6 reasons why you should try and blend in

1. Get treated better

“You should blend in wherever you travel. For instance, when I am in New York City for leisure travel I always wear a jacket and tie instead of a striped sport shirt. It is amazing how well you are treated.”

John Amos

“Trying to show some cultural understanding DOES result in better treatment from restaurants, shops, etc.”

Karen Graves

“Dressing respectfully and complying with local customs as much as reasonable gets you treated better and garners you respect in return. It can also lead to some fun experiences, such as this.

We were returning from Amsterdam by train to London, and had to change trains in Brussels. While standing on the platform, we were approached by a family from Ohio. One of the ladies walked up to me and said, with a definite midwestern twang, “Pardon, monsieur. Do you speak English?” Not wanting to hurt her feelings, I replied with my best imitation of a Belgian accent, “Oui, madame, a little.” She asked for directions to her train and I helped her get everyone along to the right platform.

She was thrilled to have talked to and been understood by a “local,” and I got a great story to tell!”

Michael

2. Not so obvious a target for criminals

“Locals can spot most Americans from dress, mannerisms, and loud speaking.

Those most quickly identified will become the primary targets of thieves and maybe even terrorists. Quick & easy tip-offs: ball cap, tee shirt, jeans or shorts, a camera around the neck, a fanny pack around the waist = American = $$ to be shared.”

Dale

“By all means, try to blend in. If nothing else it might protect you from pick pockets and scam artists. ”

Calvin Lyons

“I think that it is very important to try and fit in as much as possible when traveling anywhere. Not doing so, especially in large cities is just asking to be mugged.”

Brooke Paxton

3. Get closer to the local culture

“While in most places it is almost impossible not to be recognized as a tourist it is important to try to blend in if you want to experience more of the local culture. If you look and act like a tourist then you will be treated like one.”

Jim

“I’ve been mistaken for a local in nearly every place I’ve gone, from France and Italy to the Republic of Georgia to South Africa, and it almost always results in good conversation and learning more about the local culture.”

Samantha

4. It’s just more respectful

“I think that blending in is the best policy. When I travel abroad I realize that I am a guest in someone else’s home. The best way I can respect that fact is to try to immerse myself in their culture, language, etc to the best of my ability. I wouldn’t be traveling abroad if I didn’t want to experience another country and explore the beauties that country has to offer.”

Tammie

5. Help avoid unintentional disrespect

“To better enjoy the country and people, i find it better to blend in. Sometimes, trying to be a good neighbor, we forget that all people do not think the same way and they may take offence to something that is common to us, ergo, blend in, enjoy the trip and make friends.”

Alfred Michaud

6. Help put an end to the stereotype of the obnoxious tourist

“I vote for blending in. I agree with the implication of other responses that blending in equates to behaving nicely, or as the locals do. I believe that most tourists of any persuasion are nice people, and that the badly behaved ones are the terribly noticeable exceptions. But we don’t want to be taken for, and treated like, that terrible stereotype.”

Paula Gjerstad

8 tips on how to blend in

1. Study how the locals dress

“Leave the bright colors and man made fibers at home, especially in Europe. They tend to dress in much more conservatively in darker shades.”

Lauren

“You should blend in wherever you travel. For instance, when I am in New York City for leisure travel I always wear a jacket and tie instead of a striped sport shirt. It is amazing how well you are treated.”

John Amos

“No jeans? Well, the Italians would find that odd. Cologne, now there is a place that is fancier; Munich more casual. Jeans are fine, almost universally.

Forget the “travel pants” and “travel shirts” though. While practical, only tourists wear them.”

Mike

2. Act like you know where you’re going

“I try to fit in as best I can. Button down shirt, never jeans, camera and guidebook stowed in a small European shoulder bag around my neck, acting like I know where I am going. On a recent trip to Rome I was asked by Italians 7 different times for directions, or help in the Metro. Better than being pickpocketed 7 times.”

Dale

3. Research before you leave

“I believe in trying to blend in. If you do a little research, you will be able to do a good job of this. In France and Germany I have been approached by locals looking for directions on a number of occasions and have always taken this as proof of my success in blending in.”

Mike

4. Be a bit quieter

“You won’t be able to pass a a local but you should attempt to blend in by not behaving in ways that are unacceptable or rude in that place. I have been so embarrassed by Americans whom I didn’t know but was in the vicinity when they: shrieked and shouted in Switzerland where people are beautifully mannered and do not make spectacles in public.”

Joan

5. Make an effort with the local language

“We try to blend . I try to speak the language as much as possible. We travel to France frequently and we’ve made a lot of friends. They really appreciate you trying. The French are wonderful and we’ve never had a minute of someone acting rude to us.”

B. Beach

“Being polite and always trying to start a conversation in the local language also helps. As noted before, it also helps start conversations. While I doubt I have ever been mistaken for a local by a local, I was approached by an Italian couple in a Paris Metro station asking for directions. Luckily, I had just been to Italy so my Italian was up to the task. The only time I have been treated impolitely was in the Milan train station where — because my Italian is not perfect — I was told to “stick to English”.”

Steve

“I speak several languages, but when I don’t speak the one I ‘ll need, I at least learn some basic phrases. Amazing how that helps. Most of the time, you still will be recognized as a tourist, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be a good ambassador for the USA.”

Paula

“I also believe in blending in. I think that you’re treated better and one should also conform to the customs of the country. I witnessed a German guy being admonished for his lack of “politesse” at Notre Dame in Paris. They’re big believers in politeness and greetings. So, of course, I was very polite and said “Bonjour”. I’m telling you…one nice “bonjour” will open doors!

And if people in that country see that you’re trying, then they will do whatever they can for you. Even in America, just trying to speak a different language to someone in an “ethnic” area will win you points.

I was once told by this woman, in French, that she liked my scarf. I told her, politely, that I didn’t speak French and she said “that’s alright, say it in English”. It was a lovely exchange.”

Kathleen

“Probably more important than what you’re wearing is whether you can speak a few words and phrases in the local language. Just being able to say (in the local language), “Excuse me. I’m an American tourist and I speak very little [German]; do you speak English?” Even if the person you’ve addressed speaks little or no English, most will try to help, or they’ll find someone who does speak enough English to be helpful. It isn’t difficult to learn a few social greetings and some basic questions (and understand the answers) — good [morning/afternoon/evening]; please; thank you; you’re welcome; excuse me; how much does this cost; where is the [train station/restroom/museum], and the like, and it’s greatly appreciated by the locals when you make an effort to speak even a little bit of their language. Think about it: if a tourist from another country sought your help that way, in your home town, wouldn’t you go out of your way to accommodate him?”

John Clar

“I write twelve phrases of the language of the country I’m visiting that express politeness on a 3×5 card, slip it in my pocket and memorize them. It works wonders in getting warm responses!”

Gila

6. Avoid the big, obvious tour groups

“Shouting your nationality is unnecessary and potentially dangerous. (Did you know that everyone loves you as much as you do?) When we travel with a mass of people (cruises, organized groups) we normally eschew the sponsored group tours and go out on our own with a private tour or guide.”

Roger

7. Keep the map/guide book out of view

“And, don’t carry around a huge folding map! The small pocket maps work just as well.”

Calvin Lyons

8. Carry a local newspaper

“For security, I also put a local newspaper around my guide book as a cover, and tuck both it and my camera in my small shoulder bag, worn across my body on the street, as most women do in Western Europe. My inner waist money pouch holds my bigger bills, passport, airline tickets, etc., unless it’s in the hotel/hostel safe, and as a result, I’ve never lost anything of value.”

Gila

Got your own opinion or tip to share? Leave it as a comment below…

If time and money were no issue, what would be your dream travel destination and why?

Leave your dream as a comment below…

1. Book separately to earn bonus miles

We’ve noticed that when booking a flight for our family under one reservation, some airlines will only credit the 1,500 bonus miles to the person whose name the reservation is under.  This is regardless of whether the other family members have mileage accounts.  To avoid this, make separate reservation for each family member, and then pick seats together.

Ed Pearce, Dexter, Mich.

2. A beach ball can replace many expensive in-flight gadgets

Depending on how much you inflate it, the ball can function very comfortably as a footrest, back support, or as a lap pillow to support your book.

Ed Perun, Sioux City, Iowa

3. Research any local auto insurance requirements before renting a car

With two of our last three car rentals, the local branch wanted documentation beyond the standard insurance card issued by our insurance company.  In San Juan, we were delayed half an hour while the agent made phone calls to verify that our liability insurance was good in Puerto Rico.  In Miami, if we hadn’t provided proof that our insurance covered rental cars, we would have been charged a daily collision insurance fee.  Fortunately, we knew ahead of time and took a copy of the pertinent section of our policy.  We were using a credit card that included car rental insurance, but proof of that cover was also required.

Dorothy Pileggi, San Francisco, Calif.

4. Put your bathing suit in your carry-on

There’s nothing worse than not being able to swim because you made it to your hotel but your luggage didn’t.  If your suit is still damp for the flight home, again, put it in your carry-on so it won’t get moldy if your bags are delayed.

Dori Plewak, Leawood, Kans.

5. There’s yet another use for those old contact lens cases

They can store the last bit of lipstick or concealer that can be scooped out of the bottom of the tube.  Sure beats wasting it.  The case is watertight and holds just enough for a weekend trip.

Deb Porch, Lanoka Harbour, N.J.

Have a travel tip to share? Leave it as a comment below…

Maybe you think:

- It’s part of the experience to try and blend in
- You’re less likely to be obviously targeted as a tourist
- You feel you get more respect

…Or do you think:

- The local’s are going to spot you a mile off anyway, so why bother
- You’re proud of your nationality and don’t want to hide it

Leave your thoughts as a comment below…

I had a lot of replies to this, and there was a definite majority opinion…

Bad: 18%
Good: 77%
Right idea, wrong solution: 5%

Here’s what you fellow Mobal Members had to say…

Bad idea:

“All the high tech equipment in the world won’t help against stone age tactics.”

Ron

“I think they are silly. The kind of bomb the ‘underwear bomber’ used would not have shown up on backscatter or millimeter wave machines, so they would have no preventive effect, and there is no doubt that there will be trade in nude images of famous movie stars, politicians and sports celebrities–all the protestation to the contrary notwithstanding. Closing the door after the horse has left the barn is not a good strategy for the twenty-first century.

As to the fact the some people wear revealing clothing on a beach–so what–others believe it’s a violation of their bodies. Should they not be allowed to fly?”

Geoff

“We are losing rights and privacy daily. This is absolutely unjustified. This in no way makes this country any safer!For those who fall for any excuse to give up privacy will eventually not be free. ( Benjamin Franklin ). What difference will it make then because you won’t even be able to fly.”

paul wargo

“I am astonished that no one appears to be concerned about the health hazards of this approach, i.e. radiation, significant especially if you travel a lot!! Not even individuals who have metallic implants seem to worry… I have no difficulty with the issue of “privacy”, but will choose patting down any time over being scanned.”

maria

“All this talk about security is a load of BULL & gives a false sense of security. The person who flies a couple of times a year is not inconvenienced, compared to people who fly on a regular basis. Since 9/11, if all the security was in place & functioning at 100%, we wouldn’t have any of these new schemes coming to light. And to top it off, you have a greater chance of being killed on your local streets.”

Leigh Lingard

“I think it is invasive and not very helpful-I’m against any unnecessary radiation exposure as well.”

Richard O.

“The same government that is trying to protect my safety while I am flying on commercial aircraft, also says, “There is no safe dose of ionizing radiation.”

I think I would be better protected if the United States did not make so many enemies.”

Jim Whitman

“Not only is it another infringement on our personal freedom, which probably will not work, but it is forcing us to submit to x-ray exposure each time we travel. Why don’t I hear more about that? While they claim it is small, for frequent travelers, this will add up.”

Joan

Good idea:

I love it as I have two artificial knees and it saves me lots of time.

Kay Smith

Although this additional process may at times pose an inconvenience, I’m comfortable with it’s implementation.

Michael Habig

No problem’; if it makes the trip more secure and allows me more piece of mind, go for it.

L Mann

It’s a terrific advance. I want safety in the skies and, as the “underwear bomber” proved, the enemy will go to any length. We must get over silly hang-ups and realize that this is not an invasion of privacy, but an insurance policy for safety.

Roger Lund

I think it’s great! I have a hip replacement and it saves a lot of time.

I can’t understand these people who think it’s an infringement on their personal freedom. What’s the big deal about getting patted down? would you rather be blown up in the air? nuff said.

Gene Polhemus

Great idea.

Wayne Dickson

I have an artificial hip and the x-ray is simpler than being patted down. I do think that the subject should be allowed to see what the TSA people see.

David Ballou

Speaking of personal privacy, have you been to a beach lately?? I can’t believe that anyone would have a problem with a full-body scan that might preserve their life!

Masrud

If this device speeds the process and provides better protection against terrorists, then let’s just do it and stop all the nonsense about privacy invasion. This is a necessary evil to lessen threats and improve airplane security.

csw

Go for it!!!!! Let us all not forget!

Addy

Will that mean I don’t have to be patted down when they see my pacemaker showup on the screen?

Evan Jackson

Outstanding idea. I have an artificial knee and scanning expedites the process! I don’t mind scanners seeing my private parts-I just don’t want to be blown up in mid-air!

Charles Schmitter

whatever needs to be done for security is all right with me.

Marvin Beitler

Great idea, but still not as good as profiling. Terrorists will simply ingest contagious poison or cram explosive up their butt (this will NOT show up on the body scan). Agents have to be given the latitude to take potential suspects aside for more thorough screening and questioning.

John Beck

Both an improvement in safety and an infrigement of freedom, but necessary in the world we live and preferable to some other measures used. We must also use profiling to target the threats.

Lynn Glover

I support the idea. We have to improve security and although incremental, we have to keep at it. This will not be the ultimate solution though.

Mike Mickelson

I am willing to sacrifice modesty for safety,,, and I prefer it to being patted down which somehow leaves me feeling more violated. I also think that, regarding my safety and the safety of loved ones, profiling is not amiss in these times.

Angela Tatom

I went throught this in Washington D.C. Having artificial knees, it as a pleasure. Anyone can see anything they wish if I can get through the process with alacrity and dignity. I love it.

t smith

Hey, if it keeps me alive, it’s okay by me. I too, have an complete right hip replacement – this saves time also

Frederick J. Vaeth, Jr.

I think they are great for those of us with artificial joints, but I do not think they are sufficient for “security” … That requires one=on-one interviews in the Isralie method.

nancy

Absolutely in favor of it. False modesty is nonsense. I just feel sorry for the unfortunate people who have to look at the scans all day – what a lousy job. We should also use profiling; common sense should prevail.

Patrick Roache

Do It!!! If it make us more secure, I’m for it

Jud Bireley

I have no problem with it. The modesty factor is nonsense. The more specific they can be the better.

dobdick

It should have been done back in 2001

Jerry

fine with me. I will make sure I am wearing underwear.

Paul Bopko

Great! Until something better comes along, I’m all for it.

Anne

I think it is a great idea that would detect virtually anything a person might hide. Hadn’t thought about replacement knees and hips but it would be helpful there. Beats hands-on patting down which is less effective anyway.

Ed Cloos

It is a good idea. Safety first! Also, if they let those in line see the pictures of those they will be flying with, it would bring back old fashion courtesy where the men allow the ladies to go first.

Don Bryden

If it keeps us safer, than I’m all for it. I personally feel that in order to be safer we have to start profiling. I don’t care if its politically correct or not. We have to have agents on the ground to read body language and facial expressions, use intelligence and pull certain people who fit the profile aside and question them, find out what they might be carrying, why and where they are traveling to and from, etc. We have to start being smarter than them and stop worrying if we are hurting someone’s feelings.

Suzanne Frew-Harris

I have absolutely no issue with use of the body scanners if they really will enhance security. What I really want to know is when are we going to get away from the “political correctness” bull and really start looking closely at the characters who have already been identified as causing the problems. Continuing to be “PC” will eventually kill more of us.

Russ Minton

I’d rather be scanned than patted down.

Linda Schaefers

I have no problem with this technology, but I do fear that we will rely too much on technology to save us. Blind use of tools without logic and wisdom in the picture will just leave a loophole for our enemies to slip through. Who would have thought of shoe heels before? Or underpants? Or in the past, plastique in the checked baggage? We’ll never be able to provide blocks for every single mathematical possibility of terrorist techniques.

Paula Gjerstad

Went through the scanner in Denver due to hip replacement, and it was a lot quicker than the frisking, but it still kind of creeped me out, knowing that someone was looking at all the flaws I had so painstakingly tried to cover! My mom always said to be sure to wear your good underwear in case you end up in the emergency room…she was way ahead of her time on that one!

Mary Montgomery

What ever it takes to help prevent a possible disaster. The fact that none of these pictures are saved or displayed is the correct way to let people feel at ease. We also need more undercover personnel roaming among potential passengers listening, watching, and taking to them. And yes profiling to try to weed out potential trouble. EL AL does this and it seams to work.

Fred Stern

Right idea, wrong solution:

This discussion misses the whole point. “Sniffer” machines were ignored because they clog too easily. I believe that with a little bit of re-engineering, that problem will go away and we’ll have a machine that no one will object to. And it will sense explosives of any kind. Body scanners will miss a lot.

Patrick Milligan

In this day and age, we have to be in favor of new technologies that will make us safer in our travels. Problem with these body scanners is that it will only detect what is under the clothing and over the skin/body. We need better technology than this, i.e. detectors of body cavities (future hiding places?) that may be used next by these crazies. We need to be smarter and stay ahead of these “killing machines.”

JayDP

Agree or disagree with what people have said? Leave your thoughts as a comment below…

1. Keep your luggage safe in a car

Our bags have been stolen twice from inside locked rental cars.  Now we travel with a bicycle cable and lock.  If we absolutely must leave our suitcases in the car, I hook them together by the handles and attach the whole thing to the frame of the seat or a secure item in the trunk.  Even if the thieves manage to get into our car, the cable will make it very difficult for them to make off with the luggage.

Fran Montiazeri, Staten Island, N.Y.

2. Consider bring your bike on a cruise

We decided to take along our own bikes on our last Caribbean cruise.  It was a little crowded in the cabin, so we asked the steward if we could store them down the gall with the wheelchairs.  We were last off the ship when we docked in the Bermuda, but in less than 5 minutes we were far away from the busy port, enjoying a beautiful, deserted snorkeling.

Robert James, Providence, R.I.

3. Pack a few hooks

I find that hotel bathrooms rarely have enough hangers and hooks for clothes and wet towels, so I always bring a few snap-lock suction hooks.  (They work better than regular suction hooks because they’re more secure and therefore hold heavier items.)  It’s always nice to have a place to hang a bathrobe.

Erica Murphy, Atlanta, Ga.

4. Water-bottle holsters are good for holding more than water

I own several Water Bottle Totes by Outdoor Research.  With their Velco-like straps, I can fasten them anywhere to my belt, camera strap, airplane seat etc.  In addition to holding water, I’ve used them at various times to carry binoculars, snacks, umbrella, fan, flashlight, sunglasses, windbreaker and a rain poncho.

Ellen Parks, Mechanicville, Va.

5. Book separately to earn bonus miles

We’ve noticed that when booking a flight for our family under one reservation, some airlineswill only credit the 1,500 bonus miles to the person whose name the reservation is under.  This is regardless of whether the other family members have mileage accounts.  To avoid this, make separate reservation for each family member, and then pick seats together.

Ed Pearce, Dexter, Mich.

Got a travel tip to share? Leave it as a comment below…

1. Take photos of what you pack

“In order to provide any reimbursement for a lost suitcase, most airlines and insurance companies require an itemized list of exactly what was inside it. Unfortunately, remembering everything you packed after the fact is virtually impossible. To avoid the headache, take pictures of the items you’re going to put in your suitcase with your digital camera or cell phone. The photos will make creating the lost a breeze, and in the event of a dispute with the airline or insurance agent, you will have some visual evidence of the ownership.”

Jennifer Matchett, Dunnellon, Fla

2. Accidentally reformat your camera’s memory card?

“As long as you don’t overwrite the disk by taking more photos, those original pictures are still there. Buy another card to use in the meantime, and then, when you get home, either purchase a file-recovery software program (about $35) or take the card to a camera shop.”

Isabel McCarthy, Mesa, Ariz.

3. Keep travel numbers handy

“I have the words hotel and taxi on my cell phone speed dial. On a trip, I change the numbers,but leave the pre-programmed titles the same—instant access and no more little slips of paper everywhere.”

Hugo McCulloch, Pleasant Hill, Calif.

4. Carry a small calculator

“If you plan to do a lot of shopping in a foreign country, it helps to have a calculator. When you find something you like, hand the seller the calculator and ask him to enter his best price. It’s
easy to convert the response into dollars so you know what you’re spending. If needed, the calculator can be used to haggle, especially if you don’t speak the language.”

Heather Meyer, Bedford, Mass.

5. Make your stroller stand out

“When traveling to a theme park, tie a bright colored scarf to the handle of your stroller before you enter a ride. When you return, you’ll quickly pick out your stroller from a sea of lookalikes.”

France Minton, Satellite Beach, Fla.

Have a tip to share? Leave it as a comment below…

Below are the countries where your fellow Mobal Members claim they’ve experienced the most hassle as tourists (in alphabetical order).

If you agree, disagree, or have your own tale to tell, leave it as a comment at the end…

1. BAHAMAS


Paul B Says:

“Freeport Bahamas…….locals driving you nuts with time share offers and hair braiding offers.”

2. BALI

Margaret Deitrich Says:

“Bali, The locals were consistently in your face. You had difficulty even seeing the beautiful scenery. If you sat down in a public place, they sat beside you and wanted money for you to take their picture. The nice hotels were guarded and walled, and were the only place where you weren’t mobbed. I would never go back there.”

Ro Bushnell Says:

“Bali. They are determined to sell you something, or do a service for you (like braid your hair). They don’t beg, but they swarm with around you to show you their goods.”

3. BURKINA FASO

Ed Cleary Says:

“Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The street peddlers will literally follow you for blocks trying to sell you something. They will not take “no,” even in very French, for an answer. If you do buy something, all of the other peddlers say, “You bought from him, now you must buy from me.” Their idea of personal space is about 1 inch from from the end of your chin.”

4. CANADA

Michel Delving Says:

“Recently we were in Churchill Manitoba with a tour group. Had told the tour people that I am allergic to feathers. They told the hotels. At the one in Churchill, all the bedding was of feathers. I asked that we be changed to a room without feathers, or to have the bedding changed. I was told in no uncertain terms that they KNEW of my needs and that there were NO FEATHERS in ANY of the rooms. Lady answered with such anger and in such an intimidating manner that I was afraid to tell her that DOWN IS FEATHERS. I coughed and had asthma for the rest of the stay. (I guess it’s my own fault for being intimidated by her but had never before had that problem.)”

5. CHINA

Patrick Milligan Says:

“I was more hassled in China (every place in China). But I was very impressed with the friendliness of the Chinese people I met.”

6. COLOMBIA

Phyllis Rizzi Says:

“Cartegena, Colombia. You can barely walk on the sidewalk without having locals literally in your face, from all sides at once. If you take a photo, even of an architectural site, they will claim to be in the photo and want money. I wish they’d realize it is a turn off and realize that if they were more polite, tourists may be interested in buying from them.”

7. EGYPT

Rick Y Says:

“Cairo. Unbelievable pestering to sell things and to take pictures. They will try to take your camera out of your hands. They are deperate.”

Patrick Says:

“Luxor, Egypt, was the worst. It was horrible when I was there in 2001.”

Arlene Says:

“Egypt. Everyone wants baksheesh (tips) and everyone wants to sell you something. Vendors at monuments (like Abu Simbel) chase tourists to their buses. Some of them approach you with the “free gift” scam that ends up with a demand for a “tip” (at the pyramids). Crossing the street in Cairo is a nightmare (I recommend use a local as a shield, since the traffic doesn’t phase them).”

Dottie Nelson Says:

“For us it was Egypt, no matter where we went.”

8. FRANCE

Robert Says:

“Simply really…. PARIS”

Marsha Vaughan Says:

“While recently in Paris my husband and I were continually targeted by Middle Eastern women begging for money. They were seeking out Americans; would not easily take “no” or just walking away as an answer. Some women would “pretend” to find jewelry on the ground and try to convince you to buy it.”

9. FIJI

Patrick Milligan Says:

My worst experience was in Fiji, where I wasn’t so much hassled by the locals, but I felt the resentment of the locals, which was worse. Fiji has a caste system with whites at the top, Indians in the middle, and native blacks at the bottom. I can understand the resentment, but I didn’t like it.
10. GREECE

Donald Bryden Says:

“Athens, Greece. II felt like a mark and needed to continuely be on my guard and occassionally rude to the offending persons.”

11. INDIA

Lynn Says:

“India which, by virtue of such inhumanity as the caste system, is full of beggars, thieves and cons.”

Larry H Says:

“Clearly the beggars in India make some areas difficult to enjoy. We learned in Peru to say “maybe next time” to the kids selling things in Cusco, and it was face saving for them and us.”

12. ITALY

Eric Feder Says:

“Treviso, Italy. My wife and I were waiting for a taxi to a B&B that was quite a distance from town. There was an empty cab at the train station but it was the driver’s dinner time. He wouldn’t drive us and he wouldn’t call another cab to come pick us up. The people in the station wouldn’t help either and the police officer wouldn’t help us get a cab saying that there was a cab out front. He totally blew us off.”

Bill Wilton Says:

“Definitely in Italy. We had a nsty experience with bedbugs in a very expensive villa (from Tuscan Villas). Their response?? Not terribly helpful; in fact, quite the opposite. They blamed us for bringing the bedbugs, even though we had proof the source was their own linens and pillows borrowed from another villa they managed. Ouch!”

Bruce Baker Says:

“Pisa, Italy. As expected at the Leaning Tower we were surrounded by Gypsys. One nursing her infant and pleding for money while the other crowded in to clean out our pockets. We literally had to chase them away.”

Val Says:

“As much as I love Venice, Italy the locals appear to detest visitors. The shopkeepers and restaurant staff are wonderful. I’ve learned to speak decent Italian and am quite gracious, so it is not me. Probably the citizens of Venezia are tired of the visitors.”

Johnny F Says:

“No matter where we were, the Italians were the rudest, loudest people of all, not just in Italy!”

13. JAMACIA

Debbie McCoon Says:

“Ochos Rios, Jamacia. The location was beautiful, but the locals, were intimidating, and constantly pestering us, either to buy something or braid my hair. It has been a few years since that trip, so hopefully things are better now.”

Amy Says:

“Jamaica! The vendors at the markets were so obnoxious, I left and waited for the others in the van. Two other couples with us did the same thing.”

Aydee Says:

“Duns River Falls in Jamaica. Leaving the falls you wind up in a maze of little shops with agressive merchants. We were pretty uncomfortable.”

Carol Bynum Says:

For sure Jamaica. This has to be the most frustrating Island. You cannot get a cab to go anywhere, they want to charge you extra to see the sites. They want to braid you hair at every turn. There is no wildlife left on the Island. They ate them all. If I won a free trip to Jamaica I wouldn’t even give the tickets away to a stranger.

14. JORDAN

Arlene Says:

“Jordan, primarily Petra. Like Egypt, everyone wants to sell you something and they try to entice you with a free “gift.” Very manipulative people. However, we did not encounter all the demands for tips.”

15. KENYA

Bert Spann Says:

“Nairobi, Kenya. This place has the worst help anyone could ask for. There is one service desk for all the airlines and the locals know that if they want service they must cut in front of you and yell at the service workers. The airport personnel do as little as possible to accomidate your needs.”

16. MEXICO

Denise Mumford Says:

“Cabo San Lucas. The locals were always bothering us while we were laying on the beach or just taking a walk. Even shopping at the local market. They kept bugging us about time shares and wanting us to take tours. when you say no they keep at you until they make you mad.”

17. SPAIN

Ole Says:

“Tenerife, Canary Islands. Loaded with pickpockets.”

18. TURKEY

Brent Measley Says:

“Istanbul. The locals act as if they are insulted if you don’t go into their store.”

christy daniels Says:

“Istanbul. You can’t walk more than a few feet without someone coming up to you to ask you to buy a carpet. If you stop to look at a map or take a picture they really come after you. They are nice enough but it is very irritating. They come up to your when you are looking at a map and ask if they can help you and then they try to sell you a carpet.”

Jeff Says:

“Istanbul, Turkey. So many rugs to buy, so few dollars…”

Linda Says:

“Turkey. We will never return. Our tour guide lied to us twice to get us to go to an over-priced leather shop and a rug shop. Shopping in the port of Kusadasi was impossible. Shopkeepers were out on the sidewalks and in our face, saying and sometimes yelling anything they could to get us in their shops. Like that would ever work! One woman even grabbed our arm as we passed. Not pleasant. The others returned to the ship and I walked further into the city to find better places to shop. I spent my money where I didn’t feel like I was being attacked. It’s too bad the people we met were so nasty because it’s a beautiful country.”

Agree? Disagree? Have your own story? Leave it as a comment below…

Are they a vital improvement to our safety, or just another infringement of our personal freedom…

…what do you think?

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