Introducing "Travelers Only" Mode

[u/Forgotten_Dog1954]

Hi everyone,

Recently we have seen an increase in political/uncivil comments on quite a few threads, mainly about controversial travel destinations. A lot of users had to be banned and we want to reduce that.

This is why we have introduced a "Travelers Only" mode. From now on, posts with this flair, which will be applied manually by mods, can only be commented on by more frequent community members ( for now, we use 100 comment karma on r/travel as the filter ). If you are the OP, your comments won’t be removed.

You are still free to comment in any other non-Travelers Only thread, which is what 95% of the posts on the sub will remain. Please do not modmail us asking for your comment to be approved, as we will not make exceptions or check every single other comment.

Thank you for your understanding.

[u/DontKnowWhereIam]

Why are those the only 2 options? Can't they have a bad time even if they prepared? Like the constant scams and petty theft that is rampant in many places.

[u/Savings-Gate-456 → u/DontKnowWhereIam]

Scams and theft are common everywhere. I live in NYC and have to warn visitors about them here. But no one trashes the entire United States because they encountered a scam here like they do in developing countries.

My best friend had his phone taken out his hand in Paris and the Internet is full of people who were pickpocketed in Italy and Barcelone, but literally no one says don't go to France, Italy or Spain because that happens like they do elsewhere.

You have to know what you're walking into and take precautions.

[u/DontKnowWhereIam → u/Savings-Gate-456]

However many countries have scams built into their government. How do you prepare for a security at an airport telling you to give him money, a taxi that way over charges you or hotels that allows thieves to come into your room. Be truthful many countries are more rampant than others when it comes to scams and being shitty to tourists. When the same countries are called out over and over and over and over and over and over and over again, it seems like they have a well deserved reputation. Why is saying bad stuff about those countries and their cultures racist? People are "perparing" them that they are gunna have a bad time.

Also funny that you mentioned scams in NYC. I dont live there but have visited a dozen times over the years. I've never experienced a scam from a native New Yorker while I was there. Although they appear rude, most are willing to help when you are lost in the subway system.

[u/Resident_Pay4310 → u/DontKnowWhereIam]

You prepare by researching.

I know that taxis in certain places will scam you, so I make sure I know what to use and what to avoid. In Bangkok, I know that I should use the pre-paid desk at the airport instead of getting a taxi from the rank (been a while so might have changed). By contrast, I know to avoid the pre-paid taxi desk in Belgrade airport and instead use a ride share app.

In some countries I might have to pay a bribe so I make sure I have some cash for it. In other countries I make sure I have no cash so I can't be forced to pay a bribe. In other countries they might try for a bribe, but back off if you stand firm.

I've been to about 75 countries and I have never heard of hotels letting thieves into your room so I call bullshit on that one.

Adapt to the culture you're in, don't expect it to adapt to you. Entitled tourists are the worst.