Have you ever traveled somewhere and gotten completely and totally lost?
Only to find that everyone you ask has a different opinion on how to get to the same place and they all seem determined to send you on the world’s largest travel goose chase?
Yep. Me too.
That’s why some friends and I invented the “3-Question-Rule.” (thanks, South America!)
I have said a gazillion times that traveling is all about the people that you meet, and when you need directions, this couldn’t be more true.
However, it’s not uncommon for directions to be less than accurate.
photo credit: Phil W Shirley
So, instead of getting frustrated, my friends and I came up with the 3-question rule game.. and it works like this:
Ask a bunch of different people for directions until you get three of the same answer.
Why would we come up with such a ridiculous rule, you ask? Well, we got tired of being run around in circles while in South America. We would ask nearly everyone for directions but could never completely trust it until we heard it a few times since it was almost always wrong.
I’m not sure if this is something lost in translation, or if everyone is just so nice that they want to help you even though they don’t actually know how, or,
if they really just like the sight of a 5’1” gringa girl running around in the Chilean heat sweating like a cow in a steak shop
— either way, it can be frustrating feeling like people are running you around town.
So, remember.. the next time you’re lost, play the 3-question rule game!! It can actually be a lot of fun– and it’s a great way to ensure you actually get where you’re trying to go!
What about you? Have you ever been given completely wrong directions? How did you make your way out?
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
The worst is when you are in countries where if people don’t know the answer they’ll just send you in a direction.
In Guatemala I learned never to walk more than a block without confirming the previous response with another person.
Totally ayngelina!! This seems to be more prevelent in South and Central America.. I wonder why??
We very rarely ask and if we do we ask in a shop or hotel. This year we’re taking the iPad, though it’s only going to be good in big cities and probably useless in South America; there are so many good maps and direction tools on iPhones and iPads. I think sometimes people are either limited by their lack of English (or the person asking’s lack of skills in their language), or they don’t know what you’re asking and want to save face. Either way, it can be frustrating indeed!
That’s a good rule to follow! I agree with Ayngelina, I usually just walk a block or so and ask someone else, just to be sure we are going the right way.
Good rule! I’ve definitely had more than a few experiences of being lost and found that people, even if they mean well, can give you wrong information. I almost always confirm instructions along the way. Notably, we did have an experience in Jamaica when we left for a drive from Montego Bay with the intent of going to Port Antonio. We never made it to Port Antonio despite getting numerous directions throughout the day (and maps weren’t helpful at all after we got so badly messed up and out in remote areas). But it was quite an adventure and we saw a lot of beautiful country.
I agree with Andrea, asking directions to shop/bar/hotel owners increases your chances of good directions. I also try to work with a map, so people can show me where to go. This makes it a lot easier for them too, because I have to admit I’ve given (unintended) false directions too, just because I didn’t master the language enough.
Funny thing: In Asia, people tend to give an answer that’ll make you feel good rather than the right answer. Therefore people almost never say they don’t know the answer, and often they’ll say “yes” instead of “no”. So when they say “yes”, you have to figure out if they actually mean yes, no, or I don’t know…
Asian faces are hard to read.
Haha good to know Nicolas! I’ll keep that in mind.. Asia is my next trip! Thanks for stoppin in!