We have all thought about what our world will look like in twenty or thirty years.  For me, while I probably won’t see or experience these changes, I can’t help but think about them while I am still able to travel around the world.

First, the obvious.  The changing face of travel is already upon us.  But will it continue?  The face I refer to is the Chinese tourist.  Their newfound wealth is enabling them to be the “Japanese” traveler of the 80s.  And as I have previously noted, this is not a pretty picture.  They are loud, and pushy, perhaps owing to the fact they live in a densely populated, busy, and polluted homeland.

But along with that are the airline and prices for airline passes and tickets.  When I see prices under $500 to Europe, or Asia from California or the east coast (round trip), the end result is that more people will be able to travel.  While that is a good thing, it will make the more popular places that much more crowded.

When I first heard FOMO, and JOMO, I thought they were twin animals of some unspecified species.  But Fear of Missing Out, and the Joy of Missing Out are driving primarily Millennials to “disconnect” enabling more authentic travel experiences.

Most perplexing is the issue of plastic waste.  As long as clean water is an issue around the world, plastic bottles will be a challenge.  Even if I carry a reusable container, where do I safely refill my bottle?

Then there is the issue or non-issue of seasonality.  Many traditional mostly summer or winter destinations are touting “off season” travel.  Ski resorts often convert themselves to mountain biking parks in the summer.  Traditional summer destinations are touting their winter activities, with Christmas markets, and holiday trains, like the Grand Canyon.  I think they are attempting to “blur” the lines.

And of course, some travel only companies are attempting to “blur” the lines by crossing over into other businesses.  By that, I mean airlines opening noodle shops, or rental car companies offering “box lunches” to go.

Closer to home, both Uber and Airbnb have changed travel dramatically.  Whether this continues to grow, or changes again will depend on the Millennials.  I know they love Uber, to the point where they rarely rent or even own cars.  But there are just some amenities that Airbnb cannot provide, like spas, high tea, personal safety, and laundry services.  At least, not yet!

One that rings personally for me are the bike-sharing programs in most decent sized cities.  I have used them in places like San Diego, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Boston, and Seattle.  Close on their heels are the scooter sharing programs, though they cater to a smaller segment of travelers.

The other day, a friend mentioned space travel.  Would I go, if offered, and affordable?  Probably not, at my age.  But if I were younger?  Of course, I would go.  Wouldn’t you?

Driverless cars, particularly as they apply to car services, limos, and Uber will be here soon.  My experience with driverless cars comes only from a friend who was hit by such a vehicle, even with a driver in the seat!  The car kept going AFTER it hit my friend’s new car!!!!  This one will need some refinement before it becomes the standard.

Technology, though great for many things, may never replace a real visit and traveler experience.  Another thing, nothing can replace the kindness of strangers, or the connection that I make with someone when I visit their country.  Anyone can “see” things, but only some of us are able to actually “experience” things.

Can you believe this?

According to the Traffic police department, in 2016, there were more than 21 000 traffic accidents and almost 9000 people died. So, there are around 24.5 people die per day because of traffic accidents in Vietnam. This number doesn’t include injured people. I do not want to scare you with those numbers, but I must admit that traffic accidents happen regularly in Vietnam.

We have driven through parts of Vietnam, from Hanoi to Halong Bay, for instance.  And a few other side trips on previous visits.  They drive crazy here, needless to say.  Three cars wide on a street made for two is quite common.  And they can pass you on either side!!  And much like Rio, they love to use their horns.

Tips to avoid being robbed in Vietnam

  *   Phone: Don’t listen to your phone when you are on the street. If you need to listen to a phone call, you should choose a corner and listen to it. Be careful when using your phone on the street as well.
  *   Bag: I suggest to use a cross-body bag. The robbers have skills to take other bags really fast.  Be careful, and leave your necessary things in your accommodation if you don’t need to bring them outside.

This advice applies to almost everywhere, by the way.  Even back home, you should be careful!

Even Peter Piper shows up in Hanoi.  Pickpocketing can happen anywhere, anytime. A women’s father got pickpocketed twice when they went to a festival together. It happens a lot in crowded places.  Take care of your own things. and always put money in your front pocket, not in the back. Check it from time to time to make sure it is still there.

Corrupt Police

Now, I seriously wonder if I should send this in an email from a country stuck in a time warp among a dictatorship, emerging democracy, burgeoning capitalism, and brutal totalitarianism.  But I must repeat a story from our first trip to Hanoi, back in 2005.

We, me, Sheri, Mike and his son Matt, were sitting in the primo window dining table at then famous Bobby Chinn’s Restaurant in downtown Hanoi.  As we progressed through our meal, even meeting famous Bobby himself, we noticed a continuous commotion outside the restaurant.

A team of traffic police were impounding vehicles, mostly motor scooters, for what appeared to be either lack of proper registration or in the case of cars, illegal left hand turns.  The scooters were impounded and placed on a nearby flat bed truck, as the unlucky victims were sent walking away, in both embarrassment and confusion.

As cars were impounded, we noticed the driver of the cars, usually a nice Mercedes or similar car, would get out, stand next to the presiding officer, and slip him some cash.  Soon thereafter, the driver, his car, and passengers were off to a merry evening of fun and food.  This story kept repeating itself through the evening.

The moral of the story:  If you break the law, it is best to have some cash!!

Most of you know the real danger in Hanoi involves those motor bikes.  They outnumber cars about fifty to one during most of the day, including rush hour.  The secret to crossing the street, where there are no signals or crosswalks, goes as follows.  Pick and path, and just walk in a steady straight line, without looking up, stopping or pausing, for any reason.  I know, it is a tremendous leap of faith, but it works!

The second danger, maybe it should be first: taking a ride on one of the many motor bikes.  The drivers pester anyone who is walking, offering fast and cheap rides to almost anywhere, including “sightseeing.”  We have done this on several occasions, and enjoyed it, despite the danger.  Often, they hand the passenger an old, shoddy helmet for safety purposes.  It makes for a rather comical scene.

They take off in a blaze, and seem intent on being the first motor bike at every red light in Hanoi.  The love to zip in and out of traffic, ride onto sidewalks and walkways, in daredevil fashion.  They seem safe enough, but I really wonder what would happen in the event of an accident.

Other than that, Hanoi is a charming place, in some sections, seems like a little bit of France.  In others, it feels like deep in SE Asia.  But wherever you go, just beware of your surroundings, do not make illegal left hand turns, and watch your wallet!

The lines on the roads mean very little.  The stop signs are non-existent.  Traffic lights are about 70% effective.  Nobody signals,  Nobody looks both ways.  It is controlled chaos, makes our traffic back home look like kids play.

Last night, with three of us being driven on motos by “hired guns”, we felt safe, though we had some close moments.  But there are 6 million motos in a city with 8 million people.  Citizens simply cannot afford a car, as a moto is around $1000 USD.  It is also quite easy for a cyclist to keep up with motos, as well as most cars, due to the heavy traffic, and craziness.