What If the Annoying Tourist Is You? Habits That Annoy Everyone on Vacation

Vacations are supposed to be synonymous with relaxation. “Supposed”, because it takes so little to dull a jovial and invigorating mood. A disruptive neighbor on a sun lounger, a passenger on an airplane or a cruise ship, or an inattentive tourist in a guided tour group. A new Booking.com survey reveals that 84% of travelers say they are annoyed by the behavior of other vacationers, and sometimes even before they reach their destination.

At the airport, stubborn bad habits can try the patience of more than one traveler. Forgetting to prepare their passport or boarding pass, arriving with luggage that is too heavy or too bulky, and slowing down the queues are all small things that irritate.

Barefoot Passengers or Phone Addicts

Although 89% of travelers believe that behavior aboard an airplane should be “like in any other form of public transportation”, one in ten admits to removing their shoes and traveling barefoot during the flight. Some film their neighbors deliberately or unintentionally for social media when they are not attempting a manicure at 10,000 meters above ground. Such freedoms are called out by the respondents. Etiquette rules do not reappear on land, where other frictions arise.

Music, Screams, and Swimsuits at the Restaurant…

Another survey conducted by Tiger, a travel insurance specialist, and reported by the DailyMail, finds that 84% of holidaymakers are bothered by others once they arrive at their destination. Those who make crude remarks in the presence of children, especially by the pool or during a family activity, those who make noise or play music at full volume, those who smoke or vape near others, such as on the beach, those who jostle for sun loungers or umbrellas, or those who stroll around in swimsuits or bare-chested in town or in shops are the ones most singled out.

Even though it may seem minor, listening to or playing music at excessively loud volumes can incur hefty fines in certain destinations, such as Portugal. Far from the crowds spread across the warm sand, visitors also encounter some conflicts with their peers. There, it is mainly noisy, intoxicated individuals or those who stroll with large umbrellas, for example in the narrow streets of Venice, who annoy people the most.

Amara Nambinga

Amara Nambinga

I write about tourism, culture, and emerging destinations with a Namibian perspective. Through my articles, I try to highlight the places, people, and travel stories that show how Africa and the wider world are changing.