How to Be the Worst Tourist Ever

My blog usually focuses around all the positive, awesome things about traveling. There are a lot of great things that come out of the tourism industry – but sometimes tourists seriously suck.

At some point on every trip I’ve taken, I’ve spotted that person…the annoying, rude, disrespectful tourist who many not even realize they’re being annoying, rude, and disrespectful! Sometimes we are so caught up in the moment or trying to live our best lives that we don’t notice our negative impact. Worried you might be a bad tourist? Read on to see what behaviors you should avoid!

You don’t need to know the language to go someplace but you shouldn’t expect everyone to speak English. While you’ll find most major cities are very English-friendly, it doesn’t mean everyone you encounter is fluent either. It’s incredibly rude to launch into a conversation with a local assuming they're fluent in English and without even attempting to respect the local language.

When you converse with a local, be able to say hello or excuse me in their language at a minimum. Bonus points for also being able to state that you don't speak their language. You can check out my post HERE on overcoming language barriers to make the situation as stress-free and respectful as possible.

Cultural norms vary from place to place. Some customs that we have in America may not be accepted elsewhere (and vice versa). Do your research and learn what to expect for local etiquette so you don’t inappropriately get upset about something or seem disrespectful. Violating some local laws (like stepping on money in Thailand) may even get you jailed.

One infuriating experience that comes to mind was an American couple blasting a French waiter for not taking their order soon enough. What they failed to realize was that in France you have to flag down the waiter – it’s considered out of the ordinary for waitstaff to interrupt and check in on you like they do in the States.

Keep an eye out for posted signs and make sure you understand what they say. Ignorance is no excuse for breaking local laws or acting disrespectfully. If a sign says Do Not Touch or Do Not Enter or No Drones – RESPECT IT. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen tourists feeling up priceless works of art at the Louvre or cruising their drone through wildlife areas despite signs that clearly said NO. You don’t get special privilege as a tourist – respect the signs!

I’m not saying don’t document your travels. I’m also not saying don’t use selfie sticks. What I AM saying is please, please, please be mindful of where you’re waving these things around. Getting whacked in the back of the head by a selfie stick is not fun. Having to keep a five-foot radius around you because you insist on walking around with the selfie stick out is also not fun. Be mindful of how your selfie stick is blocking others. Pro tip: the worst possible place to use a selfie stick is in the middle of a sea of tourists, especially if it’s indoors.

We all want gorgeous feeds and incredible pictures. But at what cost? Sometimes we are so quick to throw respect out the window for the sake of capturing an amazing photo. In London, many people crash the doorways of the famous Notting Hill rainbow houses…did you forget you’re invading someone’s home? In Santorini, it’s not unpopular to climb on rooftops to capture a gorgeous, tourist-free photo…but those rooftops belong to sacred churches. Doing it for the gram is not cool when you’re being a jerk to get your photo op.

For most destinations in the world, you aren’t the only tourist there. So many people across the globe are in the same place trying to see and experience the same amazing things you are. Be mindful of how obtrusive you're being to other tourists and recognize that they are trying to take in the moment just as much as you are.

I waited my whole life to see Monet’s artwork in France. Imagine how annoyed I was at the multiple tourists standing RIGHT IN FRONT of the paintings taking photos and selfies. It was impossible to even look at the entire work of art. There was also a walkway in Santorini and this little part of it lined up for the perfect photo op. Unfortunately, the lines of tourists waiting for their turn in this picture area made the walkway impassable. It was infuriating for those of us just trying to pass through to get to our hotels or dinner reservations!

We have a global garbage and plastic problem and tourism can make it worse. As more people venture to stunning destinations and landmarks, it's causing havoc. If you bring trash with you, pick up after yourself. It seems like common sense, but you’d be surprised at how many tourists leave their picnics behind. Throw your garbage away where it belongs!

You’d think it would go without saying that you shouldn’t vandalize things – especially priceless monuments. Yet there always seems to be that terrible person who thinks it would be hilarious to carve their name in, say, ancient Greek ruins. Resist the urge to carve your name in things or leave your mark behind. Even if it seems harmless, you may not realize the significance of what you’re touching. I read an article recently of some rowdy tourists who pushed a rock off a hill without even knowing the rock was a centuries-old artifact. Their act seemed harmless, but it was a historic loss.

If you’re going out for an all-inclusive resort vacation, then yes, expect all your needs to be catered all the time. If you aren't, understand that not everyone around you knows you’re on vacation. Further, they're not working to make your day absolutely perfect just because you’re a tourist. While you shouldn’t get garbage service, don’t pout and whine if the tube is full or the lines are too long. If you want a magical experience, go to Disney. PS – check out my post on the pros and cons of all-inclusive trips HERE.

Tourists get a bad rap for being loud, obnoxious, and impolite. Traveling the world is an amazing experience but it’s important to be respectful of the local culture and your surroundings. Check yourself the next time you’re abroad. You may not even realize that your little actions, while seemingly harmless, are imposing and rude to others. Learn a few phrases in the local language, be aware of those around you, and don’t do whatever it takes for a perfect photo.

Have you ever witnessed a rude tourist? Tell me about it in the comments! One of my recent experiences was a group in Colombia flying their drone around when there were signs everywhere saying not to. The area was home to endangered birds and drones were harmful to their habitat. Even after telling them to stop, they were reluctant. We eventually reported them – I hope they learned their lesson!

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