How to deal with Papasi on women’s tour to Zanzibar?

Travelling often comes with a lot of experience, some good while others not so worthy of remembering. They all become a part of your memories and stories related to that place. Zanzibar is also a place that can take you to the land of fairytale but in its own style. A combination of emerging tourism industry and age-old culture, Zanzibar is known for its beautiful beaches.

Untouched from human existence and nurtured with love by the local tribes, these beaches have a tranquilising effect on every traveller. However, you might face someone who can spoil this picture perfect holiday experience on tours for women to Zanzibar and that person is Papasi.

Papasi or beach boys are local boys that run across the beach, around hotels or popular tourist location with hopes of making some money. They might try to sell handcrafted products, cold drinks, magazines or anything that they think can lure a tourist towards their ‘business’. Some of the hotel or club owners pay these beach boys commission in case they bring a customer or two with them.

Hence, they tend to be a little more than being persistent. Here is how can deal with them without being the bad person in a foreign land on women’s tour for Zanzibar:

Go out in groups

Try to avoid travelling alone especially when it is dark. When you are on the beach stay with your group or keep someone with you. When you have to face three or four beach boys at once, having someone with you is good.

Decline politely

Try to say no to buy something politely. If you will buy even one thing from one of the boys, others will try to make you buy more from each of them. Be polite in your manner. You can be strong but try to use polite manner.

Inform hotel or tour organisers

In case after all this, someone is bothering you a lot, inform about the person to the hotel or tour organiser with you. They will help in keeping the distance from the Papasi.

Papasi or beach boys are fairly limited to the island of Unguja. Pemba or Mafia has them but in a low quantity. Do not let these local boys spoil your exciting trip to this amazing land. Join women travel groups now to add a little spice to your travel plans. Zanzibar is waiting for you.