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Don't be "that" tourist - things to avoid when you are abroad
It isn't too hard to look like a well traveled jetsetter, and it only takes a couple of common sense measures.
After the jump, you'll find a list of things (I think) you should avoid if you plan to go abroad. Some of the items are quite logical, others may be things you'd normally overlook.
Feel free to add your own "don't do's" in the comments at the end of the article.
Leave the stupid T-Shirt at home
Your "Female body Inspector" T-Shirt may be a riot back home with the guys and girls, but when you are heading abroad, you may want to leave it behind.
A trip abroad doesn't mean you need to dress up in your best tux, but remember that you are representing your country. A little respect and good behavior goes a long way. Plus most stupid t-shirts make you look like an immature jerk.
Loud and obnoxious
Speaking loud and slow is not a sure way to make people understand you. And no - this isn't just something from the movies. I have witnessed plenty of people doing it.
Picture someone speaking Chinese (assuming you don't speak any Chinese) - if they talk louder and slower, does it help you understand what they are saying?
Do keep in mind that foreigners may not always be able to keep up with your tempo or accent, so slow things down a little.
Don't be the unprepared one
Before you leave, spend some time getting to know your destination. Investigate simple things like airport to hotel transportation, and the local voltage (that Travelocity gnome was onto something). Other things to keep in mind; will your phone work, can you get any required medications abroad and will your credit card be accepted.
Brush up on your geography
When you travel the world, you'll come across people who are doing the same thing - so try and brush up on your basic geography.
I know it's been ages since you had to learn the world capitals at school, but if you come across someone from Copenhagen, you'll look like an ass if you tell them you've always wanted to see their home country of The Netherlands. And trust me, I've met people like this a lot, you'll be amazed how quickly people forget basic geography as they grow older.
Learn the language (a bit)
Even if your only phrase is "do you speak English?", speaking some of the foreign language will always show you put some effort into visiting their country.
English may be one of the most popular languages in the world, but to many people so is their language. Even with just a couple of hours practice a week, you'll learn some of the basics of other languages.
Eating at US restaurants
Resist the temptation to ignore foreign foods by sticking to US restaurants when abroad. The only exception is when your favorite fast food chain offers something particularly local (like the Maharaja Mac in India). Try that once.
If you don't want to eat all that icky looking foreign food, stay home next time. Part of heading abroad is adapting to their culture, which includes food.
Wearing a fanny pack
Seriously, just don't do it. Very few people can pull it off without looking like a complete fool. If you need to carry that much crap with you, get a backpack or cargo shorts with big pockets. Nothing screams "rob me" like a loud tourist with a fanny pack.
Counterfeit products
You may think you look cool with your new Looey Vuitton luggage, or a nice Shannel handbag, but remember that anyone who knows a thing or two about luggage or handbags will spot you from a mile away.
Do you really want to be walking through the airport with people staring at you because they think you can't afford the real thing? Just don't do it - if you really want a piece of exclusive luggage, save some money, but don't fall for the temptation of a counterfeit product.
The same goes for counterfeit watches, perfume or electronics. When you get back home and show off your new Roleks watch, do you really think your friends will think it is real? Another risk is the risk of being caught at the border - US customs and immigration will seize counterfeit products.
Gallery: 10 things that will mess up your vacation
Filed under: Food and Drink, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Consumer Activism
Reader Comments (Page 6 of 6)
freekittens Aug 19th 2009 2:09PM
it's great to know local language and customs when you travel...including tipping in a bar or restaurant. as a person who has worked in the service industry for many years, i have waited on TONS of people from other countries and been given very low tips or even stiffed by tourists. "it's not they're fault, they're not from here". had they taken the time to check the local customs before they packed their fanny packs they would have understood how tipping works and what is customary to leave a server. i see many of my fellow servers giving poor service to tourists or avoiding their tables all together because they know what's coming from a table full of obvious tourists. that's sad because then they don't get to ask them about their native land and maybe think about visiting other places in the world.
aleighcat Aug 19th 2009 2:13PM
The topic of escalators: **MY** pet peeve is people who expect you to step aside and maneuver your parcels while they walk their way up. Escalators are a convenience for those who don't want to (or can't) take the stairs. If you want to walk (or are in such a hurry), *TAKE THE STAIRS OR ELEVATOR!*. To me, people who do this on escalators are the epitome of RUDE. On the topic of tourists abroad: I lived in Germany for 4 years and traveled extensively. I do not wear tank tops, shorts, or tight clothing. That being said, I can't tell you how many times I've been piched on the bottom and/or groped/propositioned by European men. While I certainly think differently, people used to comment that I was attractive.....so evidently, that's all it takes to become a target as a woman in Europe. Older generations excluded, I dressed more modestly than most of the women over there. At least I wore a bathing top (and bottom!) and a sarong at the public swimming places! A lot of it is just common sense: respectful people even here in America dress modestly whilst visiting anything religious, such as a church. The best advice I can give tourists is, at least attempt to learn/speak the language of the country you're visiting - key words/phrases, if nothing else. AND BE POLITE! We expect no less of others visiting *our* country, even if they don't always comply, right?
JDUBYA Aug 19th 2009 2:17PM
Just did a week in Amsterdam and can't remember anything except' "Yes my friend, I believe I will sample some of that thank you very much!"
aleighcat Aug 19th 2009 2:19PM
Sorry..."pinched".........if I missed anything else, my apologies.
Patricia DeCarlo Aug 19th 2009 2:23PM
One bit of advice I can offer for travelers to remember that THEY are on vacation BUT the locals are not!!! That does not mean not to have a good time, but please respect the fact that people a re hurrying around living their lives---running for the trams and worrying about their personal lives .
So, when you request attention, do so in a respectful way and DON"T try to ask directions or information from someone running for the tram, or who has a very worried look on his/her face.
AND---this is the same anywhere where life is busy---IF you want to stop and take a picture PLEASE move to the side of the sidewalk??!!! So that the locals can still get to work on time.
VeronicaRaRa Aug 19th 2009 2:26PM
JUST DON`T ACT AND DRESS LIKE queen & king STUPIDILY and you`ll be alright.
Casey Aug 19th 2009 2:39PM
I've never been anywhere but I'm about to marry an Englishman who now resides in the states. We are going to England for our honeymoon and even I am sick of hearing people ask my fiance stupid questions like... "Do you guys (Europeans) have irons?" "Do you guys have trucks?" "How do you celebrate 4th of July in England?" and the best one.... "Have you met the royal family?" I've lived in Southern California my whole life and have been asked by several tourists from other states how many stars have I met. It comes across so ignorant.
Thanks for the tips about the elevators... my finace didn't mention that to me. He still giggles everytime I say "fanny pack". And if someone says that they're pissed or that they want to have a drag off a fag.... that doesn't mean what you think either.
Bland Aug 19th 2009 9:37PM
Last year I took a cruise from Galveston to Barcelona. After crossing the atlantic the ship pulled into Ponta Delgada, Azores and I went ashore with some friends. One of my friends asked a local where we could find a good Portugese restraunt. A passerby from the ship heard her and said, "What?, You come to the Azores and ask for a Portugese restraunt! How strange." We all looked at her with a very strange look. I wonder if she ever found out that the Azores are Portugese islands? Talk about not knowing your geography.
aleighcat Aug 19th 2009 2:42PM
Also...when in Germany, there were still many who did not like Americans and didn't try to hide it. It was awfully hard for them to be rude when you treated them respectfully, smiled, and tried to engage them in conversation. I'm happy to say that we (my husband and I) changed the minds of a couple of anti-American men when we showed them that Americans weren't so terrible after all. The neighbor man across the street ended up becoming a good friend of ours, after he got to know us. He knew that at the Battle of the Bulge, a German sniper killed my 19 year old Uncle, yet I held no grudge against the Germans. Just the sniper himself. (My Uncle is buried at Henry Chappelle (sp?) in Belgium) A little kindness/respect goes a long way...you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. There's nothing you can do about those dead-set against not liking you, just show them kindness, nonetheless. (Unless they're trying to do you harm, of course!) The bottom line is to remember that you are a *guest* while there...like another poster said, this is their home, they're not on vacation.
Dave Aug 19th 2009 3:34PM
In regard to the credit card comment. Always let your credit card company know that you will be traveling abroad. (...or domestically) If they notice unusual activity on your card like charges in another part of the country or world, they will block it. Also, I carry a sheet of paper with the credit card companys' domestic and foreign phone numbers with me as well as the last four digits of the card just in case the cards are lost or stolen. Obviously, keep the sheet in a different place from where you keep your cards.
Robert R. Aug 19th 2009 3:40PM
Hey Leigh ~ This is not my opinion or pet peeve. It is clearly written on signs lined up the escalators in Paris (where I live and work); "Tenez a Droit" Keep to your Right. Think of it like a highway where they post; Slower Traffic Keep to the Right" and I think we'll find there's enough room on the escalator for all of us!
peace
Angie Aug 19th 2009 4:12PM
Brooke,
Thank you so much for your reply! I will definitely do some research on what is acceptable attire for the country we will be touring.
Patricia Aug 19th 2009 8:29PM
I said in some cities in the US. Example; McDonald's, Nashville, Tennessee.
I have a leather purse designed like a backpack/mailpouch.
One girl working at the counter there thought she was going to tell me I had to leave that outside with a pile of other backpacks out there.
I told her it is my purse!
She said, "Ok, never mind."
Maybe they are just trying to help their bums steal from tourists easier.
Jay Aug 20th 2009 2:10AM
I think we need to learn tourist etiquette for just traveling around America first. I swear the tourist that come to SFL are so obnoxious especially the snowbirds.
Matt Aug 20th 2009 12:50PM
You should include not having the whole family wear matching shirts, or outfits!
B Aug 20th 2009 10:43PM
I agree with the escalator comments, but I'd take it one step further. When you get off of an escalator don't just stop and look around. When you are using public transportation stand to the side of the door and let people off before you get on, move as far away from the doors as you can when you get on.
When you need to stop to look at your map/guide book/ whatever move to the side of the sidewalk.
When you go somewhere to see something do not go and ruin it for everyone else by littering, messing with the wildlife, or taking a "free" souvenir. I get really upset when I see tourists pulling the cherry blossoms off of trees in DC.
Unexpected Traveller Aug 26th 2009 6:05AM
I agree with pretty much everyone's advice here (incl the comments) as there are some things you'd expect everyone to do as a matter of courtesy. Thing is, faced with a culture that is different to yours (and yet similar in so many ways) means that some people just turn off their common sense switch.
Thankfully, it means that people like me have things to write about ;-)
Example: http://unexpectedtraveller.wordpress.com/2009/07/20/its-a-kind-of-magic/
The Unexpected Traveller