question about tourism

The 25 Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions—Answered

By CNT Editors

What are the most surreal places to visit?

Some of the strangest places on earth are also the most sublime : from the UFO-like dragon's blood trees in Yemen to a rainbow-colored hot spring in Yellowstone to a bridge in Germany that looks like a leftover prop from Lord of the Rings.

Why do you need to turn off all your electronic devices before an airplane takes off and lands?

We've been taught to fear the interference of our portable devices and an airplane's sensitive electronic systems. And despite being told to turn off our darn phones, four out of ten passengers, it seems, disregard these warnings , since there's little hard evidence behind claims that electromagnetic emissions from devices can muddle airplane computers. Still, there's ample anecdotal corroboration, like the flight where a 30-degree navigation error was rectified simply by asking a passenger to turn off a portable DVD player. The issue is still being debated, so if in doubt, flick that Off switch. We might, eventually, long for the days when a chatty seatmate couldn’t make an hour-long phone call.

Do you have to be rich to travel the world?

The beauty of travel is that it’s accessible to everyone, in some form. You don't have to go far to experience a new culture. Plus there are several ways to make most flights affordable, whether by being flexible , searching on new websites like Skypicker and Fareness , or just by planning ahead. Know the best time to book a flight : 57 days in advance for domestic flights, 117 for international. Then again, you could just make traveling the world your 9-to-5.

What are some common items savvy travelers bring with them (that less-savvy travelers don’t)?

Don’t forget a small power strip—ideal for sharing a crowded outlet in an airport, and a simple way to keep all devices close by once at a hotel. (Combine that with a Zolt —which powers a laptop and two devices with a charger the size of a lipstick—and it’s even handier.) Keep a photograph of your luggage and passport on your smartphone; lose either of them, and you’ll be grateful for the reference. Pack a scarf—always. And since calling Nespresso coffee is an insult to baristas everywhere, the best in-room alternate is the Aeropress , a nifty gizmo that’s portable, light, and makes killer morning joe almost anywhere.

Jessica Puckett

Olivia Morelli

Steph Koyfman

What’s it really like to be a travel writer?

"For every beautiful beach hideaway, there’s been a missed flight or delay; for every delicious meal, a nasty case of 'Delhi belly," says Traveler contributing editor Krisanne Fordham in her story on this very topic . In short: Traveling for a living is equal parts rewarding and challenging, satisfying and smelly. It teaches you to live—not linger, but really live—outside your comfort zone, to always pack a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, and to never check your bag again.

What are some things airline pilots won’t tell you?

There’s no better Bible of in-flight secrets than Air Babylon , a rollicking romp through 24 hours at an airport compiling anonymous tell-alls from a raft of staff. One sample tidbit: Aviation law decrees that after an onboard death (more common than you’d imagine), planes must land at the nearest airport. No airline wants to pay fines for being delayed, so no one is officially declared dead on board until the plane is landing at its destination.

Where are the best places to travel alone?

Well, we certainly don't recommend Tahiti, where there's an all-but-constant reminder at every juncture that you are alone , a sad friendless figure lurking amid the glowing honeymooners. There are a few places, though, where visiting solo is a bonus, not a burden: notably cruises, yoga retreats, and treks across Europe.

Who makes the best travel bags?

There’s more to in-flight baggage than a boring black rollaboard. Here are some ideas for every kind of trip , including a dapper retro case from Globetrotter worthy of David Livingstone .

Is India a good travel destination?

One of the best in the world, with a vast variety of destinations clustered together in a single country, from the Miami-esque glitz of Mumbai to the Raj-era holdovers in Kolkata, the parched landscapes and Tuscany-like city states in Rajasthan or the quiet backwaters of Kerala. Here’s some inspiration for planning the perfect first-timer’s trip , or you can pore over the site for our India-based sister magazine.

How do you pack a suit?

Don’t wear that suit if you want it to arrive wrinkle-free. Instead, heed the advice of our style editor, Jayna Maleri: "Hold your jacket in front of you, with the front facing you, and fold length-wise in half away from you (so the buttons are on the fold and the shoulders are touching). Then carefully turn one shoulder inside out, and wrap it over the other shoulder (you'll know you're on the right track if the lining is now on the outside). Then fold the jacket one more time, in half width-wise. Fold your trousers carefully in half (use their natural crease as your guide), then place the folded jacket on top of them, near the knees. Fold the pants carefully around the jacket, and pack the bundle in the bottom of your luggage. Follow these steps and we promise, it won’t need a frantic steaming in the hotel shower."

What’s the best way to sleep on a plane?

Some seasoned travelers might swear by that knockout cocktail known as an Ambientini (a sleeping pill with a vodka chaser). There are better, safer ways , though—including pre-flight exercise and a few drops of lavender essential oil.

What are some of the best travel locations that most people have not heard of?

We’re all keen to explore countries and destinations that are unspoiled or unexpected, even if we’re probably still subconsciously following trends. ( This year , Myanmar, Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, and Sri Lanka are some of our planned far-flung getaways.) But we'd also like to reframe this question: What are some of the best destinations you haven't heard of in well-known, heavily trafficked cities? Paris, perhaps, or London? Consider somewhere reasonably central, but slightly under the radar—say, Canal St. Martin in Paris and Shoreditch in London. They're easy to reach and a offer a wonderful "wow"moment of discovery.

What are the best airport hacks?

Download the GateGuru app before your next trip: It shows maps and amenities for any terminal, so you can better plan where to eat lunch or whether you can arrive early for a quick manicure. Don't forget that Zolt charger we mentioned earlier, so your phone doesn't die before takeoff. And, of course, sign up for Global Entry.

If I visit your country, what’s the one meal I shouldn’t miss?

It’s the same answer everywhere: breakfast. No meal is more distinctive or diverse. While sandwiches for lunch might be a global go-to, breakfast is still gloriously localized, whether you're eating bird’s nest–like pancakes filled with spicy curry in Sri Lanka or flaky, just-baked croissants in France. In Russia, however, it’s probably best just to skip it.

How do you get a flight upgrade?

The days of relying on an amenable attitude and a smile to score a cushy seat are, sadly, over. But some strategies still work : First, fly often and use miles whenever you can. And never underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned complaint when an airline overbooks your flight.

What’s it like to quit your job, grab a backpack, and travel the world?

Tons of people dream about leaving their jobs to travel, and while that semi-permanent vacation can often be exactly what you've imagined, you're guaranteed to encounter a few surprises—not all of them pleasant. Here's the truth—and the best way to prepare yourself—from a woman who did it .

NYC or San Fran?

As New Yorkers, we're biased in favor of bagels, de Blasio and the Bronx (and it seems like our readers agree ). We’ll admit it, though: You can spend a killer long weekend in Manhattan or the Bay Area .

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve ever met on a plane?

We can’t match the experience of a guy who met his wife on a plane, but we’ve encountered chatty ex-congressmen keen to tell the real-life story behind a blockbuster movie. And if you're lucky, you get to sit next to Bill Murray. Then again, the most interesting people aren’t necessarily fellow passengers but the crew: wedged onto a jump seat, staring straight at you, it’s easy enough to strike up casual chatter. We’ll never forget the veteran ex-Pan Ammer who regaled us on and off for an entire flight with stories. It was like a trip to aviation’s Golden Age rather than to California.

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck?

They’re both a boon to frequent travelers but we’re firm fans of Global Entry , which costs only $15 more than TSA PreCheck and will likely automatically generate the latter most times you check in for a domestic flight.

What’s the best city in the world?

We'll defer to the best experts—our readers. In this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards , the best cities in the world include Budapest and Florence, while stateside, New York is the top big city and the best small city is Charleston, S.C., a long-time favorite.

Which airline is best?

According to our readers, internationally, it remains the perennially beloved Singapore Airlines. Meanwhile, Virgin America has been deemed the best domestic carrier ever since it launched in 2007.

What are the most beautiful beaches in the world?

Antigua may claim to have 365 beaches, one each for every day of the year, but other strips of sand rival the Caribbean island for sheer beauty (we’ll take quality over quantity any time). Here are some suggestions, from an overlooked island in the Philippines to a beach made up of jet black sand in Hawaii.

What are the most beautiful places in the world?

Beauty may be subjective, but who would argue against any of these 50 choices , whether Yemen’s futuristic forest of dragon’s blood trees or the Blue City of Jodhpur?

What are the best apps for travel?

By far the best transit guide ( RIP HopStop ) is CityMapper . It's free, and offers real-time directions via public transport, on foot, or by car plus a plethora of nifty bonuses for a selection of major world cities, from Tokyo to London, New York and even Hamburg. Even if you’re not wondering whether the inbound aircraft will make it on time for your flight, there’s a wondrous joy to watching the crowded skies via another free app, FlightRadar24 . LoungeBuddy (also free) helps with trips to unfamiliar destinations, allowing you to verify what status or access you might have to a refreshment oasis at the airport. We’ve used Postagram several times to send cards from places, like Russia, where they’re hard to find—the app is free and stateside delivery of that personalized keepsake costs just 99 cents apiece.

Where should I go now?

Year-end is full of listicles recommending must-sees for the year ahead—and we’re no exception . Head to Sri Lanka, Colombia, Miami, and yes, back to Paris.

EnglishPost.org

60 Travel Conversation Questions

One of the dreams that people have is to travel around the world and know more places, meet new people and enjoy some adventures.

People love traveling and there are many reasons for doing so, such as:

How about you? What are your reasons for traveling?

Talk about it with this list of travel conversation questions

Table of Contents

Travel Conversation Questions: Places

Travel conversation questions: people, travel conversation questions: your next vacations, travel conversation questions: your last vacation, travel conversation questions: your luggage, travel conversation questions: preferences, travel conversation questions: general questions, travel questions: channels, travel questions: safe places.

Instead of having a long list of travel conversation questions, it is better to have them categorized to make everything easier.

These are 60 travel conversation questions that have been divided into different categories such as:

Let’s explore each one of these different categories

When we search on the internet, we can find a list of recommendations about places to visit.

These are conversation questions to discuss the best and worst places to visit:

• Have you ever been abroad?
• How many countries have you visited?
• Have you visited many touristic places in your country?
• What tourist places do you like to visit?
• Do you prefer visiting beaches or mountains?
• Have you ever visited a European country?
• Have you ever visited an African country?
• What’s your best vacation memory?
• What’s your worst vacation memory?
• What countries would you like to visit?
• What countries would you not like to visit?
• What’s the best place for a vacation in your country

I understand that some people like traveling alone but others prefer some company and have better memories.

These questions have to do with your favorite people to go on vacation:

• Who do you travel with?
• Have you made friends while you are on vacation?
• Do you like to travel with children?
• Do you like to travel with your parents?
• Do you like traveling alone or in a group?
• What are some of the benefits of traveling alone?

Some people plan their vacation since they have to ask for permission, save money and choose the best time of the year to do it.

These questions will help you talk about plans that you have for your next vacation:

• What places are you planning to visit?
• Who are you planning to go with?
• When are you planning to go?
• Where are you planning to stay?
• What sights are you planning to see?
• When will you next go to the beach? Which beach is your favorite?

Some people love sharing information about their last vacation and some people don’t.

These are some questions to discuss your last vacation

• Where did you go on your last vacation?
• Who did you go with?
• Where did you stay?
• What did you do there?
• What did you see there?
• How much money did you spend there?
• Who was the most interesting person you met?
• How long did you stay there? Did you want to stay longer?

Most people don’t have a problem with their luggage when they travel, while others find issues such as:

These are some conversation questions that have to do with preparing stuff to travel:

• How much luggage do you usually carry?
• Do you bring electronic devices when you travel?
• What are some things you always take with you on a trip?
• Do you like to pack light when you travel?
• Do you think that everyone overpacks?
• How many of the things do you pack do you actually use or need?
• Have you ever lost your luggage?
• Do you worry about your luggage when you travel?

These are some questions about what you prefer to do when you are on vacation:

• Do you prefer to travel by car or plane?
• Have you ever bought a package tour?
• Where do you prefer to stay when you go on a vacation?
• How often do you travel?
• How often do you go camping?
• How long do you like vacations to be?
• What means of transport do you like to use when you are on vacation?
• Do you like to try local food when you travel?
• What is the best age to travel?
• Where do you like to stay when you go on vacation?

These are some general questions about traveling:

• Are you a traveler?
• What do you miss the most when you are traveling?
• Have you ever had an accident while traveling?
• Have you ever been on a cruise?
• What do you think about hitchhiking?
• If money was not an issue, what type of holiday would you take?
• Have you ever missed a flight? What happened?

Travel blogs and YouTube channels have become very popular.

Channels tend to have an edge over travel blogs since you get a better idea of the country you are planning to visit

• Do you follow travel blogs?
• Do you follow Travel Youtube channels?
• Do you usually search for videos or posts about the countries or places you are trying to visit?
• Have Travel blogs or channels make you want to travel more

If you are a traveler, you don’t want anything to happen to you, your friends, and your family.

These are some questions about safe countries and places to travel to:

• What are some of the safest places to travel to?
• Have you ever been robbed when traveling?
• Do you only travel to the safest countries?
• Do you share your travel information with someone you trust?
• Do you worry about how much you drink when traveling?
• Do you try not to draw attention when traveling?
• Do you wear jewelry when you travel?
• Are you aware of scams when you travel?
• Do you Keep digital copies of important documents?

I am Jose Manuel, English professor and creator of EnglishPost.org, a blog whose mission is to share lessons for those who want to learn and improve their English

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Your 11 Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions—Answered

The Editors

We are the editors of SmarterTravel! Together we have appeared in countless travel publications including ABC News, Huffington Post, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and more. We dedicate our days to creating and producing expert travel content, including packing tips, general travel advice, destination inspiration, and helpful videos. Follow us across social media on YouTube , Pinterest , Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter or drop us a line to say hi at [email protected]!

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As experts and media spokespeople, the editors at SmarterTravel get asked a lot of travel questions. How early should you book? Which booking sites have the cheapest fares? What’s the best way to avoid bag fees?

The good news is that we have answers. From pinpointing the best day of the week for booking airfare to selecting the best destination for your next trip, here are solutions to some of your most common travel questions.

How Far in Advance Should I Book?

Truth be told, airfare prices—which fluctuate constantly—are impossible to predict. However, there are a few strategies that will guide you to a good deal and minimize your risk of overpaying.

For domestic travel, you’ll typically find the best fares one to two months before your trip. For international itineraries, you’ll often want to start searching for fares a bit further in advance, especially if your dates are firm or you’re traveling at a busy time of year. Add an extra month or two for peak travel times like holidays or major events. Some destinations, such as Disney World during spring break or popular beach spots in August, require even more advance planning, so do your homework.

To help you figure out when to jump on a fare, set up airfare alerts through sites like Airfarewatchdog (SmarterTravel’s sister site) or smartphone apps like Hopper ( iOS | Android ). You can put in your targeted trip dates and itinerary, and you’ll be notified when the fare drops.

How Can I Find the Best Travel Deal?

We’d love to point you definitively to a single booking site that always has the lowest possible airfares and hotel rates, but, unfortunately, that site doesn’t exist—and shopping around is always required. It’s best to check multiple types of sites before you book, including the provider’s own website as well as online travel agencies (think Expedia and Orbitz ) and metasearch sites (like Kayak and SmarterTravel’s parent company, TripAdvisor ).

To help you find the best sites to check, see the following lists:

• The 12 Best Flight Search Sites for Booking Cheap Airfare
• The 10 Best Hotel Booking Sites
• The 14 Best Car Rental Booking Sites
• The 10 Best Sites to Book a Cruise
• The 8 Best Travel Package Sites for Booking a Cheap Vacation
• The 9 Best Vacation Rental Sites for Travelers

One tip to keep in mind: The more flexible you are, the better the deals will be. Moving your trip a few months from a destination’s peak season to its shoulder season, for example, often means lower prices and smaller crowds. Flying out on a Tuesday or Wednesday rather than a Friday or Sunday can also save you money. For more information, see The Best and Worst Days to Fly .

How Can I Avoid Fees?

Yes, travel fees are pervasive and have wormed their way into every facet of travel, including flights, hotels, and rental cars. The good news is that many can be avoided. When it comes to flying, look for airlines that don’t charge fees for common services like baggage: For example, Southwest allows two checked bags for free, and some airlines will waive bag fees for frequent flyers or travelers who carry their branded credit cards. For more ideas, see 7 Smart Ways to Bypass Baggage Fees .

Many hotel fees can be avoided if you simply say no to certain services. In other words, don’t touch the minibar or make in-room calls (buy your own snacks and use your cell phone instead). Other charges, such as resort fees , are trickier. It’s best to find out about the charge in advance and book with another hotel, or ask the hotel manager to remove it—he or she might say no, but it never hurts to ask.

When renting a car, read the fine print. Look for easily avoidable fees like early-return and fuel charges. Also, most agents will pressure you into buying a collision damage waiver (CDW), but you might already have collision coverage through your credit card or your own auto insurance policy. Always check in advance.

What Are My Rights When Your Flight Is Delayed or Canceled?

When you find yourself faced with a flight delay or cancellation, know that your rights vary depending on whether the situation is the airline’s fault (such as a mechanical delay) or due to some uncontrollable outside force (like a hurricane or winter storm ). Every airline’s policy varies, but most state that for delays or cancellations within the airline’s control, passengers are entitled to be rebooked on the next available flight, possibly transferred to another carrier, or to receive a refund for the unused portion of the trip. Some lines will also provide meal vouchers, hotel stays, and ground transportation at their discretion.

When the situation is beyond the airline’s control, a refund is all that most airlines promise. However, for major storms, airlines have set a precedent for preemptively canceling flights in advance so you’re not stranded at the airport, and they will allow you to rebook within a specific time frame without penalty.

To learn more, see Flight-Cancellation Rights: The Ultimate Guide and Flight Delays: What to Do and How to Prevent Them .

Do I Need Travel Insurance?

To buy or not to buy: That is the question when it comes to travel insurance . It all depends on risk and your tolerance for it. In general, if you’re taking a relatively short trip and haven’t paid a fortune for it, you probably don’t need it. Plus, most airlines—and hotels, for that matter—will give you a refund or allow you to rebook when there’s a widespread storm or incident.

However, if you have put down significant nonrefundable deposits, are traveling at a risky time of year (such as hurricane season ), have a potential medical condition, or are traveling to remote places where hospitals are scarce, travel insurance could be a good idea.

If you do opt insurance, make sure you know what’s included in your policy; most are very specific and won’t allow coverage to kick in once a storm is predicted or if you have a preexisting medical condition. You can also buy a policy that will allow you to cancel for any reason, but those usually come with a higher premium.

How Do I Know When a Deal Is Really a Deal?

Sadly, not all travel deals are created equal. And while some are bona fide, others are nothing more than gimmicks, if not downright scams. Your best defense is to take the time to fully research a deal before handing over your credit card number.

First, make sure you’re dealing with a reputable supplier, especially when it comes to tour operators and promoters. If you haven’t heard of the company, check with the Better Business Bureau or United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) to make sure it is sound. Look for online reviews of the company on sites such as TripAdvisor or TrustPilot . Also, always compare prices across multiple suppliers. A deal might look good at first glance, but you may be able to beat the price elsewhere.

When it comes to hotel packages, price out inclusions like gift baskets or spa services separately to determine whether it’s cheaper to go a la carte. For example, many hotels offer individual room rates that are way cheaper than what you’d pay for the room plus the extras in a package. Remember: You can bring your own Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries (likely higher-quality ones, too).

Lastly, always read the fine print, with a particular eye on blackout dates and other restrictions. You don’t want to get a deal that you can’t even use.

How Do I Score an Upgrade?

Everyone wants to vault to the front of the airplane cabin or that penthouse suite in the hotel, but most of us feel that an upgrade is out of reach. Not necessarily so. The best way to get upgraded is to join a loyalty program. While it’s hard for many leisure travelers to accrue enough miles for a free first- or business-class ticket, basic upgrades usually require fewer miles. For hotels and rental cars, points generally add up more quickly and you can get additional free perks just for being a member.

Another way to land a better seat is to look for deals; some airlines will launch short-term sales on premium seats. For more information, see First Class for Free: How to Get an Airline Upgrade .

With hotels, arriving late in the day can increase your chances of a better room, since the hotel might have vacant rooms to fill (and can subsequently open up a cheaper room for another paying customer). Also, at check-in, mention if you are celebrating a special occasion like a honeymoon or an anniversary. Check out How to Get a Hotel Upgrade for Free to learn more.

At the rental car desk, asking for an upgrade might work, but make sure you’ve weighed your options: A larger car could mean higher gas costs, which can quickly negate any benefit. In any situation, even with the airlines, it never hurts to ask; when you do, dress nicely, be specific with your request, and above all, be polite.

What Can I Bring on the Plane?

This is such a complicated topic that SmarterTravel has a whole airport security FAQ to cover it. But here are the basics: In your carry-on, you can bring a single clear, quart-size plastic bag of liquid and gel items (such as shampoo, insect repellent, and sunscreen) in bottles of 3.4 ounces or less. If you need to bring larger quantities, you can put them in your checked bag—just make sure they’re well sealed to prevent messy spills. Exceptions to this rule include prescription medications, breast milk, and baby formula, which you can carry on in larger amounts.

The TSA has strict rules for items such as scissors, razors, sharp objects, and even wrapped gifts. To learn more, see the FAQ above or visit the TSA’s website .

What Should I Pack?

Speaking of complicated topics … where do we begin? Of course, the answer depends on where you’re going and for how long, but you’ll want to start with SmarterTravel’s Ultimate Packing List , which has you covered with the basics you’ll need for just about any type of trip. If you want more specific advice, consider these lists:

• The Essential Beach Packing List
• The Essential Carry-on Bag Packing List
• The Ultimate Holiday Packing List
• The Ultimate Cruise Packing List
• The Essential International Packing List
• How to Pack for an African Safari
• The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List

You’ll also want to check out Ingenious Packing Tips Every Traveler Should Know , which includes information on how to pack for the TSA’s requirements, tips on saving space, a discussion of whether you should roll or fold your clothes, and clever tips from SmarterTravel readers. Trying to avoid overpacking? See A Traveler’s Guide to Minimalist Packing .

I’m Unhappy with My Seatmate(s) on the Plane. What Can I Do?

SmarterTravel readers often write in with travel questions about airplane seating dilemmas. “I have severe allergies to animals. What are my rights if I am sitting by someone with an animal?” asks one reader.

“I was recently seated next to a large person whose body overhung the armrest and crowded me,” writes another. “What can be done in this situation?”

Generally speaking, your best bet is to approach a flight attendant discreetly and ask if there are any available seats to which you could be moved. In the case of animal allergies, even if no seats are free, the airline staff might be able to find a non-allergic passenger who’s willing to switch with you. Bring up your concerns early—because once the plane has taken off, the flight attendants will have much less flexibility.

For more information, see the following resources:

• What You Need to Know About Flying with a Service or Emotional Support Animal
• Airline Passenger of Size Policies

What Are the Best Travel Destinations, and How Do I Know If They’re Safe?

There’s no single right answer to the first part of this question. It really depends on factors like your personal travel style and when you plan to travel. But there are a few tricks to identifying a great hot spot.

If affordability is a priority, look for destinations with new airline routes or hotels; providers will often release introductory rates at a discount, and you can be among the first to check things out. Additionally, keep an eye out for destinations making a comeback from natural disasters or political unrest; it can take time for tourists to return, even after the place is safe and open for business again, and the low demand can mean great deals for those who are willing to visit.

If you want to go where the excitement is, look for locales with big events, such as major sporting competitions, festivals, and museum openings. Check with the local tourism bureau to see what’s on; you might even stumble upon corresponding deals and packages.

SmarterTravel frequently publishes inspirational lists of places to travel for just about every interest. Check out Top Travel Destinations for 2020 or browse the site’s Destinations section to learn more.

As for safety, your first step is to research your destination on the U.S. State Department’s website . Here you’ll find important travel advisories and information about crime, health concerns, and other safety issues for every country around the world. Pay attention to the details before writing off an entire destination; it may be perfectly safe as long as you steer clear of certain problem areas. Keep an eye on news headlines in the lead-up to your trip so you’re aware of any last-minute issues.

If you have specific concerns, consider posting questions on travel forums such as TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet . Destination experts and locals can often offer up-to-the-minute updates from the ground.

Traveling? Consider Bringing These:

Shop the look.

Sambucus Elderberry Gummies

Weekend Bag

Tea Tree Oil Active Wipes

More from smartertravel:.

• Ultralight Travel: How to Pack Light Every Time
• 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Flight
• The Worst Seats on a Plane (and How to Avoid Them)

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2012. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Anne Banas and Sarah Schlichter contributed to this story.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Top Travel Questions | 200 Fun + Engaging Questions About Travelling To Ask

Published February 8, 2023 · Updated February 8, 2023

Travelling the world is a dream for many, myself included . I quit my job in 2012 to travel and have been living out of a suitcase ever since. A countless number of adventures and an immeasurable number of conversations later , I think back on all the questions I’ve been asked through it all by fellow travellers I have met along the way as well as friends back home. Find a collection of these travel questions in this post . Answer as many as of these questions about traveling as you can and use them as conversation starters the next time you find yourself on an adventure of your own. 

If you’d like to know my personal answer to any of these questions, feel free to contact me or start a conversation of our own on insta . Enjoy!

Whether you find yourself waiting at the airport, on an overnight journey by bus or train, or simply hanging with new found friends while abroad, these questions make for some perfect conversation starters and are sure to get the good vibes flowing . 

I’ve split this into sections to make it easier to read. You will find a list of fun travel questions , interesting and enticing questions about travelling as well as some random would you rather questions. Maybe you’re looking for some travel trivia or an engaging travel question for Instagram — find it all ⬇⬇

Be sure to save this post or bookmark it to easily find it during your next journey. Let’s get into it….

>> Read Next:

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✓ FUN TRAVEL QUESTIONS

What to ask people who travel? Find a list of fun questions about traveling that are bound to keep the conversation flowing from beginning to end!

• You win the lottery tomorrow. Where are you travelling to first?
• What is your favourite aspect about traveling?
• What is the weirdest food you’ve ever tried while traveling ?
• What are sure signs of being a travel addict?
• Are you a city traveller or nature explorer?
• Have you ever hitchhiked? If not, would you ever consider doing it?
• Are you a member of the mile high club?
• Have you ever been on a cruise?
• Choose one famous person or celebrity to travel with?
• Have you ever flown first class?
• How many countries have you been to ?
• What is your favourite city ?
• Where you would you rather be right this moment?
• Do you prefer a window seat or aisle seat on a plane?
• What is the most exotic food you’ve tasted?
• Where is the weirdest place you’ve slept during your travels?
• Would you rather go on a safari, have a city break, or visit a tropical island ?
• Have you ever been camping while abroad?
• What is your favorite travel song ?
• How many of the 7 wonders of the world have you seen?
• What is the best and worst thing about travelling to a new country?
• Beach or mountains ?
• What is your most valuable travel possession?
• Have you fallen in love while travelling?
• What is your favourite vacation song about summer and the beach ?
• What movie and/or has inspired a previous trip of yours?
• What’s a funny or strange travel story of yours?
• Have you ever been on a safari?
• What is your drink of choice on a plane?
• What is you go to remedy for jet-lag?
• What is the favorite stamp in your passport?
• Do you have any embarrassing travel stories?
• What is the most adventurous thing you’ve done during your travels?
• What characteristics make for a cool travel partner?
• Have you ever been snorkelling? If so, where?
• What is the best gift to give to a traveller?
• Describe a dream travel experience?

Check out this list of the: 10 best cheap tropical islands to visit around the world

✓ OPEN-ENDED TRAVEL QUESTIONS

I am a huge fan of not just fun travel questions to ask, but also deep and open ended questions that are often accompanied with some insightful responses and interesting debates. What are some questions about travel?

• How does travel and seeing the world inspire you?
• How many countries do you want to discover in your life?
• How often do you travel? How many days in a month/weeks in a year are you away from home?
• Where do you feel most at home?
• What has been your biggest adventure so far?
• Why do you travel?
• What is the most exotic destination you’ve been to?
• What are some of the lessons that travel has taught you?
• What has been your worst trip or worst travel experience?
• What can you not travel without?
• Where is the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen?
• Have you ever made any of these mistakes while flying ?
• How do you feel on your return home?
• What travel experiences are at the top of of your bucket list?
• When you’re not on the open road, what is the thing you miss most about travelling?
• Are there more advantages to travelling alone or with others?
• What is your best travel tip ?
• What has been your biggest travel mistake?
• What cities would you love to discover?
• What is the best airport for a long layover ?
• When you’re away, what do you miss most about home?
• Who do you usually travel with?
• What is the difference between a tourist and a traveller?
• Do you think its safe to travel during the covid-19 pandemic?
• Did you have any bad travel experiences?
• What has been the most stressful part about travel for you?
• If you could choose one place to live anywhere in the world, where would you most like to live?
• What is your main concern when travelling?
• Do you have a favourite airline?
• What is the scariest thing that has happened to you while traveling?
• When do you feel the most alive?
• Do you travel with a fixed plan or usually just wing it?
• What’s been the biggest struggle you’ve experienced about travel?
• What is your favorite childhood travel memory?
• How has corona covid-19 affected your traveling lifestyle?
• Do you think countries closing their borders was a good move?
• How do you feel about a travel pass?

The important of travel and exploring the world cannot be stressed enough. Here are the 10 key advantages of travelling

Keep reading for more ideas + fun traveling questions to ask …

✓ ENGAGING QUESTIONS ON TRAVEL

How do you talk about travelling? In developing a conversation, few things compare to getting into the head of the other person. Here are a number of thought-provoking questions on travel to get to know someone a little better.

• What do you think is the main benefit of travel ?
• What does the concept of home mean to you ?
• Is it the journey or the destination that’s most important to you?
• What motivates you to travel?
• What is the biggest barrier to long term travel?
• What about traveling do you enjoy the least?
• What is the very first place you’ve visited?
• What has been your best trip?
• Have you ever gotten really lost while abroad?
• What are some things you always take with you on a trip?
• What characteristics and traits are essential for being a traveler?
• What is your preferred means of transport when traveling?
• Do you have any destinations that you would not like to visit?
• What is the most beautiful city you’ve visited ?
• Do you learn a few phrases of the local language before visiting a new country?
• Which country has the best food?
• What is your earliest travel memory of being on vacation?
• Do you make friends easily while on the road?
• What are some of the disadvantages of long term travel?
• Are you a fan of trying out local foods?
• How do you choose where to travel to? 
• Which places hold a special place in your heart?
• What’s the best travel advice you’ve received?
• What is your travel style? Relaxing beach island vacation or city-to-city explorations?
• What are your thoughts on ecotourism and being a responsible tourist ?
• What is the worst injury you’ve gotten while traveling?
• Which island would you love to visit with your family ?
• What would surprise people the most about long term travel?
• Are you enticed by the life of a digital nomad ?

Care about how many countries you’ve been to? Here’s why you should stop counting

✓ INTERESTING TRAVEL QUESTIONS TO ASK

It’s bound to be an interesting and enlightening talk with these deep thinking questions for a travelling companion. How do you ask travel questions?

• How has travel changed you throughout the years?
• What is your favourite part about travel?
• Where did you travel to internationally for the first time?
• If you could travel to anytime in the past , where would you go?
• Where would you love to explore next?
• Where was the last place you’ve been to?
• What is the longest you’ve been away from home for?
• What is the longest flight you’ve taken?
• Do you plan and book your holidays yourself or do you get it done through a travel agency or third party agent?
• Have you ever lived in another country for an extended period of time? If so, where?
• What travel advice would you give to someone traveling internationally for the first time?
• What is the most trouble you’ve been in while traveling?
• Have you ever gotten scammed while in another country ?
• Do you prefer to travel solo or as part of a group?
• Where would you like to go on vacation to?
• Where is the best place you have hiked in?
• Where do you prefer to stay? Hotel/hostel/apartment/couchsurfing?
• Have you explored a lot of your home country ?
• What do you think is the biggest advantage of solo travel?
• Who is the most interesting person you’ve met during your travels?
• Have you ever missed a flight?
• Are you a member of any frequent flyer programs?
• Which place would you not visit again?
• If you speak more than one language, which language is the easiest and hardest to learn?
• What is your favorite museum?
• What is a typical meal like from your country ?
• What travel apps you you use most often?
• How many passports have you gone through?
• What home food do you miss most when travelling abroad?
• Are there any aspects of a foreign culture that you will never get use to?

Speaking of a foreign culture.. Here are: the most strange and exotic foods eaten across the world

✓ TRAVEL QUESTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM

Travel and exploring the world is my favorite past-time. But you already knew that, right? Here are travel questions to ask to get you talking about past vacations , favorite destinations, future travel aspirations, and bucket list places . What to caption a travel photo?

• Where is the most amazing place you’ve encountered during your travels?
• Do you prefer to travel to famous and popular destinations or off the beaten track spots?
• How many photos are saved on your hard-drive in total?
• What is your favourite foreign cuisine?
• What is your favorite word for travel ?
• What inspires you to travel?
• Do you usually bring back souvenirs for your trip?
• What travel quote do you live by?
• What country (or countries) would you like to visit the most?
• How many days until your next vacation?
• What place should everyone see at least once in their lifetime?
• Are there any popular places or destinations you’d like to avoid?
• What is the best place to visit in your own country?
• What are your favourite countries?
• Do you prefer novel stimulating experiences or a chilled out relaxed vacation?
• Do you keep a journal to document all your experiences exploring the world?
• What was the most recent road trip you took?
• What is your best-loved national park?
• What is your favourite tropical island ?
• What is your favourite city for a weekend break ?
• What is the most money you’ve spent on a plane ticket? Where’d you go?
• What is your favorite foreign dessert ?
• Where was your first vacation with your family ?
• What is your most prized travel possession?
• Which city has the best street food?
• What one place do you have to visit before you die?
• Are you planning on travelling again soon in a post pandemic world?
• Which country has the most beautiful flag ?
• How does travel bring meaning to your life ?

I’ve had a lot of misadventures and crazy travel experiences over the years. Here are a couple of my misadventures

✓ WOULD YOU RATHER QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAVELLING

A simple format of intriguing and fun questions for traveling. Present these to your fellow travelers with these odd, funny, and interesting scenarios to get into some great conversations.

• Would you rather lose all your travel photos or all of your money?
• Would you rather travel back in time and meet your ancestors or forward in time to meet your descendants?
• Would you rather travel the world by plane, train, or ship?
• Would you rather see a lot of countries for a little bit or get to know one in-depth?
• Would you rather explore the deepest part of the ocean or outer space?
• Would you rather upgrade your flight to first class or your hotel room to the penthouse suite ?
• Would you rather go hiking, visit museums, or to the beach ?
• Would you rather be the last person left on earth, or be one of the first people on Mars but you’ll never come back home?
• Would you rather swim with dolphins or go shark cage diving?
• Would you rather be able to pause, rewind, or fast forward time?
• Would you rather only speak English or speak every language in the world except for English ?
• Would you rather travel the whole world but never finding love or finding your soulmate but never being able to travel?
• Would you rather be able to speak all languages or be able to talk to animals?
• Would you rather explore the dessert heat of the Sahara or the icy landscape of Antarctica?
• Would you rather have the super power of teleportation or flying?
• Would you rather have a summer beach vacation or a winter mountain trip?
• Would you rather discover the jungle on an African safari or the sea on a cruise?
• Would you rather sleep in a room in a haunted hotel or filled with snakes?
• Would you rather walk the entire Great Wall of China or climb Mount Kilimanjaro ?
• Would you rather live the life of a king alone or live like a nomad with your friends and family ?
• Would you rather watch the rising sun or the setting sun ?
• Would you rather go on lots of small trips or one long trip?
• Would you rather be able to tell your past self one thing or be able to ask your future self one question?

I hope you’ve appreciated this complete set of travel questions. I’ve included more than enough vacation questions to fuel those conversations with a traveler or while discovering the world. What are some of your favorites? And did any of these reveal some insights or breakthroughs?

>> Read next:

Keep the conversation going with these 100+ epic questions for road trips The ultimate list of quotes about travelling and smiling to keep the positive vibes flowin’ The top 10 advantages of travelling the world The best vacation songs to include on your summer playlist Should you talk to strangers ?

Happy travelling! Rai

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• News & Views >
• Five questions for destinations to ask about tourism >

Five questions for destinations to ask about tourism

With tourism showing unremitting growth for the eighth consecutive year, and forecast to continue apace in the coming decades, popular destinations are suffering.

During a recent roundtable event in Buenos Aires , we brought together leading figures from the industry to discuss the issue of overtourism.

If destinations want to get the most out of the tourism industry, and avoid becoming tourist traps, now is the time to ask the following questions…

1. What do you want from tourism?

Economic benefits, of course, but what kind?

Obviously it’s important that revenue stays in the destination, but how can you ensure it is spread evenly around different businesses?

The potential for jobs and employment stretches beyond hotels to the whole tourism supply chain – to excursion providers, craft-makers, conservationists, farmers and many more, all part of the tourism product.

In Croatia, we found that local business owners appreciated being consulted and involved in hotel development, and it led to tourism that was more beneficial to the destination – see our Case Study .

And then there are the costs. If the money flowing in is set against resource depletion, shoring up historical sites, fixing environmental damage and repairing infrastructure, then you are not balancing the books. This is something we set out to assess in our 2016 report Measuring Tourism’s Impact in Cyprus.

2. What kind of tourism do you want?

Once you understand what you want from tourism, you can look at shaping the sector to meet your needs.

Over the last year, we’ve been undertaking research in Tenerife on Finding the Optimum Tourist Mix , which is about understanding the ‘true’ value of different tourist markets – the distinctive types of tourists who are looking for different holiday experiences.

Most destinations, when asked, would be able to describe the kind of holidaymaker they are aiming for, but all too often this is based who visits at present, or a general idea of attracting ‘high value’ tourists.

Many countries set out to attract large international markets, whereas they might obtain better value through looking at other types of tourism.

Take domestic tourism, for instance, a market that is typically four times larger than international visitors. Domestic tourists may be visiting friends and family, going out for meals together, travelling by car and thus able to make more purchases, yet some destinations are tailoring their product only to internationals.

Make sure you know:

• Who your current tourists are
• What their impacts are, positive and negative
• Who you would like to see in greater numbers, and who in fewer
• Who is missing (consider whether there are types of tourist who are not currently visiting but who would bring benefits)

One destination that has done an excellent job of answering these questions is Flanders in Belgium (see this WTTC seminar ). They’ve identified their market segments, looked at what makes them beneficial or detrimental, and identified who they would like to target, namely the ‘cultural tourist’ and the Meetings, Conferences and Events market. This has helped them make decisions about investment and infrastructure.

3. What are the risks?

Now you know more about the form your ideal tourist industry would take, and the benefits it should bring, you can consider any risks.

What negative impacts might be caused, should you try to adapt to certain kinds of tourism markets? If you decide to target luxury travellers, and find that they want to play golf, will there be enough water to keep a course green? What might be the effects on your roads, your heritage sites, your delicate natural environments?

To help destinations consider these issues, we developed a framework to identify potential environmental and socio-economic risks in a destination and partnered with TUI to trial it in Sardinia and Saint Lucia.

4. What is this information good for?

The data will be exceptionally useful. For some countries, tourism can be the first, second or third most important industry, and yet it is not always taken seriously because it doesn’t always quantify the value it brings in.

When you have clear figures showing where tourism is adding and subtracting value, you can make a watertight case for your sector and its contribution. This in turn can help with allocating budget to infrastructure and tourism projects.

You can also prove to tour operators, hotels, developers and investors that you’re a sustainable destination, and work more collaboratively to keep it that way.

5. What about the people skills?

One issue for tourism organisations is having personnel with the skills and abilities to undertake the impact assessments that are needed.

If it is not possible to get people with the right skills in house, then destinations need to go to NGOs, external organisations or universities, and find people who can help with this research.

This is why, at the Travel Foundation, we have a dedicated Sustainable Practice team , who work with tourism organisations to build capacity, helping them measure and embed better practice.

To find out more about how we can support you to develop the best kind of tourism for your destination, get in touch.

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• INTELLIGENT TRAVEL

13 Big Questions on the Future of Travel

Nowadays, there are more travelers on the road than ever before, visiting places that were once off-limits and sharing their experiences in ways the Baby Boomer generation could have never imagined.

In a world that’s constantly evolving, it’s important to ask big questions about the future of travel and how we’re changing our planet by exploring it en masse.

That’s why   National Geographic Traveler   asked 13 luminaries in their spheres–from Rock and Roll Hall of Famer David Byrne   and intergalactic pioneer Richard Branson   to legendary travel writer Pico Iyer   and our very own Digital Nomad Andrew Evans –to   tackle 13 subjects we think are worth talking about as we count down to 2014.

What’s the World’s Best Green Place? “The largely Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan has banned plastic bags, pledged to go fully organic, and constitutionally protected more than half of its pristine forests,” says Traveler   editor at large and sustainable tourism expert   Costas Christ . “But keeping modernity at bay is a huge challenge. I was there last year and recommend travelers go now—not to see it before it is too late, but to witness a country in the midst of a transformation that could become a model for living on a more sustainable planet.”

How Do We Keep 
the Romance in Travel? “There are high-rises in Lhasa now, brothels along the main roads, karaoke parlors. There are tourists from everywhere; from most parts of Tibet’s capital, you can no longer see the Potala Palace. But the spirit and intensity around, say, the central Jokhang Temple only grow more heart-shaking as modern buildings come up around it,” notes celebrated   travel writer and novelist   Pico Iyer .   “Recalling the quiet town of two-story whitewashed houses I saw in 1985 sometimes makes me wistful, but what makes us travel—the confrontation with the foreign, the wondrous, and the elevating—never gets old.”

Will Tourism Sink Venice? “The short answer is yes,” says Elizabeth Becker , author of Overbooked: The Exploding Business of Travel and Tourism . “Today Venice has a population of 60,000 and is visited every year by up to 20 million people. Politicians have ignored locals’ pleas to bring some sanity to the tourism trade: Cruise ships are allowed to dock in car-free Venice, polluting the air. But citizen groups are challenging their political leaders to enforce laws against more tourist lodgings and to prohibit fraud and corruption—giving citizens breathing space to reclaim their way of life.”

Does a Gene Make Us Travel? “Certainly no gene or even batch of genes can make you travel,” says David Dobbs , author of “ Restless Genes ” in   National Geographic ’s January 2013 issue. “However, there’s a growing view that human genes and culture, shaping one another across millennia, have been crucial in making us the passionate travelers we are, giving us the ability and drive to move out of Africa 60,000 years ago and then all over the planet and beyond.”

How Can I Go Beyond the Bucket List? “The best travel surprises us, pushes and pulls us away from our expected reality,” at least according to National Geographic   Traveler ’s Digital Nomad Andrew Evans .   “Bucket lists–and the marketing assault that accompanies them–substitute surprise with a purchased product. But you can never predict Paris or count on Kolkata to deliver what you ordered,” he says. “There is nothing wrong with making lists; just don’t make it a shopping list. The blank page leads to an open road.”

Is Biking the Answer? “As more and more cities adopt bike-share programs, cycling will be seen as the cheapest, most convenient, pleasurable, and practical way to see a city,” says   Talking Heads   front man   David Byrne , who also authored   Bicycle Diaries .   “There are places that are super bike-friendly—Berlin, Copenhagen—but where’s the thrill in that? What’s exciting is when you zig and zag past snarled traffic in Istanbul or Rome—cities that aren’t known for bikes but have bad traffic and small side streets perfect for shortcuts.”

Where is the Creative Class Heading? “ Calgary and Houston are two cities to watch as emerging travel destinations, especially Houston because of its significant airport presence,” says Richard Florida , author of The Rise of the Creative Class . “Cities with large, well-connected air hubs have a larger impact on economic development. Other emerging creative-class cities include Nashville , Vancouver , Denver , and Portland, Oregon . Each of these cities has the characteristics that are appealing to knowledge workers: walkable city centers, tolerant and open environments, and thick cultural and entertainment amenities.”

Which Emerging Places Are Keeping It Real? “ Nicaragua [has] been getting increasing attention, with an apparent yen to become the new Costa Rica. Northern Mozambique has been trying to emerge for some years now. In Mexico, the state of Campeche is working hard to become more than a day-trip,” says National Geographic fellow   Jonathan Tourtellot , director of the Center for Sustainable Destinations .   “The destinations to watch are ones where there’s a group effort by the tourism industry, government, conservation groups, and locals to attract tourism that sustains the place’s geographical character.”

Is the Wild North the New Wild West? “The Arctic is changing,” according to Andrew Zolli , National Geographic fellow, futures researcher, and curator of poptech.org .   Climate change opens up more travel routes, brings more tourism, more commerce, more geopolitical competition—more everything. And it’s not just the Arctic,” he says–“changes coming to the ‘three poles’ [Arctic, Antarctic, and Himalaya], as the Chinese call them, have global significance for every aspect of human civilization.”

What Will the Airport of the Future Look Like? “Once a place of departure, airports and their immediate environs are becoming destinations where travelers meet, work, shop, eat, sleep, and play without going more than 15 minutes from the passenger terminal,” explains John D. Kasarda , director of the Center for Air Commerce . “The ‘aerotropolis,’ a city built around an airport, will become a powerful magnet for business travel, medical tourism, and leisure pursuits,” he says. “ Amsterdam Schiphol , Dallas–Fort Worth , Dubai , Hong Kong , and Incheon , in South Korea, are airports leading the way.”

• Nat Geo Expeditions

When Will Interplanetary Travel Take Off? “Private spaceflight is going to vastly increase our knowledge of how humans can safely go to space,” says Richard Branson , founder of Virgin Galactic .   “But our first voyages are just a beginning. The expertise and technologies we develop with frequent spaceflights will teach us how to go farther. Considering what’s happening now in low-cost satellite launching, I’m confident that interplanetary travel can and will happen in my lifetime.”

Can Scientists Create 
Real Jurassic Parks? The Bad News: “Since the Jurassic period ended 145 million years ago, the DNA of the great reptiles of that age is long gone, along with any hope of resurrecting them,” says Stewart Brand , co-founder of Revive and Restore . The (depending on how you come down on the issue of cloning) good news? “The Pleistocene epoch ended just over 11,000 years ago, and DNA from animals of that period can still be recovered from some fossils. Creatures that went extinct then might be brought back to life using new genetic engineering. We may see woolly mammoths and saber-toothed cats in zoos in a couple of decades.”

How Do We Make the World a Friendlier Place? “The world is a lot friendlier than we’re led to believe,” maintains Matthew Harding , founder of   wherethehellismatt.com .   In a country like Yemen or Afghanistan, where you don’t hear a lot of good news, I’ll meet people who work to put me at ease and show me they’re glad I’ve come. When you go as a traveler, pretty much anywhere on this planet, you’ll be welcomed. That doesn’t mean there isn’t danger. But you can choose not to be controlled by fear. Then you’re open to new experiences.”

George W. Stone   is an editor at large at   National Geographic Traveler   magazine.  

What’s your “big question” about the future of travel?   Tell us in the comments section below for a chance to have one of our experts here at National Geographic Travel respond:

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Debating Matters

sixth-form debating competition

Tourism benefits the world

View a PDF version of this topic guide here .

INTRODUCTION

Tourism has traditionally been seen as a way of showing appreciation for different places, peoples and cultures, but mounting fears about the impact of mass tourism have led many to question whether tourists are actually ruining the places they love. A debate about the effects of tourism on tourist destinations has been going on for some time [Ref:  Telegraph ], leading to the rise of related ideas like ethical tourism [Ref:  Tourism Concern ] or eco-tourism [Ref:   International Ecotourism Society ].

Most recently, there has been a renewed focus on the impact that tourism has on major or historic cities. Scottish authors Ian Rankin [Ref:  Times ] and Val McDermid [Ref:  Edinburgh News ] have clashed on whether tourism is ‘killing’ Edinburgh. Barcelona is widely considered to have been ‘ruined’ by tourism [Ref:  The Guardian ], and Venice has considered taking radical steps including banning sitting down in key areas to alleviate the supposed problems of overtourism [Ref:  Telegraph ]. Moreover, the short-stay rental service Airbnb – used by many tourists – has been accused of driving up rents for locals, turning residential areas into unofficial hotels [Ref:  BBC ] and even robbing cities of their individuality [Ref:  The Verge ].

There has, however, been a backlash against the war on tourism, with renewed arguments for the economic and social benefits tourism brings. Critics detect snobbery against mass tourism, moral posturing and hypocrisy, with people bemoaning the effects of tourism while continuing to take full advantage of its many benefits. They ask on what basis people claim a right to tell others how to enjoy themselves. The overall impact of tourism therefore needs to be reassessed, and the question remains: is the holiday over for mass tourism?

DEBATE IN CONTEXT

This section provides a summary of the key issues in the debate, set in the context of recent discussions and the competing positions that have been adopted.

Does tourism ruin cities?  From the time that the father of mass tourism, Thomas Cook, organised the world’s first package tour in 1841, tourism has been more than the preserve of a privileged few [Ref:  Wikipedia ]. The postwar expansion of air travel started the era of international mass tourism, which today, with the increase in cheap flights, includes many more short breaks alongside annual summer holidays. Ever since this expansion, critics have accused masses of tourists of destroying picturesque towns and cities by littering and drinking but also by replacing businesses aimed at local needs with kitschy tourist-traps and foreign restaurants [Ref:  Independent ]. But has there always been an elitist undercurrent in such criticisms? [Ref:   Stuff Magazine ]. The same papers that carry criticisms of mass-tourism [Ref:  Guardian ] carry articles on the next ‘unspoilt’ destination for middle-class travellers to visit [Ref:  Guardian ]. Moreover, the criticism of mass-tourism and chain hotels has directly fed the popularity of Airbnb and the image of ‘living like a local’, the very thing critics are now decrying. But, when concerns about tourism come from locals, is it not wiser to listen?

Do the economic benefits outweigh the costs? Tourism is the world’s largest industry, a vitally important source of rapid development for many small developing countries [Ref:  Financial Times ], and a lifeline for those hit by crises [Ref:  NYT ]. However, many are concerned that money goes to companies abroad rather than local people [Ref:  Guardian ]. One side points to the benefits from employment and associated opportunities for small family businesses like cafes and handicrafts [Ref:  Medium ], while the other points to foreign companies creating resorts or excluding locals.

Does tourism damage or improve the environment? Environmentalists argue flying is the fastest growing cause of climate change, although it is currently responsible for only three per cent of global greenhouse-gas emissions [Ref:  The Conversation ]. There are calls, often successful, for increased taxes on aviation to discourage flying [Ref:   Financial Times ]. Budget airlines are a focus of criticism, but they argue that they are more efficient than other carriers. Furthermore, whilst the economic effects of tourism are benefiting historical sites and areas of natural beauty, the dramatic – and often unchecked – rise in the number of tourists goes hand in hand with increased damage, conservation and restoration issues, and the destruction of a way of life for ordinary people.

Whose city is it anyway? Locals in high tourism areas often feel that their city has been overrun by tourists who don’t care about local culture, but are more concerned with getting a selfie in front of a famous landmark [Ref:  Guardian ] or gaining the credibility on instagram from being seen in trendy Berlin clubs or Norwegian mountains [Ref:  Spiegel ;   National Geographic ]. Moreover, locals feel their rents are increasing and neighbourhoods are changing because of Airbnb [Ref:  Curbed ]. In response, they have organised protests and campaigned for new laws [Ref:  Guardian ]. Many cities now have restrictions on Airbnb [Ref:  BBC ], and Amsterdam is seeking to restrict the sale of marijuana to tourists in response to locals’ complaints about stoned and disoriented tourists [Ref:  Travel and Leisure ] . Yet, many locals feel that restrictions on tourists are restrictions on their own freedom: in Venice, locals organised a guerrilla campaign to destroy barriers and checkpoints designed to keep tourists to designated areas, saying that they ‘own the city, not the mayor or tourists’ [Ref:  Independent ].

Should we travel less?  After years of demonisation, travel seems very much to be in vogue again. Being ‘well travelled’ is social currency in an interconnected world that values cosmopolitanism, yet when such status is as much about avoiding ‘touristy’ areas or being seen in the ‘right’ cities like trendy Berlin [Ref:  NYMag ]  as it is about valuing travel as such [Ref:  CNN ], we are hardly seeing a defence of mass tourism. At any rate, it is relatively rare to see tourism defended on traditional terms such as the value of experiencing new cultures and engaging with great works of world civilisation [Ref:  NYT ]. Nonetheless, environmental concerns have not gone away, and even if Tourism Concern, the leading ethical tourism charity, was forced to close from a lack of donations [Ref:  Guardian ], people are increasingly mindful of being a ‘good tourist’. Moreover, global tourist numbers are due to increase exponentially as more people in the global south become able to afford to see the world [Ref:  Telegraph ]. Will these increased numbers be harmful, or should we celebrate the expansion of travel?

ESSENTIAL READING

It is crucial for debaters to have read the articles in this section, which provide essential information and arguments for and against the debate motion. Students will be expected to have additional evidence and examples derived from independent research, but they can expect to be criticised if they lack a basic familiarity with the issues raised in the essential reading.

Airbnb in Berlin Airbnb Airbnb 5 December 2018

In defense of tourism Peter Jon Lindberg Peter Jon Lindberg 3 September 2018

Anti-tourism gets ugly Jim Butcher Spiked 22 August 2018

In defense of being a tourist Lilit Marcus CNN 19 July 2017

Dear ‘Citizens of nowhere’ you are not alone James Shackell  The Journal 18 January 2017

In defense of the three-week vacation Jynne Dilling New York Times 9 June 2016

When climate change is the reality, our grandchildren will look back in horror at how we travel Greg Dickinson The Telegraph 30 August 2018

Residents in tourism hotspots have had enough. So what’s the answer? Elle Hunt The Guardian 9 July 2018

I don’t mean to ruin your holiday, but Europe hates tourists – and with good reason Suzanne Moore The Guardian 16 August 2017

Airbnb vs. the city Megan Barber Curbed 10 November 2016

Welcome to airspace Kyle Chayka The Verge 3 August 2016

Six reasons why mass tourism is unsustainable Anna Pollock The Guardian 23 August 2013

A timeline of overtourism: key moments in the global battle between locals and travellers Greg Dickinson The Telegraph 5 May 2019

How Berlin is fighting back against growing anti-tourist feeling in the city Oliver Stallwood The Guardian 4 December 2018

Venice locals tear down turnstiles amid fury after they are segregated from tourists Julia Bucley Independent 29 April 2018

Living Next Door to Tourism in Berlin Various DW 22 November 2017

First Venice and Barcelona: now anti-tourism marches spread across Europe Will Coldwell The Guardian 10 August 2017

In Berlin, a Grass-Roots Fight Against Gentrification as Rents Soar Charly Wilder New York Times 18 March 2017

Here’s exactly what Airbnb does to rent in popular cities Jim Edwards Business Insider 20 October 2016

How have our travel habits changed over the past 50 years? Colin Pooley The Conversation 21 October 2015

Definitions of key concepts that are crucial for understanding the topic. Students should be familiar with these terms and the different ways in which they are used and interpreted and should be prepared to explain their significance.

A history of package holidays Adam Lusher Independent 8 June 2015

BACKGROUNDERS

Useful websites and materials that provide a good starting point for research.

Thomas Cook Wikipedia 14 November 2018

Ghana after aid Various authors Financial Times 8 October 2018

‘Overtourism’ Is driving europeans crazy Jessica Loudis The Nation 12 September 2018

Your choice of holiday destination is a political act Brendan Canavan The Independent 6 August 2018

The backlash against Airbnb Charlemagne The Economist 19 July 2018

The holiday destinations that are saving the planet Oliver Smith The Telegraph 5 June 2018

Traveller vs tourist: The worst thing about being a travel snob Ben Groundwater Stuff Magazine 22 May 2018

Tourism creates thorny ethical dilemmas: isn’t that the point? Akshat Rathi Quartzy 12 April 2018

I did nothing all over the world Kate Manser Medium 5 March 2018

In defence of the ‘tourist trail’ Jessica Lee Lonely Planet 18 February 2018

Does your holiday pass the human rights test? Rebecca Seales BBC 7 February 2018

The ‘new’ Gap Year: Is it worth it, and what should I do during my year before university? Flora Carr The Telegraph 16 August 2017

Ethical Tourism and travelling off the beaten path Tobias Roberts HuffPost 6 July 2017

In Defense Of Chinese Tour Groups Panpan Wang Huffington Post 2 May 2017

It’s time to wake up to the devastating impact flying has on the environment Roger Tyers The Conversation 17 January 2017

No, tourism is not an act of ‘white privilege’ Jim Butcher Spiked 29 September 2016

IN THE NEWS

Relevant recent news stories from a variety of sources, which ensure students have an up to date awareness of the state of the debate.

Majority of residents in favour of tourists Various Visit Reykjavik 5 November 2018

Almost half of UK holidaymakers want tourism tax – survey Various ITV 4 November 2018

Leading ethical tourism charity forced to close Antonia Wilson The Guardian 28 September 2018

Will you soon have to pay a tourist tax to visit the Scottish Highlands? Greg Dickinson The Telegraph 27 September 2018

How is overtourism impacting travel to popular destinations? Johnny Jet Forbes 20 August 2018

Selfies and sweat stains: bad holidays and bored tourists – in pictures Laurence Stephens The Guardian 31 July 2018

Airbnb Drives Up Rent Costs in Manhattan and Brooklyn, Report Says Luis Ferré-Sadurní New York Times 3 May 2018

The Netherlands isn’t as weed-friendly as it used to be Natasha Bach Fortune 17 April 2018

The unstoppable rise of the Chinese traveller – where are they going and what does it mean for overt Oliver Smith The Telegraph 11 April 2018

Cancún: from tourist beach paradise to hotbed of Mexico’s drug violence David Agren The Guardian 14 March 2018

12 destinations travellers might want to avoid in 2018 Joe Minihane CNN 3 February 2018

Where to go on holiday in 2018 – the hotlist Various The Guardian 6 January 2018

Tourists have turned Oxford into ‘hell’, locals claim Natalie Paris The Telegraph 8 August 2017

‘Tourism kills neighbourhoods’: how do we save cities from the city break? Elle Hunt The Guardian 4 August 2017

Stats: millennials 5x more well-traveled than their grandparents Various Travel Agent Central 27 July 2017

Why Amsterdam’s coffeeshops are closing Various The Economist 10 January 2017

Airbnb faces worldwide opposition. It plans a movement to rise up in its defence Shane Hickey and Franki Cookney The Guardian 29 October 2016

High Line neighbours hate “High Line tourists” Garth Johnston Gothamist 24 May 2016

Barcelona declares war on stag and hen party binge drinkers with ban on Happy Hour Telegraph 15 October 2009

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The Business of Tourism

Student resources, chapter 1: an introduction to tourism, question 1:  why is it difficult to define tourism.

Answer Guide:  Definitions are difficult because they need to encompass the many different types of tourists. For example, we can separate by domestic and international travel, reasons for travelling (e.g. business or leisure) and the length of time travelled (day trips or over-night). We also need to exclude those that travel but are not considered tourists (migrants, nomads, etc.) and those that use tourist facilities but are not tourists (e.g. academics visiting a historic attraction for research purposes).

Question 2: In this chapter, we note that tourism is influenced by characteristics such as intangibility, inseparability, heterogeneity and perishability. What are the implications of each of these characteristics for tourism managers?

Answer Guide: These characteristics mean that operations must be adapted accordingly:

Intangibility – this means that the product cannot be touched or tested before use. Consequently the way the product is marketed but be to give the buyer a good sense of what the product will be like. This might be through the use of videos that show the guest around or the use of famtrips for those selling holidays so they can better explain the experience to the tourist.

Inseparability – this means that the tourist and the service provider must come together for the service to take place. This interaction means that quality and consistency have to be ensured to maximise customer satisfaction. To achieve this extensive staff training may be required. It also needs to consider that multiple customers are using the product at the same time and can influence each other’s experience (i.e. a noisy group in a restaurant could affect the experience of a couple wanting to have a quiet meal together).

Heterogeneity – this means that the product is not always the same. For example, inclement weather, flight delays or the bad mood of service staff can make one person’s holiday experience very different from those travelling at a different time.

Perishability – this means that the product is time-limited. For example, once a plane departs, any seats on the flight that are not sold cannot be stored for sale at a later date. The same is true for a hotel bedroom. Tourism managers address this issue through yield management, pricing products to encourage early purchase as well as selling off remaining products last minute, if needed.

Question 3: How does the perception of available amenities and attractions influence a tourist’s choice of destination?

Answer Guide: Iconic attractions can be sufficient to attract visitors to select a particular destination. Other attractions may add to the appeal and encourage a longer stay. The availability of amenities (accommodation. restaurants, bars and shops, etc.) can make visits easier and more appealing, again extending the length of time a visitor stays at a destination.

6 years to the Global Goals – here's how tourism can help get us there

Inclusive governance and community engagement in tourism planning and management can aid sustainable development goals. Image:  Unsplash/D Jonez

.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo{-webkit-transition:all 0.15s ease-out;transition:all 0.15s ease-out;cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:none;color:inherit;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:hover,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo:focus,.chakra .wef-1c7l3mo[data-focus]{box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(168,203,251,0.5);} Zurab Pololikashvili

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• Tourism is a significant economic force that has returned close to pre-pandemic figures, with 1.3 billion international travellers and tourism exports valued at approximately $1.6 trillion in 2023.
• The tourism sector must adopt sustainable practices in response to climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
• Inclusive governance and community engagement in tourism planning and management are key to ensuring the sector’s support to local identity, rights and well-being.

With mounting challenges to our societies – conflict, geopolitical tension, climate change and rising inequality – we should look to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their promise of a shared blueprint for peace, prosperity, people and planet by 2030. However, as UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres reminds us , “that promise is in peril” with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic having stalled three decades of steady progress.

Tourism can help deliver a better future, and with less than six years to go, it must unleash its full power to achieve this.

Have you read?

Turning tourism into development: mitigating risks and leveraging heritage assets, what is travel and tourism’s role in future global prosperity, how travel and tourism can reach net zero, tourism’s economic boon.

International tourists reached 89% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Around 1.3 billion tourists travelled internationally, with total tourism exports of $1.7 trillion, about 96% in real terms of the pre-pandemic value. Preliminary estimates indicate that tourism's direct gross domestic product (GDP) reached $3.3 trillion, the same as 2019, as per our World Tourism Barometer .

Yet, persisting inflation, high interest rates, volatile oil prices and disruptions to trade could impact the pace of recovery. Uncertainty derived from ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict and growing tensions in the Middle East, alongside other mounting geopolitical tensions, may also weigh on traveller confidence.

Results from the World Economic Forum’s latest Travel & Tourism Development Index reflect the impact of some of these challenges on the sector’s recovery and travel and tourism’s potential to address many of the world’s growing environmental, social and economic problems.

Therefore, as the sector returns, it remains our responsibility to ensure that this is a sustainable, inclusive and resilient recovery.

The climate imperative

Climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss are making extreme weather events increasingly challenging for destinations and communities worldwide. The tourism sector is simultaneously highly vulnerable to climate change and a contributor to harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Accelerating climate action in tourism is critical for the sector’s and host communities’ resilience. We are taking responsibility but more needs to be done to reduce plastics, curb food waste, protect and restore biodiversity, and reduce emissions as the demand for travel grows.

The framework proposed by the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism is catalyzing the development and implementation of climate action plans, guided by and aligned to five pathways (measure, decarbonize, regenerate, collaborate and finance). It’s a clear plan to enable the transition towards low carbon and regenerative tourism operations for resilience. Over 850 signatories from 90 countries are involved in innovating solutions, creating resources and connecting across supply chains, destinations and communities.

Leaving no-one behind

Tourism can be a powerful tool to fight inequality, within and between countries but only so long as we also address diversity, equity and inclusion in the sector, provide decent jobs and ensure respect for host communities and shared benefits.

One good example of tourism’s potential to progress shared prosperity is Rwanda’s Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme . Initiated in 2005 and revised in 2022, it aligns conservation efforts with community development. The programme designates a portion of National Parks revenues to ensure that local communities benefit directly from conservation and tourism activities. Initially set at 5%, the share of total revenue now stands at 10% .

Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024

New tools, jobs and values.

Technology, ease of travel and the pandemic have all accelerated changes in how we work. Again, as we progress, we have a duty to ensure we are leaving nobody behind. Education and skills are vital to progressing equality, growth and opportunities for all, making them a cornerstone of the SDGs. However, tourism businesses face a labour shortage to cope with travel demand. We must make tourism more attractive to young people so they see it as a valued career path.

We also need to support micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which make up around 80% of all tourism businesses worldwide and up to 98% in some Group of 20 (G20) economies. While each country’s challenges are different, digitization, market access, marketing and skill gaps are key areas we should address with targeted policies for MSMEs and entrepreneurship.

Measuring impact

Sustainable tourism is only possible if we can properly measure the sector’s impact and progress in three dimensions: economic, social and environmental.

Last March, the UN adopted a new global standard to measure the sustainability of tourism (MST) – economic, social and environmental. Developed under the leadership of UN Tourism and endorsed by all 193 UN member states, the MST statistical framework provides the common language (agreed definitions, tables and indicators) for producing harmonized data on key economic, social and environmental aspects of tourism.

Countries and other stakeholders now have the foundation to produce trustworthy, comparable data for steering the sector towards its full potential. And indeed, over 30 countries and subnational regions have already implemented the flexible MST framework, focusing on the data most relevant to their sustainability efforts.

Centring community wellbeing

Increasingly, communities worldwide demand a tourism sector that respects their identity, rights and wellbeing.

Transforming the sector requires rethinking governance as more holistic with a whole-government approach, multi-level coordination between national and local policies and strong public-private-community partnerships. Listening and engaging residents in tourism planning and management is at the core of the sector’s future.

Take Barcelona as an example. Here, e tourism represents 14% of the city’s GDP. The Tourism and City Council was created in 2016 and relies on citizen participation to advise the municipal government on tourism public policies. This initiative demonstrates the advancement of tourism governance from classic public-private collaboration to public-private-community. Therefore, issues around the visitor economy become those for official city consideration.

Delivering on tourism’s potential

We urgently need to grow investment in tourism. The data is encouraging: the UN Conference on Trade and Development World Investment Report 2023 shows that global foreign direct investment across all sectors, tourism included, reached approximately $1.37 trillion that year, marking a modest increase of 3% from 2022.

At the same time, we need to ensure this investment is targeted where it will make the most significant and most positive impact by building greater resilience and accelerating the shift towards greater sustainability.

The significant benefits tourism can offer our economies and societies, as well as the challenges obstructing us from fully delivering on this potential, are now more widely recognized than ever.

Tourism is firmly on the agenda of the UN, G20 and Group of Seven nations and the Forum. Delivering on this potential, however, will require political commitment and significant investment. But given what is at stake and the potential benefits to be gained, it should be seen as a huge opportunity rather than a daunting challenge.

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License and Republishing

World Economic Forum articles may be republished in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License, and in accordance with our Terms of Use.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

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Conversation Questions Travel

100+ Best Tourism and World Cultures Trivia Questions & Answers

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Updated: July 4th, 2023

General Tourism Trivia

Traditions trivia, food & cuisine trivia, asian tourist destinations trivia, european tourist destinations trivia, american tourist destinations trivia, miscellaneous tourism trivia.

Question: Which of the following British cities has a cathedral?

Answer: Canterbury

Question: Selyodka is what kind of fish dressed?

Answer: Herring

Question: The kimono is a traditional garment of which country?

Answer: Japan

Question: Which of the following is the name of a traditional Japanese garment?

Answer: Kimono

Question: A silver-painted statue of Lenin is found where?

Answer: Adler

Question: Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed musical instrument, similar to which Chinese instrument?

Answer: Zheng

Question: Which of the following is the oldest tourist attraction?

Answer: Egyptian Pyramids

Question: The Chateau Frontenac grand hotel can be found in which city?

Answer: Quebec City

Question: From the Maid of the Mist, which famous tourist attraction can be seen?

Answer: Niagara Falls

Question: Tourists from which country holiday in Canada the most?

Answer: United States

Question: Which of the following tourist attractions is NOT located in Paris?

Answer: Van Gogh Museum

Question: Which of the following tourist attractions is located in France?

Answer: Loire Valley

Question: Where is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre located?

Answer: Jerusalem

Question: Most of Brazil's tourists come from which country?

Answer: Argentina

Question: The Michelin Guide first appeared in which year?

Answer: 1900

Question: The Lencois Maranhenses National Park is on the coast of which state?

Answer: Maranhao

Question: In what year was All Nippon Airways founded?

Answer: 1952

Question: Japanese samurai felt a special kinship with what part of nature?

Answer: Cherry blossoms

Question: Where is the James Joyce center situated?

Answer: Dublin

Question: Bullfighting is a traditional spectacle in which country?

Answer: Spain

Question: What is the ancient Japanese tradition of ohaguro?

Answer: Dyeing one's teeth black

Question: What is the national drink of Russia?

Answer: Vodka

Question: What is ikebana?

Answer: Art of flower arrangement

Question: Which explorer discovered the Americas?

Answer: Christopher Columbus

Question: Hanfu is a traditional garment from which country?

Answer: China

Question: What is a sento in Japan?

Answer: Bathhouse

Question: Which of the following is the traditional first course in an Italian meal?

Answer: Antipasto

Question: The traditional eating utensils of China are known as what?

Answer: Chopsticks

Question: Caviar is the roe of which fish?

Answer: Sturgeon

Question: Which beverage is associated with the Caribbean?

Answer: Rum

Question: In which country is haggis considered a traditional dish?

Answer: Scotland

Question: What is the national dish of Spain, consisting of saffron-infused rice, meat, seafood, and vegetables?

Answer: Paella

Question: Which country is famous for its traditional dish of sushi, which typically consists of vinegared rice and various toppings?

Question: Kimchi, a spicy fermented side dish, is a staple in the cuisine of which country?

Answer: South Korea

Question: In Italian cuisine, what is the main ingredient of the traditional pasta dish carbonara?

Answer: Eggs, cheese, and bacon (or pancetta)

Question: Which Middle Eastern dip or spread is made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic?

Answer: Hummus

Question: Goulash, a hearty stew often flavored with paprika, is a traditional dish from which European country?

Answer: Hungary

Question: What is the national soup of Vietnam, typically made with flavorful broth, rice noodles, and herbs?

Answer: Pho

Question: In Indian cuisine, what are small, savory pastries filled with spiced potatoes or other fillings called?

Answer: Samosas

Question: Which country is known for its traditional dish of moussaka, consisting of layered eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce?

Answer: Greece

Question: Tacos, a popular street food, are associated with the cuisine of which country?

Answer: Mexico

Question: Fukuoka, Kyoto, and Osaka are popular tourist destinations in which Asian country?

Question: Macau, Lhasa, and Sichuan are popular tourist destinations in which Asian country?

Question: In which country would you find the tourist destination of Kilkenny?

Answer: Republic of Ireland

Question: Da Lat, Hoi An, and Hue are popular tourist destinations in which Asian country?

Answer: Vietnam

Question: The culturally significant city of Chiang Mai is located in which Asian country?

Answer: Thailand

Question: In which European city is the Victoria and Albert Museum situated?

Answer: London

Question: The Istrian Peninsula is a tourist attraction in which country?

Answer: Croatia

Question: In which country would you find the fishing village of Portofino?

Answer: Italy

Question: The popular tourist attraction The Vasa Museum is found in which Nordic capital?

Answer: Stockholm

Question: In which European country would you find the historic cultural city of Florence?

Question: The large cultural city of Iasi is situated in which East European country?

Answer: Romania

Question: In which European country would you find the major health-spa and tourist resort of Sopot?

Answer: Poland

Question: The tourist resort of Interlaken is located in which country?

Answer: Switzerland

Question: The popular tourist destination of Varna is found in which European country?

Answer: Bulgaria

Question: Which popular Mexican tourist destination is closest to San Diego?

Answer: Tijuana

Question: Athens of America' is the nickname of which U.S. city?

Answer: Boston

Question: Which popular tourist destination does McCarran Airport serve?

Answer: Las Vegas

Question: Which U.S. state is the world's number one tourist destination?

Answer: Florida

Question: Which iconic national park is home to the geothermal wonder known as Old Faithful?

Answer: Yellowstone National Park

Question: The famous Golden Gate Bridge is located in which U.S. city?

Answer: San Francisco

Question: Which city is known for its vibrant music scene on Beale Street and being the home of Elvis Presley's Graceland?

Answer: Memphis, Tennessee

Question: The Grand Canyon, one of the world's most breathtaking natural wonders, is located in which U.S. state?

Answer: Arizona

Question: Which city is home to the historic Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, and the Paul Revere House?

Answer: Boston, Massachusetts

Question: The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, stands on Liberty Island in which U.S. city?

Answer: New York City

Question: Which Hawaiian island is famous for its stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, and the vibrant city of Honolulu?

Answer: Oahu

Question: In which city can you find the iconic Hollywood Sign, Walk of Fame, and Universal Studios?

Answer: Los Angeles, California

Question: The city of New Orleans is renowned for its vibrant music, unique cuisine, and annual Mardi Gras celebration. It is located in which U.S. state?

Answer: Louisiana

Question: Which city is home to the historic Alamo, the River Walk, and a vibrant mix of Mexican and Texan cultures?

Answer: San Antonio, Texas

Question: Which of these historic bridges on the Thames opens for tall ships?

Answer: Tower Bridge

Question: What do tourists travel to the Galapagos Islands to see?

Answer: Tortoises

Question: Which world-famous cultural venue is located in Covent Garden in London?

Answer: Royal Opera House

Question: Which of the following is a West Indian folk magic or sorcery?

Answer: Obeah

Question: Stollen is a traditional Christmas cake from which country?

Answer: Germany

Question: The 'Hungarian Sea' is a huge tourist attraction in Hungary, also known as what?

Answer: Lake Balaton

Question: The minority religion Vodou is most associated with which nation?

Answer: Haiti

Question: The 3 historic counties of Jamaica take their name from which country?

Answer: England

Question: Alhambra, Puerta del Sol, Palacio Real, and the El Prado Museum are all found in which country?

Question: Which part of the United Kingdom is traditionally identified with male voice choirs and sheep farming?

Answer: Wales

Question: In which country is the Blarney Stone located?

Answer: Ireland

Question: Which U.S. city is most frequently visited by tourists?

Question: Which of the following tourist attractions is NOT found in London?

Answer: Stonehenge

Question: The 8m tall Lenin Mosaic can be seen in which city?

Answer: Sochi

Question: Which of these U.S. cities attracts more tourists?

Question: Tourists would find the Nou Camp in which city?

Answer: Barcelona

Question: The tourist hotspot of Cancun is in which country?

Question: Which Brazilian city is the number one for tourism?

Answer: Rio de Janeiro

Question: Which of the following tourist attractions is found in the southern hemisphere?

Answer: Sydney Opera House

Question: Which of these is the oldest tourist attraction?

Answer: Great Sphinx of Giza

Question: In which country would you find the Istrian Peninsula?

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Travel and Tourism Quiz Questions

Travel quiz questions on introduction and fundamentals of different types of tourism, affects, benefits and facts about tourism

An example for positive economic impact of Tourism is: (a) Balance of Payment (b) Pressure on resources (c) Inflation (d) None of the above View Answer Ans. (a)

Tourism sector creates more _____ opportunities (a) Job (b) Fund raising (c) Profit making (d) Attractive View Answer Ans. (a)

A resort area – centered around a mineral spring, hot spring and the like, where one can find options for hydrotherapy is called_____ (a) Spring Resort (b) Spa (c) Jacuzzi (d) None of these View Answer Ans. (a)

_____ refers to all those individuals, who have potential to undergo any tour but they have delayed their plan due to some reasons. (a) Potential demand (b) Deferred demand (c) Creative demand (d) Future demand View Answer Ans. (b)

___ Tourism is usually the tourism at the places which are towards extinction or are potentially endangered. (a) Doom (b) Poverty (c) Dark (d) Disaster View Answer Ans. (a)

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Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities is called: (a) Eco-Tourism (b) Responsible tourism (c) Sustainable Tourism (d) Alternative Tourism View Answer Ans. (c)

A person who is travelling a place for pleasure is known as (a) Tourist (b) Traveller (c) Inbound tourist (d) None of these View Answer Ans. (a)

Which of the following is not a component of tourism product? (a) Attractive (b) Accessibility (c) Amenities (d) Attitude View Answer Ans. (d)

____ refers to all those people, who can undergo tours but are not utilizing any tourism product because of lack of motivation and sufficient information. (a) Active demand (b) Future demand (c) Potential demand (d) Suppressed demand View Answer Ans. (b)

A person who moves from one location to another is known as ___ (a) Tourist (b) Traveller (c) Inbound tourist (d) Out bound tourist View Answer Ans. (b)

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A country is mainly benefited from tourism by the ___ (a) Tourist expenditure (b) Tourist travel (c) Accommodation (d) None of these View Answer Ans. (a)

The tourism industry is dependent on various factors like the location of the country, its culture and tradition, the social and political status etc. This dependency has resulted in some unique characteristics or features of the industry. Which of the following are the characteristics of tourism industry? I. Stable location. II. Intangibility. III. Huge financial investments. IV. Stable demand. (a) Both (I) and (III) above (b) Both (II) and (IV) above (c) (I), (II) and (III) above (d) (I), (III) and (IV) above View Answer Ans. (a)

____ is a key tourism asset (a) Culture (b) Packages (c) Trekking (d) Hotels View Answer Ans. (a)

Who are the targets of a tourist spot that is located at great heights (a) Children (b) Women (c) Adventure tourists (d) Business tycoons View Answer Ans. (c)

Name the first space tourist. (a) Thomas cook (b) Dennis Tito (c) Dennis Martin (d) None of these View Answer Ans. (b)

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Excursionist means (a) A person who stays less than 24 hours in the country visited (b) A person who stays more than 24 hours in the country visited (c) A person who covers a reasonably large distance within the country of his residence. (d) A person who stays at least one year visited. View Answer Ans. (a)

___ in tourism is defined as all those means that can be beneficially utilized for the purpose of tourism in a given area. (a) People (b) Resources (c) Transport (d) Homes View Answer Ans. (b)

Scuba diving can be associated with (a) Farm Tourism (b) Eco Tourism (c) Adventure Tourism (d) Green Tourism View Answer Ans. (c)

Tourism is economically significant because it generates ____ and ____. (a) Happiness and Satisfaction (b) Income and Employment (c) Health and Safety (d) None of these View Answer Ans. (b)

Tourism is a business activity which requires: (a) Long-term planning (b) Medium-term planning (c) Short-term planning (d) All of the above View Answer Ans. (d)

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Tourism that consists of travelling to relatively undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with specific objectives of studying , admiring, and enjoying the scenery and its wild plants and animals, as well as any existing cultural manifestations (a) Wildlife tourism (b) Rural tourism (c) Eco tourism (d) Adventure tourism View Answer Ans. (c)

The word ‘tour’ is derived from the Latin word tornus, which means ____. (a) a tool for making a circle (b) a homely feel (d) a constituent of travel (c) relaxation View Answer Ans. (a)

Eco-Tourist is interested to visit a destination where there is (a) Rich wildlife wealth (b) Unique wildlife species (c) Relatively unspoilt natural environment (d) Dense forest View Answer Ans. (c)

Which one of the following is a travel motivator? (a) Booking a flight ticket (b) Civil Unrest (c) Imposition of heavy excise duty on gold import (d) None of these View Answer Ans. (a)

___ represent a fundamental resource for maritime tourism. (a) Islands (b) Boats (c) Scuba diving (c) Fishes View Answer Ans. (a)

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Which one of the following is a pact of adventure tourism? (a) Swimming (b) Bowling (c) Bungee Jumping (d) Chess View Answer Ans. (c)

__ tourism involves people travel within the country (a) Domestic Tourism (b) International Tourism (c) Inbound Tourism (d) Outbound Tourism View Answer Ans. (a)

_____ is a form of tourism focuses on exploration the study of culture and traditions of indigenous populations. (a) Eco Tourism (b) Ethno Tourism (c) Cultural Tourism (d) Ecological Tourism View Answer Ans. (b)

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This is an example of a social benefit of tourism (a) Local people looking after the environment (b) Local people being employed in tourism businesses (c) Local people become entrepreneurs (d) Local people preserve and protect their culture View Answer Ans. (d)

Destinations that have long insolation periods and few cloudy days are suitable for _____ tourism. (a) Summer (b) Winter (c) Autumn (d) Spring View Answer Ans. (b)

If you are moving in a sanctuary and learning more about migratory birds, you are , in all probability, a/an (a) Tourist (b) Explore (c) Eco‐Tourist (d) Researcher View Answer Ans. (c)

____ refers to the observation and interaction with local animal and plant life in their natural habitats. (a) Wildlife tourism (b) Responsible tourism (c) Wellness tourism (d) Mountain tourism View Answer Ans. (a)

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When a visitor travels in his country of residence, he is a ____ visitor (a) Domestic (b) International (c) Inbound (d) Out bound View Answer Ans. (a)

Which of the following is not an element of tourism? (a) Bread and biscuits (b) Scenic attractions (c) Historical factors (d) Amenities View Answer Ans. (a)

The word Tourist was derived from the Latin word : (a) Tornus (b) Trident (c) Toijour (d) None of these View Answer Ans. (a)

Platforms of sandy and coral beaches close to the sea, sheltered from high waves and tidal currents, help to develop ______. (a) responsible tourism (b) beach tourism (c) sea tourism (d) eco tourism View Answer Ans. (b)

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Which is the most expensive type of tourism? (a) Green Tourism (b) Cruise Tourism (c) Space Tourism (d) Religious Tourism View Answer Ans. (c)

A person who travels on foot is known as (a) Pouching (b) Way Tarer (c) Cosmopolitan (d) None of these View Answer Ans. (a)

A tourist generating country is a ______ for tourism. (a) destination (b) market (c) spot (d) region View Answer Ans. (a)

International tourist is a ______ migrant to another country. (a) temporary (b) permanent (c) domestic (c) regional View Answer Ans. (a)

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Tourism creates impact on ____. (a) Individual (b) Family (c) Culture (d) Community View Answer Ans. (c)

An example for negative impact of tourism is: (a) Employment generation (b) Displacement effect (c) Higher GDP growth (d) Poverty alleviation View Answer Ans. (b)

_____ is a type of tourism activity which takes place in a defined and limited geographical space such as hills or mountains with distinctive characteristics and attributes that are inherent to a specific landscape, topography, climate, biodiversity (flora and fauna) and local community. (a) Eco tourism (b) Mountain tourism (c) Scuba diving (d) Rural tourism View Answer Ans. (b)

_____ is a broad term that covers all tourism experiences centered on wild or natural environments. (a) Nature-based tourism (b) Adventure tourism (c) Eco tourism (d) Responsible tourism View Answer Ans. (a)

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_____ perceive that travel does not add any value to their lives. They are always engage in travel thinking and see no worth in paying extra for special amenities. (a) Economizer (b) Worriers (c) Tourists (d) Indulgers View Answer Ans. (a)

_____ do something beyond norms. They always want to be away from tourist crowds. (a) Elite tourists (b) Off beat tourists (c) Unusual tourists (d) Explorer View Answer Ans. (b)

Organized mass tourists are highly dependent on ______. (a) Trekking (b) Togetherness (c) Environmental bubble (d) Travel View Answer Ans. (c)

Educated tourists who like to try new experiences are known as _______. (a) Adventurer (b) Worriers (c) Dreamers (d) Indulgers View Answer Ans. (a)

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The ____________ of a destination is the main factor in getting the tourist to visit and spend time at a given destination. (a) Attractiveness (b) Food (c) Trekking (d) Culture View Answer Ans. (a)

A ______is the sum of the physical and psychological experience got by tourists during their traveling to the destination. (a) Tourism (b) Tourism product (c) Tourism culture (d) Tourism audit View Answer Ans. (b)

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Tourism is an _____ product. (a) Ideological (b) Intangible (c) Illustrative (d) Indifferent View Answer Ans. (b)

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Air Vanuatu's collapse raises questions about future of Pacific airlines

For Vanuatu resort owner Joel Slattery, the collapse of the nation's airline this month seemed inevitable.

But that hasn't made its demise, coming after a series of other crises in the nation, any easier for the tourism industry.

"It's affected a lot of people and just after we've all come through COVID and cyclones," Mr Slattery said.

"As if we don't have enough natural disasters that occurred, we don't need this mess thrown in on the top of all that," he said.

For years, state-owned Air Vanuatu was plagued with issues including flight delays and cancellations.

A report by Air Vanuatu's liquidator, Ernst & Young, last week found the airline had been in financial distress, dealing with large debts and unable to pay for spare parts needed to keep its sole Boeing 737 in the air.

Mr Slattery, who operates The Moso resort on an island near the capital Port Vila, said the airline's troubles had already taken a toll on Vanuatu's tourism.

"It's having a huge effect," he said in the days after its collapse.

"The number of people I've spoken to who have crossed Vanuatu off as a destination just because of all the bad press that they've had for 18 months, longer, two years almost [is huge]."

Air Vanuatu's liquidation left tourists and labour mobility workers stranded, and raised questions about the future of aviation in the region.

As Vanuatu waits to hear what liquidators recommend for the future of its airline, aviation industry experts say its collapse bears lessons for the region.

They also believe the success of other airlines — such as Fiji Airways, which has just announced record profits — shows a better path is available to Pacific Island airlines.

Teetering on the brink

Ernst & Young's report to Air Vanuatu's creditors, released last week, found a series of problems that weighed on the airline before it went into liquidation.

It had high costs for a company of its size, large debts, and 441 staff across Vanuatu, Australia and New Zealand as well as contractors in Fiji and New Caledonia.

"This is a high number of staff for an operation of the company's size and nature," the report said.

Another problem was that Air Vanuatu could not meet pay for parts critical to its fleet, which meant its aircraft, including its Boeing 737, were grounded for long periods.

Justin Wastnage, an aviation expert at the Griffith Institute for Tourism, said this appeared to seal Air Vanuatu's collapse.

"This problem has been brought about by the fact that its only [international] aircraft has been grounded," he said.

The airline's Boeing 737, with 170 seats, may have been too large for its routes, given tourism demand had not fully recovered after the pandemic.

"It was flying into Brisbane, Sydney and Auckland as well as into Noumea," Mr Wastnage said.

"So it was flying around the place and trying to feed its hub in Port Vila."

Airlines in the Pacific have a hard time remaining profitable at the best of times, even without a pandemic-related tourism downturn.

The region has small populations, vast distances to cover, and high costs for fuel and maintenance.

The aircraft used on domestic routes were also too small to service many of the longer routes between Pacific nations, Denis Tolkach, an associate professor of tourism at James Cook University, said.

"Their range is about 1,500 kilometres," he said.

"To go from Fiji to the Cook Islands is over 2,000 kilometres.

"The islands are dispersed. Even flying from one side of Kiribati to another, it's a long distance. So it is expensive. It puts expenses on the fuel.

"And here the aviation [industry] is open to external vulnerabilities, like changes in fuel prices."

He said another vulnerability was access to spare parts — a factor in Air Vanuatu's demise.

"Some of the airlines that have folded in previous years, the final nail in the coffin was that there was a maintenance issue and they couldn't fix the aircraft," he said.

Fiji Airways' story offers solutions

More than 1,000 kilometres away from Port Vila, Fiji is telling a different story about its national carrier.

Earlier this month, Fiji Airways announced a profit of $FJD131.81 million ($88 million) for 2023 — the highest in its history.

Chief executive Andre Viljoen said the airline was the first in the region to resume flights after COVID-19 border closures, returning to the skies in December 2021 and capitalising on pent-up demand for travel from Australia, the United States and New Zealand.

"Today, we are seeing the benefits of all these actions," he said.

But others see additional reasons for the airline's success.

Mr Wastnage said Fiji's tourism industry was more developed than Vanuatu's.

"[It] means that you can get a lot of people in there, staying at a lot of hotels," he said.

Ashok Poduval, the president of the Aviation Industry Association New Zealand and chief executive at Massey University's School of Aviation,  said one key to the airline's success was it had modernised its fleet of aircraft.

"They have a very modern fleet … they've enhanced passenger comfort, they've also established that they're safe and reliable," he said.

"By and large, if you look at their on-time performance, it's very good."

Fiji Airways had also packaged flights with local tourism experiences and established partnerships with other airlines, he said.

"These are some of the things that other airlines could model themselves on," Mr Poduval said.

"It's perhaps easier said than done because initially it does mean investment and it does mean funds and that's not easy to provide."

Fiji Airways is also 46 per cent owned by Qantas.

This model could be an option for Air Vanuatu if a foreign airline was interested in investing in a reborn version of the national carrier.

But in some cases the model has not led to success.

Virgin Samoa was 49 per cent owned by Virgin Australia but closed after passenger demand didn't create the revenue expected.

Dr Tolkach said New Caledonia's airline, Air Calin, might be a better example for a future version of Air Vanuatu to follow.

The airline has purchased new, more fuel-efficient aircraft, which has helped it build a reputation for reliability.

"They stick to a few routes that are very important for them with their four aircraft," Dr Tolkach said.

"And then they rely on partnerships to provide connections elsewhere. And that model works."

A Pacific dream

A long-lived dream in the region is to operate a pan-Pacific airline — something that could help build scale and connect the region.

UNSW aviation expert Andrew Charlton said to help create this, the region's small airlines could create code share or partnership arrangements.

This would mean coordinating their schedules more.

"They're going to have to optimise services to low-volume routes," Mr Charlton said.

"One of the things they can do is help each other by providing replacement flights or maintenance or replacement aircraft.

"And also they can look at how they handle their costs at airports and maybe they start reciprocating — you know, 'We'll handle you here and you handle us there.'"

But the potential solution of a single, regional airline raises its own issues.

It would have to balance the different interests of Pacific Island nations across the region.

"Who maintains operational control over managing the fleet, the routes they do, all the strategies for pricing, the customer service strategies?" Mr Poduval said.

"And what will be their branding?"

Pacific Island nations would have to relinquish the national identity attached to their carriers.

Mr Charlton said another option for Vanuatu — which is still serviced by other international airlines — was to go without a national carrier providing international services. Its government could instead invest money in developing tourism infrastructure.

"If the tourism infrastructure is sufficiently attractive, that will help get over the fact you don't have a carrier," he said.

But the idea of giving up a national carrier may be unattractive to Pacific Island countries, which are separated by a vast ocean and reliant on imports.

National carriers play a vital role inside their archipelagos too, carrying people and freight between centres and outer islands.

After Air Vanuatu's liquidator grounded flights to allow safety checks, it removed the main corridor of movement between Port Vila and other islands.

Gaëlle Roussel, the owner of a resort on Vanuatu's Espiritu Santo island, is one of the people affected.

But she said operators at the popular tourist destination were still seeing some glimmers of hope.

"As we all work hard to maintain the beauty of our properties and the island, we've also received a lot of messages of people hoping to visit Santo and Vanuatu once the situation with Air Vanuatu hopefully settles," she said.

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