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I don't believe I've ever posted in this forum, but after some experiences this past month I felt I really needed to in regards to traveling. So to start off earlier this month a friend came down to visit and I figured I would take him around to show him the local spots, but he was more into seeing the local attractions. Being a local, I never really cared for any of the local attractions since I know they're nothing, but tourist traps, but my opinion of them quickly took a nosedive when we went to some restaurant and my bill came out to $40 for one thing. I don't view that as normal except if it's a fancy restaurant or it caters to tourist which it was the later and I ordered one of the least expensive meals for fear of being seen as cheap. Prior to going I had no idea we would end up there and it definitely wasn't a normal experience for me when eating out as places where locals eat at from where I'm from are much less inexpensive. I'm not going to hold it against him if that's how he's used to traveling. I just learned a little bit more about my own preferences.
The second thing that occurred was an exchange between a friend of mine about traveling in which she basically stuck her nose up in the air against people who don't travel as much as her because her travels made her enlightened. Again, I don't really care about someone's preferences, but this person is the type of person who hits up the tourist spots and sights when she travels so I found it weird that she was being an elitist about it. Her location tastes weren't anything to hit home about either: some popular places in western Europe like Paris.
I've only been to out of the country once and to a few spots in the US, but one of the things I quickly learned about traveling that made it enjoyable to me(and from my experiences living in a city) was that it works best for me when I try to assimilate into the local culture and live like the the people in that location do. I've never been to places to like Disney World(and don't plan on it) and I don't enjoy places like Las Vegas, cruises, or hanging at a beach all day. One of my favorite shows to watch was No Reservations because it depicted the shows host going off the beaten path so to speak in locations that aren't popular to visit. In a way I guess I liked watching it because it aligns with my personal philosophy in which I try to push myself out of my comfort a little.
Being a local, I never really cared for any of the local attractions since I know they're nothing, but tourist traps, but my opinion of them quickly took a nosedive when we went to some restaurant and my bill came out to $40 for one thing. I'm not going to hold it against him if that's how he's used to traveling. I just learned a little bit more about my own preferences.
Not exactly clear on what your point here is. Is it that you realize your preference is to not visit the well-known sights? Or that it is better to not visit the well-known sights? It really depends on what the sights are. When I lived in Chicago, the main tourist sites of the Sears and John Hancock Towers were worth it for the views. When I lived in Colorado, the main tourist sites of various mountain overlooks were well-known because they were beautiful -- although there are just as (if not more) beautiful spots off the beaten track, not everyone can go to those places (e.g. some of my elderly family members could not hike several miles to see a great secluded valley). I live in London now and some of the main tourist sites are justifiably well-known, e.g. the British Museum. On the other hand, La Rambla in Barcelona I found to be a tourist trap because it has been taken over by global brands and shops selling souvenirs and very little of local Barcelona in sight. How much you partake in the "tourist trap" aspect depends on you. For instance, you could see the sights but not buy kitschy souvenirs or eat at the tourist trap restaurant. It's not an either-or situation -- some times I play the tourist and visit the famous sites, while other times I go explore the local neighborhoods.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Octa
The second thing that occurred was an exchange between a friend of mine about traveling in which she basically stuck her nose up in the air against people who don't travel as much as her because her travels made her enlightened. Again, I don't really care about someone's preferences, but this person is the type of person who hits up the tourist spots and sights when she travels so I found it weird that she was being an elitist about it. Her location tastes weren't anything to hit home about either: some popular places in western Europe like Paris.
Different people travel for different reasons. Some travel to brag about famous places they've been. Some travel to brag about unknown/local places they've been. Some travel to see places/sites they've always heard/read about (fulfilling a childhood dream). Some travel to explore new people/places/food/culture/language/whatever. Some travel to learn more about the world. While I have my own travel preferences, I realize that many people cannot or do not want to travel like me, or go to the places that I want/like to go.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Octa
I've only been to out of the country once and to a few spots in the US, but one of the things I quickly learned about traveling that made it enjoyable to me(and from my experiences living in a city) was that it works best for me when I try to assimilate into the local culture and live like the the people in that location do. I've never been to places to like Disney World(and don't plan on it) and I don't enjoy places like Las Vegas, cruises, or hanging at a beach all day. One of my favorite shows to watch was No Reservations because it depicted the shows host going off the beaten path so to speak in locations that aren't popular to visit. In a way I guess I liked watching it because it aligns with my personal philosophy in which I try to push myself out of my comfort a little.
Travel can seem a lot easier from the comfort of home than when you're out in a strange place. I'm an American, but I was raised in a Third World country in Asia, lived in America (amid the cornfields of Iowa, in the city of Chicago, in a ski town in the Colorado mountains), and now Europe (London), and traveled to many places around the world for work and leisure. I've traveled more than some, not as many as others. While I do take in major sights, I also try to get off the beaten path and explore more "local spots". But there are also times when I just want a comfort of a known quantity (e.g. a Marriott hotel). Personal situations dictate a lot. As you get older, staying in fleabag hotels and hostels may become less attractive. If you have a sensitive stomach, eating street food may not always be an option. If you have kids, then you may have to plan your travels a bit more. If you/your kids are picky eaters, you may not want/be able to eat the local food all the time. If you have a stressful/time-consuming job, maybe laying on the beach and sipping margaritas for a week is the perfect trip. I'm not a fan of Disney, Vegas, or cruises either, but I can see how they might be attractive for some people. In fact, I'll freely admit that while I dislike Vegas, I've had some fun nights there with friends as well. First time I went on a real beach vacation (Hawaii), I got bored with the beach after a day and we spent most of the rest of our time hiking. But there was also another time I went on to the beach after a particularly stressful work project + a long winter with lots of skiing (cold + physically taxing) -- laying on the beach/by the pool everyday was marvelous.
And speaking of No Reservations, keep in mind that Bourdain always has a local minder who sets everything up. While he is an extrovert and could probably make friends in most places, most of his visits are meticulously orchestrated before he ever steps foot in the country/city/area (watch some of the behind-the-scenes episodes).
While I agree with you about Vegas (personal dislike, not into casinos), I do like cruises because I feel they are the most convenient way to visit the various Caribbean islands or Greek islands. They're also a great way to see the Inland Passage off the coast of Alaska.
In regards to tourist traps, it depends. I think the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a tourist trap but, I very much enjoyed watching it. Also, I did the dinner and show at the Moulin Rouge which was ok but, I won't do it again. Like the restaurant you went to, I found it way too expensive for what you got. Plus, I found it funny I was more impressed with their side acts then the main ones.
In regards to travel, I guess it depends on the person. I like to travel to learn new things. Plus, it can make me appreciate what we have the U.S. I remember the slums outside Lima, Peru or the dirty grimy highrises in Cairo. I don't think you should be all snotty just because you got to go and someone else didn't.
If living like a local is your thing, more power to you. People travel for different reasons as stated in your post and the other one. I do think traveling is worth doing. You can learn new things, find out how beautiful our world is and be more appreciative of what you have in life.
op, I too am totally confused on what you are trying to say and/or why you even posted. First you start off by talking about someplace to eat that was more than you planned cause it is a tourist trap, then you talk about a friend that travels a lot and goes to the touristy locations. Next you tell us you do not like places like Vegas, don't want to go to Disney anything and don't like Vegas>..
Everyone has his/her own reason for choosing their vacation spots. Some like the touristy type of travel, they feel they get a good overview of a place in the least amount of time: others like to mosey around on their own. Some people love bed and breakfasts, others want the full hotel experience. Many people love cruising and there are all kinds of cruises. Some people spend weeks each year in Vegas, and they don't all gamble.
Yes, you are right about the cost of tourist traps. Most people expect this. For those who want to avoid the sticker shock, I suggest do your homework. For those who want the quiet, relaxed vacation, renting a cabin in the mountains is a great vacation. For others an AI works or for others a condo someplace.
I don't believe I've ever posted in this forum, but after some experiences this past month I felt I really needed to in regards to traveling. So to start off earlier this month a friend came down to visit and I figured I would take him around to show him the local spots, but he was more into seeing the local attractions. Being a local, I never really cared for any of the local attractions since I know they're nothing, but tourist traps, but my opinion of them quickly took a nosedive when we went to some restaurant and my bill came out to $40 for one thing. I don't view that as normal except if it's a fancy restaurant or it caters to tourist which it was the later and I ordered one of the least expensive meals for fear of being seen as cheap. Prior to going I had no idea we would end up there and it definitely wasn't a normal experience for me when eating out as places where locals eat at from where I'm from are much less inexpensive. I'm not going to hold it against him if that's how he's used to traveling. I just learned a little bit more about my own preferences.
The second thing that occurred was an exchange between a friend of mine about traveling in which she basically stuck her nose up in the air against people who don't travel as much as her because her travels made her enlightened. Again, I don't really care about someone's preferences, but this person is the type of person who hits up the tourist spots and sights when she travels so I found it weird that she was being an elitist about it. Her location tastes weren't anything to hit home about either: some popular places in western Europe like Paris.
I've only been to out of the country once and to a few spots in the US, but one of the things I quickly learned about traveling that made it enjoyable to me(and from my experiences living in a city) was that it works best for me when I try to assimilate into the local culture and live like the the people in that location do. I've never been to places to like Disney World(and don't plan on it) and I don't enjoy places like Las Vegas, cruises, or hanging at a beach all day. One of my favorite shows to watch was No Reservations because it depicted the shows host going off the beaten path so to speak in locations that aren't popular to visit. In a way I guess I liked watching it because it aligns with my personal philosophy in which I try to push myself out of my comfort a little.
I dislike tourist traps but I do like sightseeing. Sometimes the most well known tourist attractions are the best ones to see and that doesn't necessarily make them all tourist traps (which is what I believe is the point that perhaps you are trying to make?).
Octa, I think I know where you are coming from. As an example we (Wife and I) recently visited San Fran. We absolutely refused to go to Fisherman's. There are so many other things to do and see in the city. We actually followed "The Layover" and it worked excellent. Of course you cannot avoid all of the "touristy" sights and activities as a few of them are actually a good way to experience a city. ie- the cable cars.
We actually did have to walk through Fisherman's in the AM before everything opened to get a bus to wine country; we are glad we did not have to walk through the throngs of tourists who think that is what San Francisco was about.
many cities have a zoo, marine-life theme park, Disney-type theme park, beaches, really cool night life, casinos... all could be considered tourist traps, but are usually the first things tourists flock to... because they've heard so much about it, or have only a limited amount of vacation days and want to see "the main attractions" offered in that place. i've done all these in my home state
but when i travel to New England, after doing the touristy places, i then go for visiting really small towns & villages (LOVE their quaint main streets/country stores)... or visiting covered bridges, waterfalls; i've never encountered more than a half-dozen people at any of these spots whilst i was there. yep, i even at times like the crowded touristy shops; i can get some great souvenirs that i couldn't get back home! (gummy lobsters , or hand crafted items made by local artisans)
Not exactly clear on what your point here is. Is it that you realize your preference is to not visit the well-known sights? Or that it is better to not visit the well-known sights? It really depends on what the sights are. When I lived in Chicago, the main tourist sites of the Sears and John Hancock Towers were worth it for the views. When I lived in Colorado, the main tourist sites of various mountain overlooks were well-known because they were beautiful -- although there are just as (if not more) beautiful spots off the beaten track, not everyone can go to those places (e.g. some of my elderly family members could not hike several miles to see a great secluded valley). I live in London now and some of the main tourist sites are justifiably well-known, e.g. the British Museum. On the other hand, La Rambla in Barcelona I found to be a tourist trap because it has been taken over by global brands and shops selling souvenirs and very little of local Barcelona in sight. How much you partake in the "tourist trap" aspect depends on you. For instance, you could see the sights but not buy kitschy souvenirs or eat at the tourist trap restaurant. It's not an either-or situation -- some times I play the tourist and visit the famous sites, while other times I go explore the local neighborhoods.
Different people travel for different reasons. Some travel to brag about famous places they've been. Some travel to brag about unknown/local places they've been. Some travel to see places/sites they've always heard/read about (fulfilling a childhood dream). Some travel to explore new people/places/food/culture/language/whatever. Some travel to learn more about the world. While I have my own travel preferences, I realize that many people cannot or do not want to travel like me, or go to the places that I want/like to go.
Travel can seem a lot easier from the comfort of home than when you're out in a strange place. I'm an American, but I was raised in a Third World country in Asia, lived in America (amid the cornfields of Iowa, in the city of Chicago, in a ski town in the Colorado mountains), and now Europe (London), and traveled to many places around the world for work and leisure. I've traveled more than some, not as many as others. While I do take in major sights, I also try to get off the beaten path and explore more "local spots". But there are also times when I just want a comfort of a known quantity (e.g. a Marriott hotel). Personal situations dictate a lot. As you get older, staying in fleabag hotels and hostels may become less attractive. If you have a sensitive stomach, eating street food may not always be an option. If you have kids, then you may have to plan your travels a bit more. If you/your kids are picky eaters, you may not want/be able to eat the local food all the time. If you have a stressful/time-consuming job, maybe laying on the beach and sipping margaritas for a week is the perfect trip. I'm not a fan of Disney, Vegas, or cruises either, but I can see how they might be attractive for some people. In fact, I'll freely admit that while I dislike Vegas, I've had some fun nights there with friends as well. First time I went on a real beach vacation (Hawaii), I got bored with the beach after a day and we spent most of the rest of our time hiking. But there was also another time I went on to the beach after a particularly stressful work project + a long winter with lots of skiing (cold + physically taxing) -- laying on the beach/by the pool everyday was marvelous.
And speaking of No Reservations, keep in mind that Bourdain always has a local minder who sets everything up. While he is an extrovert and could probably make friends in most places, most of his visits are meticulously orchestrated before he ever steps foot in the country/city/area (watch some of the behind-the-scenes episodes).
The point I was trying to make is that it reinforced why I don't have a preference for them. I merely posted here to put my thoughts to words.
Yeah I know people travel for different reasons and more power to them. I wasn't berating people for doing that. That person I mentioned however, was looking down on others when her preference for western europe isn't exactly out of the ordinary.
I agree that it's a bit different when you're seeing it from a tv and I know that the travel channel does contact people in the countries he visits. I've only been to one country in the Middle East and I've seen some parts of Mexico beyond the US border and I also think that we should travel with some idea of comfort at the end of the day, but those were probably my favorite experiences and I enjoy experiencing some discomfort since it does make realize how much I take for granted.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wilkester2010
While I agree with you about Vegas (personal dislike, not into casinos), I do like cruises because I feel they are the most convenient way to visit the various Caribbean islands or Greek islands. They're also a great way to see the Inland Passage off the coast of Alaska.
In regards to tourist traps, it depends. I think the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a tourist trap but, I very much enjoyed watching it. Also, I did the dinner and show at the Moulin Rouge which was ok but, I won't do it again. Like the restaurant you went to, I found it way too expensive for what you got. Plus, I found it funny I was more impressed with their side acts then the main ones.
In regards to travel, I guess it depends on the person. I like to travel to learn new things. Plus, it can make me appreciate what we have the U.S. I remember the slums outside Lima, Peru or the dirty grimy highrises in Cairo. I don't think you should be all snotty just because you got to go and someone else didn't.
If living like a local is your thing, more power to you. People travel for different reasons as stated in your post and the other one. I do think traveling is worth doing. You can learn new things, find out how beautiful our world is and be more appreciative of what you have in life.
I agree. I guess I should elaborate on sight seeing some more. In my opinion, I do agree that there are things worth seeing. I happen to be into architecture and cities for example, so if I was visiting a place like Rio De Janeiro, I would want to see things renowned for their design, but I wouldn't hit up those spots, snap a picture, and then move onto the next thing when there's a huge city around me that millions of people choose to live in. Each resident has their own personal backstory, history, and culture that I would miss out on by not trying to interact with them. Lol, DC is the closest major city to me so the mall naturally attracts a lot of tourist each year, but I remember visiting when I was in grade school and we started out the day by seeing the mall and towards the evening while we were waiting on a bus, my teacher who put me in his group, took just our group around the areas outside the mall. The difference between the city and the mall to me was like night and day.
Quote:
Originally Posted by nmnita
op, I too am totally confused on what you are trying to say and/or why you even posted. First you start off by talking about someplace to eat that was more than you planned cause it is a tourist trap, then you talk about a friend that travels a lot and goes to the touristy locations. Next you tell us you do not like places like Vegas, don't want to go to Disney anything and don't like Vegas>..
Everyone has his/her own reason for choosing their vacation spots. Some like the touristy type of travel, they feel they get a good overview of a place in the least amount of time: others like to mosey around on their own. Some people love bed and breakfasts, others want the full hotel experience. Many people love cruising and there are all kinds of cruises. Some people spend weeks each year in Vegas, and they don't all gamble.
Yes, you are right about the cost of tourist traps. Most people expect this. For those who want to avoid the sticker shock, I suggest do your homework. For those who want the quiet, relaxed vacation, renting a cabin in the mountains is a great vacation. For others an AI works or for others a condo someplace.
Please see above. The main reason I posted was to just post, but also because I was frustrated at how that person viewed other people.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chava61
I dislike tourist traps but I do like sightseeing. Sometimes the most well known tourist attractions are the best ones to see and that doesn't necessarily make them all tourist traps (which is what I believe is the point that perhaps you are trying to make?).
I find it highly amusing that so many people don't like "tourist traps". Of course, everyone defines "tourist trap" differently. The reality is that most of the worlds attractions are where tourists go. If you want to see Stonehenge or Venice or Yellowstone or the Alamo, you will have to join lots of tourists. Why do some people think they can go where there are no tourists and see world class sites?
We do timeshares and I have found the "sales" talk about activities is just that. I realized it when I visited our beloved mountains of North Carolina and a girl from Wisconsin stood in front of us in a tank top in October trying to tell everyone what would give them a good time. I wanted to raise my hand and say, "Is it all right if I tell them some really good at no expense things to do?" She wasted my time. I am not into tourist traps too.
I check out the state and federal parks and do a search online of events in the area when we go to visit.
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