5 Travel Habits to Avoid
There have been a lot of articles that tackle the Traveler vs. Tourist argument, including one of our own. I’ve decided to contribute my own thoughts on the matter by coming up with 5 anti-travel behaviors I aim to avoid.
I’ll start off with one of my favorite Travel Quotes: If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home. – James Michener
Not Associating with Locals
During my semester abroad I decided to visit a friend of mine from my high school days who was studying for a year in Sevilla, Spain. I planned on spending most of the weekend with her, but since she was already sick of the tourist traps and I could not pass up a visit to the Alcazar palace, I spent most of my time solo. When we did meet up for some bar hopping on my last night in town I was so excited to speak to some locals. Granted, none of them spoke English and I knew absolutely zero Spanish.
When I asked my friend if she knew any locals who she could introduce me to she responded with a “oh we don’t bother with them.” Not only did this remind me that I was no longer in High School, but I was shellshocked that she had lumped these interesting people into the boring category. That night I made friends with a few Spanish men and women and we communicated in French. It always amazes me how much of a language rushes back to you when you really need it and of course after a few drinks.
Taking Smiley Photos in Inappropriate Places
On a trip to Munich, Germany with my Mom, I had convinced her to come along with me to the nearby remnants of Dachau which was one of the most severe concentration camps. I figured since we were so close, there really was no legitimate reason why I shouldn’t visit the site and learn more about the tragic history that took place there. As soon as I stepped off the bus I immediately felt a negative energy surround me. It bordered on suffocating.
What I couldn’t understand was why travelers were jumping up and down and posing next to these horrific torture devices smiling ear to ear. I guess they wanted something to capture the memory but it seemed wrong to me. I personally don’t like being in photos at all, but even if you are not as camera shy, I think it’s a good idea to recognize when a historic site requires a certain level of respect.
Eating at Fast Food Restaurants
I still remember stepping foot in Venice, Italy. Everything charmed me – the busy streets, the singing gondeliers, and the endless blocks of traditional Italian restaurants. What I wasn’t impressed with was seeing a McDonalds in what is one of the most magical and cultural cities in Europe.
Making matters worse was the amount of people actually eating there. I generally try to stay away from fast food restaurants in the first place, as I’m sure we all do, but it just seemed unnatural that a city like Venice would be tarnished by a restaurant chain, let alone a mass marketed fast food company.
If you are on a tight budget and not ready to splurge on a 5 course meal at a trendy restaurant in town, you can still find delicious food from local vendors on the street or in small cafes and bistros. The best meal I had in Italy was actually a slice of pizza from a tiny shop in Venice.
Following Rigid Schedules
No matter how far ahead I used to plan for trips, I was never able to fit everything in and knowing what I missed out on made me view my experience as incomplete. This is not a good way to travel. While doing some research and identifying sites and museums that you don’t want to miss out on, sticking to a flexible schedule has worked for me. It allows me to explore a city and go beyond the tourist destinations, meet locals, and gain more perspective on my overall journey.
I’ve gotten lost in Peru, Argentina, Luxembourg and countless other places, and while I don’t always recommend purposely getting lost, it did work in my favor and luckily I have yet to have a shady experience by using this method (knock on wood). Finding a balance between your must-do itinerary and your lets-wander list is a good strategy to stick to while traveling.
Megan getting lost in Cochabamba, Bolivia
Technology Oversharers
As a travel writer who needs the internet to produce content, I’m still playing a game of tug of war. Before I needed to blog and tweet in real time during a trip, it was easy to get annoyed by travelers who walked into metal poles because they were trying to send their friends back home a picture of them dancing in front of the Louvre. We live in a technological driven society which has its pros and cons but I think it’s very important to keep the smart-phone use to a minimim.
I don’t understand when travelers are more interested in tweeting a picture than looking at the real thing. For example, when I was in Egypt I saw tourists literally glued to their phones as they tried to locate a signal to email photos back home. They could have done this at a more appropriate time. You can always send a photo but you are not always going to see an Egyptian sunset over the Pyramids.
44 Comments
Great list!!! I’ve done my best to follow these over my years of traveling and they have served me exceptionally well.
Karina Schroeder recently posted..More Eugene Atget
good for you!:)
Megan recently posted..5 Travel Habits to Avoid
Yep, definitely agree with you on all of these. Avoiding fast-food and chain restaurants is a great one–better to support small, independent businesses and probably eat healthier.
Stephen recently posted..Shopping at Sha Ping
very true Stephen!
Megan recently posted..5 Travel Habits to Avoid
Agree! Although, I must confess…I ate at Burger King once while in London. I immediately felt guilty and washed my shame down with sheperd’s pie and a pint, though!
haha it’s ok! I ate at the McDonald’s in London
Megan recently posted..5 Travel Habits to Avoid
Reading the part about Dachau made me sad. We were there in the summer and the same type of thing happened. There were teenagers sunbathing on one of the monuments.
It’s unfortunate but there will always be some who don’t show the respect that they should and that gives other tourists a bad name.
Nat recently posted..These Shoes Are Made For Traveling
Yikes – that’s horrible Nat. Sorry to hear that. Thanks for sharing!
Megan recently posted..5 Travel Habits to Avoid
Hi Megan,
Brilliant article.
In Ireland I have seen people taking those kind of pictures places were killings/murders happened during the Troubles (civil war). Really annoys me.
Technology really p*sses me off at times. People to busy taking pictures because they want everyone on Facebook to like them instead of just enjoying the moment.
Nice work
Seán
That would annoy me too Sean! Glad you liked the post
Megan recently posted..5 Travel Habits to Avoid
Great list Megan and I definately agree with most of those!! Although sometimes, if you’ve been on the road for sooo long it’s amazing how a McDonalds can suddenly become really appealing! I am pleased to say however, I did give my McDonalds visit in Indian an exotic twist – I had a McAloo burger! And what a stunning photo to round off the post – gorgeous!
It’s ok Aisleen! I went to the McDonald’s in London
Megan recently posted..5 Travel Habits to Avoid
Thanks Megan. Great goals to have while traveling. I need to work on flexible travel schedules. My schedules are not rigid but I try to pack so much into everyday that I sometimes feel rushed. I did do better on my last trip. I went to Japan with no plans other than walk around with my camera. It was fantastic and relaxing too. Being a bit introverted, it’s sometimes harder for me to meet the locals but doing that (even a little) is often the highlight of my trip.
Ross recently posted..Jianchuan Photoshopped – Part 1
Wow – sounds like an amazing trip to Japan Ross! I’m naturally introverted too so I know what you mean
Megan recently posted..5 Travel Habits to Avoid
“Taking Smily Pictures in Inappropriate Places” … this one drove me crazy in Cambodia. While touring the killing fields and Khmer Rouge operated prison, most people were very respectful but there were the select few who talked over the tour guide (a young man who had family killed by the Khmer Rouge) took photos of themselves at the killing fields, and carried on conversations as if they were walking through a mall… not the location of one of the most tragic genocides in history.
great post!
Britany Robinson recently posted..Stumbling upon St. Patrick’s Cathedral
That does not sound good! Thanks for sharing
Megan recently posted..5 Travel Habits to Avoid
When I went to Auschwitz, I noticed the same, disgusting trend of people smiling in front of horrific historical remnants. It bothered me a great deal. As for the food — I, too, had the best slice of pizza ever in Venice!
dtravelsround recently posted..Daily Wanderlust: Nighttime in Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Venice pizza is the best!
Megan recently posted..5 Travel Habits to Avoid
Great list! I’ve been guilty of a few of the above from time to time but am learning to embrace and enjoy – seize the moment. Thanks for the reminder.
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..My Graffiti Mistake in Melbourne
No problem! I’ve done one of these myself
Megan recently posted..5 Travel Habits to Avoid
Top article. Agree with all you wrote.
The fast food post made me recall a time 2yrs ago when me and my friend were in Penang Malaysia and our driver was showing us where all the Major fast food joints were in case we got hungry. He said many tourists go there. I was amazed to hear that. We told him we came to Malaysia to experience their culture, and that included eating their food. Besides, who doesnt love Chai tow kway or some Hainanese chicken rice or even a Laksa. Though admitedly we did try out KFC in Kuala Lumpor on our last day. We wanted to try their Satay Chicken they were offering. We were disapointed. The KFC Satay chicken was crap. Stick to local foods people
Wow – good for you Suzy!
Megan recently posted..5 Travel Habits to Avoid
Great tips! I especially like the “taking smiley photos in inappropriate places.” I remember people taking posed shots of themselves and friends at Dachau in Germany … seriously, who smiles at a former concentration camp?
The Time-Crunched Traveler (Ellen) recently posted..80 years and still smokin’ at Schwartz’s Deli
Yeah…my thoughts exactly!
Megan recently posted..5 Travel Habits to Avoid
I generally try to focus on on my own travelling pleasure, and let folk get on with what makes them happy. Letting myself get wound up over the behaviour of other people only negatively impacts my own enjoyment of my trip. Sure, people are asses on holiday, but they’re probably asses at home too. Getting myself worked up over it isn’t going to help
(this is the theory anyway!)
Laurence recently posted..To Barcelona! (Your input required!)
Great way to look at it!
Megan recently posted..5 Travel Habits to Avoid
Great list, i have been guilty of some of these
I have too
Megan recently posted..5 Travel Habits to Avoid
Agreed! Especially on the point about the eating at fast food restaurants. When traveling we should totally eat what the locals eat. It’s about the experience and being adventurous, even with food!
Kae Lani | A Travel Broad recently posted..Backpacking Boston
Agreed!
Megan recently posted..5 Travel Habits to Avoid
Never heard of James but I love the opening quote. Nicked it for my FB page – hope that is ok
Natalie recently posted..Going Back After Eight Years : From Turkey to the UK
haha of course!
Megan recently posted..How to Pack Bohemian Style
Great tips! I hate fast food but once would eat it every few days while traveling, because I thought it saved money. But I’ve found local food is always cheapest. You just need to find the right place. I’m still struggling with balancing technology as well. Sometimes I wish it just didn’t exist on my travels….
Bobbi Lee Hitchon recently posted..A day in Hobbiton
Very true Bobbi! I’ve noticed the same
Megan recently posted..How to Pack Bohemian Style
Great tips….Although I’m guilty of the fast food thing. Occasionally I get homesick, and a Royale with Cheese helps me feel better:)
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..Deej’s Picture of the Week
I’ve done it too myself
Megan recently posted..How to Pack Bohemian Style
So true! The locals thing bugs be because that human interaction is one of the main reasons I travel, you know? That being said it really annoys me when there are people who only associate with locals and not with other travelers. Share the love people!
Hogga recently posted..Hostel Drama in Costa Rica
That’s a great point – it’s important to meet locals AND other travelers. Well said!
Megan recently posted..Sultry Siesta in Madrid
When I was 9 yrs old, my family traveled to Europe for the first time. One of my very distinct memories was constantly getting up at 6 am so that we could keep on our ridge schedule and see all the sights. Now that I’m an adult and can control my own schedule, I’ve found that I get a lot more out of a destination by taking time to be present verses checking sites off of a list. Great advice!
Mary @ Green Global Travel recently posted..GLOBAL CUISINE: 3 Amazing Berry Recipes For Better Cognitive Health
Thanks Mary! My family was very similar growing up…which perhaps is why I’m all about allowing your schedule to change
Megan recently posted..The Bohemian Side of Bogota
I can’t understand how people travel halfway around the world to explore new destinations and end up eating at the same chains like Macdonalds & Hard Rock Cafe that they have back home. Trying new dishes & local delicacies – the flavours & aromas – to me is all part of the adventure.
Charles Eccles recently posted..A Queens Day Delight In Amsterdam
Could not agree more Charles!
Megan recently posted..Meet my New Friends from Germany
Great post Megan – I never eat at McDonalds but you’re guaranteed to find a toilet or WIFI, well maybe I buy a cold drink!
That is a great point Jo! Wifi and toilet paper are a must
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Neighborhood Guide to Helsinki