Tourists, it seems, just can’t get the hang of visiting other places correctly.
As underscored by a Reddit thread in which users describe some of the most groan-worthy etiquette errors tourists make abroad.
The discussion was kickstarted by user ‘danielgmal’, after they asked: ‘What are the biggest tourist no-nos you’ve encountered while travelling?’
From dawdling pedestrians to visitors treating local wildlife ‘like theme park attractions’… here’s a list of behaviours you might want to leave at home.
‘Inappropriate’ selfies
For many people on the thread, it’s inconsiderate photo-takers that get their backs up.
‘XenoVernix’ says they’re annoyed by people who ‘get to a scenic viewpoint or landmark with a narrow angle for the photo everyone wants, then proceed to do a full-on model shoot with dozens of poses and retakes for Instagram’.
‘DogsBeersCheeseNerd’ also has no patience for photoshoots, adding: ‘I give these people five minutes and then walk directly into their shot and start to take my own photos.’
Reddit users have been picking apart some of the worst things they’ve seen – or done – after ‘danielgmal’ asked: ‘What are the biggest tourist no-nos you’ve encountered while travelling?’ One user gets annoyed by people ‘doing full-on model shoots’ for Instagram at popular viewpoints (file image)
A pet peeve for ‘Perfect-Mix-1678’ is the taking of ‘cheerful selfies in inappropriate places’, with the user claiming to have seen people merrily posing at the 9/11 memorial in New York.
They explain: ‘I was expecting to find a place of relative peace and quiet where I would be able to contemplate and give a thought to all of those that lost their lives.
‘Instead, I found a plaza where crowds were having a good time and vendors were selling 9/11 memorabilia.’
Japan’s strict rules
‘WalkingEars’ had a similar experience at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Japan, a country that, in general, has strict etiquette rules that ‘SuzjeThrics’ warns tourists need to brush up on.
She writes: ‘Japan is a different planet (for most) and requires some research to not behave like a barbarian. The reason why I love this country.’
The user goes on to recall buying an ice cream from a vending machine next to a train platform and eating it on the train, only for an ‘old lady’ to look at her ‘with utter disgust’.
‘But while I knew about removing shoes in homes, I forgot that the same rule applied in the fitting room of a clothes store. Cue three Japanese employees running at me, shrieking in horror.’
Slow walkers
‘Cheese_for_life’ claims dawdling tourists, and people stopping on the pavement to check a map, make ‘locals, who actually have to get somewhere, walk into oncoming traffic just to get by’
Slow walkers are also extremely unpopular among contributors to the Reddit thread.
‘Cheese_for_life’ claims dawdling tourists, and people stopping on the pavement to check a map, make ‘locals, who actually have to get somewhere, walk into oncoming traffic just to get by’.
‘Bluebonnetcafe’ advises: ‘Just like driving, if you need to stop for any reason – pull over.’
Inappropriate clothing
Dressing inappropriately is another major ‘no-no’ featured on the thread.
‘10S_NE1’ says: ‘I cringe when I see “influencers” posing in front of [Egypt’s] pyramids wearing a tiny crop top and shorts.’
Wildlife etiquette
Coral is a fragile animal and ‘Jellyfishjam99’ says: ‘If you’re in Hawaii, or really anywhere with coral reefs for that matter, for the love of God, don’t touch the coral!’ (File image)
While many tourists travel to see incredible natural beauty and wildlife, they don’t always treat it respectfully, according to some of the posts on the thread.
‘Jellyfishjam99’ says: ‘If you’re in Hawaii, or really anywhere with coral reefs for that matter, for the love of God, don’t touch the coral!’
The reason for this, according to the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, is that coral is an ‘extremely fragile animal’ that could easily be damaged, or even killed, if touched or kicked.
Meanwhile, ‘Bromosabeach’ has an issue with people ‘treating animals’ in U.S. national parks like ‘they’re theme park attractions’.
They add: ‘It’s wild seeing how many people get out of their cars to take pictures of bears.’
‘Mattingly890’ adds: ‘More commonly than bears, people getting out to take photos with bison, encroaching right up on them at Yellowstone. Bison are not at all docile and they gore people [with their horns] every summer.’
National park officials at Yellowstone (pictured) warn tourists to stay at least 25 yards/22m away from any wild animals, including bison
National park officials at Yellowstone warn tourists to stay at least 25 yards/22m away from any wild animals, including bison.
Mind your language
Assuming people can’t understand your language is another major example of bad tourist behaviour brought up on the thread.
‘El_Gronkerino’ warns: ‘If you’re a tourist, don’t trash-talk about other people (tourists and locals alike) thinking that no one can understand your language.’
A victim of this behaviour, ‘DonVergasPHD’, reveals: ‘I had a lady talk about me and my wife in Spanish thinking we wouldn’t notice when we were in Japan. I’m a native Spanish speaker and my wife is fluent!’
It’s English and Spanish speakers most at risk of making this mistake, according to ‘Castlebanks’, who warns that if you speak those languages you ‘should always assume people are understanding, at least partially’.
And the general etiquette rule for all foreign holidays?
‘Kakapocalypse’ remarks: ‘Behave like a reasonable, decent human being and that’ll get you 90 per cent of the way there in most places.’