Prague 'tourist trouble hotspot'

[Exeter]

Prague 'tourist trouble hotspot'

Prague is a popular destination for stag and hen parties

The "massive influx" of UK stag and hen parties to Prague has made the Czech Republic a hotspot for British travellers in trouble, figures suggest. A Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) report says Britons visiting the Czech Republic need a "disproportionate" amount of consular assistance.
More Britons lose their passports, get arrested or taken to hospital in the country than some more popular places.
Those in India, Thailand and Australia also need a large amount of assistance.
Lost passports
More British tourists are taken to hospital in the Czech Republic than in Germany, which receives more than three times the number of Britons, the FCO figures from April 2005 to March 2006 show.
TOP TROUBLE HOTSPOTS
1. Spain - 13.8m visitors, 5,627 serious assistance cases
2. USA - 4.1m/3,006
3. Greece - 2.4m/2,316
4. France - 11m/1,408
5. Germany - 2.5m/1,381
6. Cyprus - 1.4m/996
7. India - 847,000/914
8. Thailand - 381,000/897
9. Czech Republic - 813,000/845
10. Australia - 650,000/815
Source: British Behaviour Report for 1 April 2005-31 March 2006


The number of Britons who lose their passports in the Czech Republic is also higher than in Greece, even though Greece has three times as many British visitors, the British Behaviour Abroad Report says.
Foreign Office research last year suggested 24% of people on stag and hen parties faced problems abroad.
The Latvian capital Riga is among places which have become more popular with British tourists, partly as a result of improved air links to Eastern Europe.
Mike Johnson, an American who runs Patricia Tourist Office in Riga, told BBC Radio Five Live local people were not keen on some of the visitors and bad behaviour by some was affecting tourism.
To have a bunch of loud-mouthed boys come here and drink, take off their shirts, run around the streets... it's not very well-received


Mike Johnson, Patricia Tourist Office in Riga


"Latvia is a very quiet, shy country - the people are very calm. They teach their children, for example, not to speak in a tram as they ride," he said.
"And so to have a bunch of loud-mouthed boys come here and drink, take off their shirts, run around the streets and scream and pee on our monuments, it's not very well-received."
Top of the list of countries where Britons require consular assistance is Spain - also the most popular holiday destination.
A total of 13.8m British travellers visited Spain in 2005/06.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Whenever I am abroad I am embarrassed to be British


Chris, Cardiff



Send us your comments


During that time the country had the highest number of deaths (1,325), the most lost or stolen passports (6,078) and the most arrests (1,549).
Overall, Britons in Spain ALSO had the biggest number of serious cases needing consular assistance (5,627).
Planning ahead
Other key findings were:

Greece had the most cases of rape (48) and the highest number of Britons hospitalised (955)

Australia had a disproportionate number of lost or stolen passports. Some 2,023 of the country's 650,000 visitors mislaid or lost their travel document - the third highest total despite not being in the top 10 most popular destinations

France - the second most popular country with 10.98m British visitors - only had 713 reported lost or stolen passports

India, Thailand and Australia appeared in the top 10 countries requiring consular assistance despite not being among the most popular destinations. This could be because while Britons are becoming more adventurous, they are not taking adequate precautions, the FCO said.
FCO minister Meg Munn said many problems faced by British holidaymakers could be avoided.
"Simple precautions like researching your destination, getting comprehensive travel insurance, checking out medical requirements and taking copies of important documents could help avoid common travelling traumas, risks and dangers in the long-run," she said.
Fair Trials Abroad senior policy officer Amanda Cumberland, said: "We fully support the Foreign Office campaign to ensure that Britons travelling abroad prepare appropriately for their trip, are familiar with relevant travel advice, and behave responsibly when they are on holiday.
"As an organisation that deals with many cases of British nationals facing real distress in foreign countries, we are just as keen as the Foreign Office to see fewer Britons getting into trouble and to see the numbers needing assistance fall."
The FCO advises travellers to visit its website Travel Foreign & Commonwealth Office before heading abroad.




Source: BBC NEWS | UK | Prague \'tourist trouble hotspot\'

[Exeter]

I'm travelling to Riga soon. I'm there only for a night though.

[OneEnglishNorman]

Well this sub-section of British society is badly behaved back in Britain also, so it's not surprising that they act up overseas.

Low cost flights ought to be a blessing, but it widens the scope for who can travel and spread their immaturity and boorishness.

[Exeter]

I got the same impression. Working class and middle class Brits don't travel to the same destinations or at least they have different aims with their travelling. I have socialised with working class (mostly in the northwest) or really more lower middle class people as well as with upper middle or even upper class people. The latter are mostly sons and daughters (so-called Sloane Rangers) of agricultural (also horticultural) landowners.

I'm not entirely objective as we (inevitably?) view things from our own class perspective too. I've encountered reverse snobbism in the first group. I was more an outsider in the first group and they made it clear to me. It's partly my own fault. I didn't dress down or spoke different when I was around them. I also took them to places they felt uncomfortable.

These two groups are in any case very different. One could say they hold a grudge against each other. They intermarry very rarely from what I've observed. I would go so far as to say we can speak of an anthropological gap. They could be from two different nations and cultures.

"However, two British sociologists, D. Goldthorpe and J. Lockwood claim that there are definite specific "working class" and "middle class" perspectives e.g. "working class" people live in a world of "us" and "them", that money is to be spent and enjoyed, schooling is of limited importance etc., whilst "middle class" people see society as a wider grouping of opportunity, they think that money should be saved, they value schooling highly etc. Goldthorpe and Lockwood also argue that Britain is not becoming "middle class" i.e. that we are all becoming "the same". They studied a Luton car factory and found that the manual (i.e. "working class") workers still ate in a separate canteen, drank in public bars, went to Spanish resorts for their holidays, tended to read tabloid newspapers, and their children left school at 16. The office (i.e. "middle class") workers ate their lunch in the waitress canteen at work, drank in Saloon bars, holidayed in rather more "up-market" resorts, read "quality" newspapers, and urged their children to continue education after 16. Also the manual workers tended to vote Labour, and the white-collar workers tended to vote Conservative."
http://www.hewett.norfolk.sch.uk/curric/soc/class/socdiff.htm


I know it's simplified. But I think it's true to some extent. I have also experienced the different world views. The working class group are also great supporters of the "war on terrorism" (their sons and daughters usually have lower qualified jobs of the army). They are less critical of what media tells them which may have to do with having lower formal education level. Interestingly enough, in all the working class homes I went to they watch Sky News, which is more similar to Fox News. Also every single one of the ones I met were against the French. I've gone to restaurants with a few working class (not necessarily poor or with a low paid job, but nonetheless from the same background) Englismen who refused to order French wine. They have also chosen the non-French alternative at family gatherings. It got to the point of ridiculousness as the restaurants didn't have much else to offer. The upper middle or upper class people I've encountered, on the other hand, have not only anything against the French. They even like the French and enjoy travelling there. Some of them even learn to speak French.

Originally Posted by OneEnglishNorman

Well this sub-section of British society is badly behaved back in Britain also, so it's not surprising that they act up overseas.

Low cost flights ought to be a blessing, but it widens the scope for who can travel and spread their immaturity and boorishness.

[OneEnglishNorman]

Sometimes I try to think about this. I came to the conclusion that after the Second World War, there was quite an amount of "social mobility" in Britain, aided by the grammar school system. The best elements of the working classes have moved upwards. This social mobility perhaps reached its height in the 1980s. I mean by this, is children being university educated, not just a question of money. In Britain money and class are not tightly correlated.

Now in 2007, even a good proportion of the "working class" or should we say, children of the working class, have substantial sums of disposable income (or many credit cards ). They behave in a vulgar manner, prefer cars like M-series BMWs & Subaru Imprezas, have ample money for foreign travel, except for them this travel is not an opportunity for discovery & enlightenment, but to treat places like Prague as playground-like extensions of Britain.

Also every single one of the ones I met were against the French. I've gone to restaurants with a few working class (not necessarily poor or with a low paid job, but nonetheless from the same background) Englismen who refused to order French wine. They have also chosen the non-French alternative at family gatherings. It got to the point of ridiculousness as the restaurants didn't have much else to offer. The upper middle or upper class people I've encountered, on the other hand, have not only anything against the French. They even like the French and enjoy travelling there. Some of them even learn to speak French.

True, and the difference between the working class and the middle/upper class; when the later joke about the French, it's in a affectionate way with no real malice.

[Arthur Gordon Pym]

Originally Posted by Exeter

Also every single one of the ones I met were against the French. I've gone to restaurants with a few working class (not necessarily poor or with a low paid job, but nonetheless from the same background) Englismen who refused to order French wine. They have also chosen the non-French alternative at family gatherings.

Do you imply that it is somehow related to the current war in which the French refused to participate and those individuals from the working class you are talking about, being utterly indoctrinated via Sky News and similar sources of (dis)information, cannot "forgive" that?

[OneEnglishNorman]

It pre-dates the war.

French/France = very foreign/alien to a certain section of English.

[Theobald]

French culture has always been more popular in upper/more educated classes, that's an international phenomenon - except perhaps in Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa, but they are more interested in our social system than really in our language and culture.
Lower social groups prefer McDonald's and 50 Cent.

[Exeter]

I'm implying no such thing. I agree with OneEnglishNorman. It pre-dates Bush's "War on Terror" slogan spread by the Murdoch global media empire.

I don't think these rather simple people have thought that deep. They keep travelling to the same holiday resorts in the Mediterranean countries. Nowadays the more decadent of them travel to Tallinn, Riga, Prague, etc. I know Dublin is also popular for stag and hen parties/nights. The English middle class have the means (and interest!) to travel to not only old European cities such as Vienna, but also beyond Europe. They have a greater abillity to form their own opinion of the world. That is why I think the sociologists Goldthorpe and Lockword are right in that working and middle class people in England (and elsewhere?) have different world views (better: the German word weltanschauung). The working class people I've met in England only see the world around themselves. One could call them narrow-minded. That is where the anti-French stance comes from.

I have often questioned their stance against the French. I have asked them directly why they dislike the French. They have said "you know, they are arrogant", not realising they themselves are arrogant. You certainly are ignorant if you base things on what you have been told to think. Most of these people have never been to France. Very few of them travel to European cities. They travel to very touristy holiday resorts where they meet other Brits who are similar to them.

I'm usually rational and control myself as a sign of respect. Especially if the person is significantly older than myself. Only once did I become upset discussing this issue with an English fellow I took to a posh restaurant. It really wasn't the right time to discuss such things. But I had it with him when he said "everyone knows the French are arrogant!". He was serious. So I asked "have you even been to France!?" The answer was no. You see I don't really mind if someone form an opinion based on own experiences. However, taking things at face value without making your own observations is not only stupid and arrogant. It's potentially dangerous. Such people can easily be used as pawns.

I've mentioned in the past a case which is actually more sad than funny. I can understand if some of you will find the story amusing. I think I told Milesian in PM and not in public. I know of two English working class tourists in Scandinavia who wondered why no one could guess they are British. They were surprised why they were addressed in the local language instead of English. Well, I can say it was certainly not because they were perceived as "Scandinavian looking". Scandinavian countries are like England or North America in this respect. People speak to you in the national language regardless of your origin. I don't know how it works in all European countries.

Unsurprisingly for their social class, the Canary Island is their favourite holiday resort. There they go to places where they (with the exception of charming bar owners) meet Brits of their social class whom they interact with during a week or two.

They told me all the locals store owners (or pub/bar owners, what do I know) in Canary Islands could tell they are British. They were amazed how the Scandinavians couldn't tell they are British. I was first shocked and didn't know what to say. I decided to give a reasonable explanation. I didn't know how to explain things to them. We're talking about a middle age couple here. I was polite as always and explained it to them as follows. First of all, the Canary Islanders know how different north Europeans dress and behave as they have observed thousands of tourists. The Scandinavians they met could probably care less. It's not written in their forehead they are English. Scandinavian countries have strong economies. They certainly don't need tourism to survive.

I actually found this arrogant although I kept it to myself. I felt they expected special treatment. They were also surprised why announcements in underground stations and buses weren't done in English. This point of view is as bad, if not worse than the Parisian who knows English but refuse to speak it. Now, I don't even know if there's any truth in the stereotype of Parisians refusing to answer you in English.

Please don't get me wrong. We're talking about a couple with a low education level and they are most likely below average intelligence. Not all English are like them! However, I'm afraid there are many of them in middle England.

Originally Posted by Plethon

Do you imply that it is somehow related to the current war in which the French refused to participate and those individuals from the working class you are talking about, being utterly indoctrinated via Sky News and similar sources of (dis)information, cannot "forgive" that?

[Susi]

These stories of English travellers make me upset.

I agree with OneEnglishNorman that money and class are not correlated. There is an excellent chapter in an interesting anthropological study/book on the topic ("Watching the English") on this matter.

I think many English-speaking, let alone English, tourists are rude and like this. I know Americans are (see my story of Americans thinking I didn't speak English after I didn't respond to their question because I didn't understand their accent and they spoke too quickly). Many Canadian people I've spoken too have been less "arrogant" per se (Canadians tend to be more polite.. sometimes). But they still wonder the same things "Why aren't they in English?" etc. etc.

I don't think tourism in itself is a bad thing. I just think that tourists need to educate themselves on the local culture and language. Even if you just try to say a few phrases, I think most are much more patient with you and help a lot more.

That was a little rambly. Sorry.

[Exeter]

Originally Posted by Susi

These stories of English travellers make me upset.

I agree with OneEnglishNorman that money and class are not correlated. There is an excellent chapter in an interesting anthropological study/book on the topic ("Watching the English") on this matter.

In that case, I agree with both of you that class as in having good manners, and money, aren't necessarily related. I don't really think people are lower and higher, worth less or more. I believe individuals have to prove their worthiness. Nonetheless, I'm not politically correct. I can recognise there are differences. I don't mind discussing how these differences have come about.

Money can and also does make some people arrogant. The upper class traditions are related to what is called Old Money, i.e. families who have been wealthy several generations. Upper class isn't necessarily associated with having lots of money. It's also the way you speak (such as speaking with Received Pronunciation, also known as Oxford, BBC or Queen's English), dress and eat. I know English people who are considered upper class yet they are poorer than many middle class, excluding the house (or rather estate) they live in which is not always theirs. I know one case in particular. Money has of course been in the family in the past. They are actually (in part) public figures.

There are many arrogant people among the upper class too. You're right. One cannot generalise too much. Things are not so simple. The world is not black or white. There are certainly many exceptions.

When it comes to the French, should we look to history (such as invasions) for explanations? Is it possible we can explain the anti-French stance with the more French influenced Southeastern English and the rest? The English spoken in the northeast is actually closer to the original Anglo-Saxon.

Who is the author of "Watching the English"? I would like to read the book.
Amazon.co.uk: Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour: Ahe Hidden Rules of English Behaviour: Books: Kate Fox
Have I found the right book?

I don't think tourism in itself is a bad thing. I just think that tourists need to educate themselves on the local culture and language. Even if you just try to say a few phrases, I think most are much more patient with you and help a lot more.

I've always believed that is the whole idea of travelling. There are those who create their "little Britain" when they are abroad. I'm sure the locals don't appreciate it very much. I've heard negative things from Spaniards and Greeks. I'm not sure English people who buy houses in these countries realise such things. I once asked an English couple (not the same as the couple in my previous post!) who bought a house in Murcia if they are going to learn Spanish. They said "what is the point when all our neighbours are English, Swedish, Norwegian and Dutch, all of whom speak English with us." I'm talking about an English couple who were relocating to Spain for good. The husband was an accountant who was going to work for an English firm from his house in Spain. They were escaping the English weather.

[Susi]

Originally Posted by Exeter

Who is the author of "Watching the English"? I would like to read the book.
Amazon.co.uk: Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour: Ahe Hidden Rules of English Behaviour: Books: Kate Fox
Have I found the right book?

Yep. I found it in Amsterdam Schiphol airport. It was more expensive. ,_,

I've always believed that is the whole idea of travelling. There are those who create their "little Britain" when they are abroad. I'm sure the locals don't appreciate it very much. I've heard negative things from Spaniards and Greeks.

Not even starting with the French...

I'm not sure English people who buy houses in these countries realise such things. I once asked an English couple (not the same as the couple in my previous post!) who bought a house in Murcia if they are going to learn Spanish. They said "what is the point when all our neighbours are English, Swedish, Norwegian and Dutch, all of whom speak English with us." I'm talking about an English couple who were relocating to Spain for good. The husband was an accountant who was going to work for an English firm from his house in Spain. They were escaping the English weather.

I wonder how many Spanish will be left in Spain...?