Who Lives In A Vacation Destination and What Are Your Observations?
Jun 7th, 2006, 03:26 PM
#42
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Since I lie in Honolulu, a total tourist destination, I'd have to say we experience the same things as many of you. We can definitely tell tourists by the clothes they wear and the footwear!
Why oh why do tourists like to jaywalk? And why do they drive so rudely? You rarely see locals jaywalking, except downtown because the traffic is less busy. And most tourists refer to Waikiki (96815) as downtown, whereas the locals know that downtown is the financial district (96813).
Why oh why do tourists like to jaywalk? And why do they drive so rudely? You rarely see locals jaywalking, except downtown because the traffic is less busy. And most tourists refer to Waikiki (96815) as downtown, whereas the locals know that downtown is the financial district (96813).
Jun 7th, 2006, 03:41 PM
#44
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kmpordagee, I could have written your post. I too live in a suburb of San Diego and am not too much bothered by tourists.
I have learned patience while driving, I just wish that people would learn that it is okay to turn right on a red light!
I feel sorry for the tourist
I have learned patience while driving, I just wish that people would learn that it is okay to turn right on a red light!
I feel sorry for the tourist
Jun 7th, 2006, 03:43 PM
#45
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darn hit the post button too soon.
I was just going to say, I feel sorry for the tourists who come here in June. I don't live far from the ocean and it looks like Feb. from my window and it's chilly too. This morning it was wet outside.
I was just going to say, I feel sorry for the tourists who come here in June. I don't live far from the ocean and it looks like Feb. from my window and it's chilly too. This morning it was wet outside.
Jun 7th, 2006, 03:43 PM
#46
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So GoTravel, why haven't you told us where YOU live?
I get the feeling that tourists are considered a nuisance almost everywhere due to heavy traffic, crowded beaches, etc. OK, doesn't anyone want to applaud how they bring in the big bucks? Is anyone here a shop keeper, motel, or restaurant owner?
I like the comment that we are all tourists at some time or other.
ozarksbill
(home of Bass Pro, nearby caves and streams, and Branson of course...off to St. Louis soon for Phantom show and Cardinal game)
I get the feeling that tourists are considered a nuisance almost everywhere due to heavy traffic, crowded beaches, etc. OK, doesn't anyone want to applaud how they bring in the big bucks? Is anyone here a shop keeper, motel, or restaurant owner?
I like the comment that we are all tourists at some time or other.
ozarksbill
(home of Bass Pro, nearby caves and streams, and Branson of course...off to St. Louis soon for Phantom show and Cardinal game)
Jun 7th, 2006, 04:15 PM
#47
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Oh, I'm thrilled they are here, don't get me wrong. we just had a recordbreaking tourist year, and I'm glad that I live in a town vibrant and interesting enough that people want to come here. However, I do like being able to walk down the street (if you know what I mean)
Oh, and MelissaHI, here it is the tourists that don't jaywalk
Oh, and MelissaHI, here it is the tourists that don't jaywalk
Jun 7th, 2006, 05:10 PM
#48
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MMS and Scarlett, I feel your pain. I live on the Monterey Peninsula and had to read the aforementioned drivel for years. How can one be in Oregon, Cambria, Santa Barbara and the wine country all at the same time and be an expert on everything?
What drives me nuts is the traffic. Our highways are clogged during events and on Fri-Sun. Driving to downtown on a Fri to pick up take-out can be a pain because of the tourists crossing everywhere. They do support the area so you have to put up with it and kindly so. We try to hunker down during big events or sometimes, just give in and participate.
What drives me nuts is the traffic. Our highways are clogged during events and on Fri-Sun. Driving to downtown on a Fri to pick up take-out can be a pain because of the tourists crossing everywhere. They do support the area so you have to put up with it and kindly so. We try to hunker down during big events or sometimes, just give in and participate.
Jun 7th, 2006, 08:46 PM
#50
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I have lived in Las Vegas for almost a million years. I welcome all the tourists, jay walkers, sidewalk blockers, and everyone else. My wife and son work in the tourist industry. They work crappy hours but so do I in my non-tourist related job.
By the way....lots of people post "is it too hot to visit Las Vegas during summer?" Well, I have never looked up the stats, but for some reason it seems that is when most people DO visit us here. Maybe it just seems like that.
I think most people that do not live here call our state "Nevarda"
By the way....lots of people post "is it too hot to visit Las Vegas during summer?" Well, I have never looked up the stats, but for some reason it seems that is when most people DO visit us here. Maybe it just seems like that.
I think most people that do not live here call our state "Nevarda"
Jun 8th, 2006, 05:05 AM
#53
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nevada? is that so important how one pronounces it?
Should I get upset so many posters write "Manhatten?"
The next thing you know you are going to be upset about tourists with an accent. Embrace diversity!
Should I get upset so many posters write "Manhatten?"
The next thing you know you are going to be upset about tourists with an accent. Embrace diversity!
Jun 8th, 2006, 05:20 AM
#54
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OzarksBill, I live on the coast of South Carolina. I didn't mention it because I thought everyone knew. Sorry!
I no longer view the tourists as a necessary evil, after all I could not live here if they didn't visit, but as a wonderful resource.
I do with they would change a few behaviors.
Yes, I do in fact live here. Taking the bus from Toledo was a pain every day so I just moved here.
Yes, as locals we live in houses and our kids go to schools.
No, the ALASKAN crab legs are not local. I cannot believe how many times I've been asked that question.
The left lane is not for sightseeing so please stop going 10 miles under the speed limit and get into the right lane. People are trying to pass you.
I no longer view the tourists as a necessary evil, after all I could not live here if they didn't visit, but as a wonderful resource.
I do with they would change a few behaviors.
Yes, I do in fact live here. Taking the bus from Toledo was a pain every day so I just moved here.
Yes, as locals we live in houses and our kids go to schools.
No, the ALASKAN crab legs are not local. I cannot believe how many times I've been asked that question.
The left lane is not for sightseeing so please stop going 10 miles under the speed limit and get into the right lane. People are trying to pass you.
Jun 8th, 2006, 05:24 AM
#55
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ah ... I've always found local shibboleths amusing. I made some Seattleites laugh when I last visited because I needed some help with exactly how one said "Puget Sound" .... speaking of pronouncation, it is probably a good thing Woscester, Mass. is not a huge tourist destination, or nobody would be able to find it.
Jun 8th, 2006, 06:27 AM
#56
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Vittrad, I know that feeling exactly too, but as I've aged I realized something- and that's the fact that I walk about twice the speed of anyone else, almost anywhere I go. And so do most of the people who live and work in downtown Chicago.
It's not just the tourist "stop" pattern in the wrong place, it's more like a car not going to speed in traffic- there's no way to merge and progress with the flow around them. The flow IS very brisk, and so any kind of slower stroll becomes an impediment. I noticed my last trip that it just isn't the tourists, because native Chicagoans with bulky shopping bags or any older people were routinely getting over-ran as well.
Anywhere I go (hiking, shopping, parks, zoos, out for a walk etc.) there is always an issue with me and my group, that I'm walking too fast between the venues. I purposely try to slow my walk and it is almost painful to me. I know that sounds ridiculous, but nevertheless it's true. Kind of like trying to hold your arms out at your sides over a long period of time.
And I have detested Taste of Chicago since its third year, and refuse to go.
Nothing is cooked correctly and it is a zoo. Go to the restaurant and get the real thing for less in peace.
Navy Pier- I remember when it was a pier and then a school. It's not the worst, just generic- but it's easy for the tourist to get their mind around and 1 spot user friendly so that's why it draws. DO NOT EAT THERE. And go shopping in the real stores.
Many, many of the tourist choices on restaurants in any tourist location are those because of the marketing. My biggest tip on people coming to Chicago is to get OUT of the main drags and off on to the side streets for restaurants, and also research on metromix.
And I did a little research on it once, and I am really not sure that the average Chicagoan is "bettered" by the tourist industry all that much economically. Many of the them never get a street plowed, nor repaved in a timely manner- have to wait for rat patrol etc. Of course there are great cultural advantages, but with 23 million spent on "the bean"- I just don't know. Conventions always came regardless. Many people much wiser than I say na.
But the one real tourism perk, IMHO, is that the activity levels, in LOOP area especially, have become so elevated that residency return and gentrification has occurred and IS expanding. That is only 1 small part though. A huge city like Chicago gets only a small bit of its economical prosperity by tourism, there is a much larger portion coming from the business (industry, corporate headquaters, banking etc.)taxes and accoutrements.
My biggest cheer for a city is when I see them court and win business. There are all kinds of ways to do so that reflect on the natives taxes more than tourism does. And that, in the Northern USA anyway, brings far more $$ into the city than tourism does. Woodridge, IL just scored a humongous coup this week, winning another corporate headquarters arrival. Chicago needs to win many back from their suburbs (give them tax windows etc.) to give REAL economic advantage to its natives. The rest of the beauty will follow. Look who built the best: Wards, Sears, Field's, Merchandise Mart, Hancock, Prudential etc. etc. etc. You didn't need to spend $23 million of the publics' funds to do it either.
It's not just the tourist "stop" pattern in the wrong place, it's more like a car not going to speed in traffic- there's no way to merge and progress with the flow around them. The flow IS very brisk, and so any kind of slower stroll becomes an impediment. I noticed my last trip that it just isn't the tourists, because native Chicagoans with bulky shopping bags or any older people were routinely getting over-ran as well.
Anywhere I go (hiking, shopping, parks, zoos, out for a walk etc.) there is always an issue with me and my group, that I'm walking too fast between the venues. I purposely try to slow my walk and it is almost painful to me. I know that sounds ridiculous, but nevertheless it's true. Kind of like trying to hold your arms out at your sides over a long period of time.
And I have detested Taste of Chicago since its third year, and refuse to go.
Nothing is cooked correctly and it is a zoo. Go to the restaurant and get the real thing for less in peace.
Navy Pier- I remember when it was a pier and then a school. It's not the worst, just generic- but it's easy for the tourist to get their mind around and 1 spot user friendly so that's why it draws. DO NOT EAT THERE. And go shopping in the real stores.
Many, many of the tourist choices on restaurants in any tourist location are those because of the marketing. My biggest tip on people coming to Chicago is to get OUT of the main drags and off on to the side streets for restaurants, and also research on metromix.
And I did a little research on it once, and I am really not sure that the average Chicagoan is "bettered" by the tourist industry all that much economically. Many of the them never get a street plowed, nor repaved in a timely manner- have to wait for rat patrol etc. Of course there are great cultural advantages, but with 23 million spent on "the bean"- I just don't know. Conventions always came regardless. Many people much wiser than I say na.
But the one real tourism perk, IMHO, is that the activity levels, in LOOP area especially, have become so elevated that residency return and gentrification has occurred and IS expanding. That is only 1 small part though. A huge city like Chicago gets only a small bit of its economical prosperity by tourism, there is a much larger portion coming from the business (industry, corporate headquaters, banking etc.)taxes and accoutrements.
My biggest cheer for a city is when I see them court and win business. There are all kinds of ways to do so that reflect on the natives taxes more than tourism does. And that, in the Northern USA anyway, brings far more $$ into the city than tourism does. Woodridge, IL just scored a humongous coup this week, winning another corporate headquarters arrival. Chicago needs to win many back from their suburbs (give them tax windows etc.) to give REAL economic advantage to its natives. The rest of the beauty will follow. Look who built the best: Wards, Sears, Field's, Merchandise Mart, Hancock, Prudential etc. etc. etc. You didn't need to spend $23 million of the publics' funds to do it either.
Jun 8th, 2006, 06:43 AM
#57
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I live in Jamaica - Montego Bay to be exact.
Locals avoid touristy stuff like the plague and if we do occasionally visit a touristy places it's usually with tourist relatives or friends.
Locals do not take JUTA (tourist transportation) buses or taxis. They're totally overpriced! We take "robot" taxis Much...much cheaper BUT they go pretty fast! Not for the faint at heart!
Locals do not think Jamaica is paradise or even remotely in the vicinity of paradise. We have to work like everybody else...groan when it's Monday morning, are drained when it's Friday and have to put up with all the traffic caused by the tourists!
We avoid downtown Mobay when cruise ships are in town.
Tourists believe the adverts that everyone living here is black (??) and are all rastas sitting under coconut trees smoking spliffs calling out "no problem mon!" all day, while listening to Bob Marley. b-(
Locals wonder where that advert was shot!
BUT HEY! we love tourists! Tourism is our greatest income generator! So y'awl come back ...real soon, yu hear!
Locals avoid touristy stuff like the plague and if we do occasionally visit a touristy places it's usually with tourist relatives or friends.
Locals do not take JUTA (tourist transportation) buses or taxis. They're totally overpriced! We take "robot" taxis Much...much cheaper BUT they go pretty fast! Not for the faint at heart!
Locals do not think Jamaica is paradise or even remotely in the vicinity of paradise. We have to work like everybody else...groan when it's Monday morning, are drained when it's Friday and have to put up with all the traffic caused by the tourists!
We avoid downtown Mobay when cruise ships are in town.
Tourists believe the adverts that everyone living here is black (??) and are all rastas sitting under coconut trees smoking spliffs calling out "no problem mon!" all day, while listening to Bob Marley. b-(
Locals wonder where that advert was shot!
BUT HEY! we love tourists! Tourism is our greatest income generator! So y'awl come back ...real soon, yu hear!
Jun 8th, 2006, 06:59 AM
#58
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In NYC, you can usually pick out female tourists on the subway by the way they clutch their purses and stare at you like you could be a mugger.
And the clothing, always the clothing.
The slow walking is a dead giveaway, but I understand that you need to slow down when you don't know where you're going and also taking in the sights. The only time it drives me crazy is on my way to/from work.
You can also tell from a block away when you are about to be approached for directions.
And most locals get the hell out of town during the summer!
And the clothing, always the clothing.
The slow walking is a dead giveaway, but I understand that you need to slow down when you don't know where you're going and also taking in the sights. The only time it drives me crazy is on my way to/from work.
You can also tell from a block away when you are about to be approached for directions.
And most locals get the hell out of town during the summer!
Jun 8th, 2006, 07:14 AM
#60
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I lived just outside of Waikiki for a year. The closest I came to knowing anybody involved in the tourism industry were the Hawaiian/Aloha pilots and FAs in my building, and my friend's husband, who was a chef at one of the restaurants at the Halekulani. Residents get very good discounts, both on attractions and hotels. They also get better, friendlier service (like upgrades). We'd notice that if we went to a restaurant or bar (or hotel if visiting a neighbor island), anyone working there would noticibily relax when they heard we lived in Honolulu.
As far as annoying things tourists do, one of the things that annoyed me most was assuming knowledge of something when they're wrong. They also ask a lot of dumb questions. My proximity to Diamond Head meant I got a lot of questions about how to get there, but somebody once asked me what side of the street it's on! Um, there's the street, there's the mountain.
"Only tourists feel the need to talk to strangers around them on the Staten Island Ferry."
That's true in Hawaii in restaurants, shops, etc. The tourists are very willing to chat with strangers.
As far as annoying things tourists do, one of the things that annoyed me most was assuming knowledge of something when they're wrong. They also ask a lot of dumb questions. My proximity to Diamond Head meant I got a lot of questions about how to get there, but somebody once asked me what side of the street it's on! Um, there's the street, there's the mountain.
"Only tourists feel the need to talk to strangers around them on the Staten Island Ferry."
That's true in Hawaii in restaurants, shops, etc. The tourists are very willing to chat with strangers.
