I am just curious to know the basic expectations of a tourist from a developing country like India. It should be a perfect give and take process, beneficial to both the parties. In India 'Aditi Devo Bhavah" (guest is considered as God) has a prominent place in tourism. To my limited knowledge, following are some of the bare minimum expectations of a tourist : - Good infrastructure facilities - Availability of reliable travel guides - Quick and timely help from authorities Please add your points to make it a comprehensive list.
I reckon for me if I was a tourist it would be protected from the police if I have any problems and also I would want guides who can show me around, and have good knowledge of the area which can be memorable and also nice locations for eating out. I would want transport to be available easily and able to identify a taxi or bus easily with good signage which will make the experience real good and can tell others about it, also communication needs to be good so both sides understand each other and the visit runs smoothly. The travel agent should understand the needs of the customer and listen as well and they can help with any special requests, and also this can make the journey easy and also save some money for the tourist travelling to India and enjoy the trip in the process.
I am Indian, but I have travelled extensively in India by myself and with both Indian and non-Indian friends. Here are some thoughts on what would make for an ideal experience. (1) Affordable, clean and fast public transport. In the absence of public transport, reliable, safe private transport (cabs/cars). (2) Clear signposts, directions etc. in national monuments and heritage sites. A short write up about the significance of places would be awesome. (3) Clean toilets (4) Drinking water (5) English speaking, knowledgable, state-sponsored guides. (6) Ideally, not much of a disparity in entry fees between Indian citizens and non-Indian tourists. Even if such a policy is in place, let it be implemented based on the passport and not one's facial/racial features. (7) Trash cans everywhere. (8) In nature reserves/ jungles clear instructions about how to behave (throwing trash, making noise, drinking) and enforcement of the rules. (9) Availability of maps, free wifi where possible. (10) Friendly people!
I think the list above by @Sramana is just about perfect. The main things I look for are friendly people (I never want to feel unwelcome as a traveller!), clean facilities (hotels/accommodation, as well as when I am out and about - clean restrooms are essential!) a safe and cost friendly way of getting around, ease of getting around (if there's too much of a language barrier it can be intimidating to me!), and I guess overall safety and security - I would never travel somewhere that I really felt my personal safety would be continually at risk.
Same with us, the most we want are the friendly people who we can talk to in English. With clean facilities, we never have gone to a country with a cleanliness issue in their facilities. The most we have encountered with accommodations is the space. Our hotel in Hongkong, in Singapore and in Thailand, they are all cramped as if a walking space is left aside from the bed. And the bathroom is also tiny. But that's about the cost, of course. Safety is another concern although we do not travel at night without an escort.
You know, I never thought about the idea of traveling with an escort at night for safety. I would imagine, you hire escorts from your travel service or the hotel for an extra safety precaution, too? Or as Sramana pointed out: As another safety precaution, as a U.S. citizen, I would enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). I think, it is wise to register with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in all foreign countries when traveling abroad. In reply to your question and adding to the list of basic expectations of a tourist, I would add: Don't expect all the customs to be similar to your country of origin. Respect, learn and understand these differences.
The first thing for me are the prices. I know that they charge tourists five to ten times more for almost everything, this including hotels and sites. I don't like this policy, but as Sramana said, I expect this disparity to not be that crazy. Friendly and hospitable people. No matter what country you're visiting you always want to be treated wth respect and courtesy. Feeling safe - I want to feel that no matter the time of the day or place I'm visiting I'm going to be perfectly safe. Clean toilets - Affordable public transportation - Help during emergencies
I was born and raised in South Africa and I grew up watching lots of Bollywood movies. I was so in love with Amitabh Bachan, I fantasized visiting India, meeting him and of course he would fall madly in love with me and marry me. Lol. I am over my childish fantasy now but I will still be visiting India someday. And what I hope for when I do visit will be: a) Firstly my safety and security. b) To have a good and trustworthy guide that speaks good English c) A clean and safe place to stay d) Safe transportation e) Honest and helpful sales people
@Clara, it's not actually an escort but a tour guide when we were in Bangkok. We availed of a tour package because we really have no idea of their language, Thai sounds so difficult to understand. You are right, we got a tour guide to help us with communications. But it was worth it because we also learned some historical facts and she even informed us of the true name of Bangkok, a long one, whew. The first instructions of the tour guide is about safety, what to do and what not to do.
Sramana has a very good list. Having all these in place and also being assured that timely security assistance will be there frees up your time to soak up the culture everything that goes with it. The tours we went on in India only offered outings during the day. By the second day we got familiar enough with some really nice fellas who spoke some English. We took a chance, as they seemed trustworthy enough, and that's how we got into the Indian nightlife which was totally awesome. Having friendly people will always make you want to go back over and over again.
My basic expectations as a tourist: 1. Safety. It is very important to me that the place I travel to is safe enough for me or my family if I do bring them with me. I'd rather steer clear of a place that can be dangerous for the well being of my loved ones or myself. 2. Easy to use and understand public transport. The instructions has to be in English and transport personnel (like in trains) has to know a basic knowledge of English so we can communicate properly. 3. Clean accommodation. This one is also very important. I am very OCD when it comes to cleanliness. 4. Hospitality. I want to be in a place where people are accommodating and hospitable. 5. Affordable prices. At least with regards to souvenirs and such. Since we are very much a souvenir type of people, we have to have something to give to our family and friends.
I think when a person visits any country in the world they would say their safety is the number one priority. While obviously a person can't expect to be 100% safe, even in your own city and country you can't expect that, but when abroad you should at least expect to be treated fairly by the police and the government of that particular country.
This is a great list, all relevent and important points that people consider before a holiday. In particular, good public transport options at reasonable prices are extremely important to those taking a travelling holiday. A guide to what is considered acceptable behaviour in the host country would also be a benefit as it would make clear the standards of behaviour expected of tourists and thereby cut down on problems for them.
From what i heard and seen about Indian people i would expect them to be warm and kind. I would expect respect from them to me and vice versa of course. From India as from any other country i would expect a lot of historical symbolism, a versatile culture and good food. As for the economy factor which leaves us with the question about infrastructure, hotels, restaurants, hygiene and many other important issues. I am not sure i would be very satisfied but since i like adventures and testing of my abilities that would probably be another reason for me to go. What i really like to know is drinking water. In Serbia we drink tap water. Is this possible in India?
Just to say about the drinking water comment before me, it's mostly because of your immune system why they advise you to do not drink tap water in foreign countries. Once I had a whole waterpolo team to fled home from a championship because their stomachs did not bare the drinking water in Hungary, and we have clean, nice water here.
Some of the basic expectations of tourists are. 1. Safety and Security 2. Quality Food 3. Awesome Journey 4. Best support from local peoples
People, travelers as well as host, should be open to the alien cultures. For example, a visiting tourist should not frown upon local culture and the host should never impose his/her cultural practice.
I absolutely agree. The world we live in callas for action like that. Alienation is no way forward. Judging and criticisms of other people culture can only lead to a less satisfying world and limited opportunities. Ignorance is not bliss. I also do not believe in imposing one's culture and practices on anyone else, regardless of the status of my country. I enjoy traveling and people are usually warm and willing to enjoy your travel experience with you, minus the negatives within each and every society, of course.
I have never thought of it in those terms. I'm more of a 'show me how you live' kind of tourist. I have great infrastructure, clean water, toilets, roads, emergency services and everything else I might need back home. When I travel, I don't expect the place to be exactly like the one I left. I want to experience how those people live their daily lives. I want to become a part of their culture for those few days.
