If you’re a tourist in a new place, it’s easy to commit some travel faux pas. Here are some common mistakes that tourists make in popular destinations around the world. But with a little research and understanding for the local customs, you can avoid falling victim to these rookie tourist mistakes
Speak quietly and quietly.
In Japan, tourists speak loudly to others or on the phone in public settings. This makes them stand out in a community that is generally well-mannered and low-key. Avoid loud talking, music, and games on phones.
Rome’s underrated gems
There are many quieter, underrated attractions in Rome that are hard to find but well worth exploring.
Check the beach conditions and respect the ocean
Small shore breaks can seriously hurt you if you’re not paying attention
Flying into Manila and spending your whole trip there
The Philippines has 17 regions, so it is hardly representative of the entire archipelago.
Yilan is an amazing county with all the allures of Taipei plus beautiful waterfalls and mountains, but a fraction of the cost.
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.
Sticking to touristy neighborhoods in Paris
Explore parts of the city where local Parisians hang out and tourists don’t often go
Stay in a Riad
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, and the staff or owners can show you around the busy medina.
Eating anywhere on Las Ramblas in Barcelona
Most places are tourist traps that will lure you in and then charge you a premium for a very bad meal. Avoid them.
Mexico City
Avoid eating only at upscale restaurants in Mexico City.
Don’t try to see everything in the US in one visit
Pick a few states and stick to that.
Franklin’s BBQ
It’s not worth spending half a day of your coveted vacation in line for brisket.
- There are a ton of barbecue joints with just as good or better brisket that have little to no wait.
- The brisket is good, but not as good as the wait.
Take Your Shoes Off Before You Enter My Home
In most places in Thailand, it is customary to take your shoes off before you enter someone’s home.
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.
Portugal
When you sit down to eat in a restaurant in Portugal, the waiter will usually bring you bread, olives, or some other snacks.
Avoid touristy neighborhoods
Restaurants in these areas are pricey and mediocre, serving tourists what they think is traditional French food.
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).
Common tourist mistakes
People think they can do America in a short period of time
- It’s actually quite big with loads of different countries
- In San Francisco, we have fog in the summer
- Please bring a sweater or you’ll end up having to buy an overpriced tourist fleece
