Tourism is based on a misconception that other people are different and amazing.
Kat Ashworth 1 year ago
When I went to Copenhagen about 15 years ago I went to the bar down the road from my hostel most nights, got to talk to locals (sometimes with elaborate gesturing when we couldn't remember words) but I still talk with one of them on FB.
P Hazel 2 years ago
Here I disagree. Not everyone treats people in that rude entitled way. While we have nothing against organized tours, we prefer to find a local person that can really use the financial help. When we meet up with a "local" we are compatible with, we gratefully pay for all their drinks and food while they show us around, additionally, give them gas $ if warranted and certainly compensate them for their time.
Cathleen Cummings 2 years ago
100% agree with this. (That BS "Eat Pray Love" schtick is truly nothing but a load of rubbish)
#24
I don't mind occasionally eating Mexican food in Italy or Italian food in Greece etc. this whole "you should only eat local food " is dumb. eat whatever you want. I've been to Greece 3 times in the last couple of years, and as much as I enjoy Greek food, I make sure to go to a specific asian restaurant in Athens (went there twice on my first visit) because they have korean food that I LOVE and is not easy to find where I live. I'm going with the family to Greece in May and already planning to go eat there again.
David 2 years ago
Yeah, eat what you want. I think the problem comes for people who travel abroad and expect to only eat the food of their own country. Sadly, I am talking about some of my fellow Americans. It's okay to eat a burger in Japan / PI / wherever. It's NOT okay (IMO) to insist that you have to find an American style restaurant because you can't stand the (local country)'s food. Embrace the differences and enjoy the experience.
Andy Cran 2 years ago (edited)
the British are same....go to Spain and only eat English food (" I ain't eating any of that foreign muck")then come home and complain there was too many foreigners there and then tuck into a pizza/curry/kebab when back in blighty (I've had the misfortune of encountering such people,it saddens me it really does)...needed that rant 😁👍
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rorschach-penguin 2 years ago
Well, there's nothing wrong with eating Italian food in Greece, but you can't get any halfway decent Mexican anywhere in Europe. It's a tragedy.
Jessie 1 year ago (edited)
That’s because the food is always altered to fit the taste of the local people, which is obviously very different on each continent. The pizzas you buy in America aren’t going to be anything like the pizzas you buy in Italy.
Load More Replies... Glitterati 2 years ago
Smashing my way through Pizza Hut in Lima after a month in South America was awesome. As was paying a fortune for a baguette and cream cheese after 8 weeks in China. Sometimes you just want something familiar if your regular comfort food and that’s fine
Buttrnutsquash 2 years ago
Had the best Italian food ever in Budapest, even better than what we had in Italy! We knew Hungarian cuisine would not agree with our stomachs (had similar cuisine in Slovakia, and did not end well), so we looked for something we knew we could handle. Beautiful little Italian bistro near the Opera House, attentive staff, reasonable prices, so fantastic, we dined there every night we stayed in Budapest.
2CentSally 2 years ago
I definitely had pizza from an Italian restaurant and kebap while in Germany because I knew it would still be more authentic than what I would get in the states
Miomirko Buhtlić 2 years ago
We had Pizza Hut in Giza, with a view of the Pyramids. We already tried a bunch of local food, never tried PH before so we gave it a go. It was a nice experience.
#25
I prefer layovers and ideally in the 3-5 hour range. I can’t afford to fly anything better than economy and it’s nice to be able to stretch my legs, breathe, and have a good meal between the hell that is economy class seats
Jake B 2 years ago
Man, I need to upgrade to economy hell seats. I’ve been traveling in the sub-hell ones and am tired of having to share my seat.
DJR 2 years ago
I see your sub-econony hell, and lower the bar to troop litters in a C-130 halfway around the world.
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Michael Largey 2 years ago
I prefer longer layovers because my first flight never gets in on time.
Sand Ers 2 years ago
I'm the opposite. I want the beginning and the end to be as close together as possible. Airport terminals are usually boring and interchangeable, regardless of whatever "local" decorations have been installed. Getting from one terminal gate to the next is as much breathing and stretching time as I need. Get the airplane hell over with as quickly as possible.
Krod Mandoon 2 years ago
I personally like layovers for a chance to drink in a new city and get a meal that I'll probably enjoy more than whatever is available on a plane.
Lizz 2 years ago
I'm thinking next time I get on a flight either ask for an aisle seat or one up front. I need the leg space due to medical issues and I'm pretty tall. That or save up for a business class seat... Edit, just thought of this: my dad always advised me to fly Emirates airline because it was more comfortable and you weren't packed in like sardines in economy. . He had heart issues, so I believe him. Plus it's one of the safest airlines, he said.
Cynthia Carter 2 years ago
We haven't flown on a plane since 2011. Hate to think that the seats may be even worse now in Economy.
#26
All the guides that tell you how rad travel on a budget is are f*****g lying. All the ways to try to weasel into free or reduced plane/trane seats, the hostels, the off the beaten path stuff, the stuff about going in the off season. The new app to travel-couch-surf or whatever.
As someone who was broke as f**k and did all that, but then got a career and traveled with a real budget ... The two experiences are worlds apart. Poverty travel is NOT fun. You only think it is because you don't know different yet. Getting stranded in a foreign country with no means to get out is TERRIBLE. Hopping six kinds of train to go somewhere is objectively more of a hassle than flying there in a snap. Staying in a filthy hostel with crazy (but sometimes fun) people is objectively worse than staying at a super clean hotel that serves hot breakfast. When you are traveling outside your country, every problem == THROW MONEY AT IT.
Leigh 2 years ago (edited)
I traveled while really poor before and it wasn't so fun because I could barely afford to do anything. I stayed in some really crummy accommodations. Next year will be my first time traveling with $ and I imagine it will be a lot more fun because I can afford to see things and buy restaurant meals.
David Andrews 2 years ago (edited)
Yeah, poster can f*ck off with this one. Of course traveling is easier when you have more money, but traveling on a budget and finding ways to make your money go further can still be fun and worthwhile. I'm guessing when traveling on a budget the poster was one of these equally obnoxious people you meet in hostels who tell you all about how their experience is more "authentic" and real than anybody who isn't doing it exactly like them
Matthew Thompson 2 years ago
I do enjoy seeing the Turkish countryside by way of its robust bus lines, but it can become a little mundane even so..
Marcus Ng 2 years ago
A couple of years ago, some friends and I decided to visit an inland lake in the northeast of Myanmar, and we took a 24hour train ride from the capital to the lake. We were all seasoned budget travellers, but that train ride was the worse experience we ever had. We immediately questioned ourselves: we were working adults with disposable income. Why are we willing subjecting ourselves to this torture? Upon reaching our destination, we immediately decided to forgo our return train tickets, and spend an extra USD$100 each to fly back at the end of the week. Best decision we made all trip!
VioletHunter 2 years ago
Should poor people just stay home then instead of travelling within their means?
GettingCereal 2 years ago
That's not at all what they're saying. Of course you shouldn't travel beyond your means, but to say it's just as fun to boil canned soup instead of getting a more expensive local snack is, for most people, a lie.
Load More Replies... White Sauce Hot Sauce 2 years ago
I can't enjoy a vacation if I'm penny pinching the whole time.
R Truman 2 years ago
Some of my most memorable experiences have been locals I've met on couch surfing, I feel that's when you really get to know a country, staying in their home, living like they do, hearing their stories, their lives, understanding different perspectives in this world, eating the food they cook, exploring the town with them, they'll take you to that hidden waterfall you won't find on any blog post. After all isn't that way we travel, to become a little less ignorant about the world?
Jessie 1 year ago
Honestly that kinda sounds like exploitation. Living in their house, eating their food, using their time while they get nothing in return. Most people won’t appreciate being taken advantage of like that unless you know them well personally.
Load More Replies... #27
While I definitely prefer to solo travel, sometimes taking one of those tour groups (intrepid, g adventures etc) has its merits. Sometimes you just wanna shut your brain off for a while
Coffee in Australia is better than coffee in Italy (maybe not travel snobs but definitely a hot take)
Touristy stuff can be lame sometimes but its also popular for a reason. Dont go to Paris and NOT see the Eiffel tower just because its touristy
There is no such thing as a traveler vs a tourist. We are all travelers and we are all tourists at the same time.
Traveling might help you meet new people, see new things etc but its not gonna fix your problems. You can run away from them by traveling all you want, but they will follow (take it from someone who backpacked for a year to try and avoid dealing with mine
Howl's sleeping castle 2 years ago
I hate this tourist vs traveler debate. You are traveling for yourself. Not for some sort of clout. Do what you want and what your budget allows. Looking down at people for doing what they want is just mean.
Nonya Business 2 years ago
Maybe I missed why this is a debate? If I am going to a different country for work I am a traveler. If I take a weekend to see all the touristy places in my own home town I am a tourist. Is their some weird debate where it is "better" to have less enthusiasm for your own recreational trips?
Load More Replies... Glitterati 2 years ago
I went to China solo and thank god I booked an Intrepid trip as the culture shock was epic and the language and customs impossible to understand without a guide. I also met my husband on a Gap Adventures around SE Asia 18 years ago so you can meet likeminded people you’ll be friends with for life on these kind of trips. Also most include a home stay and weird spots you can’t get to on your own.
#28
I take photos of everything and post LOTS on my instagram story and grid. Even if it’s something as mundane as the random street I’m walking on. Or a random building that looks beautiful. Or me in the bus. Why? I treat my instagram like a virtual scrapbook and LOVE looking back at these stories/posts to remind myself how I was able to solo travel even though it can be scary/stressful and how much fun I had. Doesn’t mean im not living in the moment or that i only travel for social media purposes
Tempest 2 years ago
I agree. I love posting so many photos after a vacation. It might come off as annoying to those seeing them but I don’t post to show-off to my followers and to get likes. I post to look back at my Instagram as a scrap book of the memories I made. I take so long to perfect the layout of posts and story highlights so I have an organised account of good memories to look back at.
Load More Replies... David 2 years ago
And in the era of digital photography this is easy / cheap to do. HOWEVER - consider whether you want to post your photos publicly until after you return home. Those photos on Facebook of you and your family enjoying (far away country) are basically advertising an empty house to potential burglars. I plan to take lots of photos on our upcoming return trip to PI which I will later post. But in the meantime I am not even talking about the trip on social media where people can easily see my name / figure out my address.
Remi (He/Him) 2 years ago
My bf usually posts photos on fb and I might send some to friends and family, but he's got the fb privacy settings on max plus he hasn't shared our address anywhere on social media and I don't think my parents are going to rob our place 😉
Load More Replies... Howl's sleeping castle 2 years ago
Totally opposite happened to me. I used to get busy trying to get good pictures (never became inconvenience to other tourist), posting them real time, checking regularly for likes that I would forget to enjoy the place. After almost a year I realised it. Like I have the pictures but no significant memories. I deleted my account and never went back to social media. I am glad that I don't have a single social media account.
Nice Beast Ludo 2 years ago
I like taking photos of everything too but just for my Google photos. No matter how many I take, I always wish I took more
Stephanie A Mutti 2 years ago
We get to have our opinions on whether the person posting is showing off or trying to be an influencer BUT we don't have to opine out loud. Let them do their thing. You do your thing. We can all be cool to each other.
The Veil of Fire 2 years ago
I took general photos, my mom bought slides and had them reproduced into photos for her own enjoyment. To each their own. Postcards are still good.
Lyenne Summers 2 years ago
I love taking pictures as well! It's great to be able to look back and remember alll the beautiful things you saw and the fun things you did. My phone sometimes sends me reminders of what pictures I took on the same date several years ago. It's fun. I don't post them online though, because they're for me and not for strangers. Although, I do send them to my mom. :D
#29
My Grandmother lived off McDonalds when she travelled. She was cheap, and didn’t want to spend money on restaurants, however she also said it was “made to a standard”, and so in places where food and water could be sketchy, you could be very confident that you could eat there and not get sick.
David 2 years ago
In most countries I've visited, big name western brands are not cheap compared to local stuff. A sort of comparable comparison in the Philippines is McDonalds vs Jollibee. Jollibee is more or less the McDonalds of PI but they do also have a few McDonalds. Jollibee is cheaper and IMO has better food. But for even better food go to authentic little roadside places. Bottled water / soda is common and you run less risk with cooked food. And many places have less 'heat rack' than the US. At the little side alley restaurant the food is usually coming straight from a hot wok or grill onto your plate. TLDR: I've eaten local food in 24 countries and never got sick from it.
Mimi M 2 years ago
IF it's cooked, can be a big 'if'. That little bit of salad on the side, or the ice cubes in your drink can spell a protracted period of illness. Ask me how I know this.
Load More Replies... LionPaws_and_RadarEars 2 years ago
I really dislike people who get judgy for me heading to McD rather than sampling the local cuisine. Mate, if the Autism goblins in my brain allow me enough bandwidth to try new foods or cope with finding a local place that has something I can/will eat, I'll do that, but chances are I've either already hit the event horizon or it's approaching rapidly. In those cases, I'm almost glad to see a McD's or similar because I know I can get some food without risking a complete meltdown.
Mario Strada 2 years ago
My father was a diplomat in the 70s and he mostly ate at Denny's if he could, for the same reason. He couldn't afford to have a reaction to the local food or water, he was always on a strict schedule.
VioletHunter 2 years ago
This is a truly terrible take. Did she eat McDonalds for breakfast, lunch and dinner?
Brittania Kelli 2 years ago
We got hassled for eating at McDonald's and Pizza Hut in Egypt, but my partner at the time had horrible reactions to the food on our river cruise, he puked at several Temples, no joke. It was a life saver.
Alex Davis 2 years ago
I grew up in Malaysia in the early to mid 1990's and am from the UK. When we visited any town or city (we lived in a tiny village hours from a big town or city) we would use McDonald's because we knew they had western toilets and would often eat there too. We did eat street food etc as our stomachs were used to it more but still were careful of water and even had a water filter tank at home.
Angela Castro 2 years ago
Hahaha! One of the few times I've had food poisoning was at Disney World. You would think the food there would be safe. Stupid me I just puked and shat in misery instead of seeking help and suing the pants off them.
Krod Mandoon 2 years ago (edited)
I was in Paris for 5 days a few years ago, as a solo traveler. Ate at McDonald's by Notre Dame at least once a day. Honestly, it was my first time overseas alone and it had a certain comfort to it that I just couldn't resist. Still tried some local cuisine but I don't regret my choice one bit.
#30
* I check my bags, I'm trying to relax and I don't want to deal with trying to lift a bag into an overhead that my 5'1 self can't reach
* I pay for business or first class, again, I want to relax
* I stay in nicer hotels, mostly 4-5 star. I want to be comfortable and I like a comfortable place to go back to and rest during the day or have a cocktail
* I will buy that magnet and postcard. Also a cute sticker to go on my luggage.
* I eat both fancy food and cheap local food. I want to try all the flavors of the place I'm visiting.
Jo Firth 2 years ago
It is. I prefer to spend more on the flight and less on the accommodation. Given you can't get far from Australia in a short-haul flight, I see value in upgrading to premium economy for anything over 10 hours (which is any flight to Europe, North America, South America or Africa) and less on a bed for the night. As long as a room is clean, safe and vaguely quiet, I'm happy.
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Krod Mandoon 2 years ago
You should intend offense, this person is a braggadocious snob
Load More Replies... David 2 years ago
Nice if you can afford it. I'd rather suffer coach seats and stay at a modest hotel so I have more money for other stuff in the country I'm seeing. If I had a ton of money then yeah, I'd probably upgrade the air and hotel. Carry on bag - a compromise is to get a soft bag you can put under the seat in front of you and don't have to reach the overhead bin. It makes for easy access during the flight without getting into the bin. It is also a good place to put important things like electronics and prescriptions and a few basic toiletries if you get stuck some place without your luggage. A small washcloth in a ziplock bag and a toothbrush can really make you feel human again if you are stuck in an airport. They can't lose luggage you never checked in.
Jo Firth 2 years ago
And that there is what enjoying travel is all about - choosing what suits you and sharing some little tips along the way. Thank you, I've learned a few tricks for my next trip.
Load More Replies... Fun Fan 2 years ago (edited)
In Europe, 3 star hotels are perfectly good for staying comfortable, relax,. They are equially clean, and you can also have a rich cold and warm breakfast buffet or a'la carte. The only difference is that they have no a wellness, a tennis-yard, animators for kids and so on ... but if you don't need those things, there is no reason to pay with 30-40-50 euros more/day.
Mila Preradović 2 years ago
Even that not necessarily, sometimes there are resorts that consist of 3 or more hotels and/or camps, all ranging from 3 to 5 stars; rooms in 3* are usually not that big or nicely renovated, but you can still use all features in the resort- pools, wellness, playroom, gym...
Load More Replies... Krod Mandoon 2 years ago
This is less of a "unpopular travel opinion" amd way more of a "I have the kind of disposable income that most people would do unspeakable things to obtain, now let me tell you what REAL travel is, peasants."
Oskar vanZandt 2 years ago
I am not in a position to afford first class to anywhere (well, except for the train from Berlin to Amsterdam one time)... I travel as close to my realistic budget as I can.
Dr Robert Neville 2 years ago
This is exactly it. Business you get over 30kg of luggage so you can buy that heavy piece of art if you want.
#31
I like all inclusives. I don’t have to worry about anything or have money/cards on me aside from tip cash. I like chilling on the beach or by the pool. Maybe I’ll do an excursion but likely not.
Fun Fan 2 years ago
Sincerly, I don't get it. I get, that you like all inclusive hotels with everything, and not leaving the place for your entire stay. It's okay, if you like to relax like this. What I don't get,it's why to travel for a very different country for this? Anyway, you'll never leave your hotel,just book one in your nearby, and spare the travelling costs. You may have 1-2-3 days in plus in an all inclusive for rhose costs.
Buttrnutsquash 2 years ago
My husband and I usually do a 3 week Europe tour every other year, and the other years, we usually hit up an all-inclusive. Sometimes you just need to actually take a "vacation" and relax. Our jobs are hard enough, our winters are long, so these vacations are our downtime, we plan to do nothing except swim in the ocean, sip on cocktails all day, eat until we're stuffed and just chill. I call consider it my decompression week.
MoMcB 2 years ago
Was in Corfu a couple of years back, and the three all inclusive hotels in the town were killing the restaurant and bars.
Load More Replies... Emma S 2 years ago (edited)
Love an all inclusive. Nice way to relax and not have to worry about anything. If all you're looking for on holiday is to chill out by the pool then they're perfect. Most resorts also have coach tours to local tourist sites as well so if you do decide to venture out, it's a hassle free way of sightseeing.
Boopsie 2 years ago
I have spoken to locals and the problem with all-inclusive is that they have a tendency to demolish the local restaurants because the tourists eat at the resort and not the local establishments. They also become the main employer in that town, which can lead to lower pay and no future for the natives. I loved it, but after speaking to the locals, I'll never do it again.
David 2 years ago
This is an aspect of navy USO tours I really appreciated many years ago when I served. They arranged the tours, they always did a pretty good job with what they arranged. The price was set by the USO and you paid the ship directly. So whatever the tour was - bus or ferry travel, meals, entering into some attraction.... it was all already paid for. About the only thing left was if you chose to spend money on souvenirs. But nobody tried to scam you with extra hidden fees and taxes.
Dr Robert Neville 2 years ago (edited)
Urgh, all inclusives. The only time I'd consider them would be somewhere like the Maldives where you're stuck on an island. Even then we managed to drink in the beach bar at night, because everyone else was in the all inclusive bar so we had the beach to ourselves.
Oskar vanZandt 2 years ago
All inclusive would be fine, but I'm not interested in lounging near natural or artificial bodies of water for most of the day...
#32
Cruises are a great way to see a lot of countries/attractions in a short period of time and for little money. I'm thinking especially of European and Asian cruises. The ship isn't the experience, it's just the vehicle/hotel. They will often take you to great locations you'd never spend the time and money for a dedicated trip to, but are enjoyable regardless.
Plus, it's like a sampler. You get to taste just enough of each area to know if you want to go back and spend more time on a future trip. On our last Mediterranean cruise, I really enjoyed our day in Corsica, but now don't ever need to go back - vs. spending one day in Mallorca convinced me to start saving for a full Balearic Islands trip.
Robert T 2 years ago
If they have organised trips, it can be a great way to see a lot in very little time. I did a week long cruise with my parents around the Red Sea area, and we visited Petra, Wadi Rum and the Pyramids. My parents did a few European river cruises, which are a good way to see a lot as well.
Terry Tobias 2 years ago
I've always wondered about river cruises. I don't like the idea of being on a huge cruise ship that's just a big hotel on the water. (I'm talking about many of the cruise lines here in the US) Where did your parents go? Did they enjoy themselves?
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Tucker Cahooter 2 years ago
Cruises are a great way to spread diseases. The "Ruby Princess" was a plague ship
Tam Clark 2 years ago
I suppose any crowded venue can be a great way to spread diseases. No matter where you are and how you got there, there will always be unhealthy, crowded, places that you may, or may not be willing to go. That being said I can’t wait to board the plague ship Ruby princess for my cruise next month! Be safe out there, intrepid travelers, and wash your hands!
Load More Replies... Lizz 2 years ago
Heard cruises are cheaper than retirement homes. If it's still so in about 30 years I'm spending the rest of my life on a cruise to someplace warm
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
There is an Aussie couple who is currently living on a cruise ship for that reason. Doubt it would work if you needed additional care though.
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E Hall 2 years ago
Ooh, no. Can't do cruises. It's just too damn many people. And way too regimented for me. Literally 800 other people following you everywhere you go. Yikes! I literally got off the boat mid cruise, and made my own vacation instead.
Upstaged75 2 years ago
I did one as a teenager and it was awesome. My brother and I basically had the run of the ship and no bedtime. They had lots of activities for us as well and we made a few friends. As an adult it really doesn't appeal to me at all.
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David 2 years ago
Some cruise quite expensive with a lot of hidden charges. Before you book, educate yourself with some youtube videos to be aware of some of the common traps to look out for. I'm not very knowledgeable on them but there are videos of people who take cruises a lot and tell you about the good / bad / ugly of their experiences.
Ole Peder Amrud Hagen 2 years ago
I'm shaming this, no matter what the intention of this list is. Cruise tourism is the worst.
Kel_how 2 years ago
I went on a bus tour of Scotland this past summer and we stayed in a new hotel just about every day. That was a little stressful at times. I see the ads for Viking Cruises and it says "unpack once"... I'm sold just on that. I'd definitely be willing to try it out.
ί𝔫ＣίŦᵃт𝐔𝐬 2 years ago
For us, the cruise was so BORING. While stuck on the ship, the only things to do were cheesy shows or gambling. And seasickness. It was definitely not our scene. When we got to ports in the islands, they were so generically catered to tourists, nothing was authentic. Bleh.
Load More Replies... Dr Robert Neville 2 years ago
Nope. I've been in the Caribbean when the cruise ships come in, utterly horrible crass people.
The Scout 2 years ago
A cruise only is great from the perspective of the passenger. Cities are not that lucky - an army of 2000 people invading a city center all at once, trying to eat in the same two restaurants before going on the same sightseeing tour on a short timeline, because the ship will depart four hours later... Only it is not one ship, so not 2000 people, but more like 100 000, which completely bring the town to a standstill while driving out all locals and crowding the infrastructure. It si simply a matter of quantity. There is a reason why cities like Venice do not let those ships anchor any more.
Linda Tisue 2 years ago
Spot on. Plus those behemoths use high sulfur diesel.
Load More Replies... #33
Popular tourist attractions are popular for a reason.
While I love off the beaten track experiences, when I'm in Paris I'm going to go to the eiffel Tower for example. Cheaper restaurants provide a more realistic view on a countries food. Eat what the people actually eat, not a 5 star restaurants.
Sometimes you can't do something on the cheap.
GB 2 years ago
I lived in Paris for a couple years and have gone back a couple times as a tourist. The Eiffel Tower NEVER ceases to amaze me. From all perspectives (from the ground looking up, to the top looking down) it's spectacular. I will always go to the Eiffel Tower when I'm in Paris. And I plan to return to Paris as often as possible.😍💖
Cathy 2 years ago
It is also kinda hard to miss the Eiffel tower in Paris, you can see it from a lot of corners. But, agreed!
Robert T 2 years ago
It crept up on me. Was with some work colleagues in a car and we came round a corner and it was right there in front of us! Didn't even get a hint that we were approaching it.
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Oskar vanZandt 2 years ago
I will admire the Eiffel tower from a distance and I already tend to visit restaurants that locals frequent.
#34
I like my western-style hotel, I don't really want to have the "full experience" and sleep in a dirty place with uncomfortable beds. The only exception might be, when I'll finally go to Japan, to stay in those traditional B&Bs. If one day I'm tired of eating spicy food and I just want to room service a club sandwich I want to have the option to do it.
I have no shame to go to McDonald's or other fast foods both for the reason you say (spot the differences) but also because sometimes it's exhausting finding a local place that you like or I'm just tired of the taste of the local food and I want something for a change (a Western-style Steakhouse is a pricey option for this, and you can usually find a good one in every city).
I always buy a magnet.
Touristy places are touristy for a reason, however I'm always open on tips to avoid the worse (e.g. best time to visit with less queue, tips on finding tickets, tours)
Hop on-off buses are great especially if you have a small kid that is grumpy after 2-3 days of sightseeing (or a pregnant wife as it was my case before the small kid :D)
A lot of the "BEWARE SCAMS" are really for people who have lived in some crime-free village of 20 people where people leave the doors unlocked and kids walk alone to school since 3 years old.
Ripley 2 years ago
Nah, being aware of the kind of scams that are popular in various cities is pretty important. I had 4 people in the space of an hour try to pull the ring scam on me in Paris. Knowing about it beforehand meant that I didn't engage and they left me alone. It's a really good idea to know how to not get caught up. Also, yes, stay in a minshuku (family run inn) or ryokan (larger traditional style inn) in Japan. The beds in the minshuku we stayed in were ferociously uncomfortable, but the experience was worth a pillow stuffed with rice (yes really).
Chris Moffat 2 years ago
The "beware" advice I was grateful for in Barcelona was the warning about pickpockets on the Metro. When I was on the Metro with a walking tour guide, they left the group alone. When I was later on the Metro alone, a guy walked past me, and all my warning bells rang. I turned around and he was lurking behind me. As soon as I saw him, he continued on his way. Because of the advice I had been given I had all my valuables in my cross-body bag, which I was holding with both hands in front of me.
#35
Sometimes I just like to take a short trip to London or Berlin to be in an actual big city for a bit. Mostly for the shopping. And Starbucks.
Beth Jacob 2 years ago
Totally agree! I live out in the French countryside and going to Starbucks is a rare treat for me. And my fave big city destination is Dublin. Great shopping, beautiful tourist spots and the best people.
Skinny Pig 2 years ago
Ah yes, London and Berlin, notoriously unpopular tourist destinations...
#36
There is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing elephant pants in SE Asia. They are thin, comfy, dry quickly, and make sure you don't offend anyone in a temple. If you're backpacking & didn't bring a pair of trousers, they are also normally your only option. People need to stop being such travel snobs about them.
David 2 years ago
In case it is not obvious - in some places they do not want to see your bare legs. For the next PI trip I am packing lighter / cooler clothes because that is what I need most of the time. But I'm still packing at least one pair of long pants. The two places they were expected was a Christian church we visited and when entering what they call an "economic zone'. Kind of a walled in area with some business. We had to enter that to access a particular bank. That area has a lot of Muslim workers and the long pant requirement is for them.
Michael Largey 2 years ago
That breathy sound you hear when they're mating. Seriously, I don't know either. What are they actually?
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Me 2 years ago
If "elephant pants" means literally those thin very colourful trousers with elephants printed on them- I love them! I bought mine in Vietnam 8 years ago and wear them every summer. Everywhere, even for work. And they are still as pink and orange as then!
Lea 2 years ago
Are we tall about the harem pants? Kinda like Hammer pants before Hammer pants?
Load More Replies... #37
You don't need to spend a month (or longer) in a country/city to fully experience it. A couple days can be enough depending on where it is.
Cathy 2 years ago
I think what is meant is: you do not have to want to fully experience a country. Because normally a few days is not enough. But that is OK.
Lea 2 years ago
Doesn't really matter how much time you spend in a place you're never going to experience the place fully. You could live somewhere almost your entire life and still miss things or never done the things all the tourists come there to do cuz it's just not your thing. You only get whatever experiences you get for however long you are there.
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Adrian Scarlett 2 years ago
You're not fully experiencing any country unless you spend years there. I'm still finding places I've not visited in my local area...
Michael Largey 2 years ago
Sometimes getting the full experience tells you that you don't like this place much. Spending a few days can tell you whether you want to come back for a longer stay.
LastButNotLeast 2 years ago
A couple of days to fully experience it??? This Is something sooooo stupid. But really, instead of It, stay at home. The world Is so full of wonderful places and things to eat, to see, to feel...
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
What a nasty, judgement comment. Not everyone has the time nor money to spend a long time in a country..
Load More Replies... #38
I've spent half a day in some huge city's and saw everything I wanted to see.
People will say 'you need to stay for days to soak up the culture' nah mate id rather move onto something that's actually interesting than to Stockholm syndrome myself into liking a city.
Lea 2 years ago
No I recommend only staying half a day in Waikiki and spend the rest of your time on other parts of the island or island hopping.
Load More Replies... Auntriarch 2 years ago
I spent two days in Edinburgh, first day saw only the Surgeons' museum, second day saw about two fifths of the national museum. I'm definitely going to need to go again...
MoMcB 2 years ago
Definitely need at least 4 days, would also recommend Dunfermline and Dundee.
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#39
Stop saying you're backpacking. Buy a bag with wheels and call it a vacation like the rest of us.
Narwhal Blast 2 years ago
What if you go to the mountains and have to walk a lot? The suitcase with wheels won't help. Let's stop judging people for that, it's a preference, not a must
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
What’s wrong with backpacking? This one seems a bit judgemental.
Bethany Tomchick 2 years ago
I backpacked for 8 months. That is different than a vacation. A vacation implies you are just relaxing, taking in the sights and enjoying yourself. Both are travel sure, but I lived abroad. That's what backpacking is. Living on the road for long periods of time and figuring out how to rely on yourself and use your resources wisely. It was challenging, I learned a lot, I worked and went to school along the way. I wouldn't consider it a vacation though. There wasn't a lot of beach chilling time and cocktails. There was hiking, hard work, problem solving and learning how to be self sufficient in places where everything is foreign and you can't just take a shower in a nice hotel. It's not for everyone, but it was meaningful for me after divorce. I also didn't have kids or a meaningful job so I could leave for that long. Everything in life is a trade off. It doesn't make it an invalid experience just because you don't have any interest in doing it or don't understand it.
Lea 2 years ago
Just to share some knowledge. In the US backpacking is when you hike for multiple days or weeks or months on a trail, like the Appalachian trail, and you have packed your tent and all your supplies with you and you don't stay in any hotels or hostels. So a bag with wheels would not be good for this activity.
JOHN DOE 2 years ago
That's your interpretation. To me backpacking is traveling in such a way that your gear needs to on your back because you might need to run down a dock for the last boat to island you are going to or to get to a beach hostel that doesn't have easily accessable roads.
Load More Replies... Huddo's sister 2 years ago
Haha, I used both a backpack/hiking pack and a small wheeled suitcase when I went overseas
#40
* you don't have to learn the language of the country you're visiting, it's okay to speak English everywhere * in many cases, the locals would prefer you speak English instead of butchering the words in their local language
* I would never buy a crossbody bag or other "anti-pickpocket" tools; just use your common sense and you'll be fine
* Paris is actually good
* you don't have to make connections with the locals, please leave them alone
* the coffee in Italy is mediocre (but it's still better than St*rbucks coffee of course)
* don't try to look "less American" while traveling in Europe, we don't hate Americans over here *(but we hate Bri-ish kids with their stag parties)*
The Darkest Timeline 2 years ago
There are plenty of places where knowing at least a few phrases in their language are welcome; you shouldn’t expect people to speak English everywhere.
Angela B 2 years ago
In Paris, I tried my best (which was pretty crappy) I went to an amazing Bistro, asked questions of the menu and so on. While there, an Anglo couple came in and plonked themselves down, and requested to see a menu "in english please". I looked at the waiter, gobsmacked. Next time he was at the table, he winked and said "At least you tried Madame."
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David 2 years ago
Counter thoughts from my travels: DO try to learn at least a few basic phrases. It's true that locals who speak English will probably prefer that over your horrible butchering of their language. But they often appreciate that you tried instead of just assuming they speak English. The was particularly true for me in France and Italy. A couple of times they did not admit they spoke english until I tried, then warmed up because at least I tried. == DO bother with the anti pick pocket stuff within reason. I am an observant person with lots of 'common sense' and a pickpocket still managed to get my camera in the PI. You don't have to go nuts on the security gear but some clothing and bags designed to make it harder for pick pockets is worth considering.
Ripley 2 years ago
I completely agree! Having a go at the language is always appreciated, and if you do butcher it the locals at least get a good laugh. I've used a cross body satchel type bag for years, mostly because it's comfortable to wear and very handy. I was wearing it when I sauntered past the souvenir sellers at the Eiffel Tower without them giving me a second look because I just looked like a local, so choosing the right kind of bag (and clothes) can keep your stuff safe and keep you from standing out.
Load More Replies... David 2 years ago
YES. Thank You, How Much (does it cost)? and Where is the toilet are a good basic three anybody should have. And I think Sorry would be the fourth. When you screw up because you didn't understand something being able to say your sorry goes along ways for them understanding you just made a mistake. But thank you is important IMO
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Diolla 2 years ago
I really don't like this assumption that ENGLISH is the world's no.1 language and should be spoken everywhere. It's NOT OK to just speak English and expect ppl to understand you. You might need to because it's the only language you speak but don't get upset if ppl don't get it. I just came back from Benin and didn't speak a word of English over there because it's a French-speaking country.
Cathy 2 years ago
Bwhahaha I misread and was so puzzled as to why you would speak French in Berlin 😅
Load More Replies... LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
Hmmm, I’m not sure about the English one. I was treated so much kinder in countries I visited when I learned some very basic words and phrases. Even if I did butcher “thank you” in Turkish or my Japanese was too formal, people really seemed to appreciate that I took a little time to learn a couple of phrases in their language.
Robert T 2 years ago
You don't have to learn the language if you are going somewhere touristy, but learning a few basic words like Good Morning, Good Day, Please and Thank You goes a long way to getting on the right side of the locals. France is one place it is preferable to learn a bit of the language. And if you go to a non-touristy part of Poland, you will struggle if you don't speak Polish.
VioletHunter 2 years ago
Sounds like someone about to have their money stolen from the backpocket of their pants.
Upstaged75 2 years ago
This is a very arrogant post. I bet this person is hated no matter where they travel!
What do you think ?
Zedrapazia 2 years ago
My little weird travel thing is this: I love sitting in a car, bus or train for hours and just listen to music, sit around and look outside. Even if it goes nowhere, I just like driving around like a human Golden Retriever.
Trisec Tebeakesse 2 years ago
I'm a Disney Adult, which means I plan trips to The World about as hard as the allies planned the invasion of Normandy. I've found that level of detail planning has carried over to my non-Disney trips. I find that to be the most fun part of travelling now. Researching sites, hotels, routes, destinations, planning days on the road and elsewhere to the minute....weird, to be sure, but that's my favourite part of travel these days. Then, when the plan *actually* works - the trip is that much better!
JMil 2 years ago
"Disney adults" are sh*t on all the time online, but if you can't have a fantastic time in Walt Disney World you may just be an absolute curmudgeon (and/or a poor planner).
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Will Cable 2 years ago
It is irritating how it is YOUR holiday and others biatch about how you had your holiday and what you did. Do what makes you happy.
Leo Domitrix 2 years ago
I gotta disagree on "just speak English". Even if all Imanage (as in Italy) is "hello, thanks, good-bye", the locals seem to appreciate that I made some attempt. Now if I am really screwed up, which does happen, I've been known to speak three languages in one sentence, and that's just at home... No grudges to anyone anywhere who'd find that baffling!
Andrea Steinacher 1 year ago
we did this on a family trip to Teneriffe - Mom was very good french speaker, some italian, and english. Me - some italian and greek, and english, hubby the same, and of course mother tongue german for us all. We also learned a bit of spanish ahead our trip, and in most conversations we mixed all those languages like hell - mostly without even noticing, but people somehow understood at least our intention :-)))
Load More Replies...
David A Paterson 2 years ago
My last holiday was in my home city. Stayed in a nice hotel, did all the touristy things. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Would do again.
wowbagger 2 years ago
I tried to do that in my home city, but the hotels here have weird policies -- the good ones won't allow locals to stay unless you talk directly with the manager and convince them you're not using the hotel to host some wild party
Load More Replies... Amelia Jade 2 years ago
We prefer road trips to flying. And we will plan road trips around weird roadside attractions. Like once we drove several hours just ro visit a giant tiki head outside a gas station. We recently went on a week long, multi-state road trip where we saw many things like that--like the world's largest blender. We've been doing that kind of vacation for years. Also, we're night owls, but not night life people. So, when we travel we pack a bag full of board games, and take popcorn and that's how we spend the night in our hotel room.
Appalachian Panda 2 years ago
I'm also one of those weirdos who wants to relax when I'm on vacation. I like going new places and doing fun things, but it's supposed to be *less* stressful than your day-to-day life, isn't it?
Leo Domitrix 2 years ago
Exactly! I have done some travel rthat was work-oriented (ugh). So for me, new places and new foods and new things are great, but I'm not there to exhaust myself. A bit of planning and I usually have half a day to basically dawdle each day when it's vacation. See something, eat some things, shop for a few small things for the loved ones back home, ask the natives where the natives think is a good place (e.g., "Oh forget that, there's a great forgotten Roman bath ruin off this way..." or similar) And there's always tours that natives prefer, and those are always better than the ones hotels or agencies offer! (And shorter!)
Load More Replies... Adrian Scarlett 2 years ago
I'd rather spend my free time at home, and my spare money on creature comforts. How's that for an unpopular opinion?
Ian Reynolds 2 years ago
I agree with the first one, I always go to a McDonalds where ever I travel too, I just want to taste the difference. I like to buy magnets and visit tacky tourist shops. Travelling is supposed to be fun. I love walking tours and tourist buses, I have learnt so much from these. I hate people telling me they like to do local things on their travels, but when they tell you what they are, they are just tourist things. No-one becomes a local on a 2 week trip.
Raven Hayden Rudnik 1 year ago
I do go for local things but to be fair I had go to Starbucks in Vietnam. I cant drink cold coffee and I searched everywhere and couldn't find hot coffee. I also went to korean and chinese Restaurants there but mostly because they were run by people from those countries. In the chinese one, people from chinese minority had some celebration, so I guess it was legit chinese food. We could only eat typical vietnamese food when a vietnamese woman ordered for us becuase we didnt know the language. You can have the local experience but without the language you will not be able to live like a local anyway
Zedrapazia 2 years ago
My little weird travel thing is this: I love sitting in a car, bus or train for hours and just listen to music, sit around and look outside. Even if it goes nowhere, I just like driving around like a human Golden Retriever.
Trisec Tebeakesse 2 years ago
I'm a Disney Adult, which means I plan trips to The World about as hard as the allies planned the invasion of Normandy. I've found that level of detail planning has carried over to my non-Disney trips. I find that to be the most fun part of travelling now. Researching sites, hotels, routes, destinations, planning days on the road and elsewhere to the minute....weird, to be sure, but that's my favourite part of travel these days. Then, when the plan *actually* works - the trip is that much better!
JMil 2 years ago
"Disney adults" are sh*t on all the time online, but if you can't have a fantastic time in Walt Disney World you may just be an absolute curmudgeon (and/or a poor planner).
Load More Replies... Will Cable 2 years ago
It is irritating how it is YOUR holiday and others biatch about how you had your holiday and what you did. Do what makes you happy.
Leo Domitrix 2 years ago
I gotta disagree on "just speak English". Even if all Imanage (as in Italy) is "hello, thanks, good-bye", the locals seem to appreciate that I made some attempt. Now if I am really screwed up, which does happen, I've been known to speak three languages in one sentence, and that's just at home... No grudges to anyone anywhere who'd find that baffling!
Andrea Steinacher 1 year ago
we did this on a family trip to Teneriffe - Mom was very good french speaker, some italian, and english. Me - some italian and greek, and english, hubby the same, and of course mother tongue german for us all. We also learned a bit of spanish ahead our trip, and in most conversations we mixed all those languages like hell - mostly without even noticing, but people somehow understood at least our intention :-)))
Load More Replies... David A Paterson 2 years ago
My last holiday was in my home city. Stayed in a nice hotel, did all the touristy things. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Would do again.
wowbagger 2 years ago
I tried to do that in my home city, but the hotels here have weird policies -- the good ones won't allow locals to stay unless you talk directly with the manager and convince them you're not using the hotel to host some wild party
Load More Replies... Amelia Jade 2 years ago
We prefer road trips to flying. And we will plan road trips around weird roadside attractions. Like once we drove several hours just ro visit a giant tiki head outside a gas station. We recently went on a week long, multi-state road trip where we saw many things like that--like the world's largest blender. We've been doing that kind of vacation for years. Also, we're night owls, but not night life people. So, when we travel we pack a bag full of board games, and take popcorn and that's how we spend the night in our hotel room.
Appalachian Panda 2 years ago
I'm also one of those weirdos who wants to relax when I'm on vacation. I like going new places and doing fun things, but it's supposed to be *less* stressful than your day-to-day life, isn't it?
Leo Domitrix 2 years ago
Exactly! I have done some travel rthat was work-oriented (ugh). So for me, new places and new foods and new things are great, but I'm not there to exhaust myself. A bit of planning and I usually have half a day to basically dawdle each day when it's vacation. See something, eat some things, shop for a few small things for the loved ones back home, ask the natives where the natives think is a good place (e.g., "Oh forget that, there's a great forgotten Roman bath ruin off this way..." or similar) And there's always tours that natives prefer, and those are always better than the ones hotels or agencies offer! (And shorter!)
Load More Replies... Adrian Scarlett 2 years ago
I'd rather spend my free time at home, and my spare money on creature comforts. How's that for an unpopular opinion?
Ian Reynolds 2 years ago
I agree with the first one, I always go to a McDonalds where ever I travel too, I just want to taste the difference. I like to buy magnets and visit tacky tourist shops. Travelling is supposed to be fun. I love walking tours and tourist buses, I have learnt so much from these. I hate people telling me they like to do local things on their travels, but when they tell you what they are, they are just tourist things. No-one becomes a local on a 2 week trip.
Raven Hayden Rudnik 1 year ago
I do go for local things but to be fair I had go to Starbucks in Vietnam. I cant drink cold coffee and I searched everywhere and couldn't find hot coffee. I also went to korean and chinese Restaurants there but mostly because they were run by people from those countries. In the chinese one, people from chinese minority had some celebration, so I guess it was legit chinese food. We could only eat typical vietnamese food when a vietnamese woman ordered for us becuase we didnt know the language. You can have the local experience but without the language you will not be able to live like a local anyway
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