Popular Travel Advice You Should NEVER Take!
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Spring break is here, and many of us are jetting off to awesome locations across the country and worldwide. When telling people about a trip, you’ll often receive some advice if they have traveled to that location or near it.
Recently on a travel board, a forum user asked, “What is some travel advice that’s frequently given out that you disagree with?” People came to the boards with all the different types of travel advice they often ignore.
Avoid “Touristy” Locations
One Redditor said, “I don’t automatically dismiss something that is touristy. I am a tourist.”
To which another responded, “The first time I went to Paris, I was told not to waste too much time on touristy stuff, or I’d miss the real city. Dude, you have the Louvre!”
Just Wing It
A user suggested, “Post-Covid, telling travelers they should just wing it and show up without plans or reservations is an absolutely terrible idea given how so many restaurants, bars, shops, museums, touristic sites, transport services, guided tours, etc. have shut down or substantially reduced hours and availability, with many more things now requiring bookings well in advance to take part.”
Don’t Worry About Reservations
A Redditor posted this, “Don’t make reservations. I mean- you do you. But I love planning everything out ahead of time, and not having reservations would literally make me have a panic attack.”
“It’s Not Worth VIsiting.”
One person replied, “When people say places aren’t worth visiting. I understand the argument when you’re trying to decide between destinations, but if the destination is up against staying home, always go if you can afford it since you will make memories there that will be worth it. Just think about how much you actually remember all the time you spend at home, kind of just hanging about.”
Another said, “I agree, but I also hate it when people say someplace isn’t worth visiting without context. It’s the same with people asking for the most popular or best option, not caring about context.”
Hotel Doesn’t Matter
A Redditor commented, “Your hotel doesn’t matter because you won’t be spending time there anyways.” I have insomnia and hate dirty spaces, so if I’m not comfortable, I can’t relax, and then the days are ruined.”
Another added, “Yeah, the hotel definitely matters to me too. I need to be well rested and feel safe. I was in Rome and loved my hotel. Another couple we met chose an AirBnB and they didn’t even have a locking exterior door. No thanks!!!”
Wait To Book Flights
One user suggested, “Wait to book your flight until 4:00 pm on a Tuesday” this drives me absolutely bonkers.”
To which someone commented, “Yeah, airlines are constantly updating prices and routes. There’s no hardline drawn on what day they are allowed to make changes. If the price is right for you, buy the fare and keep planning the rest of your trip.”
No Organized Tours
Someone mentioned, “Avoid organized tours (whether the whole trip, a weekend, a day, only one activity). There’s a reason they exist, and while it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, sometimes it’s nice having someone else do the coordinating for you and even better if you’re visiting a historical site to have a guide who is knowledgeable talk to you about it (vs reading it yourself while walking/trying to look). I’ll say. Personally, I’ve had more enriching experiences visiting the same places with a tour guide than some of my friends who went there solo.”
Timeline Advice
A Redditor commented, “You can see <insert city> in a day.”
A second user replied, “You need over a week in X city. As an American, I’m taking a 20+ hour trip costing 1/3 the total travel budget and probably losing a day to jet lag on 0 paid vacation days. I’d love to spend a week+ in every place I visit, but that would make travel impractical.”
Pack Light
One most liked comment read, “The elaborate advice for packing lightly so you don’t have to check a bag and “waste time”. Do you have to wait a little bit at the baggage belt? Sure. Are you going to waste a lot more time if you run out of clean underwear or need some kind of medication in a foreign country? You betcha, especially if you’re going somewhere, you don’t speak the language or are a different size from the locals. Don’t be a weight weenie. Check a bag if you need to.”
Stay in Hostels
A Redditor commented, “I’ve never stayed in a hostel. I can already tell you it would not be for me. I’m way too picky and untrusting.”
A second commenter replied, “I can’t stand when you say something about not staying in hostels, and then the “just stay in a private room” crowd comes out and tries to convince you otherwise. No thanks, hostels are just not for everyone, private room or otherwise.”
Don’t Look Like A Tourist
A user replied, “Worrying about “looking like a tourist.” I’m going to wear comfy shoes and carry a map, so yeah, I’m not paranoid that people will realize I’m not a local. Just be courteous and don’t be the “ugly American.”
There are A LOT of unwanted travel tips out there, and Redditors really gave some great answers. If you’re traveling for spring break this year, have you received any unsolicited travel tips? What were they?
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