- 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…

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…

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…

“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…

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…

…what do you think?

Leave you answer in the comments box below…

The phones are designed to switch seamlessly between the cellular networks and the satellite network, even during a call. The phone will always use the cellular networks if available. Only when these are not available will they link to the satellite network. By using this method the idea was to offer the best cost effective service, you would only use the more expensive satellite service when there was no alternative.

The downside of the Globalstar system is its coverage area. By operating on the AMPS and CDMA standards they have limited themselves to the localities where those standards are supported. At the moment this includes the Americas, Russia, and parts of Asia. Likewise their satellite network coverage area is limited compared to those of its rivals. They can only offer service in about 100 countries, their territorial waters and some mid ocean waters.

Globalstar, like Inmarsat have developed their data and fax transfer capabilities, using a laptop or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) email and Internet access are possible, but like their voice service, they can only offer limited coverage.

They also share the same problem as Iridium in that there is a higher risk of loosing signals due to the need to send them via a number of satellites before connecting them with their destination.

Please contact us for further information and advice on our satellite phone solutions.

Related links

• Iridium satellite phone rental

Mobal satellite phone news…

• Satellite Phone Saves Explorers’ Lives
• Satellite Phones help develop ‘Backpack Journalists’ in Iraq
• Iridium’s High Altitude African Adventure
• Satellite phone defies the force of nature

Inmarsat, the first mobile satellite system to be conceived, is a great example of how the technology has emerged from a niche market and been made available to all. Originally designed for the maritime industry, they now have over 100,000 registered Mini-M satellite phone terminals that are used across a broad range of industries.

The Inmarsat network consists of four geo-stationary satellites 35,600km above the Earth. The satellites are positioned at equatorial points over the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Eastern and Western sides of the Atlantic. The ‘footprint’ created by this configuration is able to provide almost total global communication coverage with the exception of the Poles. The first advantage that this gives Inmarsat is, once a signal is sent to a satellite, its individual ‘footprint’ is often large enough to deliver that signal to its destination without having to transfer via another satellite first. This minimizes the risk of the signal being lost.

The main argument that has been levelled against Inmarsat terminals regards their size; they are comparable to modern laptop computers. Inmarsat rivals, Iridium and Globalstar, use handsets that are far more akin to cellular phones, which it is claimed, weigh less and are easier to use.

This is not an entirely unfair point; it is true that Inmarsat equipment is larger than that of its contemporaries. Where they can out perform Iridium and Globalstar is in their ability to transfer data and faxes. This lends Inmarsat much more effectively to the setting up of semi-permanent offices where, along side voice facilities, more capable fax and data services are required. When used in this capacity Inmarsat’s size ceases to become such an issue.

Inmarsat are planning to expand this service with their next generation satellites, due to go live in 2005. These will support B-GAN (Broadband Global Area Network). B-GAN, it is claimed, will be 100 times more powerful than the current generation of satellites and, will have 10 times the capacity. With this increase Inmarsat are aiming to supply superior Internet, Intranet and video services as well as voice, fax and data.

Please contact us for further information and advice on our satellite phone solutions.

Related links

• Iridium satellite phone rental

Mobal satellite phone news…

• Satellite Phone Saves Explorers’ Lives
• Satellite Phones help develop ‘Backpack Journalists’ in Iraq
• Iridium’s High Altitude African Adventure
• Satellite phone defies the force of nature

Now remember folks, these are based on personal experience, so don’t shoot the messenger…

Includes entries from the USA, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, Russia, Canada, Spain, Morocco, the Caribbean, Hotel Websites, Airlines and Taxis…

USA

1. Fairmont Hotels

Worst tourist trap? Fairmont Hotels! Santa Monica and Chicago, too. Premium rates for crowded little rooms where nothing they advertise as amenities is actually available without paying extra, and at premium rates, too. The only reason to stay there, or in similarly managed hotels, is if location is the only consideration and simply vital. Otherwise, get yourself to the nearest Marriott Suites and ask in advance what is included in the rate.

Jane Russell

2. Old Faithful

Featured in National Geographic! That’s what the printed promotion information said that we picked up at our hotel. Never having seen a real, live geyser we hyped our selves up for the event and off we went.

This is the come-on on the web page: “Visitors of Calistoga’s Old Faithful Geyser are calling it “utterly amazing”. The Geyser is one of only three Old Faithfuls in the world, designated as such because of its constant and predictable eruptions. This spectacle is a true rarity, and there’s no better place to see it than here!

The Geyser is an all-natural phenomenon which tosses a scalding curtain of water anywhere from 20 to upwards of 75 feet into the air. Currently, Old Faithful is erupting approximately every 20-30 minutes, ensuring a minimal waiting period for an exciting and educational experience the whole family is sure to love.”

With a stretch of the imagination this description is true. But the actual anticlimactically event is about as interesting as the a popped-off sprinkler head on any lawn in American. In between the “eruptions” you can walk over to feed some animals after buying feed by the less-than-handful from a small vending machine that looks very suspiciously like a ball-gum machine. Cost for the few minutes of being awed by this natural phenomena: $8. Cheap enough to hook me into buying a ticket and disappointing enough to make me wish I hadn’t.

Maybe I’m jaded because in today’s age of theme park exaggerations this puny little stream of heated water lacks an “awe” factor plus I can’t appreciate the natural wonders at work that make this a marvel.

Best Regards

David Steely

3. Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota

My first and only visit to the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota was years ago when my family and I were driving from Minneapolis on the way to Mount Rushmore. The route takes you through The Badlands which has unique and fascinating terrain. Beyond the Badlands lies the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. Wikipedia tells me that this is actually the third Corn Palace, with the first one dating back to 1892. Today’s Corn Palace is a large building which is decorated with corn products on an annual basis. Wikipedia tells me that there are half a million visitors each year to this funky tourist attraction. I guess it’s partially the result of the many billboards for miles around, citing the wonders of the Corn Palace. I call it a tourist trap, but at least they don’t charge admission. They even have a webcam if you want to see it for yourself! (www.cornpalace.org)

Pete Winkler
Schroon Lake, NY

4. The Four Seasons, Houston

While staying at the 4-Seasons in Houston, Texas, on behalf of a client, their cheapest room was $300, PLUS US$10.95 per day for internet access. My colleague down the street at the Hampton Suites paid US$99 for his room, with free internet. What’s wrong with that picture? Once installed, incremental access to the internet is virtually zero added unit cost.

Art Kosatka

5. “South Of The Border Experience”, Carolina

Michael, There is a place just below the North Carolina, USA state line called “South of the Border”. It is supposed to be a recreation of some great tourist attraction in Mexico. The flashy advertising billboards start from almost 200 miles away. The signs build up so much anxiety, you feel that this just has to be the eighth wonder of the world. They advertise everything from authentic Mexican food to hand made Mexican pottery.

Of course, I had to stop and see this Mecca myself. By the time I got there, it was dark outside. The bright lights could be seen from 20 miles away. I can’t remember when or where I had seen that many flashing lights. Being hungry, the first order of business was to pick out a restaurant. Tough choice as there were several. I asked a few people which one was the best and settled on the one with the most lights. Long story short……one of the worst meals I have ever had. Microwave Mexican from the supermarket would have been an improvement.

I then went to the “authentic” Mexican stores to look at real Mexican blankets and other “home made” products. After looking for almost an hour, I decided to buy anything, I repeat, anything, that was actually made in Mexico. I could not find one thing! Almost everything was made in China.

The only really memorable part of the trip started the next morning. I was sick for almost three days.

Don Wesner

6. Daytona Beach, Florida during Speed Week

That’s generally in February for the running of the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. All prices are inflated and traffic is grid locked.

Eldon A. Buddy Gee

7. Graceland

Not only was Elvis a bad decorator (interesting place though), by tourist trap: how can they charge that much money – and EVERY part is “a la carte”?

How can someone dead make that much money???

Thanks for asking.

Valerie Brownlow

8. Orgainized Tour, Kauai Hawaii

The worst tourist trap I have experienced was on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. I usually prefer finding my own way to places, but this tour sounded good. It explained that we would boat up a beautiful river where we would see beautiful tropical flora. This was indeed true; however, they didn’t tell us that a bad Hawaiian band would play awful Hawaiian music to which all passengers not only had to listen, but were encouraged by lovely young women to dance the hula. This went on for the entire boat ride which ended up in the beautiful Fern Grotto where the boat passengers were lined up and the band played and sang the Hawaiian Wedding Song. E-e-ew! At tour’s end we were shuffled on to a bus to return to home base. This was enough saccharine to last a lifetime!

9. A Luau in Hawaii

Was expecting a evening on the beach…sitting on logs…with tiki torches and great food and up close dancing…and it was like a cheap wedding…

Big ole tables in a parking lot and a stage miles away with the entertainment…So sad…but a great joke…

Rebecca Fonner
Kalamazoo Mi

Italy

10. Pisa

In June of this year, the choral group with which I sing went on tour in Italy. It was all wonderful with the notable exception of Pisa. The route from the tourist bus stop to the cathedral close was lined, to the point of blocking our way, with street vendors and pickpockets. Pisa was the only location in which anyone lost items to thieves. The tower and town are unremarkable. If it weren’t for the engineering problems that cause the tower to lean, it wouldn’t be on the tourist routes. If one has limited time, avoid Pisa and buy a postcard instead.

Linda Pennell

11. Murano Glass Factory in Venice

Murano glass factory is to be avoided. My wife and I were approached by a man offering free round-trip tickets to ride a power boat to visit the Murano glass factory. Once there, a special tour was given us. We were isolated from other visitors while a salesman took us from room to room in an effort to get us to purchase something. The prices were astonishing; US$600 for a set of six cocktail glasses, etc. The pressure on us to buy was hard-core. When we declined to purchase anything, we were rudely shown out a side door, unsure about how to get back to Venice (the boat ride, it turned out, was one way). After asking about, we discovered the location of a ferry dock on the island, and returned to Venice, very annoyed, but significantly wiser.

Bill Henson
Rocky River, Ohio

12. Hop On Hop Off Rides, Rome

The worst tourist trap I’ve encountered so far are the Hop On Hop Off bus rides in Rome. Rome is so compact, so walkable, and the city busses are so plentiful that taking a tourist bus is almost ridiculous. When you arrive in Rome, at termini station and many other kiosks there are well marked city bus route maps. Also, less than $20 US you can get a weeklong transportation pass good for busses, trains, and trams. It’s almost impossible to get lost.

Happy travels,

Susan

Mexico

13. Shoe Shine, Mexico City

My trap was in Mexico City when I was offered a shoeshine at the Zocallo. I should have asked quanto valle ( how much) but did not. I was charged almost the cost of a new pair of shoes. Where is the guadia when you need them.

14. Free Taxi Offers In Puerto Vallata

While exiting the baggage claim area at the airport in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, my wife and myself (luggage in tow) were approached by what appeared to be a young, attractive, neatly dressed and English speaking school girl asking if we needed help with our luggage.

During which, we said yes, thinking she could hail us a cab, we walked over to her counter to arrange for transportation. At that time she stated the free cab ride was just outside the side doorway not 50 feet away. She began to ask us if we were from America and how long we’d be staying. We talked for a few minutes and she asked if we’d be interested in some free sightseeing coupons and showed us a rather long list of things we had planned on doing while we were there so we listened further.

She called the cab driver and he came to get our luggage. She said she got paid by talking to tourists about local tourism related activities and she also would appreciate it if we could tour the local resort. We told her we did not want to tour the local resort and she said that was fine but we needed to sign a document just to show that she had talked to us and had arranged the free taxi ride. She appeared harmless enough and knowing we were in a country where the locals probably do not earn as much money as their counterparts in the US, we complied.

The cab driver had already taken our luggage to the cab and she proceeded to show us out. Then she got in the cab with us telling us she wanted to make sure we got to our booked resort intact. While in the cab she proceeded to make small talk telling us about how wonderful it was to have such nice tourists as ourselves visiting her city. Talking all about the things to do and places to see, where not to go, what types of people to avoid and such. When we arrived at our booked resort, she jumped out of the cab to make sure we got checked in ok and even tipped the cab driver. Now I am getting suspicious.

She walked us in and called for a hotel luggage clerk. Then proceeded to ask us what day we wanted to view the new resort she had spoken of so that we could receive our coupons. We told her that we never agreed to view the resort and just keep the coupons. Then she proceeded to tell us that we would have to view the resort for her to get paid and besides we had been given a free cab ride. I guess that was the hook because we said ok. These young school girls are hard to get by. She assured us we did not have to buy anything and that the tour would only last about 30 minutes. So we went ahead and scheduled a time for the next day at 9:30am.

At 9:00am the next morning our room phone rang. It was the school girl telling us she was down stairs waiting to take us to view the resort at our prearranged time. I was hoping we could get by her some how because we were actually fixing to leave the resort and go eat breakfast in town. As we exited the elevator there she was all bubbly and happy, neatly dressed and a car waiting.

So we went. She dropped us at the resort for our 30 minute tour.
Three hours, and three different salesmen later we were exhausted and just wanted to get away. We had done what we promised and so we felt like we deserved our coupons. So we waited another half hour to get the coupons. While we were there they asked if they could prearranged the appointment with the vendor we wanted to go horseback riding with. We had actually planned on going the next day so we said sure.

The girl in the coupon office dialed the phone and appeared to be asking for the person in charge at the riding stable we were going to be riding with. She gave us the coupon, told us to meet our ride at 9:00am the next morning outside the hotel at a particular curb.

The next morning, coupon in hand, we arrived about 10 minutes early and waited. And waited. No cab showed, so by 9:30 we just hailed a cab and found the place ourselves. When we arrived no one was there. There were horses and it did appear to be a riding stable so we walked around the place till we actually found someone that spoke English. The person we found was actually a local veterinarian only there to check on the horses.

We told him our story. He appeared surprised that we had been taken and called to speak with the operator of the riding stable. The conversation was in Spanish but after he got off the phone, the veterinarian rounded up and guide and a couple of horses and we got our horseback ride for free, less the tip we gave the guide. The horseback ride was wonderful and so was the guide. The veterinarian had told us not to worry cause the operator had said that the we be glad to bill the resort tour company for our costs.

We learned two lessons on that trip. 1. Do not talk to or accept anything free from anyone inside the airport looking to help you. 2. There are still good people in the world (the veterinarian, the stable operator, and the horseback guide).

Robert Powers

15. Overcrowded Snorkling, Yucatan Peninsular

I have a pretty good nose for smelling tourist traps and can think of
few. I can’t remember the name, but on the Yucatan coast, an hour
south of Cancun, there’s a snorkeling venue recommended in guide
books – that’s how we found it. It’s an inlet guarded by food stands
and snorkeling gear shops. We’re not there ten minutes when three
buses off a cruise boat stop in, everybody eating their box lunches
at 10 AM. The fish disappeared.
We left and found another great snorkeling inlet simple by following
a dirt road. No buses, no crowds, lost of fish.

Gil Fuld
Keene NH

New Zealand

16. Milford Sound, New Zealand

We were visiting Queenstown New Zealand and wanted to experience a glacier. “Milford Sound” was suppossed to be this amazing totally worth it full day trip and the closest to the face of a glacier you could get in a one day trip from Queenstown. When I mean full day…it takes 5 hours to get there by coach bus for a 90 minute BORING cruise and 5 hour return by bus. We were smart enough to avoid the long bus ride and instead we paid the $500 to helicopter there and return by 5 passenger plane. The cruise was so boring and there is absolutely nothing there…not even a real gift shop or real place to eat. You can buy the buffet on the cruise…but a complete waste of time and money. So disappointing. We saw a sprinkle of a very unimpressive waterfall and some seals. My trips to Alaska with all the bountiful wildelife have been 1000 times more interesting. The heli flight was great…but i would have enjoyed a simple helicopter flight around the area and back just as well which probably would have saved at least half of what we spent. Save your time and money…don’t bother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Respectfully,
Stacey Rizzo

17. South Island, New Zealand

However, for pure trapping of tourists, you have to admire the people of the South Island of New Zealand. The sights are wonderful and well worth seeing, but the locals figure (correctly) since most people have traveled so far to see those sights, they’ll pay an arm and a leg to see them. When we visited in 2002, the US dollar was very strong relative to the Kiwi dollar, yet the prices to visit the fiords and activities around Queenstown were painful. I can only imagine what they feel like now! PS – if you are not an experienced hiker, never ask a Kiwi to rate the difficulty of a hike!

Rebecca Fonner
Kalamazoo Mi

Ireland

18. Blarney Castle

A second or third rate castle ruins with a few mediocre exhibits and a long line to kiss a rock, thereby sharing germs with a million or so other tourists. And, oh yes, a huge gift shop complex.

D M Fryer

19. Blarney Castle again

Can’t say I’ve seem them all, but the one that sticks out in my mind is the Blarney Castle. Sure, it has tradition going for it, but geez, what a bunch of hype just to bend upside down to get germs from some old stone.

Ireland is so very lovely that when the traditional tourist go there they may get a wrong impression. Alwee Cave up in the Burren is wonderful. Rather go there than Blarney Castle.

Regards!

UK

20. Stonehendge in England, biggest disappointment.

The photographs lie about its size, making it look a lot taller and massive than it is.

It is located in the middle of a traffic intersection of at least two major highways, with high-speed traffic zooming by within feet of Stonehenge. To get to it you need to go through a tunnel under one of the highways.

D.M. Fryer

Russia

21. Russia Bus Drivers

Russia, several years ago. Bus Driver commits some minor traffic infraction to help out day guide-gets ticketed-tourleader explains massive fine, everyone chips in, sympathetic to plight.
2 years later-different driver & day guide-same scheme, this time license suspended for short period, can’t feed family, same sympathy ploy.
Local resident laughs and explains all of them will split the donations with the cop later. Sometimes it’s a phone call, drivers child hospitalized, he loses job if he calls for a sub driver instead of taking group back to ship.
Also said it doesn’t work with French or Netherland tour groups, only sometimes with Aussies, but Americans are always a good haul.

Canada

22. Niagara Falls Boat Trips

Now for the best tourist trap. We were in Niagara Falls ON and saw
two kinds of boats going to the falls. One was a large boat packed
with people – the other was a much smaller boat with just a few
people on the rail. After watching for awhile, we realized that the
big crowded boats were from the Canadian side, while the small boats
came from Niagara Falls NY. So we walked across the bridge to the US
(probably much more difficult now after 9/11) and had a great trip,
standing in the bow of this little boat that went right up to the
falls. But do it from the US side. otherwise it is a rip off.

Gil Fuld
Keene NH

Spain

23. Entrance to Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

I would have to say paying to enter the grounds of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona ranks right up there, as you really appreciate the architecture better from a distance, and the tour is overpriced, plus they make you make a significant deposit (credit card or passport or 50 euros) to rent a 3.50 euro headset – as if I would want to lug that around the rest of my time in Barcelona.

Rebecca Fonner
Kalamazoo Mi

Morocco

24. Arts And Craft School, Tangiers

My tourist trap experience was visiting a “famous school of arts and crafts” in Tangiers, Morocco. My husband and I were traveling through Spain, and decided to take the ferry across from Algeciras to Tangiers for a few days. We had been warned that as soon as we got off the boat, we’d be assailed by people wanted to act as our guides, and it was best just to pick someone so as not to be harassed for the rest of the trip. That part turned out to be true, and our guide took us through the souk and the Casbah and we had some interesting experiences. That is, until he took us to Tangiers most famous school of arts and crafts, AKA a carpet factory!

Once inside, we were trapped, and spent three hours trying to convince someone that no, we really didn’t need to haul three rugs back to NYC with us! Finally we purchased one small rug and we were able to escape.

Annette

Caribbean

25. High pressure selling, Jamaica

While stopping in Jamaica on a cruise; my husband and I went on a guided tour. The tour included a stop at a shopping ‘area’. We were not allowed to shop where we wanted, we were guided to the back (supposedly to share the wealth with those vendors). My husband and I were immediately separated from each other by the vendors, I was blocked in a shop prevented from leaving; after buying something I was then ‘encouraged’ to have a braid put in my hair and I did, but they didn’t stop at one. Two more females stepped up and promptly had my whole head braided in 5 minutes flat and wanted to charge me $50! They said we had agreed on this! I agreed to pay $5! So I offered them $20 and ‘escaped’ quickly! Next, a man asked my husband his name as well as his wife’s name- I wasn’t there; remember we were separated? He then immediately carved our names on 2 salt shaker size carved pieces of wood and trapped my husband into paying $40 for these!!!!!!!!! We didn’t have enough cash so they basically held my husband hostage as I RAN all the way back to the ship to withdraw some more cash and RAN back to pay them!!!!!!!!!!! Never again!!!!!!!!!!!

Diane Pankratz, RN, BSN, MLC

26. Caribbean Hotels

No specific hotel, but having just returned from the Caribbean island of St Kitts, the Marriott Resort – like any other with a captive audience — charging unconsionably high prices for food, wine, laundry, etc. — and the ONLY alternatives within walking distance know that, so they charge virtually the same.

Art Kosatka

Travel Websites

27. Hotel Booking Websites

I think the biggest tourist trap is to book hotel rooms online … select an upscale room … then arrive at hotel and get some lame excuse why the room is not available (the people in the room decided to stay over 3 extr days is usually what you hear). To get the room you paid for, you have to get mad, demand to see the manager, and threaten to report the hotel to the internet site you used for booking.

ALWAYS carry a paper copy of your reservation … do not let the hotel touch it …. because it will disappear ….

Howard

Airlines

28. British Airways

I used an on line booking agency to make my reservations through British
Airway and they did not make the connecting flight arrangements
correctly. I called British Airways directly and an agent walked me
through fixing the problem by having me book another connecting flight
ticket to correct the first mistake. I did not mind paying the
additional money if it made the trip correct. Then after the fact I
was told by British Airway that I could not use that ticket or it would
make the rest of my itinerary invalid. And they removed my name from
the roster of the corrected flight so I could not go on that flight –
but they did not refund the money. So British Airways wins as my
biggest tourist mistake. When I got home I wrote a letter and received
a 53 cent refund for $700 in tickets.

Brenda Guardala

Taxis

29. European Taxi Drivers

Biggest tourist trap we ran into was taxi’s that went way out of their way to get you to your hotel. They charge outrages prices for anyone with two suitcases – you need a van for that or two taxi’s. But we did notice after a day they went the long way to get you back to the hotel. We even commented on it so the driver took the next left (we were two blocks away). It cost us twice as much since he took the scenic route.

Thank you

C. Shelton