Have you overheard an annoying conversation between a stupid tourist and a local or perhaps a couple of tourist? The conversations that so pathetic you can’t stop listening. Every now and then, we hear this things, we meet them and sometimes we are that. It might be judgemental but it is what it is. Here are the quintessential bad traveler.
1) Unfulfilled Expectations
So you’ve seen great photos, awesome write ups or heard some great stories about the place, but once you arrive you are disappointed. The place is loud, it’s not what you expected, people are in your face, and generally you are just disappointed. Think again, you probably didn’t do your research before heading to the destination. Who’s fault is it? Theirs? I think NOT!
2) Taking Guide Books as Gospel
Guide books are one of the most popular reference materials amongst travelers. If you get caught up in an unfamiliar place without Internet access, they are essential. However, the information in the book may not always be current. If you are the type of person who argues with the hotel staff on the difference, STOP! What do you think you look like?
3) Not Learning Enough about the Place or the Customs
Have you heard about the saying, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”? Well, in order to do that you should KNOW what you’re getting yourself into. Find out more about the place. Read about some current events or browse the Internet to get an idea what’s safe and unsafe. Know where you are going and what you are getting yourself into. Is it appropriate to bargain or not (C’mon people, you can’t push too much!). For example, in many places in Southeast Asia, this is their only source of income. Don’t be that person!
4) Lowering your Standards
Sometimes because of budget constraints we are forced to sacrifice our desired standard of living. Sometimes those adjustments don’t match up with our price point expectations. In relation to the above topic, I know it is not pleasant to get ripped off. However, you don’t live there, you don’t know. Please don’t be rude. You can’t accuse somebody of something they didn’t do. One area might be totally different than the other. For example, in many cases transport in rural areas is more expensive than cities. It’s best to do your research and find out as much as you can, but remember you can always just say NO.
5) Blaming other People
So you read an article or a blog post about a wonderful place or experience and you arrive to something totally different than expectations. The place is crazy,people are not nice, the food is expensive. In general, it s a total disaster.
The thing is factors vary. Perhaps your dissatisfaction is causing you to have a bad day. Maybe the waiter was having a bad day. Maybe you pushed it by complaining a little too much. Here’s a tip coming from somebody who waited tables years ago: BE NICE. Then again, be nice and polite to everyone. Servers, staff, and fellow tourists alike. A Smile solves the problem most of the time and if doesn’t, then still smile. We’ve all seen the jackass traveler that people tell stories about and shake their heads. Do you want to be one of those?
6) Knowing Ones Limitations.
I understand that for adventure seekers out that certain adrenaline activities can be fun but things can go wrong. That is not fun at all. Have fun, but don’t take unnecessary risks. Know your limitations and stay within them. This applies to not only activities, but geography as well. The surest way to ruin a trip is to end up in a compromising situation. Like I keep saying, pack with lots of common sense, smile, and polite kit in your bag. Why would a female backpacker travel solo to unknown parts of India? Be smart, know your limits and always think of safety first.
