Run Away From Tourists

Currently, I'm in Guatapé, Colombia. I've been meaning to visit for over two years. However, there were many setbacks (in the past and on this trip), but I kept at it.

This is my view as I'm writing this. I have no clue about the meaning of life, but this feels good.

There are more places in Colombia that I need to check out. I thought one month would be fine, but it's nowhere near enough. So I'm going to be back again.  

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I don't like tourists. Run from them like the plague.

When I am around too many tourists, my body breaks out in hives, sweats profusely, and yells obscenities.

Why am I writing about this now? 
 I was just in Cartagena, and I liked it there, but there were way too many tourists.

Why I'm not fond of areas with many tourists:

• Everything is more expensive

• Food is not as authentic

• More tourist traps

• Overcrowded

• Hawkers won't give me peace.

Most people believe these things come with the territory of going on vacation, but that's a myth.

Attack of the Hawkers

 Behaviors of tourists that create an undesirable environment for vacation: 

• More likely to splurge

  • A person with limited vacation time will go big when they can finally travel. Thus, money is less of a deciding factor than usual. Actually, the act of spending more money may bring more pleasure.

• Ignorance

  • Tourists are usually foreigners, so they don't know the customs, and it's harder for them to assess quality.

These behaviors are a lethal combination
I get it; I like to party. I was the first to get turnted up when recess let out. But, unfortunately, this lethal combination (splurging and ignorance) is perfect for getting conned because tourists often overpay for an underwhelming experience.

Don’t waste your money on vacation bruh.

Locals have more fun
When staying in Cali, Colombia, I lived like a king and had a blast for a fraction of the cost. For example, I spent more money in 3 days in Cartagena than in 3 weeks in Cali. I'm rushing to go back. 

• Cali is rather touristy too, so it would be even better if I picked a lesser-known city.

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What's your favorite non-touristy area?

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