No, we don't walk upside down in Australia, Mexicans aren't all sombrero-wearing cowboys and Poles aren't all drunks. Prejudices are hard to overcome. In the end, the best way to overcome them is to experience the destinations that scare us. Here are 12 preconceived ideas.
By Eric Vancleynenbreugel
Scandinavia, it's really too cold
Why look for a worse vacation climate than here? Brrr, Scandinavia must be awfully cold and gray, you think. In winter, of course, most non-coastal regions experience sub-zero temperatures, thick layers of snow and darker days. But from May onwards, it's an explosion of light. culminating in the midnight sun. For two months (June and July), it never sets again for all regions north of the Arctic Circle! And in the south, the nights remain strangely clear. As for temperatures, they're often mild and pleasant... thanks to the Gulfstream that licks the coasts of Norway.
In England, the food is horrible
Leaving aside the famous British breakfast, English gastronomy doesn't have a good reputation. The image of brightly-colored jelly cakes and fluorescent green peas is still fresh in our minds. But things have changed! Just look at the number of TV shows devoted to cooking. Yes, the British seem to have discovered a real passion for the world's most inventive dishes, and even their traditional cuisine has been enriched. As a result, restaurants have begun to hire foreign chefs, to offer refined, tasty dishes and to seduce local and foreign customers alike. And today, more than a quarter of the world's top restaurants are... English!
Tokyo, it's too expensive
Wrong! The cost of living in Tokyo is now much cheaper than Paris or London. Thanks to the euro, which is rising steadily against the yen, the Japanese currency. In addition, Japanese prices have been falling steadily for many years. Finally, let's not forget that Asia is a huge open-air snack bar, where you can eat at any price at any time of day. And in impeccably hygienic conditions. The same goes for accommodation. And there are so many categories that there's something for every budget.
Housing in Eastern Europe is always old-fashioned
It's true that until the early 90s, the tourist infrastructure in ex-communist Europe was enough to put off Western tourists. Thirty years on, many still believe that the hotels, restaurants and bars there still lack modern comforts and flirt with the old-fashioned, even the infamous. But no, most of these countries (led by the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Poland and the Baltic States) have been catching up for years, assimilating new technologies and the comforts of the 21st century.e century. Don't delay, as prices are slowly catching up with those in the West.
In the Middle East, we're constantly harassed
While it's true that in some countries, mainly in the Maghreb and Egypt, certain tourist sites and districts are veritable tourist magnets, and you're never let out of your sight if you feel like walking through a souk, this is not the case everywhere. What's more, many people in countries like Oman and the United Arab Emirates will be surprised never to be harassed, even in the souks. And for women, with the exception of two or three closed countries such as Iran, there's no obligation to cover up from head to toe, so there's nothing to stop you adopting a summer outfit, as long as it's not unnecessarily daring.
Spanish «costas» aren't for me, they're too concrete.
The Spanish coastline is sinister. Over-concreted and crowded all summer long, you dread finding yourself squeezed in like a well-oiled sardine in a horrible funfair atmosphere where you smell more of French fries than sea iodine. This is true of parts of the Costa del Sol and the Costa Brava, to name but the best-known. Few are aware that there are still many unspoilt, untamed coasts, such as the wild Atlantic coast to the north, or the Costa Calida and Costa de la Luz to the south. On the latter, for example, there are miles of immense white sandy beaches! And no hotel bars in the background, just pine forests, salt marshes and dunes. And for those who are used to the Costa del Sol or Costa Brava, look no further than these coasts, which still boast charming villages and pretty, quiet coves.
The Seychelles: an unattainable dream
So dear Seychelles, you think. At least, that's the image the government of these islands wants to project, because their aim is to welcome few tourists in top-of-the-range hotels. And that's probably what makes this archipelago all the more fascinating. But there are alternatives. Yes, it is possible to discover the Seychelles at a reasonable price. Well, no low-cost flights, but when you're there, you can opt for home-stay accommodation, for example. In general, they're superbly appointed, the package includes a tasty breakfast, and most have a small kitchen, perfect for avoiding the lunch and/or evening restaurants. We call them self-catering. For those on a tight budget, eat local, and stop off at the takeaways (local Asian fast food, but with added flavor).
In Italy, it's insecurity and disorganization
Italy is the land of the mafia, organized corruption and racketeering. Why go on vacation and risk having all your belongings stolen? It's an old-fashioned idea. It dates back to the post-war years, when the boot was one of the poorest countries on the continent, and tourists were frequently assaulted. But since joining the European Union, Italy has slowly become one of Europe's most prosperous countries once again. So there's no more risk in strolling the streets of Rome or Florence than in any other city on the continent. As with all travel, you'll want to avoid creepy neighborhoods and dead-end streets, especially at night. It's all a question of common sense.
In Japan, the tourist is completely lost
This was true in the days when everything was displayed only in Japanese and hardly anyone spoke a foreign language. Not so today, as many signs are also in English, and the Japanese are more open to foreign languages and idioms. Nowadays, it's impossible to get lost in the city: public transport lines are numbered in different colors. The same goes for going out, and neighborhood maps are posted everywhere. And if you're lost, the Japanese will bend over backwards to guide you. Add to this the fact that in this country, security is almost absolute, people are super-honest and tipping is unknown, and don't you think it's time to go and see how these people, who have been visiting us for so many years, live.
Egypt is stuffy and you're always sick
There's no denying it: Egypt is covered by the Sahara, and it can be terribly stifling. But that's forgetting that in North Africa, the seasons are much more marked than further south on the African continent. So, if you can't stand temperatures above 35°C, go in winter. From November to February, the sun generally continues to shine, but the thermometer shows much milder averages. What's more, if you choose a cruise on the Nile, visits to the temples and archaeological sites are scheduled in the morning or sometimes at the end of the day, so outside the hottest periods. Perfect for enjoying the sun the rest of the day without burning out. If you follow a few basic principles, you're sure to avoid intestinal problems: unless you're certain of the care taken with the food, refuse all raw vegetables and fruit, and all drinks containing ice cubes. In hotels and on board most cruise ships, the water used in cooking is now disinfected and treated.
The North Sea is boring and unhip
The seaside vacations of our childhood left us with a wealth of unforgettable memories! But now that we're past the age of sandpits and shrimp-fishing parties, what's there to do besides take a stroll on the beach? Nothing but boredom, you might say. And yet, if you look hard enough, you'll find plenty of unusual places to explore and museums to visit. Not to mention the fact that some cities have become hot spots for trendy shopping. Stores are even open on Sundays! And in season, in addition to the weekly markets, each resort organizes numerous night markets, yard sales, flea markets and festivities.
Black Africa is unreliable and downright dangerous
Africa, a continent that many avoid for fear of violence and danger. There are countries to avoid (consult the recommendations of your Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Those who fear the most unstable regions, for example, will opt for Senegal, the Cape Verde archipelago and, more generally, southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia or Mozambique), all of which are calm and have had a good tourist industry for some time.
