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Spain is way overrated, according to world's most travelled man
British man Fred Finn believes most UK tourists only go to Spain to drink
Fred Finn, 84, is recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the most travelled man in the world, having logged more than 31,000 hours of flying time. But he has recently ruffled some feathers among his compatriots by naming Spain as one of the two European countries he feels are “overrated” by holidaymakers.
“I think some areas of Spain are overpopulated,” said Finn.
“The country has some good areas, like the islands, for example. But you have to choose very carefully: in many of their destinations, Brits only go to bars to drink,” he added.
The other country Fred Finn does not recommend is Bulgaria.
“I was horribly ripped off. My credit card was copied and I lost £600 (€715). It was a very expensive meal... things like that put you off going back.”
The record-breaking British traveller, originally from Exmouth in Devon, was quick to stress that this is only his own opinion, and he was aware that his comments might annoy some fellow Brits.
“I’m sure my friends will tell me I’m wrong now. It’s my own opinion, that’s all.”
While Fred is certainly entitled to his opinion and it may be a valid one with regards to certain parts of coastal Spain, the truth is that the 500,000km2 of Spain’s coastline, mountains, villages and lesser-known towns and regions have a wealth of culture, language, food and fascination to offer anyone who cares to go out and look for it.
From the bar and tapas culture of Castilla y León to the cosmopolitan delights of Madrid, and from the rich history of Castilla-La Mancha to the rustic charm of Andalusian villages’ fiestas, there is a lot more to Spain than the party areas of its islands.
Fred’s Guinness Book feat can never actually be beaten, since he holds the world record for the most flights as a passenger on the now-defunct Concorde. In fact, he flew on the very first and last trips this legendary aircraft ever made.
Spain and Bulgaria might be off this traveller’s list of must-visit countries, but his top tip for the discerning globetrotter is an unusual one: Georgia.
“People don’t know much about Georgia,” he said. “Kutaisi has a tremendous history and Batumi on the coast is like the Monaco of the Black Sea.
“The food is good, the dancing is fantastic. It has the highest mountain in Europe, it has villages and lakes. In addition, the people there are very hospitable. And it is the oldest wine-producing country in the world, they have been making it for 5,000 years.”
Image: Archive
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