What’s the first thing that comes to you mind when you see the word “Olympic city”? Is it buff sports people, sportmanship, patriotism, world peace?
For me, the first thing that comes to my mind is: CROWDS. I hate crowds. So there’s no way that I would visit an Olympic host city during the games.
So I’ve compiled five reasons we should visit a post-Olympic city instead of a host city during the games:
1. Far from the madding crowd
When the Games are over, so will the crowd. I think it is best for my sanity not to share [place of Olympic venue] with thousands of other tourists.
This also means that people who I meet on the streets will not be talking all about the games, a good deal for me since I have no love for sports.
2. Normal prices
If I were a merchant, I would happily fleece the tourists visiting my city during the Olympics. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event anyway.
Even if the merchants are not deliberating fleecing visitors, the number of visitors swarming into the city means that prices will be inflated. Room prices will be at its maximum and even food prices will be more expensive.
Post-Olympics, at least the prices will fall back to normal.
3. Rooms available
Even if I am able to afford rooms in the city during the Games, there’s no guarantee that there are vacant rooms.
Thus visiting the venue post-Games means less people to compete for rooms with and more more reviews online to decide which hotel/hostel to choose..
4. Cheap Olympics memorabilia
Besides sportsmanship, the Olympics is a showcase of consumerism. Fancy a one-eyed London 2012 mascot soft toy? That will be 12 pounds, thankyouverymuch.
If I ever have plans to become an antique collector (that is if I keep that toy in my attic long enough, it will become an antique) nor do I collect Olympics-themed souvenirs but if anyone wants cheap Olympics souvenirs, post-Games would be the best time as the businesspeople will be trying to get their merchandise off their shelves.
5. Upgraded public transport
Since all governments want to present the best to the public, you can bet that they will be upgrading their new train/bus lines to the venue.
So it’s worth delaying that trip for me to to escape the crowds and take advantage of the new metro or bus service.
What other reasons can you think of to visit a host city post-Olympic?
This blog post was inspired by BootsnAll’s Indie Travel Challenge weekly travel blog project.
This week’s topic: Have you ever been to the Olympics? Is it on your wishlist? Why? Why not?.
YQtravelling 
Not sure about the ‘Normal’ prices. Olympic cities don’t get to host the games because they’re cheap. They’re either major cities or resort destinations already.
You’re right. But I would say that the prices aren’t as inflated as they will be during non-Olympic seasons.