You avoid traveling overseas – Not because you don’t want to explore the world, but because the thought of getting on a plane makes your stomach turn. The moment you imagine turbulence,…
As a seasoned traveler who relishes the opportunity to explore diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes, I have encountered the perplexing reality of having to pay significantly higher rates as a foreigner in various countries. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as “foreigner rates” or “tourist taxes,” raises important questions about its fairness, underlying causes, and the far-reaching impact it has on both tourists and the local communities.
The Fairness Debate
The question of whether foreigner rates are fair is a subject of ongoing debate. Advocates argue that these higher fees are justified, given that tourists often have higher disposable incomes and are willing to pay a premium for unique experiences.
The additional revenue generated can support local businesses, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall quality of tourism offerings. Moreover, proponents argue that foreigner rates help to redistribute wealth from wealthier tourists to local communities, fostering economic development and reducing socio-economic disparities.
On the other hand, critics argue that foreigner rates may perpetuate discrimination and create a two-tier system that goes against the principles of equality and inclusivity. From an ethical perspective, visitors should be treated equally, regardless of their nationality. Imposing higher fees on tourists may lead to resentment, potentially deterring travelers from returning to the destination and harming the tourism industry in the long run.
Understanding the Causes
Various factors contribute to the implementation of foreigner rates in different countries:
Economic Considerations
Many countries heavily rely on tourism as a significant source of revenue for their economies. Charging higher rates to foreigners can be seen as a way to capitalize on the influx of tourists and harness their spending power to boost local businesses. Moreover, the revenue generated from foreigner rates may be used to invest in infrastructure and amenities that cater to tourists, ultimately improving the overall tourism experience.
Preservation and Conservation
Certain destinations face the challenge of preserving their natural beauty and cultural heritage amid a surge in tourist numbers. To mitigate the environmental impact and promote sustainable tourism, authorities may impose higher fees on foreigners. By doing so, they aim to limit the number of visitors and ensure that fragile ecosystems and heritage sites are not overrun.
Subsidizing Services
In some regions, the local government subsidizes certain services and amenities for their citizens, such as public transportation, museums, or historical sites. To continue providing these subsidized services, authorities may offset the cost by charging higher rates to foreign tourists, who are perceived to be less reliant on these services.
Balancing Over Tourism
The rise of mass tourism in certain popular destinations has led to issues of over tourism, resulting in overcrowding, increased pollution, and strain on local resources. Foreigner rates can serve as a tool to manage tourist numbers and strike a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving the destination’s integrity.
The Impacts
The implementation of foreigner rates has wide-ranging effects on various stakeholders:
Tourists
Foreigner rates may pose financial challenges for travelers, particularly those on a budget. Paying higher fees for accommodations, attractions, and services can lead to budget constraints and may force tourists to reconsider their itineraries or cut down on certain experiences. Additionally, some tourists may feel that they are being exploited, leading to negative perceptions of the destination and potential reluctance to return in the future.
Local Economy
In the short term, foreigner rates can boost revenue for the local economy, as tourists with higher purchasing power are willing to pay extra for unique experiences. This influx of money can support local businesses, create employment opportunities, and improve infrastructure. However, if the perception of unfairness leads to a decline in tourist numbers, the local economy may suffer from reduced tourism-related income and employment opportunities.
Cultural Exchange
Tourism serves as a bridge for cultural exchange, fostering understanding and appreciation between locals and visitors. Charging exorbitant fees to foreigners might limit the number of tourists, resulting in reduced opportunities for cultural interaction. This could hinder the sharing of traditions, customs, and perspectives, undermining the potential for meaningful cultural exchange.
Sustainable Tourism
On a positive note, foreigner rates can contribute to sustainable tourism practices. By managing tourist numbers, destinations can reduce the strain on natural resources, protect fragile ecosystems, and preserve cultural heritage. Sustainable tourism practices ensure that the destination remains attractive and accessible to future generations of travelers.
Is There a Solution?
To address the issue of dual pricing, governments and tourism authorities should adopt a transparent pricing policy that clearly communicates the rationale behind different pricing structures. Openly explaining the benefits that local communities derive from tourism revenue can help foster understanding and appreciation among foreign tourists.
Rather than differentiating prices solely based on nationality, consider adopting an income-based pricing system. This approach can ensure that individuals with higher incomes pay more, regardless of their nationality, while those with lower incomes enjoy discounted rates. Such a system is fairer, as it considers an individual’s financial capacity rather than their place of origin.
Governments should prioritize investing tourism revenue back into local communities. By earmarking a portion of the revenue for community development projects, infrastructure improvements, and cultural preservation, foreign tourists can witness firsthand the positive impact of their contribution. This fosters a sense of goodwill and encourages travelers to support destinations that prioritize the well-being of their communities.
Encouraging sustainable tourism practices can alleviate the pressures caused by mass tourism, which often underpin dual pricing. Implementing carrying capacity limits and promoting eco-friendly initiatives can help protect delicate ecosystems and cultural heritage, ultimately benefiting both tourists and locals.
To bridge the gap between tourists and locals, governments can organize cultural exchange programs that encourage interactions between visitors and the local community. These programs facilitate mutual understanding and appreciation, reducing the feelings of segregation that dual pricing can exacerbate.
Bottom Line
The issue of foreigner rates is a complex and multifaceted one, with merits and drawbacks on both sides. Striking a balance between economic interests, preservation, and ethical considerations is essential for fostering sustainable tourism growth and long-lasting positive impacts.
Through open dialogue between tourists and host countries, we can strive to create a tourism landscape that benefits all parties involved, upholds principles of fairness, and facilitates meaningful cultural exchange for a more interconnected world.
The Lion Dance is a traditional Chinese performance that has been performed for thousands of years. The dance is performed by two people, one inside the lion costume, and the other playing the drum or cymbals. It is a form of celebratory entertainment that is used to mark important events such as the Chinese New Year, weddings, and business openings.
The Origins of Lion Dance
The origins of the Lion Dance can be traced back to ancient China, where it was believed that the performance had the power to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to a community.
In those early times, the lion was not depicted as the large, fierce animal that it is today, but rather as a smaller, more gentle creature.
The first lion dance costumes were simple and consisted of a single piece of cloth draped over the performer’s head and body, with a pair of wooden sticks used to represent the lion’s paws.
Over time, the Lion Dance has evolved and become more sophisticated. The modern lion dance costume is a colorful and intricate creation that often features a wooden frame, paper mache head, and fur or silk body.
The costume is designed to be lightweight, yet strong enough to withstand the rigorous movements of the dance. The drum and cymbals used in the performance are also carefully crafted to produce the appropriate sounds that accompany the dance.
The Performance Aspect
The Lion Dance is a performance that requires great skill and precision. The performers must work together to create the illusion of a live lion, with the dancer inside the costume moving the head and body in response to the rhythm of the drum.
The dance is often performed in public spaces, such as streets, squares, and parks, where it can be seen by large crowds.
The Loud Sound
One of the most distinctive features of the Lion Dance is its loud, energetic sound, which is created by the combination of drumming and cymbal crashing. But why is the Lion Dance so loud? There are several reasons why the Lion Dance is designed to be a loud and energetic performance.
1. Ward Off Evil Spirits
One of the main reasons why the Lion Dance is so loud is to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to a community. The loud drumming and cymbal crashing are believed to scare away any negative energies or evil spirits that may be present, and the movement of the lion is seen as a representation of the lion’s power and strength. The noise created by the performance is thought to be a powerful force for good, and its volume is an important part of its effectiveness.
2. Create a Festive Atmosphere
Another reason why the Lion Dance is so loud is to create a festive atmosphere. The loud drumming and cymbal crashing help to get people’s attention, and the energy of the performance is contagious, making people feel happy and celebratory. The noise created by the performance is part of what makes the Lion Dance so appealing and enjoyable to watch.
3. Accompany The Rhythm of The Dance
The Lion Dance is also loud because the drumming and cymbal crashing are essential to the rhythm of the dance. The drummer sets the pace of the performance, and the cymbals help to create an energetic, dynamic sound. The loudness of the performance helps to create a sense of excitement and momentum, which is an important part of the overall appeal of the Lion Dance.
Lion Dance Colors Meaning
The colors used in the Lion Dance costume hold significant meaning in Chinese culture. The primary colors used in Lion Dance costumes are red, gold, and green, and each color represents a different aspect of Chinese culture and tradition.
Red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture and is often associated with good fortune, prosperity, and happiness. The use of red in the Lion Dance costume symbolizes the hope that the performance will bring good luck and prosperity to the community.
Gold is also considered a lucky color in Chinese culture and represents wealth and abundance. The use of gold in the Lion Dance costume is meant to symbolize the hope that the performance will bring financial success and prosperity to the community.
Green is a color that represents growth and new beginnings. The use of green in the Lion Dance costume is meant to symbolize the hope that the performance will bring growth and renewal to the community.
In addition to the primary colors of red, gold, and green, other colors such as blue, black, and white may also be used in the Lion Dance costume. Each of these colors represents different aspects of Chinese culture and tradition, and the specific meanings may vary depending on the context and location of the performance.
The Culture of Lion Dance
The Lion Dance has become an important part of Chinese culture and is performed not just in China, but also in other countries with significant Chinese communities, such as Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States.
In these countries, the Lion Dance has taken on a new life and has become a symbol of cultural pride and heritage. The performance is often used to celebrate important events and festivals, and to bring people together in a spirit of celebration and joy.
Lion Dancing Women Reinvention
In the past, the Lion Dance was often performed exclusively by men. This was due in part to cultural beliefs that associated the lion with strength and power, and the idea that these qualities were only found in men. However, over time, these beliefs have changed, and the Lion Dance has become more inclusive, with women and girls participating in the performance as dancers and drummers.
Women and girls have made significant contributions to the Lion Dance community, bringing their own unique perspectives and skills to the performance.
Many women and girls have become skilled lion dancers, mastering the complex movements and bringing their own flair to the performance. They also bring a new level of creativity and energy to the Lion Dance, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and bringing new life to this ancient tradition.
In addition, women and girls have also become involved in the behind-the-scenes aspects of the Lion Dance, such as costume design, drumming, and choreography. These contributions help to ensure that the Lion Dance continues to evolve and grow, keeping it relevant and vibrant in today’s society.
Bottom Line
The Lion Dance is a rich and vibrant part of Chinese culture that has been performed for thousands of years. With its intricate costumes, skillful performances, and powerful symbolism, it continues to captivate audiences around the world and serve as a symbol of Chinese culture and heritage.
Whether performed in a small village or a major city, the Lion Dance is a testament to the artistry and creativity of the Chinese people, and will continue to be a beloved part of their cultural legacy for generations to come.
Everyone knows that smoking is harmful. Yet what you might not know is that almost a third of annual adult hospital admissions are caused by smoking. To be exact, Florida Atlantic University reported that 7 million hospitalizations out of 30 million were smokers whose hospital stay lasted several days. This is because smoking increases their mortality risk.
If you’d like to refrain from being part of that 7 million, quitting smoking is definitely something you should consider. However, it’s no secret that doing so can be extremely challenging. To further motivate your smoking cessation, it may be helpful to know that smoking causes a number of major health conditions and with CNBC reporting that healthcare costs are rising this year, this will be something you will want to avoid.
That said, here are some health conditions you’ll avoid by quitting smoking and a couple of ways you can start your cessation journey today.
Health Conditions You Can Avoid When You Quit Smoking
1. Asthma
This condition is one of the most common lung diseases in the world. It happens when the airways in your lungs become inflamed and narrowed, causing wheezing, breathlessness, and a tightening of the chest. You’ll also often experience a dry cough when you’re asthmatic. Asthma’s symptoms can be treated with inhalers or medicine, but it is an incurable condition overall and since inhaling cigarette smoke can agitate your airways, quitting is the best way to avoid asthma yourself.
2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is characterized by difficulty breathing. Compared to asthma, people with this condition are likely to have a “wet” cough that brings up mucus. COPD develops due to long-term damage to the lungs from breathing in smoke. Due to the constant shortness of breath, a person with COPD will find it hard to do daily activities, such as climbing a flight of stairs or doing tedious housework. In the long run, COPD can leave you stuck at home just so you can preserve your breath.
3. Cancer
Different types of cancer are common among smokers. In our article on how to prevent cancer, notes that smoking is known to cause this disease in almost any body part, including the lungs, heart, or throat. Harmful substances in cigarettes, including but not limited to benzene, arsenic, and nickel, can weaken the immune system. Thus, it’s more difficult for your body to kill cancer cells.
Lung cancer begins when cigarette smoke damages the cells in the organs’ lining. This smoke can also increase plaque formation in blood vessels, leading to heart cancer. Cigarette smoke can even irritate the throat, resulting in inflammation and the development of polyps, or tissue growth. Cancer results in fatigue, weight loss, and pain. It can even be fatal, making quitting smoking vital for safeguarding your long-term health and well-being.
4. Strokes
A stroke happens when something blocks blood on its way to the brain or when a blood vessel bursts in the brain. Smoking heightens your chances of getting a stroke because it increases your blood pressure and reduces your blood oxygen levels. The harmful chemicals in cigarettes can also be absorbed into the bloodstream, damaging and weakening your blood vessels. After suffering a stroke, a patient may become paralyzed, have slurred speech, or have altered brain functions.
5. Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes often occurs due to being overweight or obese, but smoking can contribute, too. Diabetes happens when your body can’t adequately regulate insulin. Consequently, cigarette chemicals harm your cells, causing inflammation. Eventually, this can result in these cells’ unresponsiveness to insulin.
Additionally, tobacco encourages your body to store fat in the abdominal area. This leads to belly fat, which can develop into excess weight gain and getting diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
How to Quit Smoking
Undergo Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) involves consuming tobacco-free nicotine to help wean smokers off cigarettes. Some products used in NRT are nicotine pouches and nasal sprays.
A nicotine pouch is placed between your lip and gum for nicotine absorption through the mouth. These are sold over the counter and can therefore be bought without a prescription. What makes the pouch so effective is how it caters to a wide range of tastes. The ZYN nicotine pouches featured at Prilla are available in various flavors, including spearmint, cinnamon, and coffee. ZYN also offer two nicotine strengths: 3mg and 6mg. You can start with 6mg and then move to 3mg as your nicotine dependence decreases.
Meanwhile, nicotine nasal sprays are hand-held spray bottles. To use, spray once in each nostril. The blood vessels in your nasal passage will absorb the nicotine into your bloodstream. Unlike pouches, you’ll need a prescription to buy nicotine nasal spray. The Nicotrol nicotine nasal spray by Pfizer contains over 100mg of nicotine per bottle and can be used up to 5 times per hour or depending on your doctor’s recommendation.
Call a Smoking Quitline
A quitline connects you with a quit coach who can discuss treatment options and everyday practices to help stop smoking. Quitlines can be very successful for smoking cessation because they’re available across the US, and the coaches speak in various languages. These features make these experts’ advice accessible to more Americans. What’s more, quit coaches can tailor plans to your unique needs and preferences. They’ll ask questions regarding your smoking habits, past quit attempts, and the like to devise a cessation program that works for you.
When you quit smoking, you can avoid a number of health issues. Stop smoking today by undergoing NRT and calling a quitline to prevent developing diseases.
With the outbreaking pandemic that has been stayed for quite long, have you wondered how has the pandemic changed the way we travel? This is my observation of traveling in five European countries in June to July 2022 for 1.5 months when health protocols were relaxed even though it was still declared a pandemic.
Since the pandemic began in March 2020, I have actually traveled abroad, which is Turkey in September 2020. I am really waiting to be able to travel abroad again after the vaccine is full and when the country no longer enforces PCR tests and quarantine. As soon as the world started to loosen up, I was ready to get out! Nervous? Of course! Imagine, it’s been two years since I’ve traveled solo abroad!
It turns out that things have changed after 2.5 years of the pandemic, at least in Europe. In general, here are the summary:
1. More Expensive.
First, because it was opened during the high season of the summer. No wonder once the protocol is loose, many people has became “travel enthusiast”. After being quarantined for so long, people are traveling in droves at the same time.
Second, because of the Russo-Ukrainian war, the prices of raw materials and fuel in Europe rose.
Third, the information on the tourism industry sites is not updated, so often prices have gone up, so the budget has swelled.
Lastly, here’s my personal opinion: because 2.5 years of the pandemic have made low income, I have become more appreciative of money because it’s really hard to get it! With the currency exchange rate getting worse, I was shocked!
2. Longer Queue
During the two years of the pandemic, many airports were not operating, so they laid off their employees. Once it has been opened again, the airport became short of employees.
As the result, the queue is long as it is served by very few people. Not to mention causing flight delays, cancellations, or loss of baggage. High season and understaffed is a confusing combination. Not only at the airport, but also in other public transportation. The business of making a visa also takes longer than usual because of the large number of applicants.
3. No Health Protocol
This depends on the country and city. In Dubrovnik, Croatia, local people shouted at me to take off my mask. Contrary, on a public bus in Milan, Italy, the bus driver shouted at passengers who didn’t want to wear masks. While on the plane, depending on the airline regulations. Long-haul international flights are still mandatory, but flights between cities/countries in Europe are mask-free. I still wear a mask when I’m on an airplane and in intercity public transportation, and other passengers see it too!
It feels like social distancing doesn’t happen at all. No temperature check. Hand sanitizer is no longer provided, although some restaurants still provide QR codes for menu access.
It’s a bit scary, but I watched the Queen & Adam Lambert concert at the Bologna stadium, 99% of the crowd didn’t wear masks!
4. The Group of Asian Tourists is Deserted
Currently, many tourists are traveling independently, not joining a tour group from their country. Groups of Asian tourists who are often annoying because they are noisy and take up the space of tourist attractions, are nowhere to be seen.
Maybe they haven’t been allowed to leave their country, or visa matters are getting more difficult and longer, or it’s just not the right time. One more thing, because of the war, Russian tourists were not seen.
5. No Longer Staying in Hostel Dorms
The reason, of course, is that I’m still paranoid. It’s just too lazy to share a room at night with many unknown people in a narrow room that often has no windows. Not to mention sharing a bathroom. Yes, the pandemic makes me a bit germaphobia! At first I was worried too, because hostels are places where we meet fellow travelers, so there are friends to chat and hang out together.
This time I chose to pay more to rent an apartment or stay at a hotel. But it turned out that my trip went smoothly and I was still able to make new friends from outside acquaintances.
6. Don’t Bring a Camera, But Bring a Laptop
Before the pandemic, I often wrote travel articles for magazines, so every time I traveled I brought a DSLR camera so that the quality was worthy of publication.
Unfortunately, during the pandemic, many magazines were closed! So I don’t carry a camera anymore. Now all photos and videos from cellphones are for social media purposes.
On the other hand, I usually don’t take my laptop with me (unless I’m away for a very long time), now I take it instead. Understandably, in this pandemic, all matters have been moved online, such as meetings and webinars. It’s also hard to find the right time because the time zone is five hours apart!
7. Outdoor Activities
In order to reduce the risk of transmission, this European trip was meant to swim at the beach. Fortunately, I have visited several cities/countries before so I don’t need to enter a museum or do indoor activities anymore. I ate at the restaurant and sat outside. clubbing? Not occur!
When you go on vacation abroad and visit some countries in the world, there is a chance that you will see some strangest festivals that are not usually done in other places.
There may be a certain event that is so respected and special for the local community in a city that it is celebrated by holding a festival. As a tourist, seeing the festival can make us surprised, smile, and amazed because of the strangeness of the festival being held. And every country certainly has a festival that is different from one another.
With that, here are the 9 strangest festivals around the world that will make you scratch your head.
1. Beer Floating Festival – Finland
If you’re a beer lover, then you should attend the beer floating festival in Finland. You can participate in this festival by going to Helsinki which is the capital of Finland.
This festival involves a lot of people where you can drink, swim and have a beer bath together. You will find all kinds of beer and beer-related activities in this festival.
The fun fact is that there is no official event organizer or committee that manages this festival. People who love beer will come there, drink beer, swim, board the boat, and drink beer together with people who take part in the Beer Floating festival.
2. Pamplona Bull Run – Spain
Fighting with bulls has been a common festival in Spain for decade. Among all type of the bulls game, there is one famous one: Pamplona Bull Run.
This festival is usually held in July every year. A number of bulls will be released on the streets and will run in all directions randomly. People who take part in the festival must escape from the pursuit of the bull group.
There is no specific goal from this festival other than being able to escape from the bull’s chase. This festival has high risk with the possibility of someone being injured and even dying.
3. Festival of the Horns – Rocca Canterano
Affair is one of the problems that arise in romantic relationships. Usually, when there is an affair, this will be a sad ending for both side.
However, it turns out there is one city that celebrates the moment of the affair. A city outside Rome called Rocca Canterano celebrates infidelity by women with a festival called the Festival of the Horns or Festa del Cornuto. This festival has been carried out long ago in the era of the Roman Empire.
In times of war, men will leave their homes. After returning from the war, not a few of these soldiers were having affair with others. The term cornuto is a term used to designate people whose partner cheated on them. Then these cheated men will take action on the streets by destroying objects given by their ex. It is hoped that this festival can entertain and honor the male soldiers.
4. Moose Dropping Festival – Alaska
In Alaska, you can witness moose falls from the sky. It’s not a natural phenomenon, but the residents of Talkeetna have deliberately dropped moose droppings from the sky.
Moose droppings are painted white and then dropped from a helicopter or hot air balloon. Festival attendees at the bottom will guess where the dirt will land. This strange festival has been held since 2009 and still very popular until now.
5. Cat Food Festival – Canete
Canete festival or also known as the Cat Food Festival is a festival that uses cat meat to be eaten by many people. The festival indeed raise a controversy from the animal lovers, especially cat lovers.
This festival is held once a year, which is in September. About 50 cats are used to celebrate this festival. The cats will be killed and their meat will be taken.
Cat meat will be processed into Canete specialties such as schnitzel, hiacatay, or greaves. According to local beliefs, cat meat has properties as an aphrodisiac and prevents bronchial disease.
6. Monkey Buffet Festival – Thailand
In Thailand, there is this festival called as Monkey Buffet Festival when the locals are treating the monkey all you can eat buffet for a day. This festival is a feast for monkeys. In Lopburi province, the monkey population there is very large. The people there think that monkeys are respected animals and can bring good luck.
As a form of respect for the monkeys, the people of Lopburi provide food for the monkeys to eat. The food consists of fruits and vegetables that are the monkey’s favorite.
7. Blackawton International Festival of Worm Charming – UK
Worms are the animals that are considered disgusting by some people but have benefits for the environment. Worms can help fertilize plants naturally. However, you might not expect if there is a festival that use worm as the main theme.
Precisely in Southeast England, Devon, there is a strange festival called the Blackawton International Festival of Worm Charming. A number of people must be able to catch worms from the ground in a predetermined time. The rules require participants to be able to catch worms with any effort and not to dig them.
Some tried to take the worms by singing, using musical instruments, pouring special liquids, and so on. The point is not to take it by digging.
8. Jalilkatu – India
India, a country strong in tradition and there are many festivals held to celebrate something. Among all the many festivals, there is one festival that is considered strange because of the high risk but is still held and attended by many participants. The festival is called jalilkatu or bull-taming.
The festival is held in Tamil Nadu and is part of the Pongal celebrations. A bull will be released in a crowd of people. Those with big guts will try to jump and sit on the bull. As much as possible the participants sit for as long as possible. Of course the risk of injury is very high.
This festival was first performed in the 3rd century BC and was performed by the ancient Ayars. In 2017 the festival was banned. However, because local residents protested loudly, the authorities finally lifted the ban.
9. Day of the Dead Festival – Mexico
In some countries in the world, there is a tradition where there are special events held to honor the deceased family. Mexico is one of the countries in the world that has a strong tradition of respecting ancestral spirits. And they celebrate by holding the Day of the Dead festival.
This festival is somewhat similar to Halloween celebrations where people take to the streets dressed in horror style. But in Mexico, the festival is more spiritual. Those who are still alive will dress up like ghosts in spooky and colorful costumes. This colorful outfit depicts a soulful and uplifting atmosphere.
