What's your worst experience as a tourist?

@sol_cee (38224)
Philippines
April 28, 2016 11:07pm CST
One of the highlights of my vacation last year was a short trip to Taal Volcano. They say it is the Philippines’ equivalent to Oregon’s famous Crater Lake and is equally popular not only because it is the smallest active volcano in the world but because it has a lake of its own inside its crater. What’s more amazing is that the volcano itself is surrounded by another bigger lake. Imagine a lake within a volcano within a lake! Certainly it offers one of the most picturesque views I have ever seen. No doubt about filling one’s eyes with gusto way beyond the satisfaction level. But there’s always a catch. It’s sad to see local people robbing the tourists blind. They overcharge you every single chance they can so you need to be as skillful as the professional haggler you are. And I so hate haggling. The motorized boat which took us from the city proper cost an arm and leg but it was okay. We didn’t mind that. With excitement pumping, we just wanted so badly to reach the spot and paid the money in haste. However when we reached the island, we were greeted by a throng of local people aggressively selling their expensive wares- from mineral water to large buri hats to surgical masks. Not to mention those who have cameras asking you to pose for a picture and then later handing you smeared printouts they call photograph at lo and behold, 350 pesos a piece! I almost lost interest and wanted to leave immediately when the person-in-charge of the horseback riding tour arrogantly told us the excessive fee acting as if we didn’t have a choice at all. Simply that’s one way to kill the local tourism industry. Inept people who milk customers like they're cash cows and acting as self-important as NASA. Long story short, I kept my cool thanks to the wonderful scenery all around me and the hardworking horse guide who amused me with funny tales all throughout the 30 minute climb to the peak while making it a point I didn’t fall. She deliberately asked for a tip though. Conclusion: Taal Volcano is epic. In fact that’s one thing checked off my bucket list. I just hope others won’t experience what I had. The place has great potential if managed by the right people. What a waste it would be if nothing is done. Picture is of the lake within the volcano within the lake.
19 people like this
17 responses
• United States
29 Apr 16
Wow! It's beautiful! I would love to see that in person! And I'm glad you didn't fall off your horse. lol :) Oh and I'm not sure what my worst tourist experience was. I've been to a few places and they all want money for this or that.
2 people like this
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
29 Apr 16
Even in the US? Really?
1 person likes this
• United States
29 Apr 16
@sol_cee I think it depends where you're going, but you always have people trying to charge you for something. I have to pay for parking just to take my son to the hospital for a doctors visit. :/
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
29 Apr 16
@pinkCardigangirl People here are so disciplined. So honest. Maybe that's why tourism is a booming industry here.
@annierose (18926)
• Philippines
29 Apr 16
It is really stunning. My boyfriend had been to several countries and he told me that Philippines is the best. When it comes to touristy places, there are tons here in the Philippines. It is just disappointing that the kind of people like what you mentioned are not only found in the area of Taal. They can also be found in other touristy areas where foreigners flock. I think I have heard same complaints about people in Vietnam acting like that too. I am not sure yet because I haven't been there.
1 person likes this
@annierose (18926)
• Philippines
11 May 16
@sol_cee Because of the new president?
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
11 May 16
@annierose because people will have the urge and the willingness to change now.
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
11 May 16
Change is coming my dear.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72317)
• Philippines
29 Apr 16
Cool woman always wins! Couldn't seem to remember any bad experience as a tourist. And i hope not to experience anything bad at all.
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
11 May 16
The goddess was at my side that time, whispering not to let me lose my cool. lol
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (72317)
• Philippines
11 May 16
@sol_cee thanks for listening.
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
1 May 16
When the population is poor this is a common experience.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61050)
• United States
12 May 16
@sol_cee I guess, they are counting on the income to survive and while it is annoying it is a way to help them.
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
11 May 16
I see. It all boils down to poverty.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246452)
• United States
29 Apr 16
We've been very lucky on all of our travels. The worst thing that happened to me was that my credit card was compromised in Sweden, but my bank took card of it immediately and automatically. I wasn't aware of it until I got home and found a new card, letter, and email waiting for me. Your photo is gorgeous!!!!!
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
11 May 16
Not as gorgeous and elegant as you.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246452)
• United States
16 May 16
@sol_cee Awww, you are so sweet. Many thanks!
1 person likes this
@AnneEJ (4917)
• Dollard-Des-Ormeaux, Quebec
29 Apr 16
It seems that they have taken a lot of the beautiful places of our world and made them into a Tourist Trap. That is true of Niagara Falls here in Canada. Restaurants, hotels, parking, etc. has gone up to much in price the last few years, that it is a very expensive place to visit.
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
11 May 16
But people would still be willing to pay the price just to get a glimpse of that nature wonder. Have you? Envy envy.
1 person likes this
@AnneEJ (4917)
• Dollard-Des-Ormeaux, Quebec
12 May 16
@sol_cee I used to live not too far from the Falls. And I have spend a weekend there for the past three years in May. Last year, our hotel was close enough to walk to the Falls. This year they moved the venue to Toronto, so it will be quite different.
@1hopefulman (45125)
• Canada
2 May 16
Wow, a lake withing a volcano, within a lake! I'm glad you were able to enjoy God's handiwork. Once again, we see how greed can spoil something beautiful. I have only visited a few places and overall it wasn't a bad experience as I wasn't charged an arm and a leg.
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
11 May 16
Amazing handiwork by God indeed. If not for the humans, the trip was fantastic. My eyes were satisfied. Fully.
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
11 May 16
You should have recorded everything down in your phone, and complain to the tourism board. They will take action if they receive complaint. However, if it is your words against the locals, they are not likely to do anything much except to give a warning. If they have video or voice recording, they will take action.
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
11 May 16
Nah. Change is coming in the Philippines.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90727)
• Philippines
29 Apr 16
I have been to Tagaytay and have seen that from afar but not as close as that . It's beautiful . Grabe , the guide really asked for the tip !
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
29 Apr 16
Lol yes. Grabe. And vendors up in the peak would say "Don't you wanna buy bottled water for your thirsty horse guide?" with all the innuendo they could muster.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90727)
• Philippines
30 Apr 16
@sol_cee So intimidating style of selling.
@PatZAnthony (14752)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
1 May 16
Lost luggage! Really not so terrible considering what could happen!
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
11 May 16
Lost and never found?
@DeborahDiane (39965)
• Laguna Woods, California
30 Apr 16
It can be scary to have a terrible vacation experience. We arrived at a hotel in Jamaica one time, the day after revolutionaries had gone into the hotel and killed everyone in the lobby. That stopped us cold. We did almost no sight-seeing during our trip to Jamaica. There were soldiers everywhere while we were there, and we just stayed in our hotel as much as possible. Terrifying!
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
11 May 16
Wow! Sounds like a movie plot. Glad you were safe.
@cintol (11278)
• United States
29 Apr 16
That picture is beautiful, I would love to visit but hate being taken advantage of and don't like when people ask for tips.
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
11 May 16
I don't know from your side but tips are unknown from where I'm at now.
@ridingbet (66861)
• Philippines
29 Apr 16
yes, and these ribbers rob even us Pinoys. I have not yet gone to Taal, but went there when my son was still 2 years young
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
11 May 16
Did you also ride a motorized banca?
1 person likes this
@ridingbet (66861)
• Philippines
11 May 16
@sol_cee yes, here in one of the tourist spots of our place where you have to ride on a motorized banca to reach that cave.
@jacksta1 (111)
• Indonesia
30 Apr 16
An amazing and beautiful place naturally. Very interesting for tourists.
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
11 May 16
You're goin?
@LadyDuck (455039)
• Switzerland
29 Apr 16
The place looks amazing, what a shame it's not managed by the right people.
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
11 May 16
Amazingly beautiful. If only.
• Canada
29 Apr 16
The picture is definately amazing, like wow. I'm lucky that when I've travelled things haven't been that bad-of course, well, I'm kinda cheap when I travel, so I don't normally have huge expenses either;)
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
29 Apr 16
There's nothing wrong with cheap travel. I like it too.
1 person likes this
@sunrisefan (28650)
• Philippines
29 Apr 16
Perfect shot Madam Sol. Did you take the shot yourself?
1 person likes this
@sol_cee (38224)
• Philippines
29 Apr 16
The credit goes to the subject.
1 person likes this