British etiquette expert Genevieve Jenny Dreizen shared three of the worst tourist behaviors, whether intentional or unintentional.
Trashing hotel rooms
Dreizen said the simplest rule when staying in a hotel is to treat the space and staff with respect. "Would you want guests to come to your home and leave the room with trash all over the floor, messy bed linens, and half-eaten food scattered around?" Dreizen asked, adding that this behavior not only creates extra work for the staff but also shows disrespect.
 |
Guest littering the hotel room floor. Photo: Jam Press Vid |
Guest littering the hotel room floor. Photo: Jam Press Vid
Tipping customs vary by country; some require it, while others don't. However, Dreizen said guests should always tip housekeeping staff because "traveling doesn't mean you can ignore basic courtesy."
Etiquette coach Jamila Musayeva added that guests don't need to deep clean the room. But keeping the room tidy, gathering towels instead of scattering them, disposing of trash properly, and avoiding staining towels with lipstick or food are necessary actions. These actions show minimal respect from guests and indicate civilized behavior.
Such inconsiderate behaviors are not only considered rude but are also often shared on social media by hotel cleaning staff as a warning.
This issue isn't limited to hotels. Groups of guests renting Airbnb-style accommodations and leaving them severely damaged are also a growing problem. Many hosts have implemented rules like washing dishes and taking out the trash, but some guests respond by damaging property.
Disrespecting local culture
In addition to maintaining their accommodations, tourists should also pay attention to dressing and behaving appropriately for the local culture. Musayeva said that "only using your native language without trying to greet people in the local language is a major faux pas." Learning a few basic phrases like "hello," "goodbye," and "thank you" can make the trip smoother and show friendliness and respect for the local culture.
 |
Etiquette expert Jamila Musayeva. Photo: DM |
Etiquette expert Jamila Musayeva. Photo: DM
Dreizen agreed that ignoring local dress codes and customs is a common mistake. Destinations like Malaga (Spain) and Bali (Indonesia) have issued dress code guidelines to prevent disruptive behavior from tourists. Wearing revealing clothing in religious sites or historical monuments is not only insensitive but also upsets locals.
Not acting like the "center of the universe"
Another common mistake is behaving as if you're the only person in a shared space, such as using speakerphone for a FaceTime call in a quiet cafe, shouting at the pool, or disregarding service staff. Some people have even been asked to leave resorts for playing music too loud or filming TikTok videos by the pool, inadvertently capturing others without permission.
Musayeva added that being loud and disruptive – whether in a museum, restaurant, or shared space – is one of the most common breaches of travel etiquette.
Anh Minh (DM)
