#touristtraps

[mitchellkriegman]

Finally! Just what I was looking for! #touristtraps (at Armazém) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5BcmuAlTnt/?igshid=1mdgmlf5osn32

[the-q-method]

#touristtraps at #cdmx🇲🇽 . #landmark #unnecessaryhashtags #newyear #photographer #bellasartes #palaciodebellasartes #sculpture #humanbody #architecture #classicalarchitecture #classicalart #culture #mexico #mexicanart #artsyfartsy (en Palacio de Bellas Artes) https://www.instagram.com/p/BsXTI3vh8OY/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ar5k7kz8kaps

[kiev-walks]

These may be great for getting a map and directions, but for changing money. The $ rate around the corner was ₴27.15. #firsttimeinkyiv #kiev #kyiv #touristtrap #touristtraps (at Kyiv, Ukraine)

[videoki77]

"..we keep this love in this photograph We made these memories for ourselves Where our eyes are never closing Hearts were never broken And time's forever frozen still.." #edsheeran #kevinsfotografikexperience #brugge #bnwphotography #sayangsmakingmemories #potd #touristtraps #lyricsoftoday #lovingcanheal #lovingcanmendasoul #watercalmsthesoul #poetry #lyricsquote #frameyourlife

[nrcsa-blog]

How to Avoid Tourist Gimmicks and Travel Authentically

It can be hard to have an authentic travel experience when you're immersed in a new country, a new culture, a new way of life. Navigating through it is difficult if you're not prepared properly. It doesn't help when novice travelers are stuck in their ways, reluctant to try a new experience because they're uncertain what results will come from it. In this globalized culture, it's easy to find home comforts in far away lands, do yourself a favor and try not to do them while you're abroad.

Although it may be uncomfortable, challenge yourself to try new things in new places. Sure, sight-seeing is great and should be on everyone's travel to-do list, but it is only more enhanced when you compliment it with an authentic culture or dining endeavor. Don't do the same things and go to the same places that you would go to at home; you're not giving yourself any chance to finding that penultimate experience that will characterize the memory of your trip.

This is a big request. Sometimes it's hard to plan a lot before going on a trip due to a busy schedule leading up to vacation. Try to make this step fun for yourself; envision yourself in the quaint cafe or raucous nightclub you're looking up.

Research is key when it comes to authentic travel. Sites such as TripAdvisor.com and www.couchsurfing.org will serve you well when looking for the right things to do. These sites find and depend upon local residents of a given city to lend advice to those who may only visit for a few days. There you can find the best local food, drink, and activities wherever you go.

The National Registration Center for Study Abroad (NRCSA) has experienced staff and hundreds of resourceful program options to help you plan a trip that's educational and culturally authentic. With hundreds of programs all over the world and an intense focus on language immersion for all students, NRCSA lays the groundwork to create an abroad experience true to the culture you visit.

Traveling is enhanced by great organization and an idea of what you want to see and do while you're abroad. This will help to avoid tourist traps and general confusion that is easy to fall into when in an unfamiliar setting.

By Natasha Anderson 

[thingsidoinsteadofwork]

This reminds me of the time my sister and I were stopped and asked to name a good indian restaurant in the area. The tourists did not realize we were Indian food connoisseurs and the two of us promptly got into a fight over which Indian restaurant was the best. The tourists ended up at my favorite restaurant (I admit I argued louder). Later my sister and I found out my mom and dad were there having dinner and chatting with the owner (my dad may have been the guy's best customer a couple years ago)