The Sydney Morning Herald has run a clever blog article called Things Not To Try Before You Die (found via Vagabondish) about disappointing travel experiences or destinations the writer recommends we skip.
What’s just as interesting is the article has elicited many replies from people with their own ‘don’t go’ tips. The commenters suggest we avoid:
- Heathrow and Gatwick Airports
- Renting a buggy in Brazil
- Visiting Africa
- Wearing bling in Saigon
- Flying in the US unless you have to
- Cardiff
- Bucharest
- Dodgy public toilets
- Food poisoning in awkward places
- Vienna
- Pisa
- Athens
- Dunedin, New Zealand
- ..and many more. Read the whole article.
The question is, how much do you take other people’s tips into account? I’ve visited places based on recommendations and been disappointed (eg. I was a little underwhelmed by Montreal, which is pretty, but so are other places).
The fact is, such advice can be a godsend or it could prevent you from having an amazing experience because you didn’t find out for yourself. If I really wanted to see a place, my excitement may be curbed a little by a bad review but I wouldn’t let it stop me.
What about you?
July 23rd, 2007 at 8:51 am
When it comes to travel advice I nod politely and just go ahead and do what I want. I do not let others dictate to me where and when I go someplace. Being disappointed in a place is more of a reflection of the mood you are in at that time, not the place itself. Perhaps they did not see the “hidden gems” each place has to offer. I believe that sometimes it is needed that we all look for the unusual in the common place. That is how I find joy in every place I visit.
July 23rd, 2007 at 12:37 pm
I think you definitely have to consider the source. For example, The Sydney Morning Herald suggests avoiding Africa? Just wipe an entire continent off of your list? Seriously?
Obviously I would not follow this advice, but I would never listen to a recommendation by a mainstream publication like the Sydney Morning Herald either, because I know our travel interests and style are completely incompatible.
However, there are many other sources from which I take a lot of tips. Friends and independent travel resources that I do share interests and travel styles with are a great resource that I would never ignore…
July 23rd, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Woops, I think I misread your post.
“Not visiting Africa” is not a recommendation of the Sydney Morning Herald, it is a recommendation by commentators…
Still the idea behind my comment remains unchanged!
July 23rd, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Richard: I agree, there’s always something to see in a new place if you’re willing to look for it.
Rob: Yeah, it was one of the commentators. I think the SMH blogger liked Tanzania. I haven’t been to Africa yet but it’s totally on my list!
July 27th, 2007 at 5:29 am
I’m more inclined to pay attention to advice from people who I know have similar tastes to me.
Kind of like I wouldn’t take movie tips seriously from someone who loved the Titanic.
July 27th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
“Sail the Titanic” – now that was bad travel advice!