Marmaris, Turkish Aegean Coast, Turkey

I hate coming to places that have been ruined by tourism. Marmaris in Turkey is one such place. I have absolutely loved Turkey - fantastic people, interesting cities and some of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The sole exception was Marmaris, which whilst not a bad experience can be used to explain the negative things that happen when an area goes too far into the tourist market place.

So is a touristy area a bad thing? Not neccessarily. There have been quite a few places I have been and been grateful for the big and small things I am used to - whether it be a well prepared meal, a western style toilet or even just people able to speak English. I think the problem starts when an area actively TRIES to be a tourist haven.

In this case the local shops all stop trying to be pleasant shops of whatever culture or vibe they might normally choose, but instead try and present things to make the "standard tourist's" life easier. Menus are filled with the staple "tourist" foods (pizza, pasta, hamburgers and English Breakfasts), usually with bad pictures. All the bars gain a feel that could be lifted from a bad parody of Las Vegas, whilst drink prices drop to a level that ensures the drunken patrons destroy anything that would have added to the ambience of the town. Touts start to line every corner to hawk an overcrowded tour to an island that will most likely also have undergone a similar transition.

Does this actually benefit the area? I have to assume that it does, that the number of tourists who travel through from cruise liners and package holidays enjoy the ability to simply relax away from home, thus bringing in vital income to the area. But I hope that areas that cater to the travellers market (for people like myself) is not ignored as more of the world is explored, and that some areas can retain a look and feel unique in the world.

For me some of the best places are areas that retain a pleasant and unique environment, whilst subtly presenting me with the things that allow me to be more comfortable. Simply presenting me with an English menu describing the local cuisine would be a good example - not one filled with pictures of overly sweet iced-cream desserts.