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Traveling is an amazing way to explore new places and immerse yourself in different cultures. But unfortunately, not everyone shares this mindset.
Certain tourists leave a trail of ignorance and entitlement wherever they go, from littering beautiful landscapes to behaving inappropriately at sacred sites.
Below, we’ve gathered some of the most shocking examples of this behavior. Scroll down to see for yourself, and don’t miss our chat with travel writer Pati on how we can all be more mindful when exploring the world.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Travel To A Foreign Country And Complain About Bad English
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#2
Tourist Stands In Front Of "You May Be Bitten" Sign. She Makes Sure The Sign Was Worth Putting Up
Traveling, as wonderful and eye-opening as it is, can sometimes come at a cost to local communities. That doesn’t mean we should stop exploring the world, but it’s a sad truth that some tourists are careless, ignoring rules, customs, and even the environment.
Take Iceland, for example, where concentrated tourism in certain areas is causing damage to its natural landscape. Or consider overcrowded cities like Venice and Dubrovnik. In April of last year, residents of the Canary Islands took to the streets with banners reading, “Tourist: respect my land!” as 13.9 million people visited the seven main islands in 2023 alone. This sentiment has been echoed in protests across other popular European destinations like Barcelona, Athens, and Málaga.
#3
It's Sad That People Like This Still Exist
A Chinese man kicked a deer like a soccer ball, so I immediately started filming. They kept making excuses and the woman that was with him started acting like the victim and got angry, so I chased them out of Nara Park. What did you come to Japan to do? I really won't forgive anyone who abuses animals.
#4
Tourist Engraves The Name Of His Girlfriend With Keys On The Colosseum In Rome. He Is Facing A 18.000 € Fine
To learn more about how we can be more responsible travelers, Bored Panda spoke with Pati, author of the blog One Way Ticket To Anywhere.
“I still remember how puzzled I was many years ago when I first saw travelers visiting Spain, a country rich in culture and cuisine, choosing to eat at pubs and lie by the pool at all-inclusive hotels,” Pati recalls. “Since then, I’ve visited many countries, and I’m still surprised by how tourists sometimes behave.”
#5
This Main Character At Auschwitz. It Takes A Special Kind Of Stupid To Be Capable Of This
#6
Tourists Have Started Putting "Love Locks" On Shoes On The Danube Bank, A Memorial In Budapest Of The Thousands Of People Who Were Executed On The Banks Of The Danube During WW2
#7
This Travel Agency Has Heard Everything, From Complaints That Water Parks Don't Provide Free Swimsuits, To Docks Not Being Air-Conditioned
“Recently, I traveled to Southeast Asia, and although it should be obvious to mindful travelers who have done a little research that the society in many regions of that continent is quite modest, many people, more often than not, unconsciously disrespect the culture by the way they dress or behave,” Pati says.
“But this often comes down to not being informed,” she explains. “We see some great photos of Thai or Indonesian islands or Malaysian colonial cities, see photos of the beaches, and we pack the shorts and off we go. We don’t know that we shouldn’t disrespect the king, that we should take off our shoes before entering a room, or cover our heads before entering a temple.”
#8
Irish Tourists In Bologna, Italy Fined €500 Each After They Stripped Down To Their Underwear And Mounted The Neptune Fountain
#9
Tourist Gets Headbutted And Thrown To The Floor After Standing Next To A King's Guard Horseman. Tourists Are Warned Not To Get Close To The Horses Or Guards With A Nearby Sign
#10
A Group Of Tourists In Yellowstone Were Spotted Exiting Their Cars And Sprinting Towards A Mama Bear And Her Two Cubs. One Of The Tourists Had A Child In His Arms
Sometimes, advice on how to navigate local customs isn’t easy to find. It’s something that travel influencers or agencies rarely talk about. “This needs to change!” Pati insists. “But the issue is, as always, a bit more complex.”
“In today’s fast-paced world, travel is often seen as an escape—an escape from reality, from long working hours, far away from those who might judge our choices,” she continues. “This mindset can lead tourists to behave less respectfully. They feel they’ve earned this time off and want to do as they please.”
#11
Some Trashy Tourists Painted Theories On The Pantheon In Rome
#12
Tourist In Estes Park Gets Too Close To A Bull Elk During Rutting Season
#13
Yellowstone Tourist Files Complaint Over Lack Of Trained Grizzly Bears
Pati believes we need to remember that, as travelers, we are guests. “There are no foreign countries. We are the foreigners taking advantage of the locals’ hospitality. It’s our responsibility to research our destination and respect local customs.”
#14
American Tourist Complains That Restaurant In Tokyo Gave Her The Menu Item She Ordered. Doubles Down By Blaming The Restaurant For Not Having Enough Menus In English
What's worse is that the menu is literally in English.
#15
When Tourists Come And Pose With The Endangered Wildlife. It's Against The Law To Disturb A Sea Turtle And To Pass It Around For A Picture Is Ridiculous
#16
This Is The Absolute Worst Kind Of Tourist. Do Not Go To Japan And Do This
Sally Moen 7 months ago
There's restricted streets that are closed to tourists due to overcrowding and this type of disrespectful behavior.
For many locals, the issue isn’t just about disrespectful behavior, but about the sheer volume of tourists and the lack of benefits to the community.
Sebastian Zenker, an expert in overtourism and academic director at Copenhagen Business School, explains, “If you look at the Canary Islands, I've read that a third of the population live on the edge of poverty. Tourism offers a big income to these islands—but for whom? It's not enough to say that we want to welcome well-behaved tourists who are quiet and spend more money, it's about where the money goes. At the moment, a large proportion of the population does not benefit.”
He suggests that if locals see a direct benefit, such as improved infrastructure or better living conditions, there could be a healthy coexistence between tourists and residents.
#17
Tourists Climb Around 7-Foot-Tall Fences To Get The Perfect Selfie. This Was Taken In The Grampians National Park In Australia
Rangers had built 7-foot-tall fences with massive pictorial signs telling people to stick to the paths. These goons just went further back up the path and hiked through vegetation areas to get a selfie. These ledges are 50+ meters in the air, a decent slip, and it is lights out (it was drizzling rain too). Really grinds my gears, as once the problem becomes too big, the Rangers will just shut down the trail. They don't have the resources to properly enforce laws.
Javelina Poppers 7 months ago
I mentioned earlier that stupidity can be fixed, but it's gonna hurt.
#18
Tourists Ignore Distancing Sign Of Beached Turtles In Hawaii
#19
Graffiti On The Bamboo In The "Bamboo Walking Path"
Such bamboo has to be cut and disposed of, and the bamboo is decreasing steadily. At this rate, we will lose the beautiful bamboo forests that people come to see from all over the world.
Managing large crowds isn’t just the responsibility of visitors; it also requires effective tourism management from relevant authorities. However, travelers can play a key role by educating themselves about the places they visit. This not only enhances their own experience but also helps them avoid being a burden.
#20
Polish Tourist Attacked After Climbing The Ancient Pyramid In Mexico
Weirdo with Internet 7 months ago
The Mexican people are very proud of their history, and this kind of behavior is completely disrespectful. (Source: I'm Mexican)
#21
Every Year Many Tourists Break Off And Steal Pieces Of The Coliseum In Rome
StumblingThroughLife 7 months ago
I wonder if they have signs saying peeps will be prosecuted if caught stealing? ... They prob have, but (a % of) humans are vile dickheads.
#22
Naples, Vanderbilt Beach. You Can Always Tell When The Folks From Miami-Dade Come Here For Holiday Weekends Because They Leave Their Trash All Over Our Beaches
Virgil Blue 7 months ago
It’s not that hard to bring a trash bag and take it home you horrible horrible people.
For Pati, being mindful has made her travels more meaningful. “Traveling is a journey of discovery. It’s enriching, educational, and exhilarating. It’s changed my life, made me a better, braver, and more aware person. I want that for everyone, which is why I’m passionate about sharing this mission.”
#23
Today We Took These Photos Of A Coral Destroyed By Careless Divers
#24
Tourists Completely Disrespect The Place They Save All Year To Visit
Decided to visit a local beach where I live, and when I looked behind me I saw this. They were hanging out for over an hour right next to one of the numerous signs asking to stay off of the dunes. It’s not that hard.
Verena 7 months ago
Here they dig holes and tunnels. The dunes do not only protect us from storms, they actually protect us from being flooded 24/7, the land is 2 to 4 m below sea level. Some die when holes and tunnels collapse, the others are fined heavily, because endangering our protection is a crime.
#25
Tourist Showing Off His Gymnastics Skills In A Japanese Subway
Torres (Student) LI 7 months ago
This is japan, with a massive culture revolving around being nice in the metro
“I often say there’s a difference between traveling and ‘touristing’,” Pati adds. “Staying at the resort, lying by the pool, and eating at the hotel buffet—that’s ‘touristing.’ Getting out, learning about the local culture, meeting people, using local transport, and respecting customs—that’s travel. And I hope everyone gets to experience it.”
#26
Tourist In Yellowstone National Park Ignores Warnings From Several People That She Was Too Close To A Mother Grizzly Bear
#27
Man Attempts To Enter Hogwarts In London
#28
Yellowstone Tourists Put Bison Calf In Their Car, Because They’re Worried It’s Cold
Teressa Reeves 7 months ago
Had to be euthanized as calf's family rejected it when park officials tried to reintroduce back after rescuing it. The calf had become a danger to itself as it kept walking up to people, also without the defense of family group. People need to stop being careless, unthinking twit twats
#29
33°C (90°F) Today In Venice. 3 Pairs Of Sweaty Feet On The Seats. The Little Girl Was Walking Barefoot Even Before Getting On The Train, Her Feet Were Extremely Dirty
#30
Dumb Tourists Walking Right Up To These Sheep
For anyone who might not know, if you get too close, the males might charge you, which would hurt. Also, they were ruining the view.
Upstaged75 7 months ago
Let them get rammed. That will teach them a lesson. I had a friend who was sneak attacked once (not a tourist - they were her sheep) and ended up with broken ribs.
#31
Tourists Being Tourists
StumblingThroughLife 7 months ago
I can see why officials put up cameras with face recognition. They should do this at all historic/eco-protected sites and fine them. It would at least prevent a lot of this.
#32
Shameful
#33
When The Same 2 People Act Like The Scenic Spot Is Their Personal Background For A Photo Shoot For More Than Half An Hour, It Was Impossible To Get A Photo Without Them
#34
Last Night In Thailand, This Tourist Ruined The Cultural Dance Show For Everyone, By Sitting In Front Of The Stage Taking Pictures And Blocking Everyone’s View For The Entire Show
#35
Elephant Eating Plastic Left By Tourists
#36
There Is A Certain Pretentious Group Of People That Treat Thailand Badly. They Look Down Upon Thai People, Treat Them With Utter Disrespect And Are Just Generally Rude And Entitled
Tonight I witnessed it firsthand when at a restaurant near a beach, these people felt they could just throw rubbish and spit on the floor right next to their table in front of other customers and staff. I asked the young waitress what she thought of it, she said it happens every night and they never ask for a bin or ashtray. They never apologize or tip. They have zero manners or consideration for others. I know there are a few "types" of people that come to mind after you read this, but I bet the real one is at the top of your list. I love this country and its people. Hate to see them treated like this.
Zero Costa 7 months ago
pick up all their nasty garbage and dump it directly into their food. might get something across at least
#37
"Begpackers" - Tourists, Who Travel With The Intent To Beg For Money From The Locals To Fund Further Travel
#38
Left By Tourists, Who Probably Don't Appreciate This Zen Garden As Much As I Do
Myoviridae 7 months ago
I am gobsmacked. Why would you do this? There is no reason to do this.
#39
People Breaking Glass On Beaches
Tourists come here and do this all the time, came here for one day, made a mess and left. I live here and am at the beach all summer with my family. And not to mention all the other trash and dog poop left behind.
#40
Thoughtful Tourist Offers Kyoto Natives Waste Management Advice
Remi (He/Him) 7 months ago
Just a tip for everyone going to Japan: Keep a plastic bag in your bag where you can store your trash until you come across a trash can. They are a bit further between than in some other countries. Btw a drinks vending machines always have trash cans next to them by law so look for one of those and get an iced tea while you're at it.
#41
Tourists In Cyprus Parked Their Car In Front Of Outdoor Seating At A Restaurant, Blocking The View Of The Ocean
#42
This Is What My Town Looks Like Throughout The Summer Thanks To Tourists
Raymond Core 7 months ago
They all have servants at home to pick up after them so they never gave it a second thought. /sarc
#43
I've Been Visiting Archeological Sites On My Tour Of Greece And Have Found Plastic Dental Flossers Littered Amongst The Ancient Remains At More Than One Site
#44
This Family Asking For Money Via Venmo On Their Way To Disneyland
#45
My State Just Voted To Raise The Minimum Wage. Tourist Karens Complained Because It Might Affect Their Vacation
#46
Those Damn Europeans Living In Europe
DadManBlues 7 months ago
Fortunately, Central Europe is not an American dramedy, where there are always white, black, Asian, Native American, disabled, gay and lesbian characters. Here, people are who they are. Here we welcome everyone who behaves in a civilised way. You should realize that the world's population composition is not necessarily the same as that of Los Angeles. It would be ridiculous to go to Sudan and be baffled as to why everyone is black.
#47
"Stupid Tourist Thursday", From Dynjandi Waterfall Last Spring
#48
Entitled "Influencer" Thinks A Tourist Spot Belongs To Her
#49
Trash Cans Are 10 Feet Away
Poll Question
How should tourist behavior at sacred sites be addressed?
Strict penalties should be enforced
Better education and awareness campaigns
Encourage locals to guide and oversee
Ignore it, it's their personal freedom
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Mr. Toast 7 months ago
My girlfriend at the time, took me to a gourmet restaurant in a hotel in Switzerland one summer during our holiday. The hotel was full of Japanese and the staff were fed of how rude, impolite, bad mannered they were. Basically, they put us in a private dining area with a gorgeous view of the mountains because of the carnage in the main dining area caused by the Japanese. We had a lovely meal, the staff couldn't do enough for us even the owners came and spoke to us.
Mr. Toast 7 months ago
My girlfriend at the time, took me to a gourmet restaurant in a hotel in Switzerland one summer during our holiday. The hotel was full of Japanese and the staff were fed of how rude, impolite, bad mannered they were. Basically, they put us in a private dining area with a gorgeous view of the mountains because of the carnage in the main dining area caused by the Japanese. We had a lovely meal, the staff couldn't do enough for us even the owners came and spoke to us.
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