If You Had To "Sell" Your Country How Would You Go About It?

@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
December 8, 2010 9:09am CST
I don't mean "literally" sell your own country. We can leave our Governments to do that. No, what I mean is..say a friend of yours from abroad was seriously considering travelling away from their own country for the first time, how would you go about trying to persuade them to come to yours? It would not involve meeting up or anything as that would be the only reason for them to come over wouldn't it? No, what I mean is; say they wanted to tour around your country for a bit, how would you go about telling them the best places to stay, the best areas to visit, where the best scenery is, how to travel, whether to go on the train or drive, or even fly? Yes, folks, it's a minefield isn't it? I wouldn't know where to start. I would definitely try "selling" the UK as a whole, rather than just England. The reason for that is; the diversity of the scenery and the people. London is wonderful but there is more to offer than just the capital of England. I would encourage them to stay in Premier Inns as opposed to 5 star hotels as they are cheap and the same all over the country, although some are a bit "out of the way." Only £29 per night for a room though! If they liked boats I would encourage them to go visit the Norfolk Broads and, maybe, hire a boat for a few days. Then, if they wanted to do some shopping, rather than stay in predictable London, drive (or take the train) up to Birmingham, England's second city. In fact, I've only ever visited the NEC there so "Brum" as it's called is definitely on my list of cities to visit. There is a silver jewellery quarter in "Brum" that is supposed to be amazingly good. Bath is another lovely city they could visit and it is one I haven't been to, either. Seen it on television a lot, though. And if people like history, York in, er, Yorkshire has the Shambles, an amazing medieval shopping lane that hasn't changed for centuries. I've been there, it's fab!! I could go on forever, of course. I could not leave this discussion though without mentioning Scotland (Edinburgh,Glasgow, Oban), Wales (Cardiff, Llandudno, Swansea) and the Republic of Ireland (Dublin and its neighbouring counties). I have not been to Northern Ireland but would love to do so..one day. So, if someone rang you up from abroad and said, "I want to visit your country, where can you recommend?" what would your hard-sell be? http://www.map-of-uk.com/
1 person likes this
11 responses
@derek_a (10873)
9 Dec 10
Hi Janey, Strange how you should ask that question.. I have just started a new website on places to visit in wales. I have started with where I lived in Cardiff for the past 25 years or so and I am slowly making my way around Wales writing various articles on each place. I tend to enjoy researching about myths and legends and sharing those on the pages too, as well as just the history and scenery. I guess you could say I am "selling my country" in a way, but I am doing the site more for enjoyment than anything else. When I first went to a writing workshop, I remember our teacher telling us to write what we know and writing will always be enjoyable, but if we weren't interested in the first place, we wouldn't know what to write about... So I had this idea about South Wales. I don't know why I never had it before though, but it just popped into my mind a few months ago. _Derek
@derek_a (10873)
10 Dec 10
Hi Janey... I messaged you the link to my Wales website.. _Derek
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
12 Dec 10
I've not seen it..but I shall double-check. Sometimes messages don't appear and I've no idea why.
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
9 Dec 10
Hi Derek! I must say, I did like Cardiff and loved the location of the Millennium Stadium which I actually prefer to the new Wembley. Maybe it's that awesome roof? I don't know. But I love that stadium, I really do. You must let me know the title of your website as I love to read about other places. It must be really enjoyable to do all the research, which is part of the fun isn't it? Good for you!
1 person likes this
@vandana7 (100649)
• India
8 Dec 10
Come to India, cost of living lowest. Chances of being robbed, much lower than those in west. Medical care, reasonably good. You can get all those bariatric and other cosmetic surgery done in fraction of costs. You can get a maid to cook for you as well. All this in an income which by American standards is barely above the poverty level. Fruits are cheap, milk is cheap, clothes are cheap, (if you are willing to compromise on quality that is) and you have several modes of transport. You dont have to know driving. Periodically, you can visit hill stations, sea shores, historical buildings, gardens, etc., there are many places like that. And you can see how crazy Indians are about cricket.
@vandana7 (100649)
• India
8 Dec 10
Indians understand Cricket only when Indians are playing. You can check the TRP ratings ... I ain't joking.
@sunnycool (12714)
• India
9 Dec 10
"Indians understand Cricket only when Indians are playing" --- that is so correct lol We never care to keep an eye,until and unless SA's chase down a mammoth total of 434 against the mighty aussies in every match...
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
8 Dec 10
Who are the Indians gunning for in the Ashes? England I hope. The Aussies are that desperate Shane Warne might come out of retirement. I don't drive anyway so it would be great to be driven about by other people in "different modes of transport" as you call them.
@ybong007 (6643)
• Philippines
9 Dec 10
"Would you like to bask in the sun in December? Of course you do, when most of the western countries are freezing, you'd think that the sun is even away for vacation somewhere else to escape the cold winter. And I know just exactly where the sun is right now shining with all it's glory. Just look at the photo and see for yourself so you wouldn't think I'm kidding and by the way, that's me taking the photo. Oh don't forget to look closely that girl in the photo could be one of your neighbors." So what do you think? is it convincing?
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
9 Dec 10
Which photo may that be my friend, I'm a bit confused.
@sunnycool (12714)
• India
9 Dec 10
I shall start of with one of the Eight wonders "Taj Mahal" in Agra,beautiful beaches in Goa "never been to goa though,just heard of it",Deserts in rajasthan,Botanical garden,Glass House in Bangalore,Himalayas,Red fort,Hawa Mahal,you would die for beaches in Kerala...they're so awesome especially in this particular time of the year,as of Hill stations -- Ooty,Kodaikanal,Mount Abu,Kullu Manali,Ajanta and Ellora Caves,golden Temple in Amritsar and there are many more which do not strike my mind this moment.great day.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
9 Dec 10
Well, I think that's enough to keep me busy for a bit. Thanks sunnycool.
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
8 Dec 10
I'd have to narrow it down...a bunch...by finding out what their interests are. If not, they'd be here a year and still not see everything. Cities with skylines, museums, parks, monuments -- NYC, Seattle, Chicago, San Diego, etc. Forests, parks -- almost every state on the East Coast, West Coast and in between. Oceans -- West Coast, East Coast, Hawaii, Alaska... Lakes, rivers -- again almost every state in the union. There are over 400 national parks and monuments and this doesn't include some pretty fantastic state parks in Oregon, Washinton, etc. Now, if they had the time, I could give them a detailed map of the U.S., what roads to travel, what cities to see, what parks to visit... I've been to every state, but Alaska, and I'd make a pretty good guide. But it'll take way more time to do this than the five minutes I have here.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
8 Dec 10
Wow, every state apart from Alaska? That's amazing! Do you have a favourite..or favourites? I had a "thing" about going to Montana one time as it looked so gorgeous. New England, well, goes without saying really..I've been to Las Vegas but would love to visit Los Angeles and the whole of California, actually. New York for the shopping I've heard so much about, and all the major cities you can direct me to. One thing's for sure, I wouldn't be bored!
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
9 Dec 10
Oh my, you should be a travel agent. Really! I never knew Yellowstone was in Montana. I've learned something new (yet again) here on MyLot. Thanks for all that info and I will definitely come visit when I'm over there next!
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
8 Dec 10
I can guarantee you wouldn't be bored! I can't say I have a favorite state...there's so many neat things in every state, even the ones you never hear about (South Dakota (Mt. Rushmore, the Black Hills, the Badlands), Montana (Yellowstone is located in MT too, the Rocky Mountains, Great Falls, etc.), Utah (several beautiful National Parks), Missouri, etc.) I was born in the middle of the country and have spent most of my time in the West. I've worked and visited the East, but there's too many people and they're not as friendly in most areas as they are in the West. So I prefer all the states west of the Mississippi River. If my brother and SIL and my niece and nephew didn't live in California, I'd probably stop going there. Not because it's not beautiful with lots of places to go and things to do, but because I'm p*ssed about having to bail them out because they've let Democrats drive the state in to ruin. If you ever get a chance to come back, check in with me. Tell me what you'd like to do, how much time you have and I'll lay out one heck of a trip for you! Even if it's on the East Coast...
@rog0322 (2829)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
9 Dec 10
Hi Janey, If you want to go on a cruise or to relax on a sandy beach with lots of sunshine and fresh air and seafood, try my country. It has one of the longest coastline in the world, friendly people, luxurious accommodations and a travel package that won't bust your wallet. Your dollar can go long way here.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
9 Dec 10
Hello! I will give it some serious thought as you've managed to convince me my friend. Well done!
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
8 Dec 10
Oh! Where can I start? I would really have a tough time. Should I entice the person with the scenic Himalayan ranges and the tourist spots there? Or should I invite them over to crowded Mumbai where they can have the best of chat items and gape awestruck at local trians bulging at their seams? Perhaps I would recommend lovely green Kerala and a cruise in the backwaters. THey can also go to Western GHats and feel the eucalyptus ridden mountain air caress their faces! South India is none the less with select hotels offering delightful fragrant coffee. THe ancient temples and forts and palaces leave too much of a confusion by choice.THere are so many places. THey should only select good hotels , travel by trains [upper class] and can even take buses [South India offers fantastic connectivity through buses]. One important thing to remember is that they should not choose the rainy season, hot summer season to travel.This eliminates about 5 to 6 months depending on the region.Winter would be ideal.There is a lack of proper infrastructure in select places but if they get proper guidance, they can make their visit an unforgettable one. India is a beautiful place abounding in natural scenery[in select hill resorts] providing a glimpse of ancient India through her historical forts and palaces ,and is a delight to the foodlover.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
8 Dec 10
When's the next flight out of England my friend? You've got me sold on it, thanks so much.
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
8 Dec 10
Come to my home country called England. You will find it very easy to get there because there are flights into London Gatwick and London Heathrow. Alternatively you could catch a train from Paris or Brussels. You will find the capital city fantastic for sightseeing and you will learn about the fascinating history. You could do a day trip to Rye which has a cobbled street and a church on a picturesque square. You might like to visit one of England's amazing looking castles. My favorite is Dover Castle overlooking the English Channel. After that you could walk along the white cliffs of Dover and see some spectacular views. I recommend that you visit the charming city of Bath where you could bathe in some spa waters. From there you could do a day trip to Glastonbury which has a tor you could climb and crystal shops to look around in. I think that you would like to explore Warwick Castle which is a bit further north. I suggest that you visit Chester with its Roman walls. From there you could pop along to the North Wales coastline. I think you will love seeing Conwy and its castle and Llandudno a superb seaside town. Then I think you could visit the beautiful Lake District. I have been to Scotland once and that was to lovely Edinburgh. I haven't been to Northern Ireland but I would like to see the Giants Causeway. Youth hostels have affordable dorms or you could stay guest houses that do bed and Breakfast. The currency is called pound and pence. The language is English and you will hear some interesting accents. It is sure to be a trip you will never forget and you will have an excellent time.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
8 Dec 10
I can tell you are well travelled maximax8! I would love to see Windsor Castle because it's the biggest lived-in castle in the world I think. I have been to Newcastle in the North East but I wasn't there long enough to appreciate the place, although I've been on a night out there on a SUNDAY and it was as busy as Fridays and Saturdays. Amazing nightlife, it really is. I'd love to go on a tour of all the cities in the UK. There are more of them than you think, including Preston lol.
@mimiang (3760)
• Philippines
9 Dec 10
I will tell them what education we have inspite of the difficulties.We have intelligent precocious kids and who could win in the math olympiad and do robotics
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
9 Dec 10
Marvellous! Thanks for that my friend.
@sender621 (14893)
• United States
8 Dec 10
I would show off all of the great qualities of traveling my country. Let them outshine the bad qualities that may be there as well. Let the adventurer see the beauty in your country. that is what I would do.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
8 Dec 10
Very nice too! I'm impressed.
@khanzee (123)
• Pakistan
9 Dec 10
I would prefer to say them, it is your home, travel where ever you want, At least we welcome him excitedly, God created a lot of place to visit, All places has a different beauty, it depends on visitors, what place does he like to visit.. we can suggest them some places, like Twin tower Malaysia and Maldive and some where etc.. but My recommendation would be different, because the person who want to travel definitely knows already , where to visit, where to stay, I can say, i am here to serve you, if you have some query call us.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
9 Dec 10
Thank you for your marvellous response. It's very different my friend but welcome all the same. Welcome to MyLot!