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“So Many Douchebags Concentrated In One Area”: 35 Countries People Regretted Visiting
Interview With Expert
Part of the thrill that comes along with traveling is not knowing exactly what you’re going to experience. You might have a list of museums and monuments to check off, but the spontaneous encounters with locals and meals at quaint restaurants that you wandered into can end up being the most memorable parts of your trip. Unfortunately, however, the unexpected moments in your journey can also turn out to be the worst parts.
Globetrotters on Reddit have been revealing the countries where they received the worst treatment as foreigners, so we’ve gathered some of their stories down below. These anecdotes don’t mean that these places aren’t worth visiting, but they might serve as helpful reminders to be extra cautious in certain situations. Keep reading to also find a conversation with travel expert Jhona Yellin, Editor at offMetro, and be sure to upvote the stories that you think all travelers should be aware of!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Dubai. I know it's rich, sophisticated, a holiday destination for many, and so on, but I just hate its tasteless glitz, its lack of soul, and the intense stratification of its society.
Shark Lady 1 year ago
It's the dark underbelly that disturbs me, especially for women. For example, a woman is sexually assaulted, she makes the brave decision to report her attacker to the police, the outcome of that report is that she is then arrested for having sex outside of marriage.
iseefractals 1 year ago
Anywhere in the middle east is a no go for me. Crime, human rights violations, treatment of women, general violence and the high rate of religious zealots that facilitate all those things. Dubai may hide those things a bit better than the rest, but they're still very much there. And yes, i'm aware that "not everyone in the middle east is like that, i'm sure there are lovely people there, but the juice is not worth this particular squeeze.
Robin 1 year ago
I seem to have been down voted for saying I have always had a good time going there. I'm sorry for upsetting others. It's not a place to go for culture it's a place to go to relax and have a nice time. Different holidays and travel bring different kinds of happiness, it's about the trip being the trip you need it to be.
RELATED:
#2
Qatar. Slavery is basically legal.
Bryan Wright 1 year ago
Alas, slavery is pretty widespread around the world. Western countries included. How many , usually, middle/far eastern families locate to the West and bring their "servants" along too. How many of those "servants" have lost their passports to their loving and generous families who abuse them on a daily basis?.
#3
Never leave the hotel in Egypt as an underaged girl without your parents. Even if you're with them you probably will be followed and hit on by older creeps, but they won't do anything when you're not alone.
PhiloPhocion:
The harassment is out of control. My first visit was with family and there were people calling out the lewdest comments about my literally 10 year old sister and our mum. Second visit in my early 20s was with a group of friends including two women, who were physically grabbed or touched by strangers saying lewd comments if we weren't literally standing shoulder to shoulder with them.
The scamming and conning is also out of control. Scams are everywhere, including in areas that most tourists would think are relatively safe (i.e. scammers working on official areas around major tourist sites, even sometimes right at the doors of official areas dressed in pseudo official uniforms, with no pushback from officials). And even officials themselves - I can't tell you the number of friends I've had who have had some form of having cameras or electronics seized by customs for no reason or 'spot check passport reviews' where your passport is taken unless you can pay the cop some pocket money.
I absolutely loved Egypt - its food, its sites, and most of its people are incredible warm and welcoming. But holy hell it makes it hard to love sometimes.
It gets a little better outside of Cairo but I advise literally everyone going to mentally prepare themselves and if they don't know anyone there already, to just hire a guide to at least help avoid the worst of the harassment and scams.
Shark Lady 1 year ago
You also have to look out for the guides though, there are many that will also rip you off.
Ansirk 1 year ago
I recommend Best Ever Food Review Show channel in Youtube and their Egypt video series. The crew had a guide who scammed them. That video sums up why Egypt is bad to visit.
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SanFrancisco Professor 1 year ago
No. You must go. When you stand in awe in front of the Great Pyramid exactly where everyone have stood in awe-- Abraham, Joseph and Moses, and Caesar, Cleopatra and Antony, and Napoleon, Churchill and America's Presidents-- all have stood right here feeling what you're feeling,, you are physically connected to world Civilization's entire history. You must do it once.
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سعد حبيب 1 year ago
Egypt is wonderful,but you better have a guide to help you and reduce the attempts of harassment or taking a higher prices from you, this is my advice , but not all Egyptians are bad like that , most of Egyptians are welcoming and hospitable people, can you imagine that in Egypt there are a lot of foreigners staying and living as there isn't any problems encounter them?!.
Petra Winnubst-Turkenburg 1 year ago
Wij waren op de terugweg op het vliegveld van Egypte , na het inchecken van bagage zagen we in een winkel , mooie waterpijpen. Ze waren echt goedkoop en wij kochten er 1. Later moesten wij weer door de douane en vonden ze de waterpijp in de handbagage. Die werd in genomen en.......... terug geven aan de verkoper.
To learn more about places where travelers might not necessarily want to return to, we got in touch with travel expert Jhona Yellin, Editor at offMetro. Jhona was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and reveal where she didn't have the best experience as a tourist.
"You might be surprised by my choice, but yes, it’s Paris—the most visited city in the world, fresh off hosting the Olympics with all its grandeur," she shared. "Well, during one of my trips to Paris, I ventured into the 18th arrondissement, which is often celebrated for its artistic legacy, thanks to legends like Picasso and Dali once calling it home. The area has transformed over the years into a bustling, working-class neighborhood with affordable spots and a real local vibe. But let me tell you, there are parts of this arrondissement that I would definitely avoid."
#4
I worked in Saudi Arabia for just 10 days and couldn't stand it. It saddened me that there were almost ZERO women in public. And in the airport there was a bookseller kiosk where all of the books were in English so they were obviously aimed at westerners and almost all of them were about Islam. I browsed one of them and it was basically trying to convince western women that god wanted them to stay inside where they were "safe" and how rampant rape is in western countries. Sickening. Ironically in the bottom corner there were like 3 books in Arabic and do you know what they were? HARRY POTTER books! Funny.
Black Cat 1 year ago
This is what happens when a society sees women and girls as sex objects and/or objects of beauty rather than human beings.
michael Chock 1 year ago
To be fair, as an American almost all of the women I know have been assaulted at some point. Society just shames them into silence.
Guess Undheit 1 year ago
JK TERFling is a rabid anti-semite, so of course those crappy "books" are popular.
#5
Kuwait is a f*****g cesspool.
penswright:
From Kuwait, Seriously don’t come here. There’s absolutely nothing special to do here that you can’t do literally anywhere else.
The lack of entertainment in the country is a huge issue, it’s the reason why we lead in obesity rates and why people don’t like going outside. Also if there’s a concert or a new mall opening, good luck going, if the traffic doesn’t kill you, the crowds will.
Rose the Cook 1 year ago
I had an unscheduled stopover there, never left the airport but the people were really rude. I can't imagine why anyone would go there deliberately.
#6
Pakistan. I lived there for a while. Even in the best neighborhoods in Islamabad, there is trash everywhere, literally no hygiene. Then, when it’s cold, trash is burned, releasing thick, toxic clouds of smoke.
Bart 1 year ago
The trash burning thing is also a reason why I would never return to the north of India. After 3 days in Gorakphur I felt like I had chemical burns inside my lungs...
Arindam Baidya 1 year ago
Why the hell were you in Gorakhpur? I mean even we Indias don't want to go there unless necessary.
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Russell Bowman 1 year ago
And, as if more is needed, don't be there during Qurbani ... where entrails and assorted parts of sacrificed animals are piled on top of said garbage, A true olfactory experience, BTW ,,, two and a half years in Lahore,
Zara VP 1 year ago
Pakistan is a beautiful country. I lived there for a couple years- worth a visit!
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Isa 1 year ago
Ironically I saw the same trash in California and New York.The conditions of the people living there were terrible.Not just trash they were literally living there .No one was helping them out.Even the government there is heartless.D***s ,poop ,trash everywhere !! While some parts are beautiful. Which part of the world do y guys come from?
Load More Replies... Isa 1 year ago
Ironically I saw the same trash in California and New York.The conditions of the people living there were terrible.Not just trash they were literally living there .No one was helping them out.Even the government there is heartless.D***s ,poop ,trash everywhere !! While some parts are beautiful. Which part of the world do y guys come from?
DotC 1 year ago
Yeah, the trash in NYC surprised me. Unhoused in LA is especially bad because of the NIMBYs (lefties with money who want to help but Not in their Back Yard)
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"Take the area around Marx Dormoy and Porte de la Chapelle stations, for example," Jhona continued. "During the day, it’s fine—people are going about their lives, and you might even find a decent boulangerie tucked away on a side street. But at night, the vibe completely changes. The stations become hangouts for groups of drunk and homeless individuals, which can make things feel dicey. Walking through there after dark left me constantly checking over my shoulder, and I wouldn’t recommend it unless you enjoy that kind of adrenaline rush."
The travel expert also added that there are some places she's avoided entirely based on others’ experiences. "Dubai, for example. Now, I know some people love the glitz and glamour, but I’ve heard too many stories about how rigid and strict it can be for certain tourists, especially women, and that doesn’t quite align with my idea of a relaxed vacation," Jhona told Bored Panda.
#7
Turkey was terrible.
My cousin was a blonde-haired, blue-eyed little girl at the time.
And some weird old man actually tried to kidnap her right in front of us.
He grabbed her hand and tried to walk off with her.
Bare in mind she was maybe 5 or 6 at the time.
When we all started arguing, and were basically playing tug of war with this man trying to make him let her go, police came over and let the man go..
They were speaking Turkish so we don’t know what he said but the man was allowed to walk free.
Xenia Harley 1 year ago
My cousin who lives in Europe had a friend who many years ago went to Turkey with his wife. The friend was going into another shop while the wife ran into another shop. She was never seen again. People in the shop denied she was ever there. He called all authorities who basically did nothing. She was never found. The man went back to Turkey numerous times to try to find her, but nothing. She just vanished.
Beth Wheeler 1 year ago
OMG that's terrifying, I feel so bad for your family.
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Kathi Schäffer 1 year ago
That's horrible but most people in Turkey are actually very friendly and warm. Went to Turkey every summer as a kid. The beaches, the food, the people. I love it
Palacký's Ghost 1 year ago
My brother in law is Turkish, so I have visited Turkey several times, know many Turkish people, and have travelled a little in the country. So yes, definitely, this generalisation of a country of 85 million based on a single incident is wholly accurate...
Kariali 1 year ago
There’s a weird obsession for blond and blue-eyed kids in Türkiye. My mother in law (my husband is Turkish) was thrilled that she might get grandkids with these features (as I’m blond and blue-eyed). Didn’t happen, by the way. Our boys are as dark as their father. I remember having been harassed as a young woman visiting Türkiye with my sister some 20 years ago. In Istanbul, I never have (had) problems, however, my husband is not happy with me wandering his neighbourhood alone. And in some parts he straight refuses to let me get out of the house alone.
NoWayNoWay 1 year ago
I was 14 and a man asked my parents if he could take me to his jewellery shop, alone. Their answer shut him up.
Francoise Wolfe 1 year ago
I spent close to a week in Istanbul, years ago and it turned out to be the best vacation I ever had. Not sure I feel safe to return there now, though.
Socks Thecate 1 year ago
I went to Istanbul last year with my friend who is Turkish - we are both women. Stayed with her sister in the Kadiköy neighborhood and we were fine. Loved Istanbul. People very friendly though they want to sell you everything - that's part of going around as a tourist.
Jack Lowry 1 year ago
I loved Turkey once I got out of Istanbul. Incredibly friendly and hospitable people. Amazing history.
#8
Morocco.
From being ripped off, to children following me down a dark alley asking for money, to horrible hotel reception, to rich, spoilt locals at nightclubs, I've never been to any other country where I've been so relieved to leave.
Richard Wareham 1 year ago
I have been to both Tangier and Casablanca. Tangier is a wondeful, clean, bright city. The people are friendly, helpful and poilte.They are proud of their city. Casablanca is a cess pit and you need to be on your guard all the time. Filthy shops, filthy markets and people trying to rip you off everywhere. Wild horses would not get me back. Fun Fact. People still flock to 'Rick's Bar' for the Bogart, Bergman experience. The fact that it first opened as Rick's Cafe in 2004 is lost on them. All the filming was done in LA and nobody went within 6,000 miles of Casablanca.
Leslie Richardson 1 year ago
hated it too. get u lost in alleys to extort more $ to get u out. animal abuse on every corner, especially poor donkeys
Dave Morris 1 year ago
Went to Tangier once on a day trip from Spain and it was endless hassle, but since then been to the rest of the country for a couple of weeks and found it fascinating and far less problematic.
Cathy Carey 1 year ago
Yep, that's the way it is in these poorly run countries - if you aren't rich. If you have lots of money things are different, but you don't see how the "real" people are suffering. That's how you judge the rulers of these countries: how are the poorest doing?
#9
Did not enjoy LA. Visited a bunch of places including more obvious stops like Hollywood, the beach, downtown. It is not a place I'll go back to.
Damned_Cat 1 year ago
As a Californian, I would tell a tourist to skip L.A. and Hollywood; they are not the glamourous places that people are led to believe. Maybe visit Disneyland and the San Diego Zoo, but then get out of Southern California and head north. We have so many beautiful State Parks and other natural areas. Visit Monterey and our Wine Country areas (Central Coast and Napa). See Yosemite. Then you'll feel like it was worth the trip.
leendadll 1 year ago
Local too. I wish Hollywood would enact a city-wide cleanup. It's do horrible and I feel bad for tourists. TimesSquare did it (yes, I realize it has bad parts again), so can we. Maybe for the 2028 Olympics?
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FaceTime Audio 1 year ago
Well, duh! You went to the worst parts! Hollywood and the beach (I'm assuming Santa Monica) are tourist traps that residents avoid. Downtown isn't even a tourist spot; I'm not sure why you went there. This is like judging New York solely off of Times Square. Downtown and Hollywood are both *rough* areas, and Santa Monica Beach is overcrowded. If you're in LA, hit up some other places. Griffith Park Observatory. The Natural History Museum (it has a great exhibit on the history of LA!). The Academy Museum. The Grammy Museum. The botanical gardens in Arcadia. Echo Park. Go hiking- there are a lot of great spots, including ones that tie into the entertainment industry, like a trail that takes you up to an old MASH set. Or to Vasquez Rocks, in Agua Dulce, where parts of Star Trek and Bill and Ted 2 were filmed (popular place for Martian landscape scenes). Check out Mission San Gabriel! Go to Grand Central Market (the fun part of Downtown), or Smorgasbord food festival, or Little Tokyo.
Brian Garcia 1 year ago
While I agree, as a SoCal native and raised in Santa Monica please note that is not LA...it is its own city proper and only included in the county. I grew up there and at that time you did not go down to the pier or the promenade on 3rd street...what's there now is relatively more recent. The promenade was so successful it actually impacted/reduced the crowds in Westwood by UCLA (grew up a Bruin, too). I remember coming home from college seeing a couple tour buses, blew me away...now no getting away from it. And as a kid with the local YMCA spent many a day at Vasquez, tons of fun roaming around! I'd also maybe throw out the tar pits for a visit...they're still excavating fossils. I would also add a place to avoid is Venice...used to go, but that was when pick-up b-ball, boom boxes & roller-skating/skateboarding were big...now it's your name on a grain of rice...
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Aidan Campbell 1 year ago
The Hollywood sign is too small to properly see from Hollywood Boulevard. Universal Studios is worth a visit but that is about it.
Katherine Forrestall 1 year ago
American shallow and sleazy vulgarity is hard to avoid. There are refined areas and world class cultural centres, but the commercial and aggressive c**p is hard to take.
Jackie Smith 1 year ago
As a born and raised Angelino, I would skip Hollywood, Venice Beach and all the touristy spots as well! I live less than 15 minutes from Hollywood, and I NEVER go there! WAY more cool stuff to see here!
On the other hand, we wanted to hear about places where Jhona had surprisingly nice travel experiences. "On my wine trip in Portugal (which I extended to see more of this amazing country), I discovered Lagos," she shared.
"It’s got that exotic flair mixed with a laid-back coastal vibe that just sweeps you off your feet. I went expecting beautiful beaches, and yes, it delivered on that front with its golden cliffs and hidden coves, but what truly surprised me was how warm and welcoming the locals were," Jhona noted. "It’s the kind of place where people stop to chat, recommend their favorite little seafood spots, and make you feel like you’ve lived there your whole life."
#10
Weird one, but Tokyo (not Japan as a whole). I have never felt so alone surrounded by so many people. I feel like I understand the loner trope in anime much better now. The food is great, everyone seems polite, and it is incredibly safe. But unlike nearly every other place I have traveled, I can't think of a single person in Tokyo that I had an actual conversation with.
The rest of Japan that I have been to is a different story. Extremely kind and welcoming. Lots of really interesting characters, and I mean that in the best way.
PeTeH 1 year ago
I'd rather be surrounded by many people who leave me be than a few people that harrass me.
CrunChewy McSandybutt 1 year ago
This is true in all big cities. When you live in a densely packed population, you get really sick of people.
Julie S 1 year ago
Go anywhere in England and you will find nice friendly people just not in London.
Load More Replies... Ansirk 1 year ago
Tokyo is well known for this so you're not wrong (my Japanese friends and sensei even confirmed this). During my study in Japan, the foreigner students were the most welcoming and warm. Outside Tokyo, especially in inaka (rural village) or smaller cities, it's a completely different story.
Guess Undheit 1 year ago
Japan is very much a "wait and see" country, they react rather than act. They don't show feelings until they know what sort of person you are. Act polite and friendly, they'll respond polite and friendly. Act like a jerk, and they'll make it clear you're unwelcome. Anyone that complains "Japan is unfriendly" is telling on themselves.
Load More Replies... Admiralu 1 year ago
Unless you are a different race. Then Japan is a different place. Friend tried living there and had to leave, he was constantly followed and harassed.
Kiyoko_tanaka 1 year ago
I'm so sorry that he experienced that harrassment in Tokyo, that's not ok and I can confirm that it happens a lot In Tokyo and it's wrong.
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aubergine10003 1 year ago
100 percent agree. I hated Tokyo - while people in stores/restaurants were your typical Japanese-polite, out on the street, people looked through me as if I didn't exist. When I was clearly lost, no one would help me. As a New Yorker, this surprised me a lot - people in NYC are generally happy to help tourists.
Marguerite Barnett 1 year ago
Every time i take my sweetie to Tokyo he is swarmed by people who want his photo like he's a star lol. He has blonde dreads and lots of tattoos. Just can't take him to onsen.
Heather Yueng 1 year ago
Feeling alone in a crowd is not for everyone. Having lived in NYC I came to enjoy it.
#11
I love Italy, but Rome was not great for me. There was an overwhelming amount of shady people trying to take advantage of tourists. The local we were with warned us not to carry any valuables to any touristy spots because there was a 100% chance someone would try and pickpocket us.
One evening, a group of dudes followed me around for almost an hour, harassing me because I was a teenage boy with long hair, which must have meant to them that I was gay (I'm not, but that didn't matter to them). 4 grown-a*s adults following around a teenage boy hurling insults in broken english. I was pretty terrified and have since had an appreciation for some of the challenges gay people have to deal with just for being themselves.
One dude at a train station tried to forcibly 'help' my mom carry her luggage (aka run off with it).
When we visited the coliseum, a lady threw a bracelet at my sister then started yelling at her, saying she was a thief and demanding she pay for it.
Also, driving in Rome was terrifying - courtesy on the road does not exist there, and everyone drives extremely aggressively. I saw a guy in a van hit someone on a vespa, lean out the window and yell at him, then drive off. The vespa guy just got up and left as if it were a regular occurrence.
Absolutely a beautiful country and most of the people were lovely, but a person without 'street smarts' could have a bad time there. This was all more than 20 years ago though, so it may be different now.
quentariel 1 year ago
Rome has a hellish tourist spots, but it has also areas that are less like that. It's full of smaller historical sites, churches, statues and art which I absolutely loved. Just venture a bit farther from the main streets and squares and preferrably ditch the Colosseum alltogether. Just be prepared with the basic Italian skills as people rarely speak anything other than it.
Auntriarch 1 year ago
Goodness me, my experience of Rome was nothing like that at all. It was February though, maybe that had something to do with it
Kathrin Pukowsky 1 year ago
I love Rome, been there twice. The key is to not look like a tourist. People will still bother you, but only by asking for directions.
Steven McDonald 1 year ago
This is Rome in a nutshell! But the rest of the country is wonderful
Far_Rhubarb7177 1 year ago
In Florence, too. I spent a summer there during college, and I remember being in a shop and being surrounded by little Gypsie children trying to steal my purse and bags. I didn’t let them, though.
Load More Replies... Tarik Dursun Zorgulen 1 year ago
OK, I did not comment on my home country's section but on this one I feel like I have to. every country and I seriously am counting even Finland on this one, will have some weird, misguided or plain simple bad people. Please do not count that place down just for a few bad examples. I've been there and it's a beautiful country with mostly beautiful people. There will always be bad spots in every country or bad people. Just remember when you are a foreigner/ look vulnerable you'll be a better target for bad people. This is a universal thing. You were in this bad situation because you were simply unluck enough to be on their sights and they thought they could get away with it. You'd have an equal chance of experiencing this in a bad neighborhood in Paris or Berlin. Unless a bad experience is common enough to happen to multiple people consistently I'd not chalk it up to country itself being bad. I'd just say, that country has bad actors just like any other. Still, I'm sorry for your experi
Wang Zhuang 1 year ago
Rome is the first place I ever visited outside of the US, and I had a wonderful time there. But maybe this is because I was hanging out with Italian locals, so I missed out on the scams/shady activities
Iowa David 1 year ago
I was in Rome 1988-91 and have returned sporadically since then (most recently in 2019). Things have improved but agree with quentariel you need to get away from the hot spots to really enjoy the place.
#12
50ish countries (including egypt) across 6 continents.
Israel by far the rudest people
Morocco i felt the most harassed and unsafe
Australia, Malaysia (borneo) and India where friendliest
(I'm a 30s white lady from Canada for context).
Michael Largey 1 year ago
Aussies are very hospitable - always eager to relieve you of the burden of your end of the conversation.
Mumma Cass 1 year ago
I'm Aussie through & through (though my dad was born in Singapore) most Aussies have a sense of humour & relaxed! Well I can say most of us are! If you do ever visit, try our vegemite sandwiches :)
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Jaaawn 1 year ago
I never experienced rude people in Israel and I've been almost everywhere in the country.
BeesEelsAndPups 1 year ago
Me neither. Not sure why you're getting down voted
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Evagating Beewolf (she/they) 1 year ago
yeah they could do a 'guess the country' thing and if it includes either israel or palestine someone's going to be angry
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FaceTime Audio 1 year ago
Israelis aren’t so much rude as the culture is very different than Western culture regarding politeness. The Israeli people are very warm and kind, but they also tend to be straightforward and there isn’t the formality distinction present in many Western cultures.
DaisyGirl 1 year ago
Nope, Israelis are flat out rude with zero warmth, and whom have a very dislike of what they term as goyas
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Bryan Wright 1 year ago
Not too much a fan of Australia, although New Zealand holds a certain charm I hear.
Roan The Demon Kitty 1 year ago
i had one damn day in israel and i was spat at. quite literally. Morocco however, I did enjoy, though you do get a feeling that women are second class citizens :/ but omg the food and the scenery around paradise valley makes up for it. Beautiful.
"If you’re looking for an underrated gem, I’d point you to Wistman’s Wood in Dartmoor, England," Jhona added. "We covered it in our post of hidden gems around the world. It’s like stepping straight into a fairytale. This ancient woodland, over 500 years old, feels otherworldly with its moss-covered trees and lichen-draped branches twisting into strange shapes. The dense understory barely lets any sunlight filter through, adding to the mystical vibe."
"But beyond the enchanting atmosphere, what really surprised me were the locals," the traveler continued. "Dartmoor residents are some of the friendliest people I’ve met. Whether it’s the pub owners who are happy to chat over a pint or the guides eager to share local legends about the wood, you get a real sense of community here. They make you feel welcome, which only adds to the charm of Wistman’s Wood—there’s not only a sense of magic in the air but also in the warmth of the people."
#13
The USA are definitely up there when it comes to entering the country, I have never felt the least bit welcome by TSA agents.
Once you’re done with that b******t and finally get out of the airport, that changes drastically.
Dusty's mom 1 year ago
The specter of 9-11 hangs heavily, as they're supposed to cull anything that can be used as a weapon, and assess potential threats. And the BS they deal with can be frightening. I wouldn't take the job if I were paid in gold bullion. Yeah, they're mean. They're protecting us. They're protecting you. We try to make up for it. But damn, we're scared.
Joey Jo Jo Shabadoo 1 year ago
Theyre not protecting you, it's "safety theatre". Its sad that youve swallowed this lie.
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JammaCoast2Coast 1 year ago
Airports in general should be omitted when judging destinations. Everything is a hyper-extension of reality. Travelers are exhausted, airport staff are dealing with exhausted travelers...it's an endless cocktail of everyone not being at their best.
Argotina Schmurgle 1 year ago
Nah, US airport staff present a whole different level of bullying and rudeness. Its not the same in any othe country I have visited.
Load More Replies... leendadll 1 year ago
Legit Q from US resident: Did OP confuse Customs with TSA, or do people now have to go through TSA to get IN to the country?
Peggygirl 1 year ago
TSA doesn't 'welcome' you in the US, Customs does, and they have a serious job to do.
Pernille 1 year ago
And yet they manage to be friendly and welcoming in many, many countries.
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Boo 1 year ago
I'm American and my hubs is Scottish, we don't go back often and when we do, we used to fly into Toronto (to see his mum's family who emigrated there), then rent a car and drive down to Michigan. Every time is waiting for hours and getting pulled into the office for questioning on the US side. It feels really hostile especially the last time when we went back for my dad's funeral. Now that both my parents have died, I don't want to go back. I still have extended "family" there, but I'm in no hurry to see them again.
quentariel 1 year ago
This really depends on which country you are coming from and which passport you have. Everyone I know has been breezed through customs with out Finnish passports, never asked for any extra check and never interviewed. My dad even has a metal-covered hip-joint, and he just shows a paper that explain that with his passport, gets checked with that beeper thing (forgot the name) and is let through. Although everyone has seen other people treated very differently, and that isn't a welcoming feeling.
Pernille 1 year ago
Nope, I'm danish, and have entered with British citizens and we all wanted to go home.
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B 1 year ago
We stopped by Miami airport on the way to Guatemala (a lovely adventurous country btw) and a security guard literally started screaming at a woman ahead of us because she turned left instead of right at one point. There were no signs at all to say which way to go. He was incredibly aggressive, with no reason whatsoever. Then again, the passport guy was really friendly. Some people are just tw a ts I guess - they can't help themselves.
#14
I've been all across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia and honestly the rudest people I encountered were in Wyoming (outside Yellowstone, everyone in Yellowstone was lovely)
...even the guys who tried to rob me in Lagos were more polite.
michael Chock 1 year ago
From Yellowstone, west through Idaho and through Nevada is Mormon country. While there may be nice individuals, the religion as a whole is very isolationist, xenophobic and prejudiced.
LonelyLittleLeafSheep 1 year ago
F**k Wyoming. And boycott them too. They like to drag wolves into bars and torture them to death. They'd kill every wild creature in the state if they could for their cattle herds. Horrible place.
eric p 1 year ago
Some of the Midwest states can be scary, especially for non-white people. For instance, Montana has the highest per capita number of Neo Nazis in the US. There is literally an unincorporated town that has a wall around it with a swastika on every flag pole
Sunshine Sunshine 1 year ago
Too many people moving to Wyoming, drove up prices, no affordable housing for locals, made em hostile.
The Darkest Timeline 1 year ago
Imagine how the Indians felt when white people “moved” to Wyoming…
Load More Replies... Katherine Forrestall 1 year ago
As a Canadian, and as a very experienced traveler, I have been surprised by the cold, bored, snarly reception from our neighbours.. guess they don't want tourism... ?
#15
Jamaica, from friends being grabbed and dragged into stores and shops, to locals hip checking you out of the way. Only country that we didn't get more than 100' out of the resort before we turned around and went back in. People you are tipping with put a smile on but the second you walk away they are talking s**t about you.
Nerd Groupie 1 year ago
The locals selling their stuff are HIGH pressure. You have to give FIRM no's. I know it's their livelihood but it's very tough when you were raised in a VERY polite society and find it hard to say no.
Edward Finger Hands 1 year ago
It was a highly politically motivated travel advisory. I’ve been to Jamaica over 40 times in my life. This is a very narrow minded view of the country and the wonderful people who live there.
Load More Replies... Wolf princess quinn 1 year ago
My sis was there for 1 day and ditched her vaca. The resort had armed guards and razor wire on the entire roofline
Sandra Morison 1 year ago
I loved Jamaica thought the locals were friendly......like a lot of tourist areas they do try and sell you stuff BUT a friendly firm no is all it needs
Diolla 1 year ago
Have been to Jamaica several times. Never as a tourist ( have a Jamaican brother). Tourists worldwide always attract scum and Jamaican scum is quite dangerous as it's a violent society. I know Jamaicans who themselves are afraid to even visit Kingston for example. That said, once you get to know ppl outside of the tourist thing, they often are welcoming, funny and lots of musical talent at every street corner. For me it's a love / hate thing.
Missy VanWinkle 1 year ago (edited)
Husband and I were basically kidnapped by "George" who offered to be our tour guide for a price. Took us to a place we couldn't get out of alone and made hubs buy weed and I had to get my hair braided by his girlfriend before George brought us out. Many years ago, but indelible.
Christina Hunter 1 year ago
Hmm...I didn't experience any of that but we had a driver take us around and everyone was quite pleasant and normal. Learned a few phrases along the way, too!
Ixanga Cancun 1 year ago
People don't touch each other in Jamaica, it us a personal space place, no one is going to grab you. The tipping part is almost certainly true, but it is probably everywhere.
Finally, we asked Jhona if she could share advice for visiting places that don't have the best reviews from travelers. "As for places that don’t always roll out the welcome mat for tourists, I have one major piece of advice: do your homework," she says. "Travel research isn’t just about looking up the top attractions; it’s about learning the culture, understanding the norms, and, most importantly, checking if tourists are generally treated like guests or like inconveniences."
#16
As a young woman- Florence, Italy. Spent three months there in college.
First of all, you could feel the nasty demeanor the second you get off the train from any other town, very similar to a NYC vibe. Not in and of itself the deal breaker here though.
The issue was that I have never had SO MANY r*pey and violating things happen anywhere else. Walking around was *relatively* ok, it was Friday/Saturday night activities that were the most problematic. I’d be out with a group of women, and hordes of men would surround and try to grope us. Every weekend. I once had a man come up behind me and put his drink to my mouth. It was regular practice to have to pull friends away from handsy men or literally shove the men away when they didn’t respond to “NO.” Many of us just stopped going out unless our male friends were with us. It became too much work to constantly protect ourselves and each other.
Outside of the weekends, you’d still get the creeper yelling (or worse, whispering) “ciao, bella” and following you across the plaza.
This all happened enough times that to this day, I get ANGRY whenever I see a touristy t-shirt that says “ciao, bella,” because that phrase dredges up memories all the violating behavior, and why the f**k would I want a shirt with the worst pick-up line in the world on it.
Stephanie York 1 year ago
I adore Florence. I've been there about three times and spent a month there with my sister, and I loved every second.
Christopher Crockett 1 year ago
Half a lifetime ago I met a British girl while on an archaeological dig in southern Italy. She was funny and a lot of fun to hang out with, but she wasn't exactly... blessed... in the looks department. One day she come up to me shaking her head and chuckling to herself. When I asked why, she said, "I used to wonder if Italian men would go after anything remotely female. Now I'm sure of it. I just got a drive-by a*s smacking from a guy on a Vespa."
SAF saf 1 year ago
OMG yes, visited with a female friend here who was successfully roofied' once along with multiple other attempts. You're insane if you let your teenage daughter get out of your sight for a second. That being said it's a great place to buy nice ties in the open air market. Primo s**t.
MrsFettesVette 1 year ago
Idk what she means by a nasty vibe like you get getting off the subway in NYC. It's just a subway, people have places to go.
SAF saf 1 year ago
There's an under ground tunnel lets you walk from the train station to streets leading to the old city. It's lined up with shady people looking to f**k with you. It's the same vibe white folks get when the visit TJ.
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Rebecca McManus 1 year ago
Had a similar occurrence in Sicily, but broad daylight, man in car drives past and tries to grab my rear, unfortunately for him I have the reflexes of a striking snake and happened to be a guest of the local Prince. But seriously, what is it about Italian men?
Rayne OfSalt 1 year ago
Oh I've had a much, much worse pickup line than that attempted on me. That one is pretty pathetic though.
#17
India is tough for solo travelers. I was being harassed and followed by cab drivers or salesmen for miles. I'm a guy. And everytime i took a taxi or tuk tuk they dropped me off at some random jelewery store or something because the driver gets a commission or free gas by doing so/if i buy anything. Also being white i stood out and was a big target. Couldn't imagine being a woman alone in New Delhi. I'm sure some areas or cities are better.
nerddadddy:
I have visited India a number of times. It's a magical place, very rich culture, and the people are very welcoming and warm. However, every time I have taken a bus, train, or airplane, when it's time to disembark, the oldest sweetest Indian grandmas will elbow you in the back and push you out of the way to be the first ones off. It's something cultural I think, but getting off any type of mass transport is a free-for-all where manners are out the window.
Adam Benson 1 year ago
I would recommend skipping India instead and going to Sri Lanka instead. We went there in 2018. It's a poor country but very beautiful. The people were very friendly and almost everyone we encountered spoke perfect English. It's very clean too, and we saw the most amazing beaches and mountains. I'd definitely go back for another visit.
Kristy Marion 1 year ago
I’ve travelled extensively in both and the south of India is very very similar to Sri Lanka. If someone enjoys Sri Lanka they shouldn’t rule out Southern India. It’s a gem
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Bartlet for World Domination 1 year ago
India is huge and the North is very different from the South.
Cathleen Cummings 1 year ago
Nerddadddy is right. But also, go to the South or go anywhere away from the Agra, Delhi, Jaipur triangle, you'll find it easier and more relaxed
SolitaryIntrovert 1 year ago
Plus, the pollution makes visiting India tough, especially if you have breathing issues.
WickedSwicket 1 year ago
Yet ANOTHER post reminding me to NOT visit India. But the recent (yet another) gang rape & murder of a young doctor is reason enough
Dave Morris 1 year ago
India is just SO DIRTY. Rubbish everywhere, and lets just say toilets dont seem to be a thing. And based on that, I can see why they dont eat the cows...
Uncle Schmickle 1 year ago
Difference between India and Sri Lanka, is the latter is a Buddhist country.
Too lazy 1 year ago
Even the Indias are scared of Delhi man, I wouldn't travel to Delhi even if my life depended on it. All other places are fun.
imsouravmitra 1 year ago
Well, there are certain parts of the country where we Indians avoid travelling, unless get necessary
Load More Replies... #18
I was in Greece, travelling with a male friend, and had an amazing time.
The second he left, and I was on my own, the way men started looking at me scared the s**t out of me. I am *never* cat-called at home, and am used to dudes basically ignoring me (I think I natively give off a 'f**k you, don't bother' vibe, and I'm average-looking) and nearly every dude in Athens gave me this down-up flick of the eyes, tits-hips-a*s, delivered with such menace, that I felt very unsettled. One day, after an early ferry arrival, I had a five hour wait to check into my accommodation, also in Athens. I went to a park, lay my head on my pack, put my hat over my eyes and had a nap. I woke up to find that every bench in the park was occupied by a man, and all of them were staring at me. One was flat-out masturbating. I looked around at the dead eyes of the other dudes, decided I wasn't going to get any support there, and noped the f**k out as fast as I could. This was in broad daylight, on a weekday. Wild.
Joey Jo Jo Shabadoo 1 year ago
My first thought was, "You napped alone in public?!" which tells you a lot about my expectations of safety as a woman in public.
Jenni Howard 1 year ago
Men are pigs, some countries just give them free reign to act out their sick thoughts
OneHappyPuppy 1 year ago
I live in Greece. I absolutely hate Athens, with a burning passion. Anywhere else is fine, just don't.go.to.Athens
Wolf princess quinn 1 year ago
So maybe the US is pretty good then. Atleast most of us are civilized. NOT WYOMING THO
"Also, be prepared to adapt. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned—train strikes, language barriers, or the occasional scammer," the travel expert continued. "Learn a few basic phrases in the local language, even if it’s just how to say 'thank you' or 'sorry.' It can go a long way in making you seem less like a clueless tourist and more like someone who respects the place they’re in."
#19
I was in Kazakhstan a few years back. The people there were extremely xenophobic towards me and the group I was traveling with. They called the military on us. Four soldiers on horseback showed up with AK47s and pointed them at our faces and told us to get the f**k out of where we were even though we had a right to be there and we weren’t doing anything bad. These people weren’t just rude, they were f*****g a******s. Needless to say I will never visit that country ever again.
Papa 1 year ago
Something about this one makes me wish we could get the other side of the story, especially the "we had a right to be there" part.
Bisha Moten 1 year ago
Yeah. I'm wondering if these people wandered into some place they weren't actually supposed to be, and are going with the assumption they can go wherever they please.
Load More Replies... WickedSwicket 1 year ago
You had the right to be there? Who gave you that right? You? & where's "there" ? One don't go to other ppl's country then decide for yourself that you have the right to be wherever you want to be!
eric p 1 year ago
Kazakhstan, greatest country in the world, All other countries are run by little girls. Kazakhstan, number one exporter of potassium, All other countries have inferior potassium.
Tarik Dursun Zorgulen 1 year ago
Yeah, I don't think any country will let their military harass their tourists like that if they had "a right to be there". It usually helps learning about the culture of the country you're going to visit before arriving there. That's what I do. There are places of historic value, places of religious value etc where you cannot behave like anywhere else. Imagine going into a mosque with bikinis. Or imagine visiting Auschwitz in cheerful clothes and blaring pop music on your phone, imagine going into catholic church dressed as a drag queen. There are dos and don'ts for a lot of cultures/places. How sure are you that you did no violate something like that?
Major Harris 1 year ago
former world champion boxers gennady golovkin and vassily jirov are from there.
JoNo 1 year ago
Yikes! Kazakhstan was never on my "must visit" list but memo to self to never put it on!
Bisha Moten 1 year ago
I dunno, I'm thinking there's more to this story. That whole "we had a right to be there" part makes me think someone wandered some place they weren't supposed to be, and went full karen tourist when told otherwise.
Load More Replies... #20
The Philippines probably has the worst traffic ever, and I don't even understand why there are so many damn cars on a tiny a*s island.
It makes a 20-30 commute turn into a 4 hour waiting game.
Guess Undheit 1 year ago
That person obviously didn't leave Manila. Take the metro if you want to get around the city, but not at rush hour.
imsouravmitra 1 year ago
This person says, "...so many damn cars on a tiny a$$ island." On "A" tiny a$$ island? Isn't there like thousands of islands?
Rigor Moreno 1 year ago
Tourist goes to the provinces. Not in Manila, not much interesting to see here.
#21
In Croatia I've always met rude people despite I always tried to be kind, patient and used the please and thank you on a regular basis. Every waiter tried to scam us, every shop attendant ignored us (if not snorted when we entered), I just think they hate tourists.
Taibhse Sealgair 1 year ago (edited)
Let's be honest, do any locals in popular tourists destinations like tourists? Yes, I know, their jobs depend on them, but after a while they become overwhelming. Then throw in a few idiots, and suddenly you despise them all.
Undercover 1 year ago
Perfect point! My region did did very well with tourism until abt. 2005. Since then we're noticably overrun, especially in the months of july and august. As a local, you try to avoid going anywhere if it isn't an urgent need because traffic is so bad. Buying groceries takes you at least double the time because every shop is packed. Renting prices have gone through the roof because of AirBnb (and we earn a lot less than people in neighbouring countries). Some idyllic natural sites have basically become too overcrowded and expensive for locals to visit thanks to IG (I think of a really beautiful lake, now you have to buy tickets just to visit in advance and parking is like 20€. Even if you want to go there by bus you have to make reservations before hand). I have nothing against tourists per se, but if your every day life is heavily impaired by masses, while just a handful of people get rich (mostly hotel owners) , you're not happy. It's miserable for locals.
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Jenny Mason 1 year ago
My son just returned from a 2-week trip to Croatia and said he had nothing but good interactions with the people there.
linda harbin 1 year ago
Funny, I’m a white female in my 50’s at the time and LOVED Croatia. People were great. Food was excellent. Shops were helpful and accommodating. So sorry you had that experience.
eric p 1 year ago
It wasn't as bad before Game of Thrones. I went there in 1997-98 (just after their independence) and it was wonderful. Went back a few years ago and it was like a totally different country and people. Outside of places like Dubrovnic it was better but any tourist area, especially any of the palaces, will be a seedy trap
Leslie Richardson 1 year ago
croatia is on my top nicest ppl visit! interesting hear this opposite.
Pandasong! 1 year ago
I loved Croatia! Once you get past the "ugh tourist" smirk, people actually love to talk to you, teach you things about their language and country. I also helped we aren't German lol
turk 1 year ago (edited)
Disagree. One of my favorite destinations. I've been twice and had nothing but wonderful encounters and experiences. Croatia is like all the highlights of Europe in one, with great beaches, islands, mountains, waterfalls, state parks, everything. And one of the cleanest countries I've ever seen. Also, national free wifi.
Uncle Schmickle 1 year ago
Again ... don't they know on which side their " bread is buttered " ? Treat tourists nicely, because they're great for the economy.
Miomirko Buhtlić 1 year ago
13 years ago I met a guy who told me he will never go to Croatia because of Franjo Tudjman. It was ironic that he doesn't want to visit a country because of a certain figure in its history since the guy was from Germany.
"Oh, and always have a backup plan if the primary itinerary turns into a disaster. I once missed a bus in Thailand and ended up hitching a ride with a local fisherman. It was unexpected, yes, but sometimes those curveballs are where the real adventure starts," Jhona told Bored Panda.
"Lastly, manage your expectations. If you’re visiting a place known for being tough on tourists, go in knowing that," she added. "Treat it like visiting a prickly aunt—don’t expect hugs, but if you can find some common ground, you might walk away with a good story."
And of course, if you're looking for more travel tips, don't hesitate to visit offMetro!
#22
Many have mentioned Arab countries like Egypt or Morocco, or even India, which are usually regarded as rude countries to visit… but I’ve personally felt uncomfortable in Cuba. The country is extremely poor, frozen in time, and locals see you come and go with your expensive iPhone and cameras and everything they’ll never be able to afford. Scams are very common. People begging as well. Cuba is extremely safe (the govt makes sure every criminal disappears) but it just felt sad, and I could almost sense the resentment towards tourists, who are luckier than them.
TotallyNOTAFox 1 year ago
Well it was a communist country and only recently-ish became more socialistic, big part is the still existing US trade embargo that prevents goods reaching the island (food and medical equipment are exlcuded from it)
James King 1 year ago
The US Trade Embargo is barely hurting Cuba. They get plenty of goods and money from the rest of the world. It's just that - as in most commie countries - the ruling elite keep all the goodies for themselves.
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Wolf princess quinn 1 year ago
Maybe they're a bit scared of being exploited and such. I'd like to go before McDonald's and the colonel ruin it. Or we as Americans do
Bill Marsano 1 year ago
The embargo affects only US firms. Many Cubans subsist in large part on remittances sent by relatives who risked their lives to get to Miami, and have done so for decades.The government profits by 'renting' doctors to Third World countries; the doctors have little or no choice in the matter, are poorly paid, and their families remain in Cuba as hostages against defection. Thousands of Cubans subsist largely on remittances sent by relatives who risked their lives to escape to the US. If you can get over your revolutionary romanticism you'll see that Cubans live under a total dictatorship, protests against which are--as we saw just a couple of years ago--ruthlessly slapped down.The US embargo is an excuse, not a reason. Cuban poverty is caused by the Cuban government.
Bill Marsano 1 year ago
The embargo affects only US firms. Many Cubans subsist in large part on remittances sent by relatives who risked their lives to get to Miami, and have done so for decades.The government profits by 'renting' doctors to Third World countries; the doctors have little or no choice in the matter, are poorly paid, and their families remain in Cuba as hostages against defection. The US embargo is an excuse, not a reason. Cuban poverty is caused by the Cuban government.
#23
I had a co-worker who traveled a bunch for various conferences.
The worst in his experience was Russia.
In most places he had been to, the locals were curious and happy to meet them; "Oh, how do you like it here? Where are you from? etc"
In Russia everyone he saw was hostile and irritated. The general vibe was, "Why the f**k did you even bother coming to this miserable s**t hole?"
END COMMUNICATION.
Adam Benson 1 year ago
That's a shame because all the Russians I've met have been very friendly and open people who love to talk and have a good time (and very generously share their alcohol).
James Twong 1 year ago
I used to live in Russia. There are good and bad people there just like any other country on Earth. Russian and indeed Eastern European customer service is so vastly different to our Western expectations however.
linda harbin 1 year ago
Visited there in 2005 on a travel agent tour St. pete to Moscow. Very unusual country with a very different culture. People were “tolerant” but not unfriendly. Just a whole different vibe. Beautiful architecture. Moscow metro is literally a museum. Surprisingly Great cuisine Fascinating country. Had a blast.
Wolf princess quinn 1 year ago
Any wonder why they're miserable? I've always wanted to visit red sq but the Russians I've spoken to are in the US for a reason.
Laura Gillette 1 year ago
I saw a documentary once where the documentarian was in Russia for some reason, and he asked his guide why everyone was staring at him as they walked past, and his guide said, "They can tell you're not Russian." He asked how, and the guide answered, "You don't look afraid."
Marilyn Holt 1 year ago
Indeed they are truly wondering why anyone would want to visit their country. That should tell you something.
#24
Israel. They seem to make a point of being as rude as possible.
scolfin:
Israelis don't believe in manners. No, it's not that they have different manners than Americans, they just straight up don't believe in them, liked the web-handed alien that hassled Whestley in that one Star Trek episode.
Bartlet for World Domination 1 year ago
Israel is the weirdest mix of Arabic, Ashkenazi, and Sephardic cultural norms. Most Israelis grew up in a country that's basically at war. They are tough (some would say harsh) even when they are being kind. Growing up there is not easy.
Roan The Demon Kitty 1 year ago
easier growing up in Israel than Palestine, where you're lucky to grow up at all. Besides, my experience of one day in Israel (en route to Jordan) was that I was literally spat at. That's not someone "trying to be kind but coming across as harsh" that's just rude assholery.
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Barry 1 year ago (edited)
I'm Jewish and I've met a lot of Israelis. Every single one was either the nicest, sweetest person or the biggest f*****g a*****e. Never in between. They also have no sense of personal space. They would stand right next to me while I used the ATM.
Becky Swift 1 year ago
I wonder how many of those nice sweet people are carpet bombing women and children rn
Load More Replies... FaceTime Audio 1 year ago
It’s not rudeness, it’s a mismatch of cultural norms. Israeli society does not have as much of an emphasis on pleasantries or formality. That makes them come across as abrasive to westerners. To them, our indirectness and refusal to say what we mean is confusing and untrustworthy.
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Johnnee 1 year ago
Hating on Israel seems to be in fashion now. I'm not Jewish but visited Israel few years ago. People there are pretty normal and not like a single hive mind some people think they are. It was very safe and other than the check-points at large places it was quite ordinary. Their food btw is amazing.
Koala ala ala 1 year ago
Israel isn't being singled out here more than any other country? Israelis can just be pretty rude, it's not a political thing, just what people have experienced
Load More Replies... SanFrancisco Professor 1 year ago
You''re visiting a military base at war, a year after their Pearl Harbor. By coincidence, in 3 hours it will be 1 year since 10/7 when they'd let their guard down, stopped carrying guns, and beautiful young hippies were holding a rave. Hamas burst through a chain link fence and killed 1400 kids and families, raped the girls, exhibited their naked corpses on trucks, took 300 hostages, 100 still alive. The day Hamas agrees to return them the fighting stops. They refused again, yesterday. At night, look at the sky. Last week, like every week, thousands of missiles were detonated overhead as mothers snatched up their toddlers and ran for the air raid shelters. Each new apartment built has to have a missile-proof safe room with thick walls. The majority of Israelis aren't Ashkenazi anymore, they're impoverished dark-skinned refugees driven out of Islamic countries which had Jewish communities for a thousand years. And you were annoyed they were snappish and on edge? Please. Don't go.
Uncle Schmickle 1 year ago
It's a pity, but all the Israelis I've encountered in other countries ( in Europe ) behave badly, are rude and pushy and don't seem to give a damn about anyone else but themselves.
Cathy Carey 1 year ago
I think that's just how people from the middle east are. They own alot of convenience stores here and are the worst; like customers are a big problem for them. And they use their old women to try and steal from people by "accidentally" ringing up extra stuff then acting like "Oh, I'm and old woman and made a mistake, oopsy." Total bs
#25
Bulgaria, "Bloody Beach"
Mob/mafia controlled, lots of scammers. Even a worker at a club tried to extort me for money, threatening to call the mafia on me if i didnt pay up.
RedPepper 1 year ago
The Black Sea coast suffers from mass seaside tourism, but the rest of the country is beautiful.
Load More Replies... Jack Lowry 1 year ago
I spent a few weeks there in 2016. I heard stories about Sofia but didn't experience anything untoward there and the rest of the country was nice and friendly.
#26
Not me but I had a teacher in high school who taught world history who, well, traveled around the world. One of the students in the class asked what her least favorite country or place she's been to was, she said Poland. It's important to note that she's a black woman because she said no where else had she ever been called so many slurs and spat at like Poland.
Acceptable-Draft-163:
Spent the last 10 years more or less travelling and living overseas. The worst experience I've had was in Warsaw. Mind, I was only there for 4 days in the dead of winter, but the people were very cold and unfriendly. Not a single person seemed interested in life, the city was grey and miserable (mind after ww2, it was more or less rebuilt) and I had 2 attempts to rob me. The first one the guy locked me and my girlfriend in a taxi and charged 180€ for a 5 minute drive. The only way I got out was I started kicking the windows in the back and started yelling. Second time I was walking near the metro and some guy walked over and tried to grab my girlfriends bag and run off, I pushed him and he ran away. That was more or less my experience of Warsaw haha. I'm sure it's lovely In summer. Not going to lie, I had a better time in Egypt over Warsaw.
Ece Cenker 1 year ago
I was in Poland for an entire moth in the ancient year of 1998 as a university student. My experience with Polish people has been one of the most positive in my life. I am sorry that these people came across some of the worst in the country
Auntriarch 1 year ago
I loved Poland, I was only there for ten days, but didn't have a single bad experience
Load More Replies... P Peitsch 1 year ago (edited)
As a woman I never ever will go in any islamic country, because I did my homework and know, they are shítty for me. Poland is a 99,99% white catholic country, also on the not-the-richest-ones list. As a world history teacher -oh, the irony!-, how could she missed to do her own homework, that being of colour ( no matter what), won't be a nice experience for her in the country.
Michael Largey 1 year ago
The purpose of any historian is to discover and record experiences - pleasant or not.
Load More Replies... Alex Helm 1 year ago
I was driving in rural Poland in thick snow when my car slid off the road into a ditch, and no amount of pushing was getting it out. While me and my passenger were trying to figure out what to do, these two Polish chaps rolled up in a Jeep. They didn’t speak a word of English, they just grabbed a tow rope, tied the car on, hauled it back onto the road, then smiled, waved and went on their way with no fuss whatsoever. Superstars!
T'Mar of Vulcan 1 year ago
A Congolese lady I know (she and her husband immigrated to South Africa in the EIGHTIES! During apartheid! to work for Sasol) said that when she goes to China, people move away from her on public transport because they think the blackness will "rub off" on them.
Wang Zhuang 1 year ago
I'm a black guy in China, and sadly, this does happen sometimes, but it's not the norm. I had a guy do something similar to me at a train station once, just moved away to a different seat when I sat in one next to him. Not sure if's about "blackness rubbing off on them", or if it's just that some ignorant Chinese think black people are dirty because our skin is darker. But again, this is not the norm. The majority of Chinese I've met here are friendly and hospitable.
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Paulina 1 year ago (edited)
Warsaw isn't worth visiting even in the summer. It's just a gray city that never got back it's pre-war splendor. And unless you plan on checking out every single museum, there's not much to see. Krakow and Wroclaw are much nicer and have more culture, history to them. Even Gdansk would be better than Warsaw. And about the racism: Yeah, it's historically, culturally, socially and every other way, a white country. Like every country in that part of Europe. And while things get better, for many Polish people, seeing you - a tourist person of color - might be the first time ever. Misconceptions and stereotypes run unchecked. That ofc doesn't mean you should be okay with racism, but it's best to get yourself mentally ready for it.
Bisha Moten 1 year ago
Hate to say it, but with Poland, or any generally racially homogeneous you kinda have to expect some odd, if not bad treatment if your race doesn't meet the predominant race of the citizens. Poland has a population of 36.82 million people. Of them, according to the last census, there's only 4000 people of any African origin in the country. So, yeah, if you're anything other than caucasian; then not only will you stand out there, you won't be welcome.
Evagating Beewolf (she/they) 1 year ago
So there are about half as many people of African origin in Poland as Jews. For reference, pre-WW2 Poland was 10 percent Jewish with 3.3 million of them. They, working with Nazis, killed 90 percent of them, and unsurprisingly few chose to stay. They now want to make it illegal to say they worked with Nazis, which is why I'm bringing it up.
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#27
Brazilians can be ruthless. Was blown away by how adept such a diverse population could be at identifying outsiders. Was in a group of about 6 college aged dudes studying abroad meandering Rio, and 3 teenagers followed us for about 10 minutes yelling "gringo!" lmao.
Breadcrumb. 1 year ago
I had a school bus of elementary school aged kids yell at me "blonde b***h, blonde b***h" grinning, on my travels in rural Mexico. My Mexican friends were embarrassed and explained they likely don't know what it means..I don't take it personally it's a funny story now.
Rafael 1 year ago
Brazil is very, very big, and most of us rarely, if ever, see a tourist (touristy places are priced away from locals, and up until a few years ago tourists knew better than doing Favela tours). So, the minute we spot someone from outside, we can tell. I suppose we look for the odd behaviours. Tourist attire (hats, socks and sandals etc) and, of course, the language. The minute you speak anything other than Portuguese you are a gringo. P.S. Using your phone in public is also a good indicative that you're not a local. We know better than to have it taken by a poor teenager running at 0.3c.
Nelson Álvarez Sáez 1 year ago
I have been to Brazil four times and each one has been better than the previous one. People are so friendly. So nice. One day I was visiting the Sugar Loaf in Rio when I needed to make a phone call, back in 2004. Tried to ise a public phone but it only accepted cards. A lady saw me and lent me her card! Unfortunately, the card had no debit, but when a man behind the lady saw that, he let me his cellphone, even though cellphone calls were very expensive back then! Later, I found the same man taking pictures for tourists on a lookout, as a favor.
#28
The airport I was in in Germany had the rudest attendants. The general people in Thailand are super friendly, but be careful in Bangkok, definitely some unsafe areas (especially for a woman).
JK 1 year ago
Airport attendants are rude everywhere. When you think of the $h1t they likely have to deal with every day, from people from all social/economical backgrounds, often with high tension, it makes sense
FoxEcoLimaIndiaCharlieIndiAlfa 1 year ago
I understand that dealing with the public can definitely have its drawbacks and shìtty days, but they likely chose or decided to work this particular job knowing what it entails. Just because they might deal with difficult or rude people at work, doesn't mean they need to treat everyone in a rude/shìtty manner. If you are that miserable at your job, working with the general public please look for work in another field.
Load More Replies... Paulina 1 year ago
Rude how? In many opinions here I'm missing a description of what constitutes as rude. Especially since I've personally experienced, for example, people from USA expecting that "customer's always right" and "how may I serve you" attitude with a dash of cheerful smalltalk... Which is normal in the States, but unheard of in Europe.
Ephemera Image 1 year ago
Germans do not waste time being fake by pasting a fake smile on their faces, and don't bother with small talk. Westerners think servers and customer care people should be servile and cute to them, sadly, and don't understand the overall culture of the country.
Jan van den Broek 1 year ago
I've never been at a German airport, but I've been in Germany at least once a year for the last thirty years, and can't speak of a general rudeness in Germany.
Gypsy Lee 1 year ago
I did meet a few rude Germans but most seemed reserved. It’s just a different culture than what I’m used to. Overall I LOVED Germany & found the people more friendly than in, say, Austria. In my experience Germans are reserved but not unkind. And I think airport attendants the world over have to put up with so much nonsense they just develop a tough exterior.
#29
I absolutely hated Sri Lanka. It was full of charlatans and cheats when I was there last.
Adam Benson 1 year ago
We went there in 2018 and had a great time. The people were very friendly, with very good, cheap accommodation. Sure, there were a few people who tried to make money off us. But our driver was a very friendly, honest man who warned us about them in advance and helped us avoid them. I would definitely go back for a return visit.
Brian Droste 1 year ago (edited)
I would like to hear what your second experience would be like once you get back.
Load More Replies... Cathleen Cummings 1 year ago
Sri Lanka is an incredibly beautiful place, and I found people to be really friendly and much more laid-back than in India.
Kathy 1 year ago
I made the mistake of going there alone as a single, middle-aged woman. The first day I was there, when I walked across the street, I got propositioned three times in a space of about 20 feet! I was dressed very modestly, so it was nothing about me. The men there were really scary, and a local girl I met on the bus told me to be really careful. later, I met a German who explained to me that it's a sex tourism destination for middle-aged eastern European women. I'm American, but close enough in their eyes. It's a beautiful country, but not a good place for women to travel alone.
Russell Bowman 1 year ago
It will be interesting to see where the recently elected Marxist-leaning government takes them
Adam Benson 1 year ago (edited)
This debate started well over 20 years ago. I think it's time to let it go.
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#30
Every country has its good and bad parts!
For jerks to visitors, try some place like Iowa. If you are into what they like, its great. If you are a little different, forgot about it.
Brian Droste 1 year ago
I have friends in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Everyone I met and dealt with have been friendly. So I don't know about the rest of Iowa.
Roberta Schrote 1 year ago (edited)
Iowa? Not if you're black or brown or LGBTQ+ or not Christian or not really, really boring.
Michael Largey 1 year ago
If you're black or brown or LGBTQ+ or not Christian in Iowa, one thing you won't be is bored.
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Pam Sharrad 1 year ago
I live in Dubuque, Iowa and I can tell you most everyone here is freakishly friendly. That's why I keep coming back!
Kelly Scott 1 year ago
My parents lived about 40 miles from Dubuque in Cassville, WI. It was a small town that talked about you if you didn't pull your drapes open in the morning and servers would say they'd serve black people, then throw out the dishware afterwards. When visiting, my dad kept joking that I was his daughter just out of San Quentin and I asked him if he was actively trying to get his house burned down. Those people were weird.
Load More Replies... kansasmagic 1 year ago
Why would you travel *anywhere* if you're not "into what they like"? That's like going to Vegas and complaining about all the casinos. (Yes, I know there is more to Vegas than casinos...).
Kangaroo 1 year ago
Why would you only travel somewhere if you share the same personal interests as the locals?
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#31
For travelling/getting around:
Germany. I love Germany with all my heart but I mentally prepare to be treated like absolute garbage at airports and trains. I was yelled at at security checks and physically escorted off trains. I'd still go back, though. People were so friendly.
For meeting locals:
People from Mexico City seemed a little standoff-ish. Maybe it's just part of living in a big city, but nobody seemed to have any time and simply asking for directions seemed like a huge inconvenience.
For just walking around:
Any Italian big city. Love the country and had soooo much fun in small towns. But as soon as you get to a big city (Milan, Rome, etc) get ready to fend off scammers, pay attention to pickpockets, people cutting in line for transit, it's pure chaos.
Now for the good!! (To balance off the negativity)
For walking around and being a tourist:
Germany or Canada. It's incredibly safe, people are friendly, they seem genuinely interested that you have a good time in their country.
For meeting locals:
Toss up between Brazil or Ireland. You can go to a bar alone in either country and you'll end up making friends, locals are super friendly and are very interested in chatting with tourists.
P Peitsch 1 year ago
Deutsche Bahn is s****y in so many ways, but I can't imagine one situation, when you'll be escorted down from a train in Germany. Maybe, when you cross the Schengen border, and the patrols find you suspicious, they'll ask for your documents. But to be escorted down from a train (I saw this a few times, but more in Austria, what is german speaking, but not Germany). means that your documents wasn't okay, or you had an attitude.
Tele Avision 1 year ago (edited)
The whole world is now filled with Serial Douchebags. There are people these days who S#%t on everything that doesn't go their way. Jobs, Relationships, Other People, Places, Products, and Services. They use Social Media to complain when things don't go their way. Welcome to the real world! Things don't go your way about 90% of the time. Suck it up and move on. Don't wallow in self-pity. Modern Life is really not that difficult, unless you're a crybaby.
Load More Replies... Paulina 1 year ago
Wtf did you do to get yelled at and even escorted off of a train?! It doesn't sound like a Germany at all. They're not overly smiley, but always polite and even getting a ticket from a German police isn't scary. This person clearly has done something wrong... Germans are sticklers for the rules and don't like bullsh*t, but after traveling many times by train I can't imagine what a person must've done for the authorities to get physical!
Joey Jo Jo Shabadoo 1 year ago
I had a similar thought. Germans are very strict about expected norms; they will yell at you if you deviate but they wont yell at you just for existing
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Sarah Matsoukis 1 year ago
In Germany, the more south the more jovial but also arrogant the people become. North is dry humor. I live there.
Uncle Schmickle 1 year ago
I love Germany and been there several times. A civilised place. Never been yelled at or treated rudely. You just have to mind your manners, as usual.
#32
As a British person I'm both surprised and pleased no one has said Britain yet. For my part I have no particular country to say is especially bad but people in Brussels were pretty rude.
I've been to Ostend in Belgium too and loved it, the people were lovely, everyone was accommodating and kind but I guess because it's a capital city people were just not like that in Brussels. For context I'm in a wheelchair and it was like I didn't exist for the week I was there, I was ignored, barged in front of through doors I was trying to open, and barged in front of in general more than I've ever been in my life. It was also pretty difficult to get people to talk to me instead of my grandma who I was with, which any disabled person knows is infuriating.
There were some nice people, at times it was nice to be ignored instead of fussed over as I am sometimes, and it's a beautiful city, but I'd definitely go elsewhere in Belgium over returning to Brussels. I'd especially recommend Ostend, I can't say enough how lovely it was there.
turk 1 year ago
Actually, having traveled a lot of Europe (and the UK back many years), I mostly don't want to run into British tourists abroad. The older ones are quite friendly, but the younger ones, particularly after dark, are almost all rude, crude, drunk and loud. Seems to happen in many larger European cities.
OneHappyPuppy 1 year ago
Yeah, tbh I expected more from Brussels, luckily I didn't stay there too long
Abdullah Abd Rahman 1 year ago (edited)
By and large, the UK has the most polite people, after Japan.People say "please" and "thank you" all the time. Both countries may not have the friendliest people, though.Studied in the UK and have stayed for some time in Japan. So I know a bit about people in both countries. Wonderful countries to visit, that's for sure !
Kelly Scott 1 year ago
I don't know - I use an electric cart when I shop in the US and you'd think I was invisible for all the attention people pay to me. I've had to stop that cart on a dime many times because people would walk right out in front of me and never even look. I understand it's like that for a lot of wheelchair users, too.
Aidan Campbell 1 year ago (edited)
I didn't like Brussels at all. The best city in Belgium is Bruges.
supertall 1 year ago
Belgium is one of the only places I've been in 50-someodd countries that I've genuinely disliked. I encountered very rude people, including chefs at a week-long business retreat (we were the only guests, 30 ppl) who flat-out refused to cook meals without pork - literally, we were served pork in EVERY DISH 3x DAILY FOR 10 DAYS - when we had 10 Muslim guests. Rude ppl in bars, public transportation, I was told off in French (gentleman didn't realise I spoke it), almost run over in a car park... not happy memories of a smaller city. Brussels was no better. A shame.
T'Mar of Vulcan 1 year ago
As a Brit who grew up in South Africa, I found the vibe in London (the only place I went as I was there to visit my BIL, not tour) very off-putting. I kept saying people are rude, and it does seem that way, but I realized it's because South Africans always look people in the eye, smile, etc. when they pass them. Londoners just walk without even looking at you. I don't know how they don't bump into each other all the time.
Eastendbird 1 year ago
Nearly 9 million people live in London and we get 30 million tourists visiting in a year. Is it really surprising that most Londoners are just getting on with their own lives, getting to and from their jobs and don't really have the time or energy to smile and interact with everyone they meet? My experience is that if you need help most Londoners will step up and do what they can politely. The one time I was verbally attacked by a man (a tourist BTW!) on the tube, I was immediately surrounded by my fellow travellers who told the guy exactly what they thought of him and comforted and protected me until he left.
Load More Replies... #33
I've been on five continents, and you couldn't pay me to go back to the island of Java in Indonesia.
Skara Brae 1 year ago
FYI, the reddit OP added this: "Poor, expensive, religious, alcohol hard to get, mosquitoes everywhere. The list goes on and on." (Dear OP, if you are going to visit someplace, take the time to research what it's like before you go. None of those reasons should have been very surprising. I could say the same thing about several states in the US, except the alcohol.)
Ansirk 1 year ago
I doubt OP has been to 5 continents. Jakarta is indeed expensive for locals, but much much cheaper than SG, MY, Korea, Japan, moreover EU, Au, and US.
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Marcus Fegent 1 year ago
150 million people it is a big Island with diverse people and places. I love Java. Jakarta is a typical large city that may disappoint some, but old part is great and good markets. People in Java and some of the friendliest you could meet in the world.
WickedSwicket 1 year ago
Why exactly wouldn't u go back? For all we know you're wanted by the authorities there for some s**t u did. Context dude!
Cooking Panda 1 year ago
It's a huge country. You must have landed in the worst part of it & make up your mind.
Melia Janssen 1 year ago
I have family there and each time we travel, it's the traffic that makes it impossible to spend any real time there. My cousin had to drive us around as he knew where all the side streets are, but if you're a regular tourist, you will get stuck for hours and that's no way to spend your holiday. It's the biggest reason why they're moving the capital to Borneo.
#34
Switzerland was the rudest (so far)! Specifically the German speaking part.
I went on a school trip there when I was 11 and cashiers/shop workers showed absolutely no signs of warmth or friendliness. The worst interaction I had was when I accidentally bought two of the same metal walking stick badge (they were stuck together and I didn't realise until after I'd bought them), and the gift shop flat-out refused to give me a refund for the second badge. Basically just made a face at me and shrugged her shoulders as if to say, "Tough, now f**k off".
I've always wondered why people working in shops in Switzerland were such bastards because I've met and befriended lots of Swiss people since (from the German, French *and* Italian parts) and all of them were absolutely lovely. I've flown with Swiss Air, they were great, and transferred through Zurich Airport which was also great...
Were me and my other 11 year old classmates unknowingly committing cultural faux-pas? Are kids expected to be quiet and whisper in shops and not talk at a "kid volume"? Was it the fact that we were visibly and audibly English and couldn't speak German? Are kids going out and about without parents/on large school group trips with teachers not the done thing? Are refunds not really a thing, and by extension, you're thought to be a c**t if you try to change your order/items that you buy at the last minute? Is Swiss culture funny about the exchanging of money generally?
I've never understood what went wrong on that trip.
Skara Brae 1 year ago
I understand the frustration, but perhaps the shops were overloaded with too many people and not enough workers.
Ace 1 year ago (edited)
Not really typical of Switzerland as a whole. German speakers in particular can come across as rude but in reality they're just economical with language and really not interested in being your friend. Shop assistants just do their job and aren't much for the social niceties. Yes, absolutely they would expect you to not speak at "Kid Volume" in public places, so if you were doing so then I'm not surprised people were not very happy about it (maybe I've lived their too long, but I'm with them on this one). I can't really speak about the reason for the refused return but it is certainly not an automatic thing that applies to all shops and I know that it used to be common to expect little in the way of customer service, even a non-functioning item might simply get you referred to the manufacturer for repair. It has much improved in that respect in the last ten or fifteen years though.
Kathrin Pukowsky 1 year ago
I love how OP lists some legit reasons for why the employee at the gift shop might not have been thrilled to interact with them any more than absolutely necessary, but is still wondering what happened. No way to say whether the children culturally misbehaved somehow. Yes, children are expected to be quiet. I like children, but "kid volume" is usually 150 + 200 % of regular adult volume. English may not have been the cashier's forte. Large groups of children on school trips are fairly normal - doesn't mean store employees like them. There is a difference between making a change to your purchase last minute, and making a change to your purchase after the fact. Despite all this, OP has no clue.
Pernille 1 year ago
Could be that you were the fourth group of happy children in the shop that day, and the shopkeeper were having a bad day. One never knows how other people are doing, and whenever I meet random rudeness or anger, I try to be magnanimous and remember that I have no idea what others are going through.
Wolf princess quinn 1 year ago
Ppl from other countries, just like the US want foreigners to atleast try to speak their language. That being said, English has been taught in german schools and a lot of them understand what we're saying but refuse on principle.
Uncle Schmickle 1 year ago
In " high class " European countries, such as Switzerland ( which I love ), you can run the risk of being looked down upon, if you behave like a ignorant or boisterous tourist. It always pays to be good mannered and polite wherever you go.
Ilan Elron 1 year ago
"Switzerland was the rudest (so far)! Specifically the German speaking part." - YES
#35
Iraq. I was stationed in Kuwait but travelled up north, often. The amount of flak we got was ridiculous.
Also, South Korea, I loved it there, but there were riots and protests of people that hated us.
FaceTime Audio 1 year ago
I'm really not sure why you expected to be welcomed warmly in Iraq as a member of the (presumably US) military.
Wolf princess quinn 1 year ago
Lol no s**t. Military. Smh sure come here, start a war, leave us with n othing...see where I'm going here. I can't understand why they wouldn't just be so welcoming to any american
Load More Replies... Skara Brae 1 year ago (edited)
Speaking as a US citizen, a US soldier should not be surprised when other countries don't like having US soldiers there, especially considering some US soldiers don't behave considerately with the locals. It's infuriating to read what some of them do to innocent people.
PismoBob 1 year ago
As a former member of the US Army, I can concur. 3 years in Germany prior to the Wall coming down. Stationed 25 km from the East German border. Locals really appreciated us while the folks that lived on the western side of Germany were not very pleased.
Load More Replies... Tarik Dursun Zorgulen 1 year ago
Did you happen to find the weapons of mass destruction? Maybe that's why?
Curry on... 1 year ago
The OP must be oblivious to the US history in these countries. Or maybe he's one of those people who think folks should just get over it.
meeeeeeeeeeee 1 year ago
Sounds like he's part of the invading army lmao how brainwashed do you have to expect them to be nice to you.
WickedSwicket 1 year ago
With what the Americans did to them, u can understand why Iraqis resent outsiders
#36
My worst experience was Ethiopia. I feel like it’s the kind of country that if you go as a wealthy tourist and hire your own driver, book all your hotels in advance and so on, then it’s probably a reasonable experience.
I went and tried to do it as the typical backpacker thing. Had a lot of issues, everyone hassles you constantly just for their own amusement. Had a lot of guns held in my face by teenagers at bus checkpoints, constantly getting ripped off with extra ‘luggage charges’ on said buses, or put on buses that weren’t even going where I wanted despite them swearing it was.
Booked a trek but they stole my deposit and didn’t turn up and then some other Trek operators saw me waiting, helped me out but also were trying to get me to do their trek instead. They wanted money without a receipt also and in advance. They also found and beat the s**t out of the guy who ripped me off the small amount for the first trek and dragged him into my hotel room with twelve dudes to make him pay it back. Then used that to try and force me to do their trek, etc...
Almost got dragged into an alley by a bunch of glue sniffing homeless guys right in the middle of Addis Ababa, and only avoided it when I basically pretended I was going to fight them all (I was bluffing).
Conflict up north meant the government turned off all internet and every town had its own checkpoints set up and searched all men every twenty minutes or so. All public transport is regional and you can’t just go from A to Z without going through all the letters in between.
Children run up to you in the streets in regional areas and literally just scream ‘money money money’, or something similar. If you don’t give it to them, they swear at you, one of them kicked me in the shins as hard as he could, another aimed for the balls.
Touts will follow you around for DAYS, waiting outside your hotel room and always there when you emerge. Literally days, and won’t take no for an answer no matter how rude or aggressive you get, they’ll just shadow you and try to step into every interaction.
Groups of guys will call you over as they’re sitting outside a shop (soldiers did this also), then ask you who you are, why you are there, then all laugh at you and tell you to f**k off. Soldiers also denied access to certain streets that clearly weren’t closed and would all laugh when you turned around and went the other way, but point guns at you if you tried to ignore it.
No taxi price you are quoted is EVER correct. They will always try to add more and get other locals involved if you try to pay the agreed amount.
Most of the food is goat and fermented bread. Tibs and injera. It’s actually kind of delicious when done well, but in many places the goat meat is undercooked and not really fresh, covered in flies and stuff just sitting in the sun.
Prices aren’t even that low. Hotels cost either nothing but are locals only as a soft rule and they really don’t seem to like you staying there, or they are international prices.
All buses leave at about six in the morning, so you’re constantly having to walk through towns in pitch darkness to get there on time, and there’s a lot of dodginess that goes with that.
Sexual assault on buses seems common, teenagers rubbing their d**k on everything, etc, and people not being able to do much about it. Certainly don’t go to the cops, as everywhere, they cause more trouble than they solve.
Hmm, I’m sure there’s other stuff, but that’s all I can think of right now. I don’t want to suggest everyone in Ethiopia is bad. People can be absolutely lovely, I had a middle aged mother protect me from the teenage soldiers on the bus checkpoints when a civil war was breaking out up north, and in fact most people I met on buses where genuinely nice.
Problem is, there’s so many people who approach you and they’re all there to f**k with you. Some violent d**g f****d guys who resent you for being relatively rich and white (as I was). But people you meet who don’t approach you as a target were genuinely great. People in the hotel reception I went to after fighting off the muggers were great, gave me food and water for free and booked me a taxi to a place I could afford (that taxi doubled the agreed fair of course, but whatever).
Oddly, I went to Egypt immediately after Ethiopia and it was a paradise by comparison. The level of harassment was so much lower. It was equivalent to India for me, which I’m totally used to, and is nothing compared to Ethiopia which felt genuinely dangerous.
Then again, I’m a man, so my experience is obviously different, but I can’t imagine Ethiopia is great for female travellers either compared to Egypt, and has all the other badness on top of that.
Brittania Kelli 1 year ago
I'm sorry, but if you choose to travel to a poor, corrupt, war ravaged country where hundreds of thousands of its residents have risked their lives fleeing from you do so at your own risk. I'm sick of these extreme travellers trying to make a holiday out of a war zone. Who sees decades of war and famine and goes, yea, sounds like a lovely time? It's like you are trivializing the experiences of a whole nation by thinking it's a tourist spot.
BenyA. 1 year ago
Ethiopian here, I'm sorry you had to experience such deterioration in my home. Most of what you described is accurate for us as well. I said most, I don't get scammed on taxis or busses across country or in hotels since i speak the language obviously. But the recent war in the North was only physically in the north, psycologically it has frayed a lot of the societal fabric all over the country and made it incredibly unsafe for us also. We get harassed in the country side for being a 'city boy'—harassed in the city for being a 'country boy', for not talking the right local language at checkpoints by the military or any armed adolescent on a power trip. I love my home but sometimes I envy tourists because they LEAVE.
T'Mar of Vulcan 1 year ago
That person went to Ethiopia ON PURPOSE. We have lots of Ethiopians in South Africa. Gee, I wonder why.
David Paterson 1 year ago
Ethiopia sounds like Zimbabwe, but slightly worse. 98% unemployment in Zimbabwe.
#37
Baltic Europe in the winter time. People are really cold and antsy. But totally different in the summertime. They come alive like spring flowers.
Bartlet for World Domination 1 year ago
The (three) Baltic countries are very different from each other.
OneWithRatsAndKefir 1 year ago
Well, the winter can be bitterly cold, saying that as somebody who’s gone back home (Latvian) during both summer and winter. Also, that picture’s of Latvia! The Freedom Monument.
#38
Prague in the Czech Republic! I found the locals to be very brusque, rude and unfriendly.
We kept having these weird experiences with them.. getting out of the taxi we left the driver some change as payment + a tip, he looked at it and started throwing it across the cab and swearing, I guess he didn’t like people paying with change..? I got shouted at the hostel the first night for opening a door the wrong way. A different hostel looked at me like I had grown an extra head when I asked if they had internet. People were annoyed a lot, just generally and we had some weird vibes from some people too, wouldn’t go back in a hurry!
P Peitsch 1 year ago
Ah, the eastern-european vibe ... saying that as an eastern-european myself. I don't mind, so for me Prague was good, but sure, doesn't worth more than a long weekend.
Undercover 1 year ago
I love the eastern-european vibe 🥰 Can't describe it, but the few times I travelled to eastern Europe always felt like coming home
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Lori Jabi 1 year ago
Ive been to Prague many times and i have to desagree completly. Very nice people and a beautiful city. I like the czech people a lot!
Tarik Dursun Zorgulen 1 year ago
Why are people so surprised to find not everyone acts like the people of their own origins? Different cultures may have different behavior patterns, different acceptable/unacceptable behavior, different tabus etc. Why don't you research the country you'll be visiting first? Then you'd know not everyone appreciates being paid in change. In some places it is actually insulting. And in some cultures yelling at someone is not such a big deal as it is in other places. Am I the only weird one who actually tries to read up on the culture and habit of places I'd be visiting? For Prague I'd say my own experience was vastly different.
#39
Paris was one of the worst and rudest cities I ever visited never met such a bunch of arrogant entitled people in my life. We for the bus and three men would not let my partner off the bus had to almost start a fight till they let her off, have also had many Friends who've been mugged for a 1st world developed city it's shocking the treatment of tourists!
CrunchyJeans:
My mom visited Paris for a business trip. Apparently the only way to get help from the locals is to say “sorry I’m a stupid American could you help me please?”
P Peitsch 1 year ago (edited)
I don't get all the hate for Paris. I was there a few years ago, and I found it really amazing. I was having my hotel room outside the inner districts of Paris (because there was cheaper) on a mostly mixed neighbourhood. Never had any incident, although sometimes I was going back to the hotel with public transport around midnight. So, I think, it's more about the attitude. I don't know french, but ÍI learnt a few sentences to greet people, to say thank you, to ask for a coffee simply things like that. They will anyway know after your first words, that you are not french, but if you make an effort to speak some words, you are pleasent (and not the typicall loud-ignorant-tourist), they'll also react the same way, because people are people everywhere. Let your attitude at home when you travel to foreign countries, and you even don't know the language. That's valid not just for Paris.
FaceTime Audio 1 year ago
I went to France. I learned some pleasantries and I was with someone who took French for four years in high school- nowhere near fluent, but had some useful communication skills. While most people are pleasant and basic salutations are necessary, it didn’t stop some people from being weirdly vitriolic.
Load More Replies... T'Mar of Vulcan 1 year ago
I loved Paris! The only people I encountered who were rude were the staff on the Eurostar before we embarked (my ticket wouldn't scan). Waiting in the queue for L'Orangerie (GO!!! It's AMAZING if you want to see art by famous artists as well as the famous Monets), a Black French security guard said, "Bonjour, Madame." My mind went BLANK, and shifted into how I'd respond back home in Johannesburg. I said (in English, with a big smile), "Hello! How are you?" He gave me the warmest smile in return and said (in perfect English), "I'm very well, thank you." :)
Learner Panda 1 year ago
I stayed at a camping site on the banks of the Seine. I have never been more disgusted in all my life. It was filthy. I was cleaner going into the facilities than I would have been coming out. I stayed for one night, instead of the original week. Now when I travel in France, I avoid Paris like the plague.
#40
Italians, especially in the south.
This happened on multiple occasions: when I order food, the waiters are very impatient and keep mumbling in Italian and are visibly annoyed. They make it seem like questions about the menu are not allowed. I gave them a taste of their own medicine and cursed and mumbled at them in my own language. They always stop immediately xD.
Eastendbird 1 year ago
Mr Eastendbird and I have visited different parts of southern Italy multiple times over the last 30 years and never had this experience. Super friendly people! Make an effort to speak a bit of Italian and follow local customs maybe?
Michael Largey 1 year ago
If a wait staff has ceased showing their annoyance with you, that means they have moved on to Step Two. And, no, you don't want to know. You don't even want to wonder.
Bilja M 1 year ago
For me, just that there are no public toilets! I was in Sicily and I had to order coffee each time I needed toilet. I have overactive bladder syndrome and it was always a problem for me, but in Italy especially because you have to order to use toilets and sometimes not even then. A lot of restaurants don't even have them, beach doesn't have unless it's private and expensive. It wasn't good for people with health issues. Otherwise, lovely country, just if I were a healthy person.
#41
I hated my visit to California. Everyone is either on one end of the spectrum or the other. Ie, a wanna be media influencer or a racist backwater dweller. Won't be going back. Plus, America's cops have to be the biggest pieces of power tripping garbage ever. You'd think it wouldn't be so different from where I grew up (Calgary, Alberta) but America has always left me wanting to head back home. Scottsdale is painfully fake and Phoenix is stuffy and unbelievably dirty. Best was Costa Rica, I had an amazing time visiting there for 2 weeks in high school.
FaceTime Audio 1 year ago
I'm not sure where you went in California, then. Most people are neither wannabe influencers nor racist weirdos. Did you just go to Huntington Beach? Phoenix isn't stuffy at all (except for the heat), and it's actually rather clean. Unless you're referring to the 80s-era cookie cutter housing developments, Scottsdale isn't fake (did you mistake Beverley Hills for Scottsdale?). As an American with a lot of experience both with California and with Maricopa County, I have no idea what on earth you're referring to. I also think it's unlikely that you had any encounters with cops beyond traffic cops at airports- they don't tend to bother tourists, and while there are so many issues to be had with police in America, they're not issues that tourists typically encounter.
leendadll 1 year ago
Right?!? I lived in The OC for most of my life and am still close by. I can't stand Huntington Bch anymore.
Load More Replies... kansasmagic 1 year ago
About one in every nine Americans is Californian, and by itself California is larger than ~150 countries (by area and population). We have more of everything here. Unfortunately, that also includes racist backwater dwellers.
BrownEyedPanda 1 year ago
Sounds like you visited Southern California, although I could be wrong. If you're inclined to do so, try Northern California. There's San Francisco with its Golden Gate Bridge (with observation point), the Ferry Building, Pier 39, the DeYoung Museum, The Painted Ladies, Hornblower cruises on the San Francisco Belle, the Embarcadero Hilton with the revolving restaurant on top, Ghirardelli Square, Union Square, and the cable cars.
Skara Brae 1 year ago (edited)
I live in Arizona. Scottsdale isn't really a tourist town, though it tries to be. It's a suburb with the usual suburb things, but caters to people who want to live in a "prestige" location and see and be seen in expensive restaurants and shops. The over-priced Art (paintings, ceramics, Navajo rugs, etc.), quirky shops and souvenirs are in the Old Town section in south Scottsdale. In the north end, the Music Instrument Museum and maybe the Frank Lloyd Wright house are worth visiting. The greater Phoenix area doesn't have much that you can't do in other cities, except for a few pretty good museums and historic sites. Yes, there are dirty areas, like most cities. There are good hiking trails on mountains within city limits, and a lot more outside the cities, if you are into that. I visit good restaurants far more than anything else. A/C is everywhere, so the summer heat doesn't bother me. Fall, Winter and Spring makes it worth living here: No snow, very few mosquitos (even when hiking), open windows for fresh air in the daytime.
Evagating Beewolf (she/they) 1 year ago
I lived in the Bay Area as a kid. Allegedly it was amazing, except for the cost of living (which wasn't as bad as it could've been. We lived in a weirdly cheap super sketchy apartment building - literal 'slide the check under the locked door please' stuff, kinda curious what it was a front for but it's hard to look up that stuff) and the fact our apartment had no AC. (But it had a heater!) My stepmom and aunt are from California and are very much neither. Dunno where OP visited.
#42
I was appalled when I went to Madrid, Spain and everyone would just throw all their trash in the street. I saw a whole family finish their take out containers of lunch and just leave it all over the street after. Then garbage street sweepers cleaned all the trash with water every night. It was beyond stupid. Also I watched the cops beat a train jumper. 5 on 1 with batons. It was terrifying.
#43
Peru.
I lived abroad for ~6 years. Europe, middle east, North and South America.
Peru. Their food was c**p also. Not as bad as Central America and Bolivia - but for a country that says they are the gastronomical capital of South America, I was very very unimpressed.
Isreali's were by far the most irritating and rude people.
#44
Australia, hands down .
I’ve never met so many douchebags concentrated in one area. It doesn’t surprise me now that I’ve learned that‘s literally how Australia was founded. Britain exiled their sh**tiest people to an island far far away from them.
They're 20 to 30 years behind North America in terms of accepting people of different ethnic backgrounds.
Dumb teenager 1 year ago
People can be quite racist here. We recently voted not to give indigenous people a voice to parliament (this wouldn’t have given them any more of a vote then anyone else please note, it was (from what I understand) purely to offer the government advice that they would be free to accept or ignore. Beyond any large scale stuff there’s a lot of subtle and not so subtle racism in how people treat each other around here.
Load More Replies... cugel. 1 year ago
We have bogans. If you had the misfortune to be amongst them, could be a bad experience. But the convict trope indicates a cluelessness, second only to the "everything will kill you" nonsense.
Michael Largey 1 year ago
OP said "many" are douchebags, not "most". The nice Aussies make the bad ones stand out.
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Skara Brae 1 year ago
It's never fair to assume people are the same as their ancestors. Besides, guards and shopkeepers, farmers and tradespeople moved to Australia, too. I quite liked visiting there and want to go back to see more.
Dumb teenager 1 year ago
Not to mention the million or so indegenous people who lived happily there long before the British decided to pretend they’d found a whole abandoned continent to themselves
Load More Replies... leendadll 1 year ago
Interesting take considering that North America was also where British criminals were exiled. (I'm American)
Adam Benson 1 year ago
And the only reason they were sent to Australia is because America refused to take any more.
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TheNewJenBrady 1 year ago
It seems like many of these people complaining are the real problems. Bad attitude, unrealistic expectations, thinking they are better than the local population idk but I'm glad I'm not travelling with such bummers
Ripley 1 year ago
What an idiot. Nearly a quarter of people living on Australia speak a language other than English at home, so I'd say we've got plenty of experience accepting people of different ethnic backgrounds.
Hassel Davidhoff 1 year ago
Yes, I grew up in rural oz in the 80s and 90s and while I never saw much of that in my personal life, there were far too may kids I went to school with who clearly did.
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Hassel Davidhoff 1 year ago
The #1 worst thing about being an Aussie living in North America is the fücking gun nuts
Load More Replies... #45
My little brother asked for "American cheese" at a restaurant in Quebec when he was six years old. I have never seen a waitress so angry before. She went absolutely ballistic. She would not stop yelling at him in French. I was a snarky teen at the time so it didn't help when I asked her to speak American because we couldn't understand her. I've traveled a lot since then and Quebec is the only place I've been where I felt looked down on for only speaking English.
maestro h 1 year ago
Sorry, but I think you were the problem, not the province. "Speak american"? LOL
Pinklady 1 year ago
Quebec doesn’t care much for anyone speaking English. American or Canadian.
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Insomniac 1 year ago
As a Canadian, I don't think she should have yelled, but who TF wants American cheese in a place like Quebec? They make some of the best cheeses in the world.
OneWithRatsAndKefir 1 year ago
Well, seeing as it said little brother, it could just be he was at an age where kids will almost always gravitate to what they already know they like rather than experiment. When I was a kid, I always gravitated to beetroot soup rather than any other kind of soup (because I thought non-purple soups looked odd, due to being so used to just having beetroot soup).
Load More Replies... Auntriarch 1 year ago
Yelling at the little brother would have earned her no brownie points with me
Jihana 1 year ago
I found it fascinating that the employees at the tourist information in Quebec did not speak English. A tourist from Switzerland had to translate for us. I understand that not everyone needs to speak English, but at a tourist information in a country where English is one of the official languages, that is just bizarre.
Breadcrumb. 1 year ago
As a Canadian who traveled to Quebec I know some people there just refuse to speak English with you even though they can speak it.
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What do you think ?
Gavin Johnson 1 year ago (edited)
This article should be called ‘I had an image in my head about a country I wanted to visit, I am incapable of using all of the information provided about that country and I went there with my utopian view of it, when I got there my utopian vision was crushed by reality, I am a doofus’.
Verena 1 year ago
"I visited a country totally different from my own culture and habits, and was shocked that my culture and habits did not sync". This even applies when travelling within ones own country. Even if it is small like the Netherlands. A person from Zeeland might find some common base with somebody from Friesland, but Amsterdam?
Pencil McGovern 1 year ago
Plus: "We don't have mosquitos where I'm from so the mosquitos in your country are clearly a reflection of your inferiority". Sure, buddy, that's not a "you" thing at all. /s
Load More Replies... Edward Finger Hands 1 year ago
Yikes…I’ve been to many places on this list and did not experience anything like these anecdotes. Not saying they didn’t happen, just don’t judge a country and its people based on a couple tourists’ negative opinions.
Guess Undheit 1 year ago
A big problem people have as tourists is they go there expecting the idealized and romanticized story of the place. Understand that people and places are the same everywhere - most good, some bad, some really suck. Just like where you're from. Go abroad expecting occasional problems instead of a "magical experience" and you'll have a much better time.
Guess Undheit 1 year ago (edited)
My biggest issue with Japan was their attitude towards tattoos, "you can't be here!" at beaches or swimming pools, as if it taints the water or something. You have to cover up constantly. I live in Taiwan where you see old grannies with armlength tattoos, and nobody bats an eye.
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JohninND 1 year ago
Everyone likes to c**p all over America all the time: leave. Go for it. Nobody's stopping you. Like anywhere else there's good and bad.
Auntriarch 1 year ago
Anyone who expects customs or immigration officers in any country to be cute and cuddly is going to be disappointed.
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David 1 year ago
Most of these are non-White countries and the criticisms seem to be mostly through the lens of a White American/European lens, and a lack of caring about other cultures.
SanFrancisco Professor 1 year ago
That's a cheap shot, David, and untrue. My Chinese wife routinely experiences bigotry when not with me in foreign countries. "Multiculturalism" is not respected as it is in America.
Load More Replies... Bilja M 1 year ago
I didn't like Cyprus because it's so obvious there is kind of war there, between Greeks and Turks, and it's not comfortable at all. There are army and police all around, Greek hate the Turks (and with a reason) and it's pretty obvious animosity on every corner. Also, they dumped garbage in the sea and it was all over the water on our beach which is inexcusable!
Gavin Johnson 1 year ago (edited)
This article should be called ‘I had an image in my head about a country I wanted to visit, I am incapable of using all of the information provided about that country and I went there with my utopian view of it, when I got there my utopian vision was crushed by reality, I am a doofus’.
Verena 1 year ago
"I visited a country totally different from my own culture and habits, and was shocked that my culture and habits did not sync". This even applies when travelling within ones own country. Even if it is small like the Netherlands. A person from Zeeland might find some common base with somebody from Friesland, but Amsterdam?
Pencil McGovern 1 year ago
Plus: "We don't have mosquitos where I'm from so the mosquitos in your country are clearly a reflection of your inferiority". Sure, buddy, that's not a "you" thing at all. /s
Load More Replies... Edward Finger Hands 1 year ago
Yikes…I’ve been to many places on this list and did not experience anything like these anecdotes. Not saying they didn’t happen, just don’t judge a country and its people based on a couple tourists’ negative opinions.
Guess Undheit 1 year ago
A big problem people have as tourists is they go there expecting the idealized and romanticized story of the place. Understand that people and places are the same everywhere - most good, some bad, some really suck. Just like where you're from. Go abroad expecting occasional problems instead of a "magical experience" and you'll have a much better time.
Guess Undheit 1 year ago (edited)
My biggest issue with Japan was their attitude towards tattoos, "you can't be here!" at beaches or swimming pools, as if it taints the water or something. You have to cover up constantly. I live in Taiwan where you see old grannies with armlength tattoos, and nobody bats an eye.
Load More Replies... JohninND 1 year ago
Everyone likes to c**p all over America all the time: leave. Go for it. Nobody's stopping you. Like anywhere else there's good and bad.
Auntriarch 1 year ago
Anyone who expects customs or immigration officers in any country to be cute and cuddly is going to be disappointed.
Load More Replies... David 1 year ago
Most of these are non-White countries and the criticisms seem to be mostly through the lens of a White American/European lens, and a lack of caring about other cultures.
SanFrancisco Professor 1 year ago
That's a cheap shot, David, and untrue. My Chinese wife routinely experiences bigotry when not with me in foreign countries. "Multiculturalism" is not respected as it is in America.
Load More Replies... Bilja M 1 year ago
I didn't like Cyprus because it's so obvious there is kind of war there, between Greeks and Turks, and it's not comfortable at all. There are army and police all around, Greek hate the Turks (and with a reason) and it's pretty obvious animosity on every corner. Also, they dumped garbage in the sea and it was all over the water on our beach which is inexcusable!
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