Blasting Music & Putting Your Feet Up? You’re An Annoying Traveler If You Do These 20 Things
Blasting Music & Putting Your Feet Up? You’re An Annoying Traveler If You Do These 20 Things
Be a Traveler Everyone Loves
Traveling to new places is the experience of a lifetime…once you get past the long flights, cultural nuances, and PDA-heavy couples. We’ve compiled a list of the most annoying traveler behaviors so you know which ones to avoid!
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1. Waiting Too Early to Board
We get it—you’re excited for your trip. We’re excited for you! But there’s no reason to clog the boarding path beforehand. If you’re in zones three to six, stay parked in those seats until it’s time to board. They won’t leave without you.
2. Putting Your Feet Up
Whether you’re on a plane or taking a scenic train route through a new place, keep your feet off the seats. There’s literally no reason to kick up your heels like you’re at home on public transit, especially when it’s packed with people.
3. Being a Chatty Cathy
We’d all like to make a new friend on the airplane, but long flights don’t necessarily warrant small talk. Some people are happier with their thoughts, have social anxiety, or aren’t in the mood for nonstop chatter. Read the room and don’t press someone if they’re not interested.
4. Trying to Leave Early
Patience is a virtue, a concept lost on some travelers. You know the ones—those who fly out of their seats as soon as you hit the tarmac, racing to the overhead bin and cutting people off to exit first. Don’t be like them.
5. Taking Non-Stop Photos
Who wouldn’t want a photo of Ireland’s emerald hills or the Leaning Tower of Piza? It’s okay to snap pictures, just don’t record every little detail. There’s something to be said for enjoying the moment without whipping out your phone.
6. Unsolicited Advice
Good samaritans often extend insider knowledge of a new city, making suggestions for restaurants and accommodations. However, make sure people actually ask for advice! Unsolicited suggestions aren’t as helpful as people think.
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7. You Don’t Help Plan
Group travel means group participation—whether you’re with friends or a partner, stay involved with the plans. There’s a lot of room for early resentment if one person handles everything. Even if you’re not the best at it, offering assistance goes a long way.
8. Constant Complaining
The point of a trip is to have fun. It’s one thing to run into problems, it’s another to complain about every little thing. No one wants to hang out with the person who’d rather be at home, so try to look for the silver lining while you're there.
9. Acting Spoiled
Drama queens need not apply! Do yourself (and everyone else) a favor and ditch entitlement at the gate. Now’s not the time for special treatment; expecting people to bend over backward is a good way to scare off potential friends.
10. You Didn’t Learn the Language
You don’t need to learn an entire language in two weeks, but it’s considerate to pick up the basics. Learning simple phrases helps you communicate with locals, read signs, and respect culture. Bring a dictionary if you need a lifeline!
11. Lenient Parents
There’s no problem bringing children on vacation—so long as they’re behaved. Letting children scream in the airport or make a mess at dinner ruins the experience for everyone. Explain public etiquette before taking the munchkins.
12. Nose in Your Phone
It’s normal to reach for your phone throughout the day, but it’s a little annoying to watch it 24/7. You’re in a new environment, you’re surrounded by new people—now’s the time to get out and explore the world in front of you!
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13. Gabbing to Tour Guides
Tour guides love exploring cherished spots in the city. They’re often friendly and knowledgeable and probably know a good spot to eat. That said, they are on the clock and don’t have all day to chit-chat with tourists. Keep conversations light so everyone can get back to business.
14. Only Going to Party
Surprise—locals hate partying tourists. Grabbing a pint in the local bar isn’t the same as getting hammered at a club. Oftentimes, these crowds jam the streets or drag their belligerence outside, keeping everyone up at 2:00 a.m.
15. Late Arrivals
Arrive on time! Whether your friends expect you at a restaurant or a guided tour’s about to leave, don’t show up late. If you struggle with on-time arrivals, make notes for yourself or set alarms on your phone.
16. Wasting Vendors’ Time
Not every traveler wants a parting gift and that’s okay. But if you don’t intend to buy, don’t buzz around vendor stalls asking them to take photos while you try on their merchandise. They need to make money and crowding their stall prevents new business!
17. Being Stingy
Like it or not, trips are expensive. That means anything from tipping, restaurants, and impromptu nights out. While you don’t have to blow every penny, you shouldn’t squirrel them away in a money belt either.
18. Cultural Insensitivity
Good travelers honor culture. Good travelers also brush up on any nuances before visiting foreign countries. While you're there, adhere to cultural nuances. It's pretty hard to recover from an insensitive faux pas, especially when you could have done some research at home!
19. PDA-Heavy Couples
There’s nothing sweeter than a couple in love—just keep PDA to yourselves. It’s totally fine to hold hands or share a kiss in public, but everyone on the plane knows what you’re doing under the blanket.
20. Spreading Germs
It sucks to catch a cold before your big trip, but it’s better to stay home when you’re sick. The last thing people need is someone sniffling their way through a nine-hour flight. (You won’t enjoy the dirty looks either.)
