How to Avoid Dining at a Tourist Trap

Janeen Christoff
by Janeen Christoff
Last updated: 8:00 PM ET, Wed July 13, 2016

Are you eating at a tourist trap? Here's how to know: the restaurant has subpar, overpriced food and is just opposite a tourist attraction.

Huffpost's Maddy Cornelius writes that "traveling is all about eating authentic, delicious food, without paying a premium - just like the locals do daily. But the simple fact is that most tourists don't know how to avoid tourist traps. And that's a serious issue, in my opinion."

If you are thinking that the perfect dining spot is across from the Eiffel Tower or next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you are probably in danger of dining in a tourist trap. But it doesn't have to be this way. Cornelius has put together guidelines for how to avoid tourism traps and enjoy some of a destination's local flavor - subsequently inviting travelers to enjoy a more authentic experience.

One such tip: Don't eat anywhere that's advertised on your tourist map. Another hint: Avoid restaurants that have translated their menu into multiple languages.

Check out all of here guidelines for making the most of your foreign dining experiences.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Janeen Christoff

Janeen Christoff

Executive Editor - AGENTatHOME | TravelPulse Content Strategy

Editor Executive Editor - AGENTatHOME | TravelPulse Content Strategy true [email protected] 9088 14744 Janeen Christoff caught the travel bug while living in London, England. After two years on the road, she settled in Los Angeles and focused her writing on

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Japan Beyond the Golden Route: Luxury and Hidden GemsMonday, October 26, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Turn over a new leaf in Japan during this webinar, where we'll look beyond the cherry blossoms and...
Upcoming Webinar
The Air France Dining ExperienceTuesday, October 27, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover why Air France is one of the world’s premier airlines for dining and beverages. In this...
Upcoming Webinar
United's newest routes and next-generation airport experiencesWednesday, October 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join United for an exclusive look at United’s latest network expansion and exciting new airport...
Upcoming Webinar
Japan Beyond the Golden Route: Luxury and Hidden GemsMonday, October 26, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Turn over a new leaf in Japan during this webinar, where we'll look beyond the cherry blossoms and...
Upcoming Webinar
The Air France Dining ExperienceTuesday, October 27, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover why Air France is one of the world’s premier airlines for dining and beverages. In this...
Upcoming Webinar
United's newest routes and next-generation airport experiencesWednesday, October 28, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join United for an exclusive look at United’s latest network expansion and exciting new airport...