The Tourist Behaviors That Make Locals Hate You
Traveling is supposed to be about respect, discovery, and good vibes. But let’s be honest—sometimes tourists do things that make locals absolutely hate them. From clueless mistakes to straight-up rude behavior, here are the top ways visitors ruin their welcome abroad (and how to avoid being “that tourist”).
Table of Contents
- 1. Treating a City Like a Theme Park
- 2. Driving Up Rents With Short-Term Rentals
- 3. Being Loud and Rowdy at the Wrong Times
- 4. Ignoring Local Customs and Dress Codes
- 5. Speaking Only English (and Expecting Everyone Else To)
- 6. Taking “Instagram First, Respect Second” Photos
- 7. Not Spending Money Locally
- 8. Treating Locals Like Entertainment
- 9. Acting Like Rules Don’t Apply to You
- 10. Overtipping or Undertipping in the Wrong Place
1. Treating a City Like a Theme Park
One of the fastest ways to annoy locals is by acting like their home exists just for your entertainment. Blocking sidewalks for selfies, climbing on monuments, or shouting in quiet neighborhoods makes residents feel like they’re living in Disneyland. Remember: people actually live here. Step aside for photos, respect private spaces, and remember you’re a guest, not the star of the show.
2. Driving Up Rents With Short-Term Rentals
Airbnbs might feel convenient, but in many cities they’ve pushed locals out of their homes. Residents in places like Barcelona, Lisbon, and Mexico City blame short-term rentals for skyrocketing rents. If you really want to avoid fueling resentment, stay in registered hotels or guesthouses. You’ll probably get better service—and avoid being the reason someone can’t afford their apartment.
3. Being Loud and Rowdy at the Wrong Times
Yes, you’re on vacation. No, that doesn’t mean the entire city is. Locals get frustrated when visitors stumble home drunk at 3 a.m., party in residential streets, or blast music on beaches. If nightlife is your vibe, head to designated club districts. Keep the rowdiness there and let the rest of the city sleep.
4. Ignoring Local Customs and Dress Codes
From temples in Thailand to cathedrals in Italy, walking in half-dressed or ignoring cultural rules is a surefire way to anger locals. Even in laid-back destinations, this can be seen as disrespectful. A quick Google search or a glance at what locals are wearing will save you from embarrassing yourself—and making everyone hate tourists even more.
5. Speaking Only English (and Expecting Everyone Else To)
Americans especially get side-eye for assuming English works everywhere. While it’s often understood, making zero effort with local language can come off as arrogant. Learn “hello,” “thank you,” and “please” at minimum. Even if you butcher the pronunciation, locals will usually appreciate the effort.
6. Taking “Instagram First, Respect Second” Photos
Pushing into sacred sites for the perfect selfie, blocking shop entrances, or even climbing restricted areas—tourists have done it all. Social media has made it worse, with visitors chasing clout at the expense of basic manners. If you can’t get the shot without disrupting someone else’s day, skip it. Not every moment has to be content.
7. Not Spending Money Locally
Many visitors lean on chain restaurants or international brands, leaving locals with little benefit from the tourism boom. This makes communities feel like they’re just a backdrop for someone else’s vacation. Eating at local restaurants, shopping at markets, and booking local guides go a long way in making sure your trip actually supports the people who live there.
8. Treating Locals Like Entertainment
From snapping pictures of strangers without asking to interrupting religious ceremonies, some tourists forget that people aren’t props. This behavior gets under locals’ skin fast. If you wouldn’t want someone doing it in your hometown, don’t do it abroad. Simple.
9. Acting Like Rules Don’t Apply to You
Skipping lines, dodging entry fees, or breaking “locals only” rules at beaches or parks sends the message that you think you’re above the culture. Tourists doing this are often the reason new restrictions or tourist taxes get introduced. Follow the rules, even if they seem small.
10. Overtipping or Undertipping in the Wrong Place
Money matters. In some countries, overtipping distorts local economies, while in others, undertipping is seen as rude. Tourists who don’t bother to learn the basics often frustrate servers and small businesses. Take two minutes to research local tipping customs—it’ll save you from being labeled “that tourist.”
