Holiday Destinations #2: New York

There is little that can be said about New York that has never been said before, but if you want to argue about its continuing relevance as a tourist destination, just ask the representatives of the city’s tourist board, who will point to ever-growing numbers of visitors as a proof that people are still bewitched by the city immortalised in song by Frank Sinatra, The Pogues and Alicia Keys (and what other city can claim that?).

New York is just one of those cities that gets under the skin. Not everyone will like it – if you’re not one for masses of humanity then you maybe should give it a miss – but everyone will have an opinion on it, and most people will be able to find something that they love about it. It is also one of the most cosmopolitan cities around – if you are Irish, Italian or just about any other nationality, you’ll find somewhere that feels like home.

New York has some astonishing architecture – even since the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 which removed the World Trade Centre from its imposing skyline. As well as this it has perhaps the greatest menu imaginable for the gastro-tourist, with eateries of all cuisines, and a nightlife that is unmatched by almost any other city in the world.

Like the other great cities of the world, you could put anyone into New York, and with enough time and patience they will find something and somewhere that they love completely. That is the mark of a city worth visiting and returning to – whether you are a theatre buff, a sports lover or an architecture nut, it is a sight to behold.

Holiday Destinations #1: Paris

When the idea of overseas travel is raised, the immediate next question is “Where would your ideal holiday location be?”. And for those who have yet to go, Paris is very often the ultimate idea of a perfect foreign holiday. It is certainly one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and with the number and range of attractions there, it is no surprise that that should be the case.

Any tourist brochure about Paris – with the exception of one dedicated to the lesser-seen sights, anyway – will at the very least make some reference (pictorial or written) to the Eiffel Tower, one of if not the most famous sights that a holiday maker can go to see. It is a remarkable structure, and to see it in person is to know that you are in Paris for real.

It is not the tallest tower in the world, nor the most architecturally innovative, and it is more for what it represents that it is such a big deal. But then again, there is a lot more to Paris. The Arc de Triomphe is another wonderful sight, and the Champs Elysées is one of the most famous roads in the world. Then there is the Louvre museum, which is home to the Mona Lisa among other wonderful works of art.

Due to its importance over the years as a tourist and business centre, Paris has become home to an incredibly diverse range of people, from artists to bankers and many more besides. This means that there is something there for everyone, and with one of the most efficient transport infrastructures in the world, you can see as much of it as you wish.

Travel Broadens The Mind

Although there is less money around for luxuries in the present financial climate, there is no doubt that most of us still really enjoy the opportunity to take a holiday at least once a year. And even though the concept of a “staycation” – a holiday taken in our home country and even our home town in some cases – is more popular than ever, going somewhere further away is still something to desire.

It is not always easily affordable, but the fact is that a foreign holiday has some things that one in your home country just cannot match. Although some of us will always be against the idea of going away to a place with strange customs and a different language, the fact is that travel broadens the mind, provided you allow it to.

Going to a foreign country gives you the chance to see and experience another way of life. It gives you the chance to try different cuisine, see different architecture and feel a different climate. Though this sounds like hell on earth for some people, the best holidays will always be a bit different – if things are always the same, then what makes them special?

It is worth taking a foreign holiday at least once in your life. The experiences that foreign travel will open up to you are ones worth having and repeating – they really do broaden the mind, and the results can be absolutely enthralling. It can change your life.

Representing Your Country Abroad

When you visit another country on holiday, it is easy to kick into holiday mode and relax into what you consider to be down time. And there is nothing wrong with that, but it is important to remember that you are a guest in another country – and therefore you should always endeavor to behave in a way which does not transgress on the tranquility of the host nation.

There is some argument as to what constitutes transgression. Some countries have a policy which discourages open acts of affection in public places – to the point where it is unacceptable to kiss another person on the lips in public. This may seem extreme to some – but the fact of the matter is that if it’s the policy there, it is one you must follow.

In another case, there may be a problem with people on holiday in another country who feel that getting drunk and causing a disturbance is acceptable – because they are on holiday, after all. However, there is a completely understandable feeling that by doing this you disrespect the place where you are on holiday, and make people who live there feel threatened.

The major issue with this is that when you go on holiday, you are not just there as yourself, you truly are representing your home country. If you fall through a glass window while intoxicated on the local wine, you aren’t just some idiot who fell through a window, you are a drunken [insert nationality here]. This contributes to local people’s view of your home country, and those who travel there after you will have to deal with this impression.

Speaking The Language – Necessity Or Option?

One reason that many people give for not traveling overseas on holiday is the fact that there is often a language barrier between destination and home. This is particularly common among people from English-speaking countries, regrettably, with English being a particularly broadly spoken language in global terms and therefore leading to the assumption that there is no real need to learn another.

Another result of this is the impression that even if we do travel to a country with another language, we can just speak our own language and expect people to understand. Many multi-lingual people who speak English as a first language will recoil in embarrassment when hearing someone ask a question in English, and when met with incomprehension just repeat the same thing, slower and louder.

It’s not easy to learn another language – there are different grammatical rules, sometimes a separate alphabet, and a whole new vocabulary to learn. But it is not beyond the wit of man to at least learn some key phrases that will make the exchanges between visitor and resident at least somewhat more pleasant. Even if all you can say is “Do you speak English?” it shows you have made some effort.

And effort is important in this respect. It shows a sense of respect for the country which is hosting you and the people who live there. Expecting them to be able to speak your language is really somewhat arrogant. If you try to talk their language, it shows that you are at least trying to communicate with them and be polite – which will ease matters considerably.

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