With so much accessibility in today’s world, many people have forgotten that travel is a luxury. While some folks use that privilege to experience new places and cultures, others take the chance to be an absolute jerk. Entitlement sets in and some travelers forget their manners when exploring new destinations.
Nobody likes a bad tourist. This can resonate in many ways from disrespecting cultures to feeling like everything has to be your way. This mentality has given American travelers a bad reputation in foreign countries. However, this doesn’t have to be your travel reality. Here are some quick tips to help you not become a bad tourist when traveling to international destinations.
Leave Spaces How You Found Them
A major way to avoid being a bad tourist is to always leave spaces the way you found them. That can include any space you visit while traveling internationally. No matter if it’s your hotel room or a landmark you’re visiting, make it a point not to be destructive in any destination. One thing many travelers noticed while traveling internationally was tourists defacing monuments and ancient ruins. It’s important to respect historical spaces wherever you travel. If you don’t, you could be labeled as a bad tourist.
Don’t Feed The Wildlife
Although it may seem like a good idea, feeding the wildlife in new destinations can gain you the label of a bad tourist. Food and natural resources in international destinations are different than in the US. While feeding bread and scraps to birds may be acceptable in the States, it could harm wildlife in other places. It can also stir up extra wildlife activity in areas where animals typically don’t frequent which can cause issues for locals living in that area.
Pick Up Your Trash
Picking up your trash is a good way to avoid being labeled as a bad tourist. Extreme littering is a great way to destroy a beautiful destination. With thousands of tourists visiting destinations daily, the amount of trash that can collect over time is astronomical. Instead of discarding trash on the ground, tuck it into your pocket until you pass a trash receptacle. Not only will this keep the bad tourist label off your name but it also helps keep the destination you’re visiting beautiful for the next traveler.
Check Entitlement At The Border
Many international citizens believe entitlement is the biggest issue when dealing with American travelers. Instead of being open-minded to new customs in a new place, some travelers feel the need to dictate to locals how things should be done. This mentality is a turn-off both to locals and other travelers. Be sure to check entitlement at the door when traveling internationally and remain open to trying new things when experiencing new cultures.
Be Mindful Of The People Who Live There
While you’re traveling, it’s important to remember that people actually live in the destination you’re visiting. It’s easy to forget that the place you’re vacationing in is someone else’s home. Keep these people in mind while enjoying their place of residence. You’ll gain much more respect from locals if they receive respect from you while you’re visiting. Keep the bad tourist label off your back by showing love to locals where you go.