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Tourist traps (was: Florence IT transportation options; Pisa)
Hi,
You ask an interesting question - what tourist traps must be visited? I find this question difficult to answer specifically as I find this very much to be a matter of perspective.
I, for example, regard certain cities in Europe to be tourist traps. But to the first time visitor to Europe they would be foolish to miss them. (I won`t name and shame for fear of ranting to excess!)
In general, tourist traps are that way for a reason. The "trap" offers something that we, as travellers, want to see/do/participate in like a Cathedral, a historic Old City or even some form of world-famous Theme Park.
Many industries (not just souvenir stands) employ many people to cater for the tourism and travel business. While one may find souvenir stands ruining the view, people do have the right to run a business/make a living. Tourism/travel provides different oppurtunities in the destination for people to make a living and those on tour (generally) have some spare money to spend.
It`s true that I also find some tourist traps somewhat distasteful and some more than others. But I also realise it`s a consequence of what I do for fun. As it turns out, I`ve met some really nice (and local) people in the some tourist traps.
