When I travel I often note all of the things tourists do abroad that stick out, things that the locals look at and get annoyed with and things that are sometimes all too easy to fall in the habit of doing. But it’s really important to remember when traveling abroad that there are certain things you really just shouldn’t do, for your own sake and the sake of the locals. So here are some of the things NOT to do while traveling around the world!
Don’t believe stereotypes.
Perhaps one of the most important things you learn as you start to travel often is that stereotypes are often misguided. Not all the French are rude, not all Asian cities are dirty, and the list goes on of all the things we’ve heard over the years. Stereotypes don’t often help when traveling, instead they usually will make you realize quickly that you really can’t generalize huge groups of people. Make up your own mind on a country or a group of people and don’t rely on or believe the stereotypes you hear before you travel.
Don’t compare it to your native country.
One of the things I come across most with tourists abroad is that they are constantly comparing their new experiences in a foreign country to their native home. There is no point in comparing Paris to small town America or the food in Seoul with your Korean BBQ place back home, they just aren’t the same, nor should they be. Be open to experiencing new things and don’t compare it to what you think it should be or like it is back home.
Don’t expect everyone to speak English.
I’ll admit when I first started traveling internationally again as an adult with my regular trips to Seoul and South Korea for work, I fully expected to be able to get along in English during my travels. I’m not sure why I thought that, I just sort of did and quickly became very aware that there is still much of the world that doesn’t speak English, especially in the older generations. It’s important to be prepared and know a few words in the local language to help you get around and experience the local ways of life.
Don’t see only the tourist spots.
One of the things that so many people miss out on when they travel is that they never see the local spots, instead only staying on the well worn tourist path. So much of embracing travel is to explore like a local, to see the place the way the locals see it, to experience the back roads of Rome, the side street cafés of Paris or the local Korean BBQ spot down the alley. Get off the beaten path a bit and explore!
Don’t block the sidewalk or thoroughfare.
There is nothing more annoying than when those people walking down the middle of a sidewalk suddenly just stop to look at their map or figure out where they are! Don’t ever block the sidewalks or thoroughfares, move to the side and let everyone pass you. This also goes for things like escalators or public transit, don’t block the flow of people, locals especially. It’s more than annoying and makes you stand out a lot more than if you move to the side and figure out your way, then move back into the flow of traffic.
Olga says
I think tip no.4 is the best… so many of us just tend to stick to the typical tourist itinerary, thus missing out on a countless amount of gems!
and a LOT of people on other countries do NOT speak English… and why should they?!
great post! 🙂
http://wideseanoanchor.com
Casey says
Totally! The normal tourist spots are great and often are spots you need to see, but there is so much else out there! And yes, I totally agree, why should other places conform to English?? It really doesn’t makes sense when we stop and think about it anyways!
BudgetAndTheBees says
I like all of these, but I definitely agree with the last one. Stopping suddenly on a busy sidewalk is inconsiderate of the people behind you, and they will inevitably be fast walking locals. Along the lines of having an open mind when traveling and not making comparisons, I’d say always remember to be polite. Miscommunication and general cultural differences don’t have to be a frustrating experience.
Casey says
It’s seriously one of my biggest pet peeves, when people just abruptly stop in front of you! Move out of the way!!! 🙂
worldwideveg says
Great tips! I also notice tourists in my own town, and make note of what NOT to do. As a resident, I notice that tourists are often unaware of their surroundings and do not conform to local customs. Also, your point about not everyone speaking English is probably one of the most important points. I expect people to approach me in America in my local language, so I make a point to approach them in their language. Wouldn’t it be weird if someone came up to me and started speaking Russian? So, why would I do that to them in their country. Even a hello in their language goes a long way! Anyway, thanks for sharing!
Casey says
That’s a great idea, watching what people do in your own town! And that’s such a great point, it would be totally random for people in the States to come up to us and expect us to speak their language!
Isa says
Great tips, this happens so often, especially number one and I think it is rude towards the people who live in these countries.
Casey says
Very true!
Vera says
I loved the fist one ‘don’t believe stereotypes’. That’s so true. Sometimes we fall in categorizing everyone because of their nationality/clothe/whatever but people might surprise you. Lovely tips.
With love,
Vera
http://theflashwindow.weebly.com
Casey says
Exactly… and while stereotypes can be funny at times, most of the time they are just that, untrue and meant as a joke, so we shouldn’t believe them as if they are totally real!
Megan says
This is a fabulous list! I absolutely agree with all of your tips. Especially language barriers – I don’t speak the languages of every country so why should expect others to speak mine?! I love how open-minded you are encouraging others to be. Expanding your horizons is one of the most important reasons to travel after all!
xo Megan, Lush to Blush
Casey says
Totally! Why travel if you aren’t willing to open your mind a little, right?
Alissa Loxton says
Ah the stereotype thing is so important!! It can also come off as super rude to locals, who more often than not don’t agree with the stereotype for their country. Me being french for example, I have countlessly had to put up with the ugly “french” laugh everyone immitates (where the hell did they even get that from??) as well as the silly assumptions about snails for dinner every night and hairy armpits. I shave my pits, thank you very very much haha!
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21 year old travel blogger, check out my latest post on Chamonix in the French Alps!
http://the-living-spree.blogspot.co.nz/
Casey says
Totally and yea, where do they come from?!? Believe me, I’ve had more than 1 American stereotype thrown my way that doesn’t fit me at all, so we all need to realize that stereotypes aren’t always true!!!
Rima Sagala says
Super duper agree!!! Esp number 2 & 3. Huff Post has an article about travel complaints made by tourists that literally made my eyes roll (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/blogdramedy/idiotic-travel-complaints_b_4073107.html). Like seriously some people don’t deserve to travel! Good list!
Casey says
Wow, those are insane!!! I’ve been on trips with people though that say stuff like that, and I’m always wondering, “then why are you traveling!?!?!”
Deepti @ Endless Postcards says
Especially agree with not only seeing the tourist spots – sure, they’re great and are most likely tourist spot for a reason. But the undiscovered gems are the ones that tend to be more memorable (and also leave you with more of a sense of accomplishment!)
Casey says
Totally… the tourist spots are there for a reason, but there is so much more to all these places to see!
KC Saling says
I think the number one rule of traveling is being flexible and feeling the rhythm inherent to another place. Every place has it’s own music, and sometimes you just have to go along with it to really feel it, instead of coming in with a bunch of pre-conceived notions.
Casey says
You’re so right, and on that same note, some songs speak to some people, others don’t, as do places. You must just sort of go with it and figure out the local “song” if you will 🙂
Charlotte says
YES!!! Great list here. In my younger years I spend a lot of time traveling and tried to assimilate in new cultures as much as possible, which wasn’t always easy when I didn’t speak the language. But I’ve found that locals are genuinely very nice if you approach them in a friendly manner and you’re totally right–learning just a few words to get around can really make a huge difference 🙂
Casey says
So true. You don’t have to be fluent in the local language to make an effort to fit in or go with the local “flow” of things. It’s all about attitude and acceptance, those go a long way!
Yvonne says
Great post! I leave for Europe for the first time in two weeks and I will definitely have this post in mind as I go around Europe 🙂
Go Around Europe says
Hi, if you want to know the best local places to go to in Europe than I really like the website of spotted by locals. Enjoy your trip!
Casey says
Perfect!!! Have an amazing trip!
Ava Barry says
People need to stop standing in the middle of the sidewalk! Nothing drives me more crazy.
– Ava
beck daily
Casey says
Oh my gosh, drive me so crazy!
Bailey K. says
I’m so glad you didn’t just say to skip the tourist spots. I don’t get it when people say something like that: “Oh, I don’t want to go there because it’s too touristy.” Well, it’s touristy for a REASON – probably because it’s fabulous! 🙂 On that note, I totally agree with you. Get your fill of the tourist spots, and then try to find out what the locals love.
Casey says
Oh yes, you’re totally right, you have to see some of the tourist spots too, after all, they are famous for a reason. But I also think you can pick and choose, you don’t need to see all of them in one trip, it’s better to choose the ones you want to see and then explore the local spots too… makes for a much better well rounded trip!
Bailey K. says
Agreed!
Sandra Dötsch says
It’s the same for me with the tourist spots, sometimes I am quite reluctant to go to such places because it’s just way too full… but in the end it was always worth it 🙂 And now I can focuse on more hidden places, hehe!
Casey says
Yea totally, it’s important to see them, even with the crowds, but then to venture out further to explore hidden spots.