Travel Tips

My Personal Philosophy When Traveling

As I stated at the top of the Tips page, it never ceases to amaze me that more tourists don't get themselves into more trouble while traveling. Common sense seems to fly out the window when people are on vacation.

What is he talking about you might ask. Well, consider this: You are a tourist from Canada or the United States, and you decide to buy a souvenir from a shop on the main street of a Mexican town. You pay for your purchase by fishing out your travelers' checks, and peel off a US$50 out of a wad of perhaps 20 ($1,000 worth). You sign the check in front of the clerk, she gives you your change, bags your purchase, and you are off down the street to browse more shops. The clerk is probably honest, but stop to consider the scene from her side of things. She might earn the equivalent of US$1,000 in perhaps six months, if she has a good paying job. More likely, it would take her longer to earn what you are packing around in your purse or wallet as spending money.

The bottom line: If you are from Canada, the U.S., Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan or other affluent countries, you are likely to be considered very wealthy by other people's standards. Conceal your wealth, and only show a limited amount of currency while purchasing goods and services. Not only is it rude to flaunt your (relative) wealth in poorer people's faces, it can be downright dangerous! (See Personal security)

On a more positive note, you should keep in mind that you are traveling in foreign countries:

I realize this is sometimes easier said than done, especially if you have a language barrier. However, try it once, and I guarantee you will enjoy your traveling much more.