12 Most Irritating Tourist Behaviors When Traveling Abroad

Traveling expands our horizons and enhances our understanding of the world, but adjusting to international experiences can be a challenge. If you're concerned about committing a cultural misstep abroad, the best approach is to familiarize yourself with the destination beforehand—this includes researching local customs, dining etiquette, and language nuances. Continue reading for some highly annoying (and in certain cases, quite offensive) behaviors to avoid on your next trip outside the United States.

1. Assuming Everyone Understands English

While English is widely spoken around the globe (even if it’s not the official language), you shouldn’t assume—let alone demand—that others will accommodate your language limitations. Instead, pick up a phrasebook and learn a few essential expressions, or simply use Google Translate.

2. Overlooking Local Customs

This shouldn’t need stating, but it does: Social etiquette is crucial when traveling internationally. Failing to educate yourself on key customs like greetings, tipping practices, and even the correct hand to use when passing dishes can lead to embarrassment and show disrespect. We doubt you'd want either of those outcomes.

3. Inappropriate Attire

Wearing shorts at home during a heatwave may be perfectly acceptable (and even necessary during travel), but it could be culturally insensitive depending on where you are. For instance, it's customary to cover your arms and legs in temples in Thailand and Bali, yet many tourists often take selfies in outfits that starkly violate these respectful norms.

4. Never Leaving the Hotel or Resort

Avoid the mistake of spending all your time—meals included—within the confines of your hotel or resort like in White Lotus. While many properties feature outstanding dining options and intriguing cultural activities, these should enhance your experience, not replace exploring the local area.

5. Hurrying Through Meals

Dining in the United States often feels like a rush—ordering, eating, paying, and leaving all in quick succession. In contrast, meals abroad, especially in Europe, are designed to be leisurely and enjoyable. Please refrain from snapping fingers to get a server's attention or demanding the bill as soon as you finish your last bite.

6. Assuming Everything Will Be Open All the Time

While America follows a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. workday and has numerous 24-hour mega stores, this is not the norm in many other countries. For instance, Spain and Italy observe a midday break. Tapping on windows and expecting a shop owner to unlock the door because you've chosen an inconvenient time for souvenir shopping is highly discouraged.

7. Showing Disrespect to Monuments

Climbing on tombs or trespassing into restricted areas for a photo opp is exceedingly rude when it comes to monuments and symbols of cultural importance. Imagine how you'd feel if someone tried to climb the Statue of Liberty or the Washington Monument for a selfie? Exactly.

8. Trying to Use USD for Payment

The U.S. dollar is the currency of the United States, not the globe. While it may be accepted in some places, it often causes unnecessary stress and frustration. Travel expert Caroline Quinn from Black Tomato suggests withdrawing local currency upon arrival if you forget to bring some with you.

9. Packing Excessively

Avoid the temptation to overpack; it increases the likelihood of losing items during travel and can complicate transportation, as smaller vehicles are often more prevalent in certain countries. Quinn notes, “It can come off as unrefined and may limit the types of vehicles you can use, leading to additional costs and stress for both you and your hosts.”

10. Being Excessively Critical of Local Cuisine and Culture 

Traveling internationally is all about embracing differences, right? If you crave familiarity, why not just stay home? Critiquing everything you taste, see, and experience through an American lens offers no benefit. Please refrain from saying things like, “I’ve had better [country’s dish] in [U.S. city].”

11. Requesting Alterations to Dishes

Unless you’re asking for changes due to allergies or dietary needs, constantly requesting modifications adds unnecessary pressure on those preparing the meals. Quinn points out, “It’s also quite inconsiderate to insist on altering traditional dishes and local culinary methods.”

12. Confined to Tourist Attractions

If your entire trip revolves around dining at international chain restaurants near major tourist sites that cater exclusively to visitors, how will you experience authentic local cuisine? The same applies to overly commercial souvenir shops and bars. A good tip? If a venue has reviews solely from Americans, it might be wise to explore other options.