I’ve been to 20 countries and countless cities. I’ve been to first world countries and third world countries. Some of my favorite places have been in the third world. I’ve been to Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, the Philippines and Panama which is close to being a third world country. I’ve also been to cities off the beaten path (like Taganga, Colombia, Pontevedra, Philippines and Manzanillo, Mexico) in some of these countries and have had a lot of fun. With that being said, here are things you can expect (and some tips) when travelling to third world:
Motorcycles, Motorcycles and More Motorcycles (and very little road rules)
It’s interesting to see the sheer number of motorcycles. There were tons in Colombia and even more in Philippines. If you get the right background and angle, these make for some cool photos. And in the Philippines, you can take a tricycle taxi ride which is cheap and a lot of fun. But beware, there are very few road rules and even traffic lights, so when driving be alert and just be careful. If you are aggressive and alert you’ll be fine. There also won’t be pedestrian crossings so be careful when crossing the street, but again you need to be aggressive because people won’t stop for you to cross the street.
Stray Dogs
There are countless stray dogs, I’ve never ran into any with rabies or aggressive, but still be careful. Don’t pet or feed them… although I’m not going to lie, I’m a dog lover and have fed some in the past, but after you feed them, they won’t leave you alone.
Street Food
Save some money and eat street food for lunch or a snack. There may be some interesting foods like crickets, chicken feet, intestines and many more. Step out of your comfort zone and try something unique, also some of the street food will be excellent so enjoy.
Kids Being Kids
Unlike in the USA and Canada where kids are politicized and many of them stay in playing video games or are glued to their phones, in the third world kids will be kids. They will be playing outside, soccer in the streets, running around and having fun. Some may be doing work to help their families but this is a way of life. If you see a neighborhood kid or family friend helping out and they help you, help them too, buy them a drink or a treat and talk to them to help practice their English.
Lots of Noise
Motorcycles backfiring, dogs barking, roosters crowing and loud music… the sound of the third world. After you get used to it, it’s kind of charming. Although if you’re trying to sleep in, it can be tough. And don’t be alarmed by chickens walking around your feet as you eat breakfast on a patio. Or like I heard in Mexico, vehicles driving through the streets with announcements blaring through loud speakers early in the morning.
Loud Music
A continuation from the last point. Music will be played frequently, and it will be loud, whether it’s from shops, street corners or the neighbors. You’ll hear a lot of good music though so enjoy the beat and learn some new songs. The music of Latin America is some of the most fun and best music you’ll hear.
Different Traditions and Customs
This is pretty obvious, if you’re travelling to a different country you are going to experience different cultures and traditions. And if you’re travelling the world, there’s a good chance you’re from the first world, so travelling to a different country, and a third world one, there will be some culture shock. Don’t worry, embrace the differing culture. Learn something new, step out of your comfort and open your eyes!
Power Outages
We experienced a number of power outages in the Philippines, one lasting several days. Many third world countries are hot, so be prepared, if the AC goes out, you’ll cook. Go to the beach, go to the mall (they usually have backup generators) or book a hotel (if you’re staying with someone) for a night if necessary. We booked a hotel in Pontevedra, Philippines and had a fun little staycation where we enjoyed the pool and grounds of Villa Consorcia. Also, while in Taganga there were a few shortly lived power outages, it was all fun and games, except for the guy that I witnessed getting assaulted by a girl during one of the outages.
Community
Unlike Canada and the USA, there is a lot more community in the third world. People are more collectivist and less individualistic than we are. People will be hanging out in the street, large dinner parties and just more interaction when out partying. The people will be helping one another out and if you need it, they’ll likely help you too! Embrace it, meet the locals and have fun hanging out with them, most will be welcoming and helpful to travelers.
Wild Bus Rides
I've had some interesting bus rides in Colombia, parts of Mexico, Cuba and Philippines (although mostly Jeepneys). But wherever you are, public transportation like bussing will likely be available, but the infrastructure likely won't be what you're used to. There may be bus stops, but as long as you're on the road that the bus is on, flag it down and hop on. Don't expect to pay with a bus pass, have exact change ready to pay. In Cartagena the bus would slam on the breaks and stop in the middle of the highway as long as someone was standing there. If that's you jump in quickly and pay the guy who is collecting the fair. And expect vendors to hop on and off and different stops trying to sell you snacks and hand made trinkets a long the way. One time when riding from Cartagena to Santa Marta the bus was so packed that people were sitting on their suitcases in the middle of the aisle on the floor. The driver still continued to stop and pack the bus with commuters or vendors hopping on and off. It's all part of the fun, have a good laugh, soak up the atmosphere and expect the ride to take longer than you had planned for.
Poverty
Of course there will be lots of poverty in the Third World, that’s pretty much the definition of a third world country, but don’t let that scare you. There are much fewer job opportunities and there is less social assistance, so people will handcraft items and try to sell you all sorts of trinkets among other things. Sometimes the people trying to sell you some food, a beer or a handcrafted bracelet may be pushy and it can get annoying but try to understand where they’re coming from. You may even find them selling all kinds of things or cool things at a good price. I’ve even seen a guy covered with inflatable pools and beach floaties to the point where you could barley tell there was a human underneath all the goods! Be respectful, they are trying to feed their families all while being legitimate. If you have the extra money buy something unique and made by the people and have a chat, listen to their story.
Puestos (road side shops)
In Latin America they call them “puestos” although I’m not sure what they’re called in other countries, but they are road side shops. Depending on where you are, there are less residential neighborhoods, unless you’re in a gated community, and almost everything, including houses and shops are right off the main road. Puestos are cool looking shops/small restaurants on the side of the road. You will find beer, coffee, cigarettes, snacks and food among other things. While driving from one city to another, stop at one, get a beer or a lunch, it’ll probably be pretty good and it’s a neat experience. In the Philippines, you may find a few “tambay’s” pounding back beers without a care in the world. Join them for a beer or a coffee; it will be a fun experience, even if you understand very little of what they say.
Police Corruption
I debated putting this one in here. You can’t sugar coat it… there is a lot of poverty and like others in the public sector, the police are subject to low salaries and dangerous working conditions. The police are only human and with these working/living conditions, the police may be subject to corruption. You should be fine, but depending on where you go and how you look, you may be subjected to a random search. If you’re a young white guy with tattoos and not dressed like a nerd, you're more likely to be searched. I’ve been searched numerous times in Mexico and Colombia. If you don’t have anything on you, you should be fine. I’ve heard horror stories about drugs being planted… I’m not sure how much truth there is behind these tales, but be alert just in case. If you’re being searched, move to a well-lit street where others are around. And if you have anything that can get you in trouble, be careful, hide it somewhere well (like your sock) or leave it at the hotel. And as long as you are respectful, if you get searched, suck it up and you’ll be fine in a few minutes.
Don’t worry, it may sound scary, but if there is a place you want to visit for the cuisine or beautiful scenery and it’s in the third world just go and take the necessary precautions. I’ve been to a number of third world countries and haven’t had any serious issues. The people will be friendly and super welcoming. They will be appreciative that you are visiting their country and providing them with business. The most "risky" place I have been was Colombia, I didn’t have any problems minus a very attractive female who tried pick pocketing me. When I told some other locals about this, they were pissed off and ashamed. And this will be like most places you travel to. Yes, there will be poverty and some issues but take appropriate precautions and be respectful and you’ll be fine!
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