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!
#1
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.
Image credits: I_hate_traveling
#2
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.
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#3
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.
Image credits: TheYoupi
#4
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.
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#5
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.
Image credits: obr3ptox
#6
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.
Image credits: trumpstinyhandssayhi
#7
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.
#8
Australia: Thinking you can drive between Sydney and Perth for a day drip. Not so muchHong Kong: Thinking it's a cheap south Asian tourist destination like Thailand. Not so much.
Image credits: DongLaiCha
#9
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.
Image credits: FloppyEaredDog
#10
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.
Image credits: LeahUK
#11
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.
Image credits: cott1029
#12
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.
Image credits: BaiRuoBing
#13
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.
Image credits: abedmcnulty
#14
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.
Image credits: nusrat21
#15
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.
Image credits: DonkeyDD
#16
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.
Image credits: hannahloewentheil
#17
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.#18
Sticking to the touristy neighborhoods in Paris and not exploring the rest of this huge city. Sure, the Eiffel Tower is iconic and Notre Dame is gorgeous, but make sure to spend some time exploring parts of the city where local Parisians hang out and tourists don't often go. These places are total gems.
Image credits: marietelling
#19
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.
Image credits: aimeecurameng
#20
“I’m going to Oslo, what’s your best advice for seeing the northern lights?”
Image credits: SalSomer
#21
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.#22
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.#23
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.
Image credits: [deleted]
#24
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.#25
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.#26
In Canada, don't you dare try to put ketchup on our poutine. Look, I'm a huge ketchup fan, but poutine is already covered in gravy and cheese curds, ketchup doesn't belong anywhere near it.#27
Spain's "trap" restaurants. They lure unaware tourists with the promise of low prices and traditional dishes or tapas, and what they get is terrible food with so many hidden charges that you end paying more than in a regular one. If you want to eat for cheap go to a fast-food joint or try your luck with an out-of-the-way rundown bar that has a set menu only written in Spanish. If you want good food (like a decent paella with edible rice and fresh ingredients), then research the area and make a reservation in a good restaurant, even if it costs more and you have to eat at 2:30PM.#28
Flying into Manila and spending your whole trip there. Manila might be your typical point of entry to the Philippines, but if you really want to enjoy this tropical country, you need to think beyond the capital. The Philippines has 17 regions, so Manila is hardly representative of the entire archipelago. Each one of the regions has something unique to offer — from tropical beaches and breathtaking mountain ranges to unique cuisine and culture — so it's best to see as much of this diverse country as you can during your stay.#29
Eating only at upscale restaurants in Mexico City. It's an amazing city and there are sooo many amazing restaurants to try, but ignoring Mexico City's incredible street food scene would be a huge mistake. Street food stands are literally everywhere, serving the best blue corn quesadillas, life-changing al pastor tacos, and enormous tortas. When planning out your meals, prioritize finding a balance between restaurant dining and street food.#30
Thinking all the airports with London in their names are in London. I imagine Southend is a bit of a shock for someone expecting a cosmopolitan megalopolis#31
Driving on the wrong side of the road. Also not leaving enough time to explore the South Island.
Image credits: John_key_is_s
#32
Asking someone on the streets of Oxford “Where is Oxford University”? Always tempting to send them to the dingy central office building in Wellington Square.#33
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.#34
Walk on cycling paths. Expecting ice tea to have ice in it.#35
"I flew into New York, figured I'd rent a car and take a quick day trip to Miami or Los Angeles."
Image credits: GurlinPanteez
#36
We don't have igloos.We aren't covered in snow 12 months a year.
Our cities are a long way apart.
#37
USA. Not tipping.#38
Eating pretty much anywhere on Las Ramblas in Barcelona. Besides La Boqueria, the city's most famous covered marketplace, there isn't much to be found on busy Las Ramblas in terms of decent food. In fact, most places are huge tourist traps that will lure you in and then charge you a premium for a very bad meal. Instead, walk a few minutes to the Gothic Quarter or El Born neighborhood for amazing restaurants.#39
They think everybody is nice and traditional and walk around in kilts all the time but really we just go out drinking half the time#40
That you think you can cover everything you want to see in America in a single week... America is big. Stupid big. And probably expensive, depending on where you come from.#41
They think that the guys and girls looks like kpop idols. Boy were they wrong the moment the aircraft landed.#42
They often don't wear sunscreen... The amount of burnt tomato people I see...#43
Buy water in bottles when it is expensive and exactly the same water as we have on tap.#44
Norway. Tourists arriving by Cruise ships, they bus to where the path to popular mountain treks begin, then they start out in sandals or high heels and wearing shorts and T shirts.Most make it part of the way, and then local volunteer rescue services have to help them back down as they are cold and exhausted(we've even flown in Nepalese Sherpas to build stone steps up the hardest parts some places). Some make it all the way up and by then it's dark and they get lost, and again we'll have to send out volunteer rescue crew or a rescue helicopter.
There are signs where the buses drop them off warning them to be dressed properly, and there are volunteers stationed there during high season actually telling them that they should not be doing the hike because of weather, or because of what they are wearing.
We also get a lot of fishing tourists(sports fishing in salt water is free here, and there are a lot of great places to fish). They will go out in groups of 5-7 people in a single small boat, they have no idea of the local weather or geography, and they tend to either fall in, get themselves completely lost, or hit a reef and start to take in water. They also tend to not be able to speak English or Norwegian so communication with rescue services are extremely difficult.
Tl:Dr: Tourists come to Norway, underestimate our nature and weather and then they die or need to be rescued.
#45
Scotland is apparently full of gingers wearing tartan kilts playing bagpipes#46
talk very slowly to try to get people who don't speak their language understand them.#47
Mistaking landmarks for other landmarks.In London, Tower Bridge is the one with the towers and the roadway that can be raised up for ships to pass. London Bridge is the boring 1960’s concrete span slightly further upstream.
(Mostly because when I walked over Tower Bridge yesterday a group of tourists were loudly singing the nursery rhyme ‘London Bridge is falling down’)
#48
Every year on April 30th we have tourists show up in our capital dressed in orange, to celebrate queensday.
But 5 years ago our queen abdicated and her son is now our king, the holiday was moved to his birthday, on April 27th.
#49
They think they can drive around London. Why would you do that#50
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.#51
New Zealands have a unanimous hatred for people renting juicy campers and doing 20km under the speed limit. We get tourists that have never driven before or have super limited experience who are legitimately dangerous.Sooo inexperienced driving a campervan?
#52
Getting out of their vehicle/tour bus to take pictures/feed wildlife... especially babies (whose mother is probably nearby).Not only is it dangerous, but it puts animals at risk if they become too acclimated and are deemed a threat, leading to them being “destroyed” by authorities.
Also, not sure how commonly people actually do this, but a big misconception is that you can travel across Canada quickly and affordably. Domestic flights are horrendously expensive, and driving would take an insanely long time. Train service is very limited and expensive once you get out west. Pick a region and stick to it.
#53
Once I was on the plane going back to where I live, and I was sitting next to a woman in her mid-30s, she asked if we ride camels to get to places. I live in Saudi Arabia.#54
Australia...They under estimate the capabilities of some of 'our' native wildlife...
#55
I live in the US, very close to NYC so I'm always down there for a show or something. I see LOADS of tourists in Times Square. They are packed in there like sardines just to see a few LED billboards. They are clawing over each other to see ADS, f*cking ads being displayed to them by some corporation. There are so many cool places all over the city, great places to eat, etc and they are packed into the Olive Garden and TGI Fridays eating microwaved food at $50 a person looking out the window at ads.#56
Fail to greet us properly, assume we all must speak English well, and then call us rude.#57
Get drunk and jump from balconies (Spain).#58
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.)
#59
1) Parking in the middle of the road on a blind corner to take photos of wildlife.2) Standing five feet away from two grizzly bear cubs to snap a few photos with the mother nowhere in sight.
3) Pitching a tent in the middle of tidal flats on low tide.
4) Stopping in the middle of a one lane care/train tunnel to take photos, and holding up all other traffic.
(Yes. I have seen all four)
#60
Wearing mariachi hats.Just don't.
#61
They buy stuff from people on the street/walking up to them in Manhattan. Tickets, coke, whatever- it’s all a ripoff and it’s all fake.#62
A lot of tourists who travel to America make the mistake of trying to see too much of it at once. I honestly tell people that if you want to travel to New York, and feel like you got the proper New York experience, you should spend at least a week there. I know that's a bit extreme, but hey, I really rate the city.My point is, the people who try to see New York, LA, Texas, and Florida on one holiday are all insane.
#63
In Chicago a lot of people go to the Sears tower for a view of the city. It's really not that great, what is great though is going to the Signature Room at the top of the Hancock. You can grab some food and a drink and enjoy the beautiful view from up there. It really is a much more enjoyable experience#64
US - Only visiting New York and/or Florida and then believing they've seen "America."Obviously you're not going to be able to visit every state and eat in every rural diner, but don't just come to Times Square and then believe you've formed an opinion about life in the US.
#65
-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)
#66
Australia: underestimating the stupidly large distances between places combined with a pretty sh*tty public transport network.#67
Assuming the biggest city in our nation is the only city you should visit#68
Go on hikes, bush walks when they don’t understand how huge the country is, how hot is gets, don’t take water basically some aren’t really prepared at all.Also try to swim in the ocean when they don’t understand rips and aren’t strong swimmers
#69
Trying to use American money (it's Canada)... Common enough that it's often accepted in tourist areas but they usually get screwed because they'll take it at parBuying the tiny overpriced bottles of maple syrup (go to a f*ckin' grocery store! Any one!) or paying the ridiculous price for fake "Native American" ""sculptures"" and other miscellaneous tourist schlock
Expecting anyone to actually speak French outside of Quebec
I've heard stories of people who expect to go skiing in July or August but I'm not totally sure that isn't an urban legend
#70
Queuing. If England if you cut a queue, there won’t be any consequences, but you will receive some harrowing death glares.#71
Not expecting it to be so cold. Australia gets cold in winter too, guys!#72
Think that because the flight was cheap, the hotel will be cheap as well. Forget most shops are closed on Sundays and cant buy alkohol.#73
Nothing can kill you in New Zealand, the mistake is that while that's 100% true when it comes to wildlife, it's not true when it comes to the everyday stuff... e.g. the weather, the surf, the roads, yourself or your tinder date.#74
Walking with their phone out in the streets. That's just asking to get robbed.#75
Thinking every girl is willing to go with them for money.I live in Thailand.
#76
UK: On the London underground, chatting happily to each other instead of sitting down in moody silence hating everything.#77
Make sure when addressing to someone in France to start with a greeting. Not saying Bonjour could be considered very rude.#78
That Amsterdam represents the Netherlands, they are soo wrong. I don't really like Amsterdam. It's just full of weed and everyone is speaking English. That's not my country at all.#79
Backstory: It was a thing in the netherlands that on the 30th of april we celabrated our queen beatrix’ birthday. It is printed in all tourguides in other countries. Her actual birthday is in januari, but they put it in april because that was the birthday of our late queen juliana (beatrix’ mother). And also because the weather is better in april.A few years ago Beatrix abdicated the crown and now we have a king. His actual birthday is on the 27th of april so now our ‘kingsday’ is actually on the 27th. This has not been amended yet in tourguides across the border. So every year we see tourists dressed in Orange, which is the colour of our royal house. Hey are super drunk in the streets looking for the parties, while those were 3 days prior. And because most tourists only stay for a day or 2 there is no way for them to know.
#80
Maybe underestimating how crazy expensive Norway is.Also safety stuff when it comes to mountain climbing, toilet situation in Lofoten.
#81
I see people waiting hours in line to go to the top of Empire state building or the ferry to statue of liberty etc when there's tons of other cool neighbourhoods to be in, museums to visit and bars/food joints to try in NYC that don't require standing in the sweltering heat for 4 hours in the summer.#82
France : Only visit Paris.As a french person I hate Paris and I would rather visits some parts of France that I've never seen instead of having to go to Paris again.
#83
Going to the beach when you're an Asian tourist who's never been near water before and then ending up on Bondi Rescue#84
Norway, visiting the bigger cities in the south and the capital. There is nothing there other than a flat land with a few houses. Instead people should go visit the westlands, as we call it, thats where the big mountains and sh*t you see on pictures are located. If you are driving you should rent a car there and drive through the region a bit before driving further north where you will see a ton of beautiful sh*t, aswell as the northern lights if you are lucky.#85
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.
#86
In Hungary, people like spicy food. I was in a restaurant with my gf and haerd from a table, that he wants (the tourist) his food spicy. The waitress went to the kitchen and the tourist said i can handle the spice. I doubt that. He put a little bit of food in his mouth, and started screaming HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT, and went to the bathroom. If you order spicy food, then it will be spicy.#87
Walking slowly in front of people trying to get to/from work.Pausing at the top/bottom of escalators to extend the handle on their suitcase.
#88
Not bringing the appropriate clothing- Scotland is a country where it rains a lot and is often cold, even in the summer months. Many tourists forget to bring adequate waterproofs and warm clothes. Without proper clothing, it can mar the enjoyment and natural beauty that Scotland has to offer.#89
Judging the entire population based on an interaction with a waiter in a busy café in the capital which was almost entirely their own fault.#90
London underground: standing on the left.#91
Not watching out for the drop bears.#92
You can't base yourself in Alice Springs and do day trips to the capital cities. You'd struggle to do that with a private jet.#93
They eat vegemite wrong.#94
In the US I see a lot of East Asian and Indian tourists at national parks. They tend to be dressed in really bad clothes for hiking and not prepared well (compared to Americans). I see girls in high heels and guys in flip flops trying not to slip. Worst one was this Indian guy in the Grand Canyon... he only had one bottle of water and was on his way back up. The guy was incoherent, stumbling next to thousand foot cliff, and refused our help. I hope he made it out alive.from Bored Panda https://bit.ly/3NXbGkv
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