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If you’ve spent any time on travel Reddit, you already know this truth: Bad tourists are universal. Every country has them. Every city has stories. Every local has at least one moment that made them mutter, “Please don’t lump me in with that guy.”
What most of these stories have in common isn’t arrogance. It’s entitlement. People forget that travel doesn’t suspend basic decency, local laws or common sense. Tourist etiquette still applies, even when you’ve crossed an ocean and spent a lot of money to be there.
These are some of the most frequently called-out behaviors from Reddit threads, along with why they’re a problem and how you should handle yourself instead. Because ultimately, when you are abroad, the rule “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” should apply.
10 Thoughtless Tourist Habits to Avoid
When on vacation, people want to kick loose, but they forget that they are visiting someone’s home and country. A festive spirit is no excuse for the following kinds of behaviors, as documented in Reddit threads.
1. Treating Every Moment Like a Personal Photo Shoot
Reddit complaints about this one never stop. Blocking sidewalks for selfies. Standing in doorways to get the perfect shot and holding up lines while filming content is not acceptable behavior. This turns a shared public space into someone’s private set. Locals still have jobs to get to, and other travelers would like to see the same place.
Instead, take photos quickly and step aside. If a spot is crowded, grab one or two shots and move on. No one owes you uninterrupted space just because you are on vacation, and your carelessness may offend someone with a different cultural view on proximity.
2. Touching Nature Without Permission
Climbing restricted rocks or picking coral and standing on ancient formations won’t make you popular with the locals. While feeding the wildlife may look cool on camera, it is risky behavior and disrespectful to nature, especially if you don’t understand the animals you encounter.
Redditors are brutal in their condemnation about this, especially in national parks and coastal areas. These rules exist because nature doesn’t heal on your timeline.
Instead, recall kindergarten’s rule: Look, don’t touch. Follow posted signs, even if others ignore them, and if something says “protected,” believe it.
3. Treating Privacy Laws as Optional
One of the angriest Reddit threads involves tourists photographing strangers, children or private homes because they “look interesting.” Being on vacation doesn’t erase consent. Many countries have strict privacy laws, and even where laws are loose, social norms still matter.
Simply ask before photographing people and avoid pictures of kids entirely. You wouldn’t want a stranger doing it in your hometown, so don’t do it abroad.
4. Assuming No One Understands Your Language
Locals and other travelers understand more than you think. Stories abound of tourists insulting food, staff or entire countries out loud, assuming they’re safe in their native language. They aren’t.
Speak respectfully everywhere. Avoid exaggerated or simplified speech, as no country deserves to be talked down to because you’re uncomfortable navigating it.
5. Ignoring Local Rules and Restricted Areas
Climbing into closed temples or entering staff-only areas is not acceptable — you wouldn’t want someone to do that at the church in your hometown. When on vacation, you may wish to see everything but avoid wandering into religious spaces without permission, or you may conclude your visit with a tour of the local prison.
Tourists have caused many prized statues and buildings harm through careless touching and by breaking preservation laws. One example is when the Hercules statue lost toes because of an illegal selfie.
Obey the same laws that apply to locals because they apply to you, too. When planning your trip, do some cultural and language research to avoid the big taboos.
6. Exporting Your Own Cultural Habits Everywhere
Snapping fingers at servers or clapping for attention, and even whistling or gesturing aggressively, may not go over well in a foreign country. Even if these behaviors feel normal at home, locals repeatedly point out how rude they find them.
Instead, take a few moments to observe how locals get attention and copy that. When in doubt, use eye contact and polite language.
7. Showing up Unprepared and Becoming a Rescue Problem
Tourists hiking without water and ignoring weather warnings or wearing flip flops on dangerous terrain — the stories abound. The goal of a vacation is to enjoy yourself, not depend on an emergency rescue that puts locals at risk.
If you intend to hike, research the conditions, pack properly and ensure you will remain safe. Hire an experienced guide or avoid risky adventures.
8. Turning Travel Into a Tech-Obsession
Nobody wants to hear tablets blaring on trains or phones with speakers on in public spaces. Avoid recording everything without awareness of your surroundings, and be mindful of others.
Locals comment on Reddit about tourists bringing the latest tech, like drones, intent on capturing the adventure instead of living it. Instead, pack your headphones, put away the screens and experience the place instead of documenting every second.
9. Packing Like Space Doesn’t Matter
Other threads encourage you to avoid traveling with an oversized suitcase on a packed train, as it blocks the aisles and takes up multiple seats. Popular tourist destinations become packed during peak season. You do not have to take your entire home with you on vacation.
Pack lighter, use space-saving strategies like rolling clothes, and be aware of your shared space. Move your luggage out of the walkways and take care with backpacks.
10. Dressing Inappropriately
The beaches are calling — and so is Reddit — but take care not to travel in your swimwear everywhere. While some countries may be hot spots for the beach life, these countries are more modest than you think.
Dress appropriately when not at your vacation destination. When you travel from the beach to the town, take appropriate coverings or a change of clothes.
Etiquette for Tourists: Rules Worth Following Everywhere
Good travel etiquette isn’t complicated. It’s mostly about awareness.
- Respect shared space: You’re not the only one there.
- Follow local laws and posted rules: They exist for a reason.
- Ask before photographing people: Consent matters everywhere.
- Dress for the culture you’re visiting: Research the local values, especially in religious spaces.
- Mind your volume: Public quiet is valued in many countries.
- Prepare properly: Don’t put others at risk.
- Adapt your behavior: Your norms aren’t universal.
- Used technology considerately: Headphones always help.
- Observe before acting: Locals show you how things work.
FAQ
Why Do Locals Complain About Tourists So Much?
Locals live there year-round, and small disruptions add up daily.
Is It Rude to Take Photos in Public Places?
Photos of most places are fine, but taking pictures of people without permission is not allowed.
How Can You Avoid Being “That Tourist?”
Slow down, watch locals and prioritize respect over convenience.
Travel Without Being the Problem
Most bad tourist behavior isn’t malicious. It comes from rushing, entitlement or forgetting that others exist outside your experience. Good travel doesn’t mean perfection. It’s all about awareness.
Follow basic tourist etiquette. Respect local laws and remember you are a guest. Do that, and you’ll blend in far more than you expect, and you won’t end up as someone’s angry Reddit story.
