As much as we all like to think of ourselves as perfect travellers, there will inevitably be times where we aren’t making optimal decisions abroad. Some mistakes are harmless, others costly, and a few can just be put down to ignorance.
Hey, that’s bound to happen when jet lag, extended periods in transit, new languages, foreign customs, and reckless spending combine.
Here are 9 common mistakes too many tourists make when they travel…and should stop immediately.
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Avoiding interaction with locals.
Getting to know locals and asking for their recommendations will offer a much more enjoyable experience in a foreign country than what you’ll find in any guide book. The most charming aspects of many cities simply never show up on a Google search. If you want to have an unforgettable experience, try talking to someone who’s been there – literally.
Dining at chains you’ll find in your homeland.
Just because you can order beer at McDonald’s in Germany and Vegemite at the golden arches in Australia doesn’t mean you’re in any way taking in the local culture by dining there. Experiencing authentic local cuisine is one of the main joys of travel. Speaking of authentic…
Falling for places that say they’re “authentic.”
You know what an authentic local joint would never tell you? That it’s “authentic.”
Using a phone plan from home.
There’s no excuse for coming home to a $1000 phone bill anymore – buying a cheap T9 phone with a $10 reloadable SIM card will suffice. You can still use all your fancy apps when you’re connected to wi-fi.
Taking too many photos.
Many studies have determined that the more photos you take, the less you enjoy an experience. Besides, have you ever sat down and scrolled through the 600 photos you took in Cabo?
Paying transit fares per trip.
Public transit is often the cheapest and most efficient way to navigate a city. Buying a day/week pass as soon as you arrive is a very wise investment.
Not learning a few basic sentences of the local language.
We get it, most people around the world can speak passable English. But that doesn’t mean you should waltz into other countries without any consideration that, hey, they speak another language here. Locals will treat you noticeably warmer if you at least make an effort to speak a few basic sentences of their language. At the very least, learn how to say please and thank you.
Wearing a camera around their neck.
Businesses and individuals offering services in many countries charge either a ‘local price’ or ‘tourist price’. Wearing a camera around your neck places you in the upper echelon of ‘tourist price’. Being as covert a tourist as possible is usually a good idea.
Staying in the city centre/near central station.
Main hubs of activity like these are overwhelmed by “authentic” shops, tourist prices, and chains – not ideal places to spend time if you really want to get to know a city.
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