Learn When to Be a Tourist

I accidentally left my backpack, which contained my laptop, at my brother's place over the weekend. Unfortunately, he went away and I couldn't retrieve it.

So…

I am now writing this by hand in a diner. There is something about writing with a pen and paper that makes the words flow more freely. I miss this experience.

I understand that tourist areas can have a bad reputation, but not all of them are undesirable. In fact, there is probably a good reason why tourists flock to these areas. Often, these areas are popular because they offer something worth seeing.

Let me put it in another way.

Tourist hotspots provide a great opportunity to quickly see cultural landmarks, such as statues, museums, and historical sites. These destinations are particularly beneficial because transportation is more accessible, and locals are more likely to speak your language, especially if you speak English.

I'll give an example.

If an international friend is visiting America for the first time, I would bring them to Times Square.

Do I like Times Square?

No, definitely not. It's crowded and there are too many tourists.

However, Times Square is a must-see attraction at least once in a lifetime.

So why do tourist areas have a bad reputation?

Tourist areas are often overpriced and lack the authentic cultural experiences that locals enjoy. Moreover, they can attract criminals such as pickpockets. For instance, in Barcelona, the police will laugh at you if you try to report a missing wallet.

So what’s the solution?

A general guideline I like to follow is to visit the tourist sites, but explore the surrounding areas for fun activities and dining options. This allows me to see the sights while still getting in touch with the locals.

In summary, don't discount touristy areas just because they are popular. There is probably a reason why they are popular and worth seeing.

How do you feel about tourist areas?