10 Most Annoying Things You Can Do as a Tourist Abroad
Kayleigh29 Sep 2024
Last Updated: 11 Aug 2026
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KayleighLast Updated: 11 Aug 2026
Travelling to exotic destinations can feel like stepping into another world. But just because you’re on holiday doesn’t mean your manners should take one, too. Too often, tourists unintentionally fall into common pitfalls that can disrupt local life and tarnish the travel experience for themselves and others.
In this blog, we’ve highlighted the top ten mistakes travellers make when they go abroad. Stick with us to learn how not to be that tourist when travelling with your British Airways Avios.
While exploring the globe, don’t let cultural ignorance be your travel companion. Every destination comes with its own set of rules, and breezing into a new place without considering its customs can quickly turn you from a tourist to a trespasser in the locals’ eyes. So before you jet off, do a bit of homework.
Learn what’s considered polite (and what’s not) at your destination. Whether it’s mastering the art of a respectful bow in Japan or keeping your voice down in a quaint European café, a little cultural sensitivity ensures you’re remembered for all the right reasons.
When travelling abroad, don't just bank on English to get you through every interaction. It’s a common faux pas to assume — let alone insist — that everyone should accommodate your language needs.
Instead, take a proactive approach by learning a handful of essential phrases in the local tongue or whip out Google Translate on your smartphone. It’s a simple gesture that goes a long way in showing respect.
When you’re on holiday, it's easy to get carried away by the thrill of new surroundings and experiences. Travellers often forget that their holiday excitement can escalate into a volume that might not sit well in their settings. After all, the local residents aren’t on holiday — they’re living their everyday lives.
So, next time you find yourself revelling a bit too loudly, take a cue from those around you, keep the decibels down, and enjoy the sounds of your surroundings instead.
It’s easy to lean on stereotypes or media portrayals when interacting in unfamiliar territories, such as the French being ‘arrogant’, or Italians being ‘passionate’, but this often leads to misunderstandings and discomfort.
Remember, the locals are not walking guidebooks or embodiments of cultural clichés. Engage with them with an open mind and respect; ask questions if you're curious and listen truly to their answers. So, when you land in a new destination, leave assumptions at the departure gate and prepare for an authentic journey into the heart of the local culture.
Travelling green is a necessity, especially as our planet faces increasing environmental challenges. Disregarding environmental concerns while on holiday tarnishes the beauty of the destinations we love and contributes to their degradation. Whether it’s leaving trash on a pristine beach or ignoring recycling options, such actions can have a lasting negative impact.
Instead, be a part of the solution: carry a reusable water bottle, support eco-friendly tour operators, and always adhere to local conservation rules. Remember, every eco-conscious choice you make helps preserve the natural wonders for future travellers — and more importantly, for the local communities whose livelihoods depend on the health of their environment. Embrace sustainability as a core part of your travel ethos and see how it transforms your experience and the places you visit.
Haggling can be part of the shopping experience in many cultures, but there’s a fine line between securing a bargain and just being stingy. Over-haggling in markets is poor form and can be downright disrespectful. Remember, the few pounds you save might mean much more to the local vendors. Try to recognise the value of the work and not undercut it to an unfair price.
Approach bargaining with a sense of fun and fairness. Engage with sellers, understand the craftsmanship behind their products, and pay what’s fair. This way, you’ll leave the market with not just a purchase but a pleasant interaction that respects the local economy.
While the siren call of summer might make it tempting to reduce layers to the bare minimum, dressing inappropriately in certain destinations can do more than just raise eyebrows — it can offend. Cultural norms vary greatly around the globe, and what's acceptable at a beach in Greece might not fly on the streets of Cairo or within the confines of a Balinese temple.
Tourists should always do a quick check of local customs and dress codes before packing their bags to show respect for the places and people they’re visiting. So, while it’s okay to embrace the local climate, make sure your wardrobe choices reflect both respect and sensitivity towards cultural expectations.
Turning your nose up at local delicacies is a missed opportunity and might be seen as downright rude. Trying local cuisine is a direct pathway into the heart of a culture. Whether it’s snails in Paris, natto in Tokyo, or haggis in Edinburgh, giving the local fare a chance is part of the adventure.
Sure, some flavours may challenge your palate, but travel is about discovery, and food is no exception. Don't let familiarity dictate your dining choices; embrace the new, and who knows? You might just find a new favourite dish that you’ll crave long after your passport’s been stamped home.
There’s something about capturing a moment that makes travel feel even more magical, but not every moment is up for grabs. Taking photos without permission, especially of people and their private spaces, is an invasion of privacy. In many cultures, photographing someone without their consent can be deeply disrespectful or even illegal.
So, before you snap that seemingly candid photo of a street vendor or a monk in prayer, pause and ask for permission. It’s polite and shows respect for the individuals and cultures you’re visiting. Besides, asking might lead to a conversation and a deeper connection with the place and its people, turning a simple photo into a meaningful exchange.
Littering in public places while travelling speaks volumes about one's respect for the destination and its residents. Nothing sours the local atmosphere quite like a tourist who treats historic streets or pristine beaches as their personal trash bin.
Remember, beauty spots are not beholden to clean themselves, and the ecological footprint of even a single piece of litter can be significant. Always find a proper disposal bin or carry the trash with you until you can dispose of the trash responsibly.
As you jet off on your next adventure using British Airways Avios, keep these tips in mind to avoid the common faux pas that can turn an exciting trip sour. Being a considerate and aware traveller is the best way to show respect to a destination and its residents. Travel smart, respect local customs, and make the most of your Avios reward seats.
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