How to Be a Respectful Traveler: Tips for Avoiding Local Backlash

Travel Troubleshooter

A few years back when I resided in Athens, I came across a newly spray-painted message on a wall reading, "TOURISTS GO HOME!" The audacity of this statement left me speechless, prompting me to capture an image immediately.

Today, I likely wouldn't pay it any mind. Not after everything that’s happened recently. antitourism protests in Barcelona and after Venice a daily charge of $5 was applied for day visitors .

Visitors are often—how can I put this delicately?—not well-regarded. This dislike is justified, as more than fifty percent of tourists admit to acting differently from their usual selves when on holiday, reveals an internal survey recently carried out by a luggage storage firm. Radical Storage This may involve positioning oneself improperly around statues, entering restricted areas without permission, or disregarding local traditions.

I alerted about problematic travelers two years ago I really dislike it when I turn out to be correct.

"American travelers are often characterized as noisy and assertive," according to Adeodata Czink, etiquette expert And they didn’t let us down last summer.

This hasn’t ceased. I reside in Dublin, where numerous clusters of American, German, and Brazilian tourists congest the tight lanes of Temple Bar each evening, often drinking until they lose control. This is disgraceful.

However, there’s positive news. The residents aren’t upset with every visitor, and should you find yourself on their blacklist, there’s a simple method to remove your name and remain off it. Moreover, you’re free to tour both Paris and Rome.

They don't hate everyone

To start with, some positive news: The residents do not dislike all visitors.

"The backlash is aimed at raucous bachelor and bachelorette parties who primarily focus on drinking heavily," clarifies Don Jones, a managing director for Andrew Harper , a travel membership website. "It opposes Instagrammers flooding specific locations and neglecting basic etiquette to capture the perfect shot."

If that doesn’t describe you, then you're already ahead.

If it is If you've stumbled upon this enlightening article, pause for a moment. Drink responsibly, or even more ideally, remain abstinent so you can fully appreciate the location you’re exploring. Moreover, I regret to inform you that nobody really pays attention to your Instagram posts. Put away your phone and soak in the scenery with your own two eyes instead.

Ways to act as an exemplary visitor (and potentially win over the local population)

You don't have to be one of those Visitors planning their trips over this spring break or during the approaching summer travel season might find these effective strategies useful for ensuring they feel welcomed at their destinations.

Go where you're appreciated. Many Americans are now contemplating their choice for a summer getaway spot. Stay away from locations where they display hostility towards tourists. According to Berkita Bradford, who heads the hospitality and tourism administration department at North Carolina Central University, "Travelers increasingly base their choices on political, social, and cultural views."

Show some respect. Nicole Cueto, a travel advisor, emphasizes being a responsible tourist. Fora Travel "She recommends practicing sustainable tourism by lessening your ecological footprint and backing environmentally friendly projects." This involves cutting down waste, saving water, and being mindful of wildlife preservation.

Know the drill. A great way to enhance your image is to familiarize yourself with the customs of your travel destination. As Nick Leighton, an etiquette expert and co-host of the weekly podcast, advises, "Demonstrate real curiosity about the local culture." Were You Fostered by Wild Animals? It fosters good will and aids in unintentionally steering clear of causing offense.

As etiquette coach Jamila Musayeva suggests, you should include two crucial items in your packing list: patience and kindness.

She advises, 'Be as courteous to the local people as you would want them to be toward you back home.' If something doesn’t work out as expected, such as a late flight or an incorrect food order, remain composed and address it gracefully. How you react influences both your experience and the impressions others form about you.'

This doesn’t mean you’re completely to blame when people criticize tourists. Both destinations and locals are moving towards a truce as well.

How one location is combating troublesome travelers

Several locations have gone further than just imposing fees for entering their city centers. As far back as 2020, unruly visitors began to pose a significant issue. Visit Idaho launched an initiative aimed at drawing more conscientious and eco-friendly travelers to the area.

Its campaign, called Travel With Care , highlighted the importance of looking after the state, being attentive to others' needs, and taking care of oneself. In practical terms, Idaho urged visitors to safeguard the landscape and natural areas, show consideration towards fellow travelers, and emphasize their own personal safety.

Idaho’s initiatives aimed at fostering kindness towards nature and others have not produced quantifiable outcomes. However, nobody is vandalizing the walls of ski lodges in Sun Valley with messages like “TOURISTS GO HOME!” Moreover, there are no proposals suggesting fees for pedestrians walking along Main Street in Boise.

According to tourism authorities, these measures have benefited both the travel sector and visitors alike. Natalie Jushinski, a tourism director at Visit Idaho, comments, "These steps have significantly encouraged collaboration among stakeholders to ensure satisfaction for both guests and locals."

The top tip: Steer clear of the masses

Perhaps the most effective method to sidestep a mediocre travel adventure is to head in the exact opposite direction of popular spots. According to James Thornton, the CEO of Intrepid Travel, 80% of tourists only flock to about 10% of global tourist hotspots. He states, “If you're open to exploring past well-known must-see locations, there are countless incredible alternate destinations available that can provide an invigorating perspective on our planet.”

This does not automatically imply steering clear of well-known destinations. I enjoy Venice, Rome, and Paris, and believe everybody ought to visit these locations at least one time.

However, if you decide to go, make sure to visit during the off-season and avoid the crowds at the well-known museums and eateries.

Display an interest in the people," suggests Thomas Swick, the author of Falling into Place: A Narrative of Romance, Poland and the Birth of a Travel Author This involves venturing off the beaten tracks and discovering lesser-known areas — each city has such spots — and immersing oneself in the local daily routine.

He wonders aloud. Perhaps you might start a talk that reveals more than visiting any monument could.

“And rather than facing abuse, you might receive an invite for coffee,” he mentions.

Now that's how to travel.