As someone who works in tourism and makes bank the author here is pretty out of touch with the bigger picture. American tourists are great, they tip more than anybody else. I can’t stand smug European or Australian tourists who act like their culture is better than everybody’s since they don’t. Obviously that’s not everybody, but it’s annoying when they don’t even realize their attitude sucks. It sounds like this author just wanted to rip on Americans. It’s just like, why go with everybody in the industry is underpaid and then slag on Americans the people who will throw money at you if that’s your countries thing. It’s also crap, because as someone in the industry I know how much somebody can make working on cruise ships and it’s not peanuts. What experience does this person have ? Do they know what people working for this company make or are they just assuming ? There’s a valid conversation about limiting tourism so the places are actually enjoyable again, but this article went in such a weird direction.
Yes! Americans are the only ones that would tip me a 20$ after an already pretty expensive tour. While the French would tell me how great it was, and then give me a 4 star review that says "excellent tour". Americans who travel - are usually the open minded, worldly kind. Never met a stereotypical redneck abroad - those people stay home. And sadly, there are not many young american travellers when you compare to other countries you see represented in your Hostel demographic. My guess it's in part because of things like student debt and general lack of a social safety net that only allows privileged peeps to risk going on long trips. I've been in the travel-space a lot over the past years, and it's a constant race to find "underrated" cheap but safe places, before all the tourists get there. Myanmar and Sri Lanka were the latest on that list - but it might have changed in the past few years. It's crazy how even the backpackiest of backpackers, end up following the same routes and going to the same cities and hostels. With people googling their way through the travel, finding real off the beaten track spots is a real challenge. But it's the most rewarding thing ever if you succeed. My best ever and most vivid travel memories have always been those strange side-quests you stumble upon with locals. Amazing places that feel truly secret. Food that is home-cooked. Pristine nature. I love these moments so much, I've made it a point to be the best host i can be if anyone I even vaguely met comes through Montreal.