8 Things You SHOULDN’T Do While Travelling. But try These 5 instead
8 Things You SHOULDN'T Do While Travelling- How to be a better tourist
TRY THESE 4 things INSTEAD
How exciting it is to be going on vacation! Bags all set, documents ready and itineraries researched and planned. But, have you taken the time to think about another important aspect of travelling?
Wondering what that is?
Well, the title is pretty self-explanatory. How about things you shouldn’t do while travelling in a foreign country.
“Hey, hold on!” you say. What’s she talking about? I know how to conduct myself when i’m on holiday, thank you very much!
Relax, ok? Take a sip of whatever you’re drinking now (wine?, sherry? beer?) and hear me out.
Pietro and I are fortunate to live in 2 places that are medium to high traffic tourism zones and so I know what it feels like to be on both ends of the tourist game. A few years ago, I caught myself complaining about the attitudes of some tourists in Malta, only to find myself doing some of the very same things some months later in another country!
So not to be a hypocrite, I decided to observe our actions and compare them with tourists that visit where we live to see how we can become better tourists.
Therefore, I present to you, our list of things you shouldn’t do while travelling.
8 Things you SHOULDN'T do while travelling
Looking at this picture, I’m sure you’re thinking, “What?! Is she going to tell me the old boring story of not overindulging in good food to keep your weight down, bla bla?”
Hey, don’t jump to conclusions just yet. Everyone knows how amazing Italian cuisine is and it would be a sin not to indulge in it as much as you’d want to. This was just to drive home a point which you’ll get eventually (I hope).
Oh, by the way, that’s a restaurant that serves seafood only by the Salina of Marsala. I wrote a piece about our experience which you can read here and here.
So, I’m getting right into it now. I can feel how impatient you are. Here are the things we think you shouldn’t do while travelling.
- Comparing your home country with your host country (Do you get the drift of the picture now, eh?)
- Assuming that everyone speaks English.
- Dressing like a tourist (you know yourselves!)
- Going shopping, especially for unnecessary stuff.
- Trashing the environment
- Taking photos of locals without their permission. (I asked the guy in the intro picture and he was cool with it, even though it doesn’t show, right?).
- Hogging all the best photo op spots (this last bit really gets on my nerves!).
Let’s see if you agree with me. At the end of the article, drop in your thoughts, and let’s have a mature debate, shall we? Now I’m gonna start saying my piece.
#1 Comparing your home country with your host country
So, if you still haven’t figured out my analogy with the Sicilian antipasti, which by the way is a starter course (in this case for two), I’m going to break it down here.
Sicily is famous for creating most of the mouthwatering recipes in Italian cuisines (yes, I said it!). Imagine us then going to other places and always leaving many restaurants feeling disappointed because we got so used to having such a high standard of food back at home. That’s what I mean by not comparing. You honestly, shouldn’t be going around, expecting the same kind of services and facilities as what you’re accustomed to.
Some people even go as far as comparing monuments– “Oh that’s quite smaller than XYZ back home.” Not cool!
I think we should just relax and enjoy ourselves. It is what it is and the locals are proud of their heritage.
#2 Assuming that everyone speaks English
Yeah, I know. English is a universal language that unifies the world and makes it easier for communication. Where would we be without the English language? I should know. I teach English for a living.
But that brings me to the next thing we think you shouldn’t do while travelling, and that is making assumptions about language. We are quite privileged to actually know and speak the language. Some non-native speakers of English have had the privilege of private tuition or living and working in an English-speaking country. Some also learned it at school or living in acountry where English is considered a second language.
However, it is important to note that not every country is the same and not everyone has the same access to or interest in English, for that matter. Since we’re the visitors, it would actually be nice to learn a bit of their language before we visit. I find that it makes locals even more receptive toward you. Which could earn you freebies along the way too!
#3 Dressing like a tourist
Not much to say here, people!
When I look around, I can usually spot a tourist from a mile afar based on their attire.
- Khaki shorts and white linen tops, colourful, flowy dresses that are probably more in fashion in your country than the one you’re visiting.
- Oh, and those straw hats!
Hey, I’m not saying you shouldn’t wear those things but do a little background check to see how the locals dress so you can blend in a bit. Blending in can mean that you’re less likely to be taken advantage of in some tourist spots (or get mugged even!).
To be honest, I think khaki shorts that have those hundreds of supposedly practical pockets should just fade away. Like, no style at all!
However, if you’re a hiker or trekker, by all means, go with your favourite khaki shorts. But remember that mosquitoes like naked legs.
Just saying…
Seriously though, every outfit has its place (in my eyes) so when in Rome, do as the Romans.
#4 Going shopping while on holiday
We are all guilty of this in one way or the other. Many people I know fall in this category and I think you really shouldn’t be going shopping while travelling. As far as I’m concerned, that’s time wasted. Of course, the occasional dress doesn’t hurt, and window shopping could count as seeing the sights, but peeps, stop buying unnecessary stuff. You can usually buy the same stuff when you’re back home anyway.
I mean, do you really need that T-shirt that says “Someone who loves you was thinking of you when they bought this t-shirt.”? Or do you think that apron with your name printed on it is going to see the light of the kitchen? Uh uh. I don’t think so.
#5 Trashing the environment
If there’s anything on this list that you shouldn’t do while travelling, it’s this one. We all know how annoying it is to walk around the streets and find garbage on the road or sidewalk. So why should we do the same?
The most disturbing form of environmental pollution brought on by tourism is the disposal of cigarette butts, plastic utensils and paper towels in public parks, beaches and other spaces. That’s just really sad. What do we want our children to learn from this?
If we want a better environment forfuture generations and if we truly cared for the environment we’d be more conscious of the fact. If there is no bin in sight, take your trash back to the hotel with you. Leave the place the way you found it.
#6 Taking photos of locals without their permission
So, you see how nicely the gentleman in the intro photo posed for my picture? (wink)? That’s how it should be. I always make sure I ask permission from people before I take a photo of them. That’s not to say that if you were taking a photo of a landmark with a hundred people milling about in front of it, you have to ask permission from every single person (how gracious you are!).
I think that we ought to consider and remember that just because we are on holiday doesn’t mean we have to discard courteous and respectful behavior.
I recently read this article on BBC Travel, simply titled “Taking photographs of people” by Lori Robertson, which confirmed my thoughts exactly. I think it’s a good read as it actually makes you reflect on your choices as a tourist.
If you decided to take a break from my prose to go read it, I won’t be offended. I promise. Just as long as you hurry back once you’re done.
#7 Hogging the best photo op spots
Oh dear, Oh, dear.
Nowadays, getting the best instagrammable shots is high on people’s travel lists.
It’s like number 1 on the list. And if there was a number before 1, it would be that.
Now, I’m also guilty of this sometimes (maybe a little more than sometimes), but by nature, I feel horrible when I’m in a position that makes other people uncomfortable. As a result, when I see people queueing to take a photo at a famous photo spot I usually spend as little time as possible there.
So I’m always baffled when people literally park in these spots and refuse to leave until they’re satisfied. For example, this reel we created and posted on our Instagram page that doesn’t even have us in it! Just couldn’t get a spot!
Most people seem not to have any sense of what or who is around them. The perfect shot is all that matters and that’s a little sad.
Let’s be more aware and altruistic, shall we?
#8 Forgetting to enjoy the moment
This is perhaps something that most of us are guilty of. We tend to focus more on taking photos and making videos rather than actually just living in the moment.
Understandably, social media is what rules now, and we all want to be able to show off all the wonderful places we’ve been to, as well as the fun things we did. However, sometimes, we have to control our urges, put the camera aside (or running in one position), and really experience the place live.
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Now that we’ve seen the 8 things we suggest shouldn’t be done while travelling, let’s look at some things that will be a better alternative.
4 Things you SHOULD be doing while travelling
So what should we be doing to actually make us better tourists?
While we don’t claim to be the best tourists out there, we believe we can all agree on a few things. These are what we suggest to do.
#1. Learn a few useful phrases that can help you in your host country.
From my experience, just being able to say “please” and “thank you” in the local language gets you a smile and sometimes, even a freebie. Plus, you’re learning something new. What’s so bad about that?
So, if you ever visit Lagos, Nigeria (or the Southwest), this is how you say please; “ejọọ“, and thank you; “eṣe”.
How cool is that?!
#2. Be Nice to people first.
Another aspect of travel that some people take for granted is just being a decent person. When people are treated well, they often reciprocate the gesture, sometimes with even more kindness.
I remember when I visited Istanbul a few years ago and learned how to say hello and thank you in Turkish. Everywhere I went, I would greet by saying “Merhaba” and after a service, I would always say “teşekkür ederim”. Each time, I was rewarded with a light in their eyes and a wide smile. And free baklava here and there.
Surely, that’s got to add some value to your trip.
#3. Try out the local food and don't complain.
I know how difficult it is to adjust your taste buds to another country’s cuisine. However, you have to give it a chance.
I have a rule. Try it at least twice (three times if you’re there long enough). If you still don’t like it on your second try, then it wasn’t for you. The important thing is that you tried.
I think this is important because food and culture are very much intertwined. You can learn a lot about history and traditions from what people eat.
For example in Nigeria, some cultures share chicken parts according to family hierarchy. The thighs are reserved for the mothers. The fathers get the head and breasts (I know what you’re thinking. Don’t!). And the children get the legs. I’m sure you get the symbolism in that.
Ah! I used to love those chicken legs as a child! Didn’t matter that they were mostly skin and bones with just a bit of meat in the paws (palm?)
#4. Relax and enjoy your holiday.
Yes, you might be a horrible tourist, but you still deserve your holiday. So enjoy it. Do what you actually like doing. Don’t follow the crowd. If you’d rather sleep all day, do that, but remember that those gorgeous Instagram pictures don’t take themselves!
In conclusion, being a responsible tourist involves giving of yourself and not only taking. What do you think? Would you add or remove anything from the list?
Let me know in the comments section below.
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Isabella & Pietro
TRZ TEAM
A couple with a zest for all things travel, a love for motorcycles, and a voracious appetite for good food!
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I was searching about travelling today and came across your website – a great collection of high-quality articles.
Hi! Thanks for your comment. We’re glad you enjoyed browsing through our website. Make sure to come back for updates. Cheers and enjoy your travels!
Thanks so much for the tips. Just in time for my travel next week.
You’re very welcome Lani! Enjoy your trip next week and learn some local lingo while you’re at it!
I love this! Dressing like a tourist is something we are all guilty of! Love this list!
Hahaha the dressing like a tourist idea is super smart. This is a great list and the food pic made me hungry! Thanks for sharing!
I learnt to never travel with expectations and just enjoy what the place has to offer. Thank you for sharing!
Great tips. I’m sure that many of us have been guilty of one or two of these points as we have traveled.
Dressing like a tourist is a good one and I didn’t focus on that one before. I will try these things when traveling again.
I think to some extent, comparing is inevitable. But I agree, we should focus on the present and enjoy the moment. Also, I’m so glad you mentioned not taking pictures of locals without their consent. This is extremely annoying and impolite.
Also, definitely learn a few useful phrases and try the local food. Totally agree!
We’re all entitled to our own opinions but #7 is my ultimate pet peeve. I was on a boat in Paris the other day and this lady would not move out of the best water view spot of the Eiffel Tower. That was so selfish!
Had to laugh about the clothes. Funny how people have specific travel/holiday clothes that make them stand out a mile. Good tips on being sensitive and respectful when visiting other countries too.
Great tips! I agree with the ‘not dressing as a tourist’ part. And it’s so important to be considerate of the environment too.
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I love how you praised living the moment and doing important stuff while traveling. I’m not gonna lie I have made a lot of these mistakes but quickly got to understand that I need to focus more on the trip. and another ugh on complaining! I hate people when they complain when traveling like come on! You’re here to have fun.
Exactly! If everywhere were the same, what would be the need to travel, right? Also, I’m just as guilty of some of these points and I’m trying to work on them, for instance the assumption that everyone should speak English.
This list is great! I never really thought about it but I usually take pictures everywhere i travel including locals. Will keep this is mind!
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Great! Thanks for taking note. I think it’s important to be a conscious traveller while enjoying a place.