30 Surprising Mistakes Tourists Make When Traveling Around The World, As Pointed Out By The Locals
After suffering immense losses during the pandemic, tourism is bouncing back this year. An increasing number of destinations, including the UK and Slovenia, are lifting all of their covid-related travel restrictions, and it's just what people need before their summer vacation—according to research by the World Travel & Tourism Council, the sector could generate as much as $8.6 trillion globally this year, which would be just 6.4% below pre-pandemic levels.
But before you pack your bags, we thought it would be a good idea to refresh our memory and learn something new about what not to do abroad. For that, we decided to take a look at a Reddit post that invited locals from all over the world to share the most common mistakes tourists make in their country and have a chat with Melissa about her blog on long-term travel, A Broken Backpack. Continue scrolling to check everything out!
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People think the Royal Guard in London are just men in silly hats that are not allowed to move.
They're military men who will knock you the f*ck out if you mess with them.
Most ceremonial guards everywhere are highly trained elite soldiers, no matter how ridiculous their uniforms may look. The Royal Guard looks positively tame if compared with Vatican City's Suisse Guard in their lavish colorful renaissance uniforms, but if necessary, both can absolutely kick your ?ss.
They mainly visit London. The U.K. has great seasides like Cornwall, Devon, Dorset etc and British seaside holidays have a unique charm. There’s also Scotland and Wales. The north of England has a lot to offer (castles, The Lake District, history etc).
Tourists, don't snub the north. The North remembers.
According to Melissa from A Broken Backpack, covid regulations should remain your top concern when you're deciding where to go next. "During the pandemic, it's important to look at the travel restrictions to enter the country, and also inside the country," she told Bored Panda. "Nobody wants to go somewhere where they need to stay in their hotel during a lockdown."
"Then, I always take a look at the distances between places I wish to visit, how to get there, and the average costs. The idea is to avoid being ripped off to reach our destinations, and to have realistic expectations," the traveler advised.
But there's more to consider, like "the visa situation, the currency exchange rate (I usually take a screenshot from the exchange rate so that I can quickly know the price of the things I wish to buy.), the language, how English-friendly the country is, how to get around the country, and of course, know the common scams," Melissa said.
"The idea is not to be scared, but aware and have a better experience at the destination."
-Doing the Hitler salute or making Nazi jokes while visiting WWII memorials. This could get you arrested.
-Going to the shops on sundays: not possible.
-Standing on bicycle lanes. Seriously: If you stand there, you're officialy hated.
(Germany, if you havent already guessed)
If you stand on the bicycle path in the Netherlands you'll either get run over or showered in expletives wishing you every possible terrible disease.
People come to the US expecting to see too much in one visit. Unless you're prepared to shell out thousands of dollars on very coordinated flights, you aren’t going to see the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, the Alamo, Hollywood and Yosemite Park all in one week. It's a big country, so pick a few states and stick to that.
While it's only natural that we search for a bargain when it comes to choosing where we stay on our trips, many of us also want the money we spend to do some good, according to research by the hotel booking platform Kind Traveler.
In fact, 96% of people surveyed told that it's slightly, fairly, or very important that their dollars make a positive impact on the destinations they visit.
The survey, which appeared in the 2022 Kind Traveler Global Impact Tourism Report, also discovered that nearly half (48%) of the 1,014 respondents think their greatest challenge in trying to travel sustainably is finding accommodations that are both “sustainable and socially conscious.”
I'll do my town, Austin TX.
A major common mistake tourists make here is wasting half a day for Franklin's BBQ. Look, his brisket is good, but it's not "waste half a day of your vacation in Austin standing in line" good. There are a plethora of bbq joints with just as good or better brisket that have no wait all day.
Most tourists who go to Marrakesh book a hotel room, but you should really stay in a riad (a traditional Moroccan house built around a garden) rather than at a hotel or hostel. Riads are a big part of the Marrakech experience. It's unique and the hospitality is awesome. Usually the staff or owners can show you around the chaotic and bustling medina, which is especially helpful.
It's good if you're also one of those people who's trying to do what's best for everyone, but you have to remember to keep your guard up.
"I always try to pay by card when I can, and research ATMs and fees before making any withdrawals. Unfortunately, there are tons of ATMs scams around the world where the ATM charges huge fees, and many travelers don't realize how much money they are wasting on them," Melissa from A Broken Backpack recalled a particularly common problem. "I personally use Revolut, and I have a plan that allows me to do withdrawals around the world with minimal fees."
She believes you should also always negotiate the price of a taxi ride before entering one (unless it has a meter) and check for the tipping culture of the country you're visiting—in some places, the tip is already included in the bills, in some, they are not expected, and so on. These things may not sound as much at first but your expenses can pile up really quickly if you don't pay attention.
WEAR SUNSCREEN WHEN GOING TO NEW ZEALAND! I have lived in New Zealand my whole life and holy f*ck the sun is strong. I burn so easily if I don’t wear sunscreen. A family friend of mine who is from Australia came over here for a holiday once. We were all getting prepped for a beach day and my mum tells us to put on sunscreen. My family friend (who is very very tan) says, ‘I don’t burn, I’m good.’ My mum then questions him, telling him the New Zealand sun is different to the Australian sun. He says, ‘It’s actually hotter in Australia so yeah nah, I’ll be fine. My mum doesn’t want to force this kid to put sunscreen on so she just lets it go and we all go to the beach. Fast forward to the end of the day and my family friend is burnt to an absolute crisp. Like he couldn’t move. The worst sunburn I have ever seen. I’ve never seen someone use that much aloe vera before. Always remember to listen to the locals, they know what they’re talking about.
Temperature has nothing to do with ultraviolet radiation crisping you.
Underestimating how expensive the cost of living is in Norway. I've seen jaws drop when tourists discover the price of the two beers they ordered.
Go on a winter cruise up the coast. All food and drink is included, choose the excursions carefully, take very warm clothing. It won't break the bank, you will visit many places and the scenery is stunning. You may even see the northern lights.
Underestimating the size of the country. No you can’t do a day trip to Cairns from Brisbane, it’s like a 2 day drive. Even Sydney is like a 12 hour drive.
Actually, same with NZ. People think you can do the whole country in a week. Spoiler alert, you can’t.
why did i read this in an australian accent? please tell me i’m not the only one
In Iceland, people don't realize how expensive everything is here, especially going out to eat. If you're going to a restaurant, expect $30–50 entrees everywhere. Mix in some cheap street food (like Icelandic hot dogs) or find accommodations with a kitchen so you can cook.
Did some googling. A 7 to 10 course tasting menu in some of the finer places was around 120€+90€ wines included. As mentioned here, the entrees seemed quite expensive indeed, often almost the same price as the main courses. Still, immediately wanted to visit Dill.
In Paris, tourists always fall for eating their meals in touristy neighborhoods. Restaurants in these areas are pricey and mediocre, serving tourists what they think is traditional French food. If you're in Paris, avoid restaurants around the main attractions like the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, or the Champs Elysées. Instead, go find a cute bistro in the 9th, 10th, 11th, 19th, or 20th arrondissements, where locals actually go out and eat.
In Japan, tourists speak loudly to others or on the phone in public settings. But that makes you seriously stand out in Japan, where people are generally well-mannered and try not to bother anyone with loud talking, music, or games on their phones. If you have to talk, use your inside voice.
In Tokyo shopping districts you have to be quiet otherwise you’ll interrupt all the shop attendants yelling irasshaimase at people coming within 5 meters of a shop door.
Most people who travel to Taiwan just visit the capital, Taipei, or they go down the west coast. But locals will tell you this is a mistake because the magic is in the east. Yilan is an amazing county with all the allures of Taipei plus beautiful waterfalls and mountains, but a fraction of the cost. If you enjoy hiking, Hualien is the best place to see the amazing Taroko Gorge. Best of all, Taiwan's public transportation makes it easy to see these unique destinations beyond Taipei.
Beautiful country with a unique and independent people. Hope you dudes are doing well.
Foreigners often don't understand how big America is. One of my dad’s friends was planning a vacation here and was describing his itinerary. He wanted to drive cross-country from New York to Florida to California. He was planning on doing it in five days.
Not learning to say "Excuse me do you speak english" in their native language. I write it on my hand and everyone is nicer because of it. Basically, you can start the conversation respecting their culture or start it by saying "I speak english and its the greatest language so get with the program" People then say that the locals were rude not realizing that they were rude first.
I did that in finland and the answer was always "Everyone here speaks english" then when I'd explain that I just didn't want to disrespect them, people would bend over backwards to help me out.
In Italy, only tourists order their coffee to go. Italians drink their espressos at the bar. You'll never see a local carrying a tumbler filled with drip coffee, much less a to-go cup from a local café. Oh, and you won't find any frappuccinos here.
Um, if you get stuck on the "see it all in 14 day" tour group? You can't gulp espresso in the ten seconds you'll have to breathe, deal with the group photo, and be ordered baack to the bus. Worst idea evr was the "group tour". I got what I paid for: Cheap and stuck in a bus with strangers.
They trust taxi drivers.
Never trust one if you're in Greece, you're just asking to be overcharged. Stick to renting a car or at the very least, ask some locals for typical prices beforehand.
In Hawaii, tourists can be ignorant about swimming. ALWAYS check the beach conditions and respect the ocean. You could end up in brown water, getting sucked out to sea, being bashed against the rocks at Oheo Gulch. Also, don't underestimate the power of the ocean. Small shore breaks can seriously hurt you if you're not paying attention.
Make sure when addressing to someone in France to start with a greeting. Not saying Bonjour could be considered very rude.
Right, especially when entering a shop, it's rude not to return their greeting.
When you sit down to eat in a restaurant in Portugal, the waiter will usually bring you bread, olives, or some other snacks. I always see tourists get mad when they are charged for eating these seemingly 'free' snacks, but that's just how things work here. If you eat it, expect to pay for it. If you don't touch it, your waiter will take it away and pretend like [they] never existed.
"I flew into New York, figured I'd rent a car and take a quick day trip to Miami or Los Angeles."
Tourists visiting Los Angeles always underestimate the time it'll take to get from point A to point B. Our traffic is terrible, and you should add 30 minutes to an hour whenever you want to drive anywhere.
So. Cal native here lol can confirm! You'll be sitting on that damn onramp for an hour! Damn I do not miss that
I live in Rome. Tourists come and visit only the city centre, neglecting any other interesting historical sites (or other nice things) which are easy to get to, equally nice to visit, yet a bit far from the center.
And be careful,plenty of thieves and folks trying to sell you some free s**t,tickets to the Vatican museums or botlled water.Water running from taps is good to drink and free.Thieves usually working in crowded areas.Got mugged myself,stripped my wallet,by a Romani woman with a toddler on her hands,but noticed that in time and was able to retrieve the wallet.Otherwise it’s beautiful ancient city.
They assume any of us have actually seen "The Sound of Music".
I regret to inform you that most Austrians haven't even heard of it.
Also there's nothing special about Cafe Central, no need to wait hours to get in.
If you want a good Sachertorte, get it anywhere else than Hotel Sacher. Edit: I have now had excellent Sachertorte from Hotel Sacher, so never mind that.
Don't do Hitler impressions, they can get you arrested or fined. (To be fair, tourists mostly do that over in Germany, but it's illegal there too.)
I wish Hitler impressions were illegal in the United States and elsewhere. England comes to mind.
Australia: Thinking you can drive between Sydney and Perth for a day drip. Not so much
Hong Kong: Thinking it's a cheap south Asian tourist destination like Thailand. Not so much.
By road it is 1440 km (895 mi) from Perth to the nearest state border.
Coming to New York City and spending time in Times Square. Unless they're going out of necessity to see a Broadway show or something of the sort, tourists avoid this place like the plague. I understand the desire to see Times Square for a few minutes, but make it a quick trip. And don't even bother having a meal there. You'll find the same chain restaurants that exist all over America...only the same meal will cost you triple the price.
Mostly happens at bondi beach but this can happen at any beach all over Australia. People swimming out of the flags, most often these people will get stuck in rips or into waters where there are surfers.
I sometimes watch youtube videos of the lifeguards at Bondi and the amount of tourists that can't swim who go out to swim anyway is baffling. Like, I understand you want to go for a dip, but you can't even keep yourself afloat if you had to so why go out all the way where your feet can't touch the ground anymore?
Bringing winter clothes in the middle of summer. Some people don't realise that southern Canada actually gets quite warm in July (25-35 C). It's only permasnow up north.
Attempting to spend the whole afternoon shopping in Spain. It's fairly common for stores to close here from roughly 2–4 p.m. (it's called the siesta and it's prime lunch time for Spaniards). So get your shopping done in the morning or wait until stores reopen in the late afternoon.
In Thailand, those who don't know the local customs will often enter someone's home without taking their shoes off. In most places in Thailand (and actually in most Asian countries) it’s customary to take your shoes off before you enter someone’s home. Tourists will just brazenly walk into someone’s house without realizing the proper etiquette.
Note: this post originally had 94 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
No mention of Ireland here at all. We do not fight and drink constantly. And we don't talk like the leprechaun from the Simpsons. Also, keep away from the rip-off places like Temple Bar. 10 minutes walk and you'll find bars that are almost half the price.
I just found out I'm 20% Irish. I really want to visit! I'm in my 50's and never dreamed in a million years I had any Irish in me!
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I think they are recycled from one of those "tell me where you are from without telling me where you are from"-posts. I had the feeling I had already seen most of those somewhere on Bored Panda before...
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Advice from a tourguide that goes contrary to the posts, here: Stop worrying too much about what you should or shouldn't do. If you are in a place for the first time, DO walk the beaten paths, at least for a while, because they will have to most astonishing sites. You do want to visit the Eifeltower, the colosseum, the sistine chapel and the pyramids, because they are incredible. That's why they are the main sights. And, yes eat less than great food on those days when it's near, instead of wasting hours to find a place where locals hang out. Be safe, be aware, be polite, don't litter, but accept that you are a toursit and do touristy things. And THEN, if you have time left over, go and explore the less travelled corners. Take the time to just sit in a cafe and watch the world go by. Oh, and whenever you have the chance: Take the river tours. They are relaxing AND you get to see great stuff while sitting, drinking a coffee. This whole 'Don't be a tourist' stuff is neurotic and pointless
I agree very much! If I visit a foreign country I AM a tourist on holiday - I do not know every custom of the country, might not speak the language, and maybe am an easier target for dishonest taxi drivers and pickpockets. As long as I try my best to not make an absolute nuisance of myself for the locals this is fine by me.
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The one about taxis in Greece - gotta disagree - we were in Athens minutes after the second Tower went down. Our cab driver took us to the American Embassy and waited with me while my husband ran in to see if he could get any more information. He spoke with the heavily armed Greek guards at the checkpoint and assured them we were good Americans. He also got us to our hotel and waited until we had checked in to make sure we were ok. We would have had a serious mental breakdown if he hadn't been there.
I'm sorry but how can anybody not understand how big the USA is? Have you never seen a map? Or a globe? They're literally everywhere in every school
With so much information readily available online, how do tourists make so many mistakes? I'll add a safety suggestion. If you're on Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood, California, do not expect or try to take photos of people impersonating celebrities or movie characters WITHOUT tipping them. Some have gotten very aggressive.
The posts that advise avoiding tourist areas because they’re pricey are funny to me. Often, we know we’re being charged more because we’re tourists, and we’re fine with that. We knew what we signed up for when we ordered a €15 can of Coke so we could sit on the canal at Piazza San Marco.
Or the posts making fun of tourists buying shitty souvenirs - I do not need the kitsch police monitoring my holiday shopping, thank you very much!
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Basically, you don't have to visit the tourist hot spots, other places are great too, don't underestimate the size of the countries you are going to, follow the customs of the country, and be prepared.
With Wales theres always tourists every summer having to get rescued by the mountain rescue helicopter for climbing mountains in Snowdonia wearing flip flops and t shirts, the weather can change really quick and a lot of the trails are quite dangerous for inexperienced climbers
Same here, in the Blue Ridge of the US. Just because it isn't the Rockies or Alps doesn't mean it isn't dangerous!
Load More Replies... UK and Ireland - coming and saying you’re “Scottish/Welsh/Irish” because you’re cousins dog 18 places removed once ate a haggis. Also hardly anyone claims to be English for some reason.
For tourists going to Amsterdam expecting drugs and prostitutes: you might think you're supercool but the Dutchies think you're sad and a nuisance. Please visit the rest of the country instead to see what else we have to offer :)
Croatia is not only Dubrovnik (Game of thrones ) - Dubrovnik is most expensive city in Croatia - ok nice walls an sea but you can see much more and spend much less in any other part of Croatia - coast is 1777km long and has many interesting towns and many islands and you won't be wrong even if you leave the coast
I live on the No. Coast 300 miles No.of SF. We get tourists for big trees, the ocean, cute old town. We can always spot tourists, but we don't really bother them. What bothers US is when they figure we're a small town, so they don't have to pay attention to niceties or treat locals with respect. I've gotten "You're just a small town filled with hicks" more than once. OK, I'm not going to warn you about the Sneaker Waves on the Jetty. Have fun (there are plenty of warning signs, but we try to make sure people, know, ya know).
In San Francisco it's easy to spot the folks who haven't done their homework when they visit in the summer- they're wearing shorts, t-shirts, and goosebumps. (And no, Mark Twain didn't say, "The coldest winter I ever spent was summer in San Francisco." It first appeared about 20 years after his death.)
In some majority/entirely Muslim countries, shops close during prayer times. So I suggest you check the prayer times of the place you are visiting before you go shopping there, because you might end up visiting at prayer time just to see that all the shops are closed.
France - you will struggle to find shops open on a Sunday. Evening meals aren't really a thing, most restaurants outside of the city mainly cater for lunchtimes. The bread they bring to the table is free. Restaurants in the city will do vegetarian meals but out in the countryside the set menu is going to be either meat or fish. Supermarkets will sell meat that still resembles the animal, as they should do and that's not a pretty aquarium of crabs - they are live crabs/lobsters for sale to eat. Oh and some of the street markets will sell live chickens - again mostly for you to take home and eat.
Thailand - If you live somewhere with well-enforced road safety and you think you can drive on Thai roads, you're an idiot. Australia - Stay within sight of the goddamn lifeguards, between the assigned flags - most of the people who have to get rescued are tourists who have greatly overestimated their swimming abilities. Also, clean your shoes and don't bring over anything alive or buggy if you want to get past the border force officers without attracting their murderous (and costly) intent.
No mention of Ireland here at all. We do not fight and drink constantly. And we don't talk like the leprechaun from the Simpsons. Also, keep away from the rip-off places like Temple Bar. 10 minutes walk and you'll find bars that are almost half the price.
I just found out I'm 20% Irish. I really want to visit! I'm in my 50's and never dreamed in a million years I had any Irish in me!
Load More Replies... I think they are recycled from one of those "tell me where you are from without telling me where you are from"-posts. I had the feeling I had already seen most of those somewhere on Bored Panda before...
Load More Replies... Advice from a tourguide that goes contrary to the posts, here: Stop worrying too much about what you should or shouldn't do. If you are in a place for the first time, DO walk the beaten paths, at least for a while, because they will have to most astonishing sites. You do want to visit the Eifeltower, the colosseum, the sistine chapel and the pyramids, because they are incredible. That's why they are the main sights. And, yes eat less than great food on those days when it's near, instead of wasting hours to find a place where locals hang out. Be safe, be aware, be polite, don't litter, but accept that you are a toursit and do touristy things. And THEN, if you have time left over, go and explore the less travelled corners. Take the time to just sit in a cafe and watch the world go by. Oh, and whenever you have the chance: Take the river tours. They are relaxing AND you get to see great stuff while sitting, drinking a coffee. This whole 'Don't be a tourist' stuff is neurotic and pointless
I agree very much! If I visit a foreign country I AM a tourist on holiday - I do not know every custom of the country, might not speak the language, and maybe am an easier target for dishonest taxi drivers and pickpockets. As long as I try my best to not make an absolute nuisance of myself for the locals this is fine by me.
Load More Replies... The one about taxis in Greece - gotta disagree - we were in Athens minutes after the second Tower went down. Our cab driver took us to the American Embassy and waited with me while my husband ran in to see if he could get any more information. He spoke with the heavily armed Greek guards at the checkpoint and assured them we were good Americans. He also got us to our hotel and waited until we had checked in to make sure we were ok. We would have had a serious mental breakdown if he hadn't been there.
I'm sorry but how can anybody not understand how big the USA is? Have you never seen a map? Or a globe? They're literally everywhere in every school
With so much information readily available online, how do tourists make so many mistakes? I'll add a safety suggestion. If you're on Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood, California, do not expect or try to take photos of people impersonating celebrities or movie characters WITHOUT tipping them. Some have gotten very aggressive.
The posts that advise avoiding tourist areas because they’re pricey are funny to me. Often, we know we’re being charged more because we’re tourists, and we’re fine with that. We knew what we signed up for when we ordered a €15 can of Coke so we could sit on the canal at Piazza San Marco.
Or the posts making fun of tourists buying shitty souvenirs - I do not need the kitsch police monitoring my holiday shopping, thank you very much!
Load More Replies... Basically, you don't have to visit the tourist hot spots, other places are great too, don't underestimate the size of the countries you are going to, follow the customs of the country, and be prepared.
With Wales theres always tourists every summer having to get rescued by the mountain rescue helicopter for climbing mountains in Snowdonia wearing flip flops and t shirts, the weather can change really quick and a lot of the trails are quite dangerous for inexperienced climbers
Same here, in the Blue Ridge of the US. Just because it isn't the Rockies or Alps doesn't mean it isn't dangerous!
Load More Replies... UK and Ireland - coming and saying you’re “Scottish/Welsh/Irish” because you’re cousins dog 18 places removed once ate a haggis. Also hardly anyone claims to be English for some reason.
For tourists going to Amsterdam expecting drugs and prostitutes: you might think you're supercool but the Dutchies think you're sad and a nuisance. Please visit the rest of the country instead to see what else we have to offer :)
Croatia is not only Dubrovnik (Game of thrones ) - Dubrovnik is most expensive city in Croatia - ok nice walls an sea but you can see much more and spend much less in any other part of Croatia - coast is 1777km long and has many interesting towns and many islands and you won't be wrong even if you leave the coast
I live on the No. Coast 300 miles No.of SF. We get tourists for big trees, the ocean, cute old town. We can always spot tourists, but we don't really bother them. What bothers US is when they figure we're a small town, so they don't have to pay attention to niceties or treat locals with respect. I've gotten "You're just a small town filled with hicks" more than once. OK, I'm not going to warn you about the Sneaker Waves on the Jetty. Have fun (there are plenty of warning signs, but we try to make sure people, know, ya know).
In San Francisco it's easy to spot the folks who haven't done their homework when they visit in the summer- they're wearing shorts, t-shirts, and goosebumps. (And no, Mark Twain didn't say, "The coldest winter I ever spent was summer in San Francisco." It first appeared about 20 years after his death.)
In some majority/entirely Muslim countries, shops close during prayer times. So I suggest you check the prayer times of the place you are visiting before you go shopping there, because you might end up visiting at prayer time just to see that all the shops are closed.
France - you will struggle to find shops open on a Sunday. Evening meals aren't really a thing, most restaurants outside of the city mainly cater for lunchtimes. The bread they bring to the table is free. Restaurants in the city will do vegetarian meals but out in the countryside the set menu is going to be either meat or fish. Supermarkets will sell meat that still resembles the animal, as they should do and that's not a pretty aquarium of crabs - they are live crabs/lobsters for sale to eat. Oh and some of the street markets will sell live chickens - again mostly for you to take home and eat.
Thailand - If you live somewhere with well-enforced road safety and you think you can drive on Thai roads, you're an idiot. Australia - Stay within sight of the goddamn lifeguards, between the assigned flags - most of the people who have to get rescued are tourists who have greatly overestimated their swimming abilities. Also, clean your shoes and don't bring over anything alive or buggy if you want to get past the border force officers without attracting their murderous (and costly) intent.
