Do Local Really Dislike Tourists?
When I travel to a new country, I love to talk to the locals. It feels great to walk around the city centre and listen to them speak in their own language. But sometimes when I go into a shop and they realise I’m a tourist, they’re not very friendly. I still smile, but sometimes I wonder: “Do the locals really like tourists?
It almost feels like I can hear them thinking,
“Why is this tourist here?
This topic is actually quite personal, as everyone’s experience is different. But if we understand some of the little details, we can be more respectful of the locals and make our travels more meaningful
“Why is this tourist here?
This topic is actually quite personal, as everyone’s experience is different. But if we understand some of the little details, we can be more respectful of the locals and make our travels more meaningful
Being Polite Saves You From Embarrassing Situations
As tourists, we really need to take a step back and think for a moment.
When we visit different countries, what may seem perfectly normal to us may be considered rude or disrespectful by the locals. That’s where empathy comes in.
We need to put ourselves in their shoes and be friendly. Especially in cities that depend on tourism for their income, I don’t think the locals are naturally rude to tourists. If you’re polite and respectful, they’ll appreciate you. But let’s face it, if people were rude to you all day, you’d probably get over it too.
A Smile Goes a Long Way
Smiling is a tourist’s most powerful weapon! Whatever you say, whatever you do, just smile. It’s so easy, just open your mouth and show your teeth – but be careful, don’t overdo it or you might make someone think ‘this person must be lost, what is he doing?
Wherever you go, especially if you are a tourist, just smile when you make eye contact with the locals. Sometimes, if you smile in a foreign language, the locals might think, ‘Is that man smiling at me? But don’t worry, a smile is still a smile. But don’t worry, a smile always works. With a smile, you can instantly make a new friend… or at least get rid of the ‘weird tourist’ label.
Wherever you go, especially if you are a tourist, just smile when you make eye contact with the locals. Sometimes, if you smile in a foreign language, the locals might think, ‘Is that man smiling at me? But don’t worry, a smile is still a smile. But don’t worry, a smile always works. With a smile, you can instantly make a new friend… or at least get rid of the ‘weird tourist’ label.
Respect!
When I travel to certain places, I sometimes ask the locals, ‘Do you like tourists? Most of the time I get a ‘yes’ (probably because, you know, I’m a tourist too). But here’s what I’ve noticed – some people really don’t enjoy travelling, and they don’t find it all that exciting. They don’t see travel as this magical thing, and when tourists come to their country, they really just want them to be respectful and not trash the place.
It’s not about the glamour of travel for them. It’s about living their everyday lives, and all they ask is that tourists do the same.
It’s not about the glamour of travel for them. It’s about living their everyday lives, and all they ask is that tourists do the same.