17 Tourist Behaviors That Make Most People Cringe
Americans are complicated about tourism. According to the International Trade Administration, the travel and tourism industry contributed an impressive $2.3 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2022, accounting for 2.97% of the nation’s GDP. This vital sector supported 9.5 million jobs, highlighting its significant economic growth and employment impact.
Here are 17 of the worst tourist behaviors — so that you know why it leaves most folks squirming.
Vandalizing Historic Sites
From carving their initials into the Colosseum to vandalizing murals in sacred sites, tourists often leave their mark in the worst way possible.
CNN reported that the number of tourists disrespecting culturally important places had increased.
Disregarding Local Customs
Stripping bare at cultural landmarks or ignoring religious practices—there’s a troubling trend of tourists treating sacred spaces as Instagram backdrops.
Authorities, for example, have cracked down on tourists who break temple rules in Bali partly because of disrespectful behavior.
Treating Destinations Like Theme Parks
A Reddit user from the r/travel subreddit highlighted that tourists often “expect to be constantly entertained” rather than appreciating the cultural depth of a location.
When places aren’t living up to these unrealistic standards, this expectation results in frustration, further alienating locals.
Being Loud and Obnoxious
Some tourists, including Americans, are said to have a “booming” presence. According to a BuzzFeed Travel survey, this was one of the easiest ways to tell an American was moving in their midst—particularly in places like museums, which thrive on quiet observation.
Assuming Everyone Speaks English
Another cultural faux pas is expecting locals to adapt to your language preference. According to PubMed Central, only around 20 percent of Americans are multilingual as opposed to a more tolerant 56 percent of Europeans, so we have a significant gap in that cultural flexibility.
Wearing Questionably Practical Outfits
In a cosmopolitan European city? Think cargo shorts, running shoes, and adventure hats. These outfit choices scream “tourist” and often fail to show awareness of the location’s atmosphere.
Complaining About Portion Sizes
Food is a window into culture, but many Americans abroad find fault with tiny portions served in France or Japan. Complaints of this nature indicate voids in cultural immersion.
Expecting 24/7 Business Hours
American tourists often forget that just because a country is open 24 hours a day doesn’t mean it’s working around the clock.
Even in countries where closing time is generally earlier (such as Germany or Spain), it can sometimes surprise visitors.
Tipping in Non-Tipping Cultures
In some countries, tipping isn’t even seen as generous; it’s unnecessary and, at worst, offensive. For instance, if you get to Japan and decide to tip, it might be embarrassing with the patron and the server.
Obsessive Smartphone Use
Our travels can be documented on smartphones, but overuse can detract from the immersion. Taking selfies often blocks views for others or creates unnecessary disruptions at landmarks.
Pursuing the Perfect Selfie
Speaking of selfies, setting up tripods or delaying lines for that perfect photo? It rubs fellow travelers up the wrong way.
Further, this habit became one of the most frustrating practices a tourist could have, according to an article written by Travel Daily News.
Overlooking Local Etiquette
The basics, like how to order food or address shopkeepers, are simple etiquette that gets lost. People who skip this research can appear uninterested and unengaged, leaving a bad impression on the host community.
Metric Conversions Misunderstanding
Loudly traveling tourists who insist on converting temperatures, distances, or weights from the imperial to the metric system can be particularly annoying to the flow of conversations and indicate the traveler’s inability to adapt. For example, asking, “What is this in Fahrenheit?” can amuse or annoy locals.
Butchering Local Languages
Pronouncing “croissant” with a hard “t” or mispronouncing prominent landmarks shows negligence.
Even the slightest effort at respectful conversation in the locals’ language is highly appreciated by all those in Europe, especially its locals.
Visiting During the Wrong Season
Traveling during peak summer months, which often fall with the schedules of many, may feel counterintuitive when you land in Death Valley or some parts of Texas.
Flocking to Chain Restaurants
Eating at Panda Express or Joe’s Crab Shack while abroad doesn’t precisely scream “cultural adventure.”
Thirty percent of international tourists will freely admit they only dine at familiar chain restaurants when traveling, but that experience deprives them of local flavors and experiences.
Engaging in Unethical Tourism
Also considered exploitative is riding elephants in Thailand or visiting places that specialize in exploitative labor.
Tourism Cares is one of several responsible tourism organizations that encourage travelers to think about their activities’ environmental and social effects.
With a bit of mindfulness, tourists can serve as cultural ambassadors who attract attention to the diversity of their homeland and their ability and respect for others.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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