I wish it was illegal to sell souvenirs not made in that country. It was so depressing to see the absolute junk for sale in beautiful places. I would have liked to pay for a truly local souvenir.

I travel mainly to look at art. I write about art and plan trips around museums and exhibitions. I stay in hotels or hostels not ABB and try to be a humble and respectful visitor. I’m trying not to be part of the problem. But even so I’m thinking about how to avoid compounding the problem.

I’ve seen some hideous stuff. A man spitting on the floor of the Louvre. A crew of drunk British boys dropping their trousers in Amsterdam in order to display their butts to each other. A gaggle of loud obnoxious “hen party” women bitching about how awful Spanish food is but at least the drinks are cheap. Talking to native Prague inhabitants about how their city centre is almost a no go area because it’s been turned over 100% to tourism.

Many years ago I lived in Oxford and I remember being literally unable to walk home because the streets were clogged with tourist groups. Living in the tourist hotspot of London I welcome visitors but my heart sinks at the sight of a tourist coach.

I believe that cruises aren’t a terrible thing but they should not be docking at major ports. What cruise ships need to do is to build purpose build ports so that they can load up with supplies but the cruise itself needs to be the objective. cruise ships already offer all kinds of activities being on the ship should Footballer be enough just get to your destination.

I definitely do not want travel to once again become the preserve of the very rich. we need to find a reasonable compromise and I’m all ears to find out how to be part of the solution