I'm new to this forum and was very curious about this travel section. I saw a few things about getting student visas to various countries and ladies coming to the USA to have their babies (obviously I didn't read everything) but I was looking for tourism experiences but did not see much.
I don't know about you all but I love to travel and when i do, I explore. I do "touristy" things and really enjoy the place like one of the locals. Please who is like me here? I want to read about your experiences.
Unfortunately, I've noticed a lot of people spend their hard earned money to travel abroad (in this case, I'll use the USA cos that's where I am) and end up spending most of their days stuck in their host/hostess' house who are at work. If you are lucky, you may have an evening trip to the mall. At the mall, you try to shop, enjoy yourself, take pictures, and release your excitement of being in America but then, you look at the tiredness in your host's face and feel sorry for them and say "it's ok, we can go now. you look so tired" meanwhile in your heart you are wishing and praying they would reject your offer so you can have more fun. Or, if you are more than lucky, you may reach the Chinese buffet down the street or if God really blessed you, you may have a weekend outing or a fancy dinner in a nice restaurant. All this because your host is BUSY! and you can't really blame them, "Everyone in America is busy!" "You have to pay the bills." Before you know it, your days are over and it's time to head back to "real life". You've come to America, you took pictures but did you actually enjoy the trip? When you get home, can you honestly say you toured New York? Chicago? Dallas? Los Angeles? Houston? or DC? etc. and did not waste your ticket money to sit in someone's house/apartment? Lol, it's actually annoying but what is your alternative?
Anyway, I would love to read your comments: How have you enjoyed your trips abroad?
Also, does the above scenario describe your last vacation? What would you have loved to do that you weren't able to do? Would you have rather paid for a tour guide to show you around or stayed in a hotel and ventured on your own rather than relying on your host? thanks!