you are a tourist

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You Are A Tourist by Death Cab for Cutie

Songfacts®:

• This is the first single by American indie rock band Death Cab For Cutie, from their seventh studio album, titled Codes and Keys . The song premiered on Seattle radio station 107.7 The End on March 28, 2011.
• The optimistic lyrics ("There's nothing to fear / Save the tears, save the tears") reflect frontman Ben Gibbard's happier state of mind after the gloomy, self-loathing material on Narrow Stairs . This is most likely down to his marriage to actress and musician Zooey Deschanel whom he wed in September 2009. Their union lasted just two years.
• Despite being released as a lead single, the song was a late addition to the album. Death Cab bassist Nick Harmer told MTV News: "This song actually came in late during the recording process. I mean, we had a group of songs in the beginning that we were working on, and you never really know what your album's going to be at the start of a process, but we knew what songs we were going to start working on. Then [Ben] brought ['Tourist'] in later on in the process, and the fact that it went from being a song that we hadn't gone into the process knowing about ... to suddenly becoming a song that we immediately reacted to, that as soon as we recorded it, we just knew it was going to be the first song to release from this album. That was a fun development for us."
• "Tourist" is one of the most poppy songs that Death Cab has recorded, making it different to most of the other material in the band's catalog. Gibbard told MTV News: "It's weird, there's not really a narrative in the song. I feel like the lyrics and the verses are kind of more, just, affirmations than anything else; they're not really deep thoughts. But I feel that there's a kind of particular narrative within the bridge that kind of ties everything together, and balances out the affirmations in the verse. And that's the thing I'm most fond of in the song, is that, you know, the verses are catchy and light - it's a pop song - but at the same time, there's a weight to it, that you kind of get in the bridge that kind of ties it all together."
• Death Cab made history on April 5, 2011 when they became the first act to broadcast a live, scripted, single-take music video for the song on the Internet. The idea for the one-take clip came from Aaron Stewart-Ahn, who co-directed the 2008 video for " I Will Possess Your Heart ." "Most of the time when you have an idea, somebody's already done it, and it really didn't seem like that was the case for this," said guitarist/keyboardist Chris Walla to Billboard magazine. "So we needed to move on it if we wanted to do it."
• The original demo for the song featured a sample from OMD's 1983 album Dazzle Ships on the hook.
• More songs from Death Cab for Cutie
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• Lyrics to You Are A Tourist
• Death Cab for Cutie Artistfacts

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You Are a Tourist

• Death Cab for Cutie

23 Comments

Lyrics submitted by spectracide

You Are a Tourist Lyrics as written by Benjamin Gibbard

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

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I agree, for the most part, with seattlefan, and also Bron101. I believe that the song is talking about growing out of whatever situation/location you're in as your interests change. The yearning in your heart are your inspirations, your hopes, your dreams. When life gets stagnant it's not uncommon for a growing unrest to begin. But, this song, in my opinion, isn't simply a manifestation of that unrest; it's a reassurance. Ben's telling you not to be discouraged if you're not satisfied with where you are or where you're going. Instead, he is encouraging you to "build it bigger than the sun": in other words, to fuel the desires or inspirations in your heart and see where they lead you.

Change, of any kind, however, is often difficult. We're creatures of habit. Our minds are often at war with our hearts, and this is where the "doubt within your mind" comes into play. We delude ourselves into thinking that what we truly want in our hearts isn't possible. We downplay our dreams or see them as wrong. To this, they simply say, move along. Doubt is not only unhelpful, it's inhibiting.

"And if you feel just like a tourist in the city you were born Then it's time to go And define your destination There's so many different places to call home"

(This, to me, when taken literally or figuratively, is saying when the things or places that you have known become unfamiliar to you because you're living in your head, thinking only of what could be rather than what is, it's time to change and move on. Home is where you are, so go somewhere new.)

"Because when you find yourself the villain in the story you have written"

(The story is, of course, your life. Every moment, with the actions we take, we're writing our own history. The villain is the one who struggles against the protagonist, and you're the protagonist in your own life, so if you've also become the villain of your story, you are, quite simply, struggling against yourself.)

It's plain to see That sometimes the best intentions are in need of redemptions Would you agree? If so please show me"

(Usually we start our lives with the best intentions. We go to school to get degrees we aren't passionate about, get jobs that our degrees qualify us for, and then settle down. We do all of this, not because it's what we want, per se, but because we wanted to have the "best" life we could. Just because we did it with the best of intentions, however, doesn't mean that it doesn't require redemption. We need to recover from the monotony of the lives that we have created in trying to do well for ourselves. He's asking you to show him by following your hearts, and changing your situation. Vaguely, I believe they're encouraging us to lead a life based on artistic expression, rather than the stale, fit-the-mold equations.)

• 2 Replies Log in to reply

That's how I see the lyrics mostly although I couldn't put it so eloquently as you did. Funny the timing of this song caught my attention, it's almost as if it's addressing directly to me and my situation. It's most enlightening seeing your interpretation on "That sometimes the best intentions are in need of redemptions<br /> Would you agree?<br /> If so please show me"<br /> <br /> Thanks!

I toally agree. I couldn't say it nay better myself

I would have to say that the song is about doing what you feel is right or what you feel in you heart regardless of how radical it might change you. The feeling will just grow and you will feel more and more out of place until you at least try to listen to the desire.

• No Replies Log in to reply

Beautifully said followthewhiterabit.

Expanding on this is the idea that some people won't understand the changes you feel inside. They may discourage you out of fear of the unknown or fear of risks that may ensue. As was said, you may feel this struggle internally as well.

You may be a "villian in the story you have written," not only because of your own fears, but also society. Maybe your society hasn't accepted who you are and what grows in your heart. They do not understand. But the fire grows nonetheless.

Maybe you have become a "tourist in the city you born" in because the place you live is now foreign to you--you are the foreigner amongst the people, attitudes, beliefs, rules, culture that have been set forth. Things look familiar because you grew up there, but in your mind this place isn't home anymore.

Home is a state of acceptance, growth, and love of the you who is blossoming into something more. (The dancers in the video portray this beautifully; a human kaleidoscope- blossoming, growing, changing, paths unfolding, people crossing)

The melody and lyrics are so beautiful, and the song is one that you just have to listen to more than once. It stirs emotions on the first listen, but you can't quite put your finger on what it is about it. Something inside makes you want to hear it again. There are more layers to unfold when your mind is ready to make the connections.

The idea of the beauty of the song itself unfolding before you with each listen, not being able to put your finger on it, listening again, the love that grows with each listen until finally you get it and you think, "Wow. This song is awesome."

This fire grows higher.

From society in general to the artists portrayal to the song coming to you---it flows perfectly on different levels.

And life eventually unfolds the way it should. If you listen to the burning in your heart it will unfold in beautiful ways.

I LOVE everyones insights....it actually brought me to moistyeyes what some of you said, because listening to this song makes me feel as though we're all going through this internal discovery and spiritual awakening together because we're all connected....this song is the epitemy of what it means to follow your own thread and disregard our economic system(media) influence and the many misguided values that put efficiency and status before love and understanding.

This is growing on me, like all their music has in the past... I can't wait til their new album.

i have absolutely found peace with a recent problem with this song in recently discovering i have some deep set depression issues and anger problems i can completely say without a doubt i understand what they are saying when its said When there's a doubt within your mind Because you're thinking all the time Framing rights into wrongs Move along, move along When there's a doubt within your mind i would continually blame others for my own problems to make me feel sane about the way i acted to people and suddenly i realized i was the villan in my own story searching for success but realized i was actually the reason i was making no progress not my family not my friends not my alcohol the true problem was me but in realizing this i have found the ability to move forward in my life and no longer feel like a tourist in my own life like nothing was permanant and please if for any reason you dealt with the same problems i had make your self a destination and focus on that it will bring it all to focus personal success is the key to happiness dont run from your problems and realize your true situation

I think it might be "an endless yearning" rather than "an endless fury" just since it rhymes. They can mean more or less the same thing though.

• 5 Replies Log in to reply

seattlefan: I agree. You beat me to it by 1 minute. LOL!

You are right! Yearning also makes more sense on the lyrics.

corrected it, thanks!

I also think it's "don't be alarmed" not "don't be alone" at the end of the first verse.

Agree with it being "Don't be alarmed"

Correction: "When there’s a burning in your heart, an endless yearning in your heart, build it bigger than the sun, let it grow, let it grow." I hear "yearning" not "fury."

"That sometimes the best intentions are in need of redemptions" I am wondering about this line. Is he saying that you should try again to fulfill your original intentions, or realize they should be changed? The whole song is about change, so I am inclined to think the latter, but not sure. Anyone have a strong opinion on this?

• 3 Replies Log in to reply

I think this is about a deep-rooted disatisfaction with life. <br /> <br /> Circumstances are holding you back, and knowing deep down that you need to find a different place to call home - not necessarily geographically, but maybe a different person, different way of life, different attitude.

"Because when you find yourself the villain in the story you have written<br /> It's plain to see<br /> That sometimes the best intentions are in need of redemptions"<br /> <br /> I think its about thinking you've done the right thing by others and then later realising you were wrong and need to try to fix things. Because it's sort of suggesting that you've lost your way, not realising you were becoming the villain and then once you do, having to make the wrongs become right again. <br />

See I got this feeling that he was saying, no matter what the choices you've made, stick with them. You have to disregard your doubts, and let the fire grow. Like in a relationship, and you don't think it's going anyway, you have to kill the doubt, and let the fire grow.<br /> <br /> however personally I have a hard time agreeing with that. But that's the meaning I get from it.

oh, death cab.

this song is wonderful - and i like everyone's responses.

i interpret this song much more personally. i don't think it's about society not accepting you and your changes, but more about not accepting yourself.

"And if you feel just like a tourist in the city you were born Then it's time to go"

to me the struggle is internal - you don't even know yourself anymore, or how to came to be who you are, and you don't like it, you call YOURSELF a villain in a story YOU wrote!

so death cab's answer: make the change! don't blame yourself for how you got there, just get out of the rut!

• 1 Reply Log in to reply

oh, and i also meant to say that it certainly sets a different and more upbeat tone for this album! (and the fire/rebirth theme is reminiscent of grapevine fires and your heart is an empty room)

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• Track Review

“You Are a Tourist”

• Death Cab for Cutie
• Alternative , Rock

Release Date

• March 28, 2011

Record Label

Performance.

• Hit No. 6 on Billboard's rock chart.

Album Review

Rolling Stone once labeled Death Cab for Cutie “more creepy than cuddly.” And among the words Plugged In used to describe Narrow  Stairs , the band’s chart-topping 2008 effort, were “grim,” “depressing,” “despairing, “achingly sad” and “heartbreaking.”

But this Bellingham, Wash., indie act composed of frontman Ben Gibbard, bassist Nick Harmer, guitarist/keyboardist Chris Walla and drummer Jason McGerr, is exploring a different sentiment these days: hope. “You Are a Tourist,” the first track from the band’s eighth album, Codes and Keys, constitutes such a lyrical departure for the group, in fact, that music critic Jim DeRogatis of Chicago’s WBEZ said, “[This] is a new and very welcome optimism from Gibbard, who all too often has made end-of-the-world prophet Harold Camping look like Little Miss Sunshine.”

Gibbard has good reason to feel more cheerful. He recently gave up alcohol, took up running and married actress/musician Zooey Deschanel. He told VH1 that “Tourist” represents “a series of affirmations in an otherwise dark and cruel world.”

Those affirmations include paying attention to the longings of one’s soul instead of fearfully suppressing them (“When there’s a burning in your heart/An endless fury in your heart/Build it bigger than the sun/Let it grow, let it grow/ … Don’t be alarmed”), and relinquishing damaging ruminations when it comes to crippling doubt and harboring grudges (“When there’s a doubt in your mind/’Cause you’re thinking all the time/Framin’ rights into wrongs/Move along, move along”).

In a more literal sense, Gibbard also counsels “moving along” when life feels stagnant or empty, implying that a change in venue might cure a stubborn case of the existential doldrums: “And if you feel just like a tourist in the city you were born/Then it’s time to go/And define your destination/With so many different places to call home.”

As the song winds down, Gibbard does exhibit a moment of the self-flagellation he’s famous for … quickly followed by a healthy reminder that even when we’ve blown it, second chances are still possible. “‘Cause when you find yourself a villain,” he sings, “In the story you have written/It’s plain to see/That sometimes the best intentions are in need of redemptions.”

Death Cab’s latest, then, is an airy, catchy reminder that our ineffable yearnings are a sign we’re alive. Fan the flames of hope and desire in your spirit, the track tells us. Focus on what’s positive and don’t dwell on needless despondency. Think of yourself more kindly. Don’t be afraid to dream. In other words, all the things Death Cab fans haven’t been encouraged to do for more than a decade now.

And that means Death Cab for Cutie has really turned an optimistic corner. On this song at least.

A postscript: If there’s any caution worth noting here, it’s the simple reminder that all of those dreams coursing through our hearts need to be viewed through God’s filters, not just our own. Without intentionally examining our deepest desires from His perspective, Gibbard’s counsel to follow our hearts’ impulses could potentially be a recipe for disappointment, or worse, disaster.

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Kelly Clarkson’s latest ‘Kellyoke’ is too ‘Cutie’ for words

Kelly Clarkson got emo in her latest “Kellyoke” segment on March 3. 

The Grammy winner sang “You Are a Tourist” by Death Cab for Cutie on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”

Clarkson and her studio band, Y’all, leaned into the emo vibe by donning an all-black ensemble while covering the rock band’s smash hit. The former "American Idol" champion truly let her vocals soar during the performance. 

“When there’s a burning in your heart/ An endless yearning in your heart/ Build it bigger than the sun/ Let it grow, let it grow,” she sang. 

“You Are a Tourist” was Death Cab for Cutie's first single off their seventh album, “Codes and Keys,” released in 2011, and was their first No. 1 hit on Billboard's Alternative Airplay chart. 

Fans took to the YouTube comment section to praise Clarkson's latest cover. 

“Queen Kelly Clarkson is just out of this world gifted,” one user wrote. 

“There’s a burning in my heart everyday for a new Kellyoke,” another user chimed in. 

Earlier this week, Clarkson covered another rock hit, the Smashing Pumpkins’ “1979,” on her talk show. She's also had fans raving in recent weeks with performances of songs including Cher’s “Strong Enough” and the Whitney Houston classic “Exhale (Shoop Shoop).”

Ryan Hudgins is an editorial intern at TODAY.com. She is currently pursuing a major in Journalism at the University of Richmond. In her free time, Ryan enjoys reading, running, hiking and surfing.

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Kelly Clarkson Continues Hot Streak With Death Cab for Cutie ‘You Are a Tourist’ Cover

• By Larisha Paul

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The Kellyoke segment on The Kelly Clarkson Show hit its stride this week. Clarkson started the week with a stunning rendition of MUNA’s “ Stayaway ” and ran through records from Ingrid Andress, Smashing Pumpkins, and Spacehog. Closing her hot streak, the singer performed Death Cab for Cutie ‘s “You Are a Tourist” on Friday.

Joined, as always, by her backing instrumentalists My Band Y’all, Clarkson sang out the song’s affirmations, shutting down any mental doubt and emotional invalidation. “When there’s a burning in your heart/An endless yearning in your heart,” she started. “Build it bigger than the sun/Let it grow, let it grow.”

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“You Are a Tourist” appeared on Death Cab for Cutie’s 2011 album Codes and Keys as the project’s lead single. The band later released “Home Is a Fire,” “Stay Young, Go Dancing,” and “Underneath the Sycamore” as official singles from their seventh record.

Later this year, Death Cab will embark on a double-anniversary tour with the Postal Service, celebrating 20 years of their respective records Transatlanticism and Give Up . “I know for a fact I will never have a year again like 2003,” Ben Gibbard, who fronts both bands, said in a statement. “The Postal Service record came out, Transatlanticism came out. These two records will be on my tombstone, and I’m totally fine with that. I’ve never had a more creatively inspired year.”

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Kelly Clarkson Gives Death Cab for Cutie’s ‘You Are a Tourist’ a Spin for Kellyoke: Watch

The band scored a No. 1 on Alternative Airplay with the track in 2011.

By Starr Bowenbank

Starr Bowenbank

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Clarkson’s cover of Death Cab ‘s hit comes at an appropriate time, as the band just collected its eighth Adult Alternative Airplay chart-topper with “Pepper,” which crowns the chart dated March 11. The single marked the band’s second No. 1 in a row, following the eight-week ruler “Here to Forever,” which led in August-October 2022.

Listen to Clarkson cover Death Cab for Cutie’s “You Are a Tourist” for the latest Kellyoke in the video above.

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Tourist fees are taking over popular destinations. Will they impact your next big trip?

Tourist hot spots are implementing measures against overtourism. will this impact your next trip.

By Caroline McDonald

With the summer travel season approaching, popular tourist spots are planning ahead with new rules and fees to control crowds. This is according to The New York Times , which outlined recent measures taken by Bali, Amsterdam, Paris and Milan — all popular destinations for tourists.

The amount of visitors in some towns has ballooned since the COVID-19 pandemic, per The Independent — rising above the observed tourist levels in 2019. Now, multiple cities are taking action to prevent against overtourism.

Why are there tourism fees?

A common reason for the increased fees is to protect both the environment and the infrastructure of buildings.

Bali, for example, has asked visitors to the island to pay a levy of approximately $9.49, or 150,000 Indonesian rupiahs. According to The New York Times , the money will serve “to support the preservation of cultural and natural assets on the island, where tourism has brought major challenges related to litter, water supply and overcrowding.”

The Galápagos Islands and Hawaii have proposed similar measures. The Galápagos Islands now charges a $200 entry fee to “be used to support conservation, improve infrastructure and fund community programs.”

In Hawaii, Gov. Josh Green proposed a “climate impact fee,” per The New York Times , reasoning that “$25 per visitor could raise $250 million a year, which the state could use to guard against climate disasters, manage erosion, strengthen infrastructure and protect parks.”

This year marks the third year the measure has failed, per Honolulu Civil Beat . Efforts to use visitor funds to protect the environment have persisted.

According to The Independent , the following locations have also implemented measures to prevent against overtourism:

• Venice, Italy.
• Portofino, Italy.
• Rome, Italy.
• Hallstatt, Austria.
• Athens, Greece.
• Boracay, Philippines.
• Maya Beach, Thailand.
• Okinawa, Japan.
• Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
• Machu Picchu, Peru.
• Barcelona, Spain.

What should travelers know?

Some of the fees only apply if tourists exhibit disruptive behavior. According to The Independent , tourists in Rome will be fined if they eat messy foods around attractions, particularly the Trevi Fountain.

In Portofino, tourists who overstay their welcome in viral Instagram spots for photo-taking may be charged a fine “for creating a dangerous situation.” Circumstances like these can be avoided.

As for the other tourist taxes, it looks like visitors will need to be extra sure to do their research beforehand.

“All of this may pose headaches for travelers, although in most cases, the new fees or tax increases represent only a tiny fraction of the total cost of a trip,” according to The New York Times .

“All tourism is dependent on beautiful natural and cultural resources. You have to protect those resources in order to be a viable tourism destination — and if you don’t, they degrade,” Megan Epler Wood, managing director of the Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program at Cornell University, told The New York Times.

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May 25, 2024 • 8 min read

Experience a colorful slice of island life on your first visit to Prince Edward Island © Peter Unger / Getty Images

Long sandy beaches backed with red cliffs. Freshly caught lobster, oysters and clams. Toe-tapping music at lively kitchen parties or local pubs. And plenty of outdoor adventures, from cycling to kayaking to hiking. In the Gulf of St Lawrence, on Canada’s eastern shores,  Prince Edward Island  (PEI) may be the country’s smallest province, but there’s plenty to see and do.

Besides its natural setting, PEI’s other claim to fame is a series of early 20th-century novels about a feisty red-haired girl. Lucy Maud Montgomery set the Anne of Green Gables books around her PEI hometown of Cavendish, and several island attractions can tell you more about the noted author and the beloved Canadian character she created. 

You can visit Prince Edward Island as part of an Atlantic Canada road trip – the nearly 13km-long (8-mile) Confederation Bridge connects PEI to the mainland – or come for a peaceful beach escape. Bring your bathing suit and your appetite too. PEI’s nickname is “Canada’s food island.” 

Here's all you need to know to plan your first trip to Prince Edward Island.

When should I go to Prince Edward Island?

PEI shines under the summer sun, its short peak season running from late June into September. The weather is typically warm, with temperatures hovering around 20–25ºC (70–80ºF), prime time for beach-going, hiking and picnicking. With cooler mornings and evenings, the weather stays temperate into October, as the leaves take on their autumn reds and golds. Fall brings food fests too, including the  Fall Flavours Festival and the  PEI International Shellfish Festival .  

Many island businesses are seasonal, opening in May or June and closing in September or by the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend in October. Prices are typically somewhat lower in the shoulder months of May, June, September and October. Expect more rain and varied temperatures in both fall and spring, although you might have mild, sunny days too, which are good for hiking, bicycling and island exploring. 

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June to November, although the worst storms have previously hit the maritime provinces in the fall. Expect snow anytime between November and April, with fierce winter winds making the temperatures feel much colder than the average ranges of -11ºC to -3ºC (11–26ºF). 

Planning a longer trip?  These are the best times to visit Canada

How much time should I spend on Prince Edward Island?

If you have a long weekend, start in Charlottetown , exploring the province’s historic capital, and learn about its role as the “the birthplace of Confederation,” creating the union that would become the country of Canada. Have a drink overlooking the waterfront, then grab a bite from one of the vendors in  Founders Food Hall . Your next stop is Cavendish on the island’s north shore, where several sights tell you about the Anne of Green Gables story. Then explore the beaches of  Prince Edward Island National Park , perhaps taking a hike through the Greenwich dunes before dinner at  Dalvay by the Sea , a historic summer home turned inn. The next day, go kayaking or cycling. Dig into a traditional lobster supper, ending your trip with music in a local pub. 

To explore more of the island, plan a one-week road trip. After your time in Charlottetown, Cavendish and the national park, drive west for an Indigenous cultural experience on  Lennox Island , a Mi’kmaq community. Circle the island’s west side, sampling the spuds at the  Canadian Potato Museum , stopping for a lunchtime concert at the Stompin’ Tom Centre  and spending the night in the West Point Lighthouse . Returning to Charlottetown, stop off in the village of Victoria by the Sea for a lobster roll or freshly steamed mussels. If you have more time, continue east to Souris for a cruise on a lobster boat. 

How do I get to Prince Edward Island?

You can fly non-stop to  Charlottetown Airport (YYG) from Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa year round, and seasonally from Calgary and smaller Canadian cities. For more flight options, consider jetting into Nova Scotia’s  Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), which has non-stop flights to additional Canadian, US and European cities. It’s a three-hour drive or bus trip from Halifax airport to PEI over the Confederation Bridge.  Maritime Bus can take you to Charlottetown from Halifax airport or from other destinations in Nova Scotia and neighboring New Brunswick. 

Although PEI has no train service, Canada’s national rail carrier, Via Rail , can bring you from Montreal or Quebec City to Halifax or to Moncton, New Brunswick. From there, take the bus or rent a car to continue to the island. 

How do I get around Prince Edward Island?

In compact, walkable Charlottetown, most attractions are along the waterfront or in the historic center.  T3 Transit , the island’s public transit service, runs buses to Charlottetown Airport and around the city. T3 Transit’s rural routes provide limited service between Charlottetown and other island destinations. While services are infrequent, the fares are fantastic value – only C$2 to travel anywhere on the island – if you can align your travels with the bus schedule. 

PEI is relatively flat, making it a good destination for cyclists. Following the route of a decommissioned rail line, the  Confederation Trail runs 273km (170 miles) through the island center, and you can also cycle the Island Walk, which takes you primarily on less-busy roads. 

Top things to do on Prince Edward Island

Go to the beach.

PEI has dozens of them. Some of the best stretches of sand are along the north shore in Prince Edward Island National Park, but there are sandy beaches around the island.

Dive into a novel

Learn the story of Anne of Green Gables , one of Canada’s most beloved fictional characters, and her creator Lucy Maud Montgomery at sights like  Green Gables Heritage Place or Anne of Green Gables Museum . 

Catch your dinner with a fiddling fisherman

JJ Chaisson is a lobster fisher and musician. Along with his wife Julie, he runs  The Fiddling Fisherman , taking guests out on their family fishing boat for a lobster dinner, accompanied by music from Chaisson’s fiddle. 

Learn about Indigenous culture

Take a food, music or art workshop in the First Nations community of Lennox Island. You might learn to bake bannock – a biscuit-like bread – over an open fire, get an introduction to traditional quill work, or craft your own moose-hide drum. 

Clap along at a ceilidh

Drawing on Irish, Scottish and maritime traditions, a ceilidh (pronounced KAY-lee) is part concert and part kitchen party, blending lively fiddle music, singing, dancing and storytelling. These musical events take place in pubs, community halls and concert venues across Prince Edward Island. 

Read more:  12 exciting experiences in every corner of Canada

My favorite thing to do on Prince Edward Island

My favorite thing to do on PEI is walk, following sections of the  Island Walk , a 700km (435-mile) route around the entire isle. Modeled after Spain’s Camino de Santiago (though without a pilgrimage history), the Island Walk has 32 sections of 20–25km (12–15 miles) each, which take you along PEI’s sandy beaches and into its forests, above its red cliffs and through its small towns. You can walk for a day, a week, or more, listening to the splash of the surf, the chirps of the birds and the quiet sounds of island life. 

If you’d like help planning an extended walk, contact  Go for a Walk: Island Walk Coordination Service and  Outer Limit Sports , local outfits who can organize a walking itinerary, provide luggage transfer services and arrange accommodations. You can cycle the Island Walk, too. MacQueen’s Bike Shop  in Charlottetown rents bicycles and provides trip-planning services for cyclists.

How much money do I need for Prince Edward Island?

While PEI isn’t as pricey as major Canadian cities like Vancouver or Toronto, it’s not inexpensive either, especially during the summer high season. The island has only a few budget lodgings, with dorm beds starting at C$50 and basic doubles around C$120. Many traditional inns and B&Bs fall into the midrange, beginning around C$150 per night. If you’re watching your loonies, consider a cottage or motel room with a kitchen where you can prepare some of your own meals. 

Take public transit if you can. T3 Transit fares for adults are only C$2 a ride, whether you’re traveling within the capital or across the island, and kids ride free. Neither Uber nor Lyft currently operate on PEI, but  Kari , a local rideshare company, provides service, primarily in the Charlottetown area. Depending on the season, car rentals in Charlottetown range from C$50 to over C$100 per day. 

Some sample food and drink prices around PEI:

• Coffee: C$3–4
• Craft beer in an island taproom: C$8–10
• Pound of PEI mussels: C$14–18
• Lobster roll: C$27 and up
• Traditional lobster supper:  C$50–60 per person 

Wear the lobster bib 

Many seafood restaurants give you a bib to wear if you’ve ordered a whole lobster. Don’t be shy – tie it on to protect your clothes. Eating a lobster can be a messy business. 

Pack layers and rain gear   

While the weather is generally temperate from spring through fall, it can get breezy and cool by the shore or in the evening and it can rain at any time. Keep a light jacket or sweater in your day pack. PEI winters are cold, damp and often snowy. Not only do you need warm jackets, hats, gloves and boots, but be prepared for winter travel conditions, including snow-covered roads and high winds. 

It’s colder on the water 

If you’re heading out on a lobster boat or other cruise, remember that it’s chillier on the water, even in summer. Bring a jacket or clothes you can layer.   

“Ask an Islander” 

If you want to know more about Prince Edward Island or have a question while planning your trip, “Ask an Islander.” On the website of  Tourism PEI , the provincial tourism organization, you can post a question and a local resident will answer your query.

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How much is tourist tax in Spain? Rules for Barcelona, Majorca & other Balearic Islands explained

• Charlotte Everett , Digital Showbiz SEO reporter
• Published : 13:02, 5 Jun 2024
• Updated : 13:02, 5 Jun 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

THE summer months are upon us and you may be getting ready to jet off on holiday.

It's important to know where you need to bring some extra pennies to pay tax. Here's everything to know about Spain's tourist tax.

Do you have to pay tourist tax in Spain?

The majority of Spain is tourist tax free but there are some areas where you will need to pay.

Some of the most popular areas of Spain now charge a fee for tourists to help pay for infrastructure, resources and amenities.

The tax also aims to reduce the number of visitors at peak times.

Tourist tax promotes responsible tourism as travellers are contributing to the care and preservation of the destination.

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What is the tourist tax in barcelona and how does it differ to the rest of catalonia.

Despite Barcelona being part of Catalonia, the tourist tax slightly differs.

This tax was introduced in 2012 in Catalonia but the amount of the tax payable by guests has changed over the last decade.

The tourist tax is between €0.60 and €3.50 per person in Barcelona but the rates can change depending on the type of accommodation and its location.

Variations in tax amount can be down to the star rating of the hotel you are staying in.

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In 5-star hotels guests will have to pay a fee of €3.50 per night, while in tourist accommodation they would only have to pay €2.25.

If you're staying in Barcelona then you are subject to a surcharge from the city council.

2024 saw Barcelona raise its tax after an announcement in 2022 that said the rates would go up over the next two years.

Here are the tourist tax rates for Barcelona:

• Housing for tourist use - €4
• 5-star hotels - €5.25
• 4-star hotels - €3.45
• Other establishments - €2.70

Here is a look at how the tourist tax differs in other parts of Catalonia:

• Housing for tourist use - €1
• 5-star hotels - €3
• 4-star hotels - €1.20
• Other establishments - €0.60

What is the tourist tax in Majorca and the other Balearic Islands?

You will need to pay a tourist tax when you arrive for your holiday to the Balearic Islands.

This includes Majorca, Menorca, Formentera and Ibiza.

The Balearic Islands have charge tourist tax since 2016 in a bid to make tourism more sustainable and preserve the environment.

Here's the rates:

• Luxury hotels - €4
• Mid-range accommodation - €3
• Cruise passengers - €2
• Campers and hostel guests - €1

How do I pay the tourist tax?

Tourist tax tends to be collected by your accommodation upon check in.

This means you don't have to think about it for the rest of your trip.

However some places may wait to charge you at check out.

Is the tourist tax per person or per room?

Tourist tax in Spain tends to be charged per person per night.

This means you need to consider how much extra money you will need to have for your holiday.

Under 16s tend to be exempt from the tax.

Which other countries have tourist tax?

Many other European countries also charge a tourist tax when you visit.

The money raised tends to go towards infrastructure or repairing damage.

For example, Greece introduced a tax facing a year of historic natural disasters .

Record rainfall and heat waves destroyed over 1,500 square kilometres of land and led to 37 deaths.

The funds collected will go towards repairing the damage that the natural disasters caused.

Which European countries charge tourist tax?

Here's a list of which European countries you need to pay tourist tax in:

• Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Balearic Islands
• Barcelona, Spain
• Budapest, Hungary
• Paris, France
• Prague, Czech Republic
• Switzerland
• Valencia, Spain
• Venice, Italy

Other non-European countries also charge a tourist tax when you visit.

Tax rates will vary depending on which country you visit and how long for.

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Tragic death woman struck & killed by train ... while trying to take selfie.

A woman suffered a tragic accident in Mexico that ended with her losing her life -- this while trying to capture a photo while a train passed ... which ended up hitting and killing her.

As documented in new harrowing footage that's making the rounds ... a 29-year-old woman in Hidalgo, Mexico recently approached a railway track to take a selfie as the CPKC's Final Spike Steam Tour train plowed ahead at full speed.

While the train blasted its horn near the gathering fans -- who came together to witness the train on its famous journey from Canada to Mexico City, a major attraction for locals -- the woman didn't move far enough out of the way ... and she was struck straight in the head.

The woman instantly fell forward and went limp, clearly unconscious ... with bystanders immediately rushing to her aid -- but unfortunately, the damage had been done.

Reports say first responders who arrived at the scene pronounced her dead. Her family was reportedly with her at the train track in Hidalgo.

CPKC has confirmed an investigation is underway, adding in a statement ... "We are deeply saddened by this loss of life and wish to express our condolences to the woman’s family and loved ones."

They add, "For their own safety and that of the crews, all spectators looking at any train must always remain at least 10 meters back from the train and the tracks. Spectators must never stand on railway tracks, try to board rail equipment or climb on rail infrastructure.

Finally, CPKC said ... "Always use caution around tracks and trains." A cautionary tale, indeed.

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Outrageous trickery and jaw-dropping golazos amid a unique atmosphere... get your tickets for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2024.

The clock is ticking. In just seven days’ time, the most enthralling FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup™ in history will kick off in Dubai. Outrageous trickery and jaw-dropping golazos are hallmarks of the sport. Those will be guaranteed by the likes of Takuya Akaguma , Catarino , Chiky , Edson Hulk , Marco Giordani , the Martins twins , Raoul Mendy, Moslem Mesigar , Walid Mohammad , Ozu Moreira, Nick Perera, Lucas Ponzetti , Rodrigo and Heimanu Taiaru. Then there’s the indescribable, carnival atmosphere that only soccer on sand delivers. For merely 20 AED (5.45 US dollars), you can watch not one but two matches during the group stage and the quarter-finals. Make sure you’re part of an event that will be talked about for decades.

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