Two agreed to blend inconspicuously, "Offering matcha tea as well".
In the picturesque landscapes of France, it's not always easy to spot a tourist. However, for those who run B&Bs, identifying vacationers can be as simple as observing their behaviours and preferences.
While some may strive to blend in with regional clothing or stickers, the Bigouden sticker on a car does not necessarily prevent someone from being identified as an outsider on vacation. Instead, it's the subtle differences in how they respond to their surroundings that give them away.
One such difference lies in climate control preferences. Guests from risk-averse cultures like Japan, France, and Greece often show a preference for air conditioning over natural ventilation, a contrast to locals who might be more accustomed to local climate conditions.
Vacationers also tend to focus on visible eco-friendly features such as rooftop gardens, which locals may take for granted or not prioritize as much. Less familiarity with local customs regarding sanitation and sustainability practices in the B&B can also be an indicator of non-local guests.
Education and age play a role in these preferences too. Younger tourists and highly educated travelers are more attracted to eco-friendly and sustainable features, which might contrast with typical local guests’ attitudes or expectations, highlighting their visitor status. Observing how guests interact with or inquire about these aspects can be another clue to their non-local status.
Vacationers may also feel a duty to buy certain regional products, but it's often better to go local. For instance, it's often better to buy a white baguette at Super U instead of seeking out specific regional products. This is not to say that regional products lack value, but rather that the convenience and consistency of a white baguette from Super U can often be more reliable.
Lastly, the newness of possessions can also be a giveaway for vacationers. From the items they ask for at local stores to the way they navigate roundabouts, vacationers are often noticed faster than they think.
While vacations offer anonymity and the chance to escape daily routines, the outsider on vacation is often exposed, despite attempts to blend in. Understanding these signs can help both tourists and hosts navigate their interactions more smoothly, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable stay for all.
[1] Source: Unpublished research by a team of psychologists and sociologists studying the behavioural differences between locals and tourists in B&B settings. The full report is reserved for subscribers and specific details about the remaining content are not provided.
Tourists may reveal their status through distinctive preferences, such as an affinity for air conditioning over natural ventilation, a focus on eco-friendly features like rooftop gardens, and inquiries about sustainability practices in a B&B. Moreover, education and age can influence these preferences, with younger and more highly educated travelers often showing a keen interest in eco-friendly and sustainable features. These differences can help hosts identify tourists, ensuring a smoother experience for both parties during a stay.
