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“So Many Douchebags Concentrated In One Area”: 35 Countries People Regretted Visiting
Interview With Expert
Part of the thrill that comes along with traveling is not knowing exactly what you’re going to experience. You might have a list of museums and monuments to check off, but the spontaneous encounters with locals and meals at quaint restaurants that you wandered into can end up being the most memorable parts of your trip. Unfortunately, however, the unexpected moments in your journey can also turn out to be the worst parts.
Globetrotters on Reddit have been revealing the countries where they received the worst treatment as foreigners, so we’ve gathered some of their stories down below. These anecdotes don’t mean that these places aren’t worth visiting, but they might serve as helpful reminders to be extra cautious in certain situations. Keep reading to also find a conversation with travel expert Jhona Yellin, Editor at offMetro, and be sure to upvote the stories that you think all travelers should be aware of!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Dubai. I know it's rich, sophisticated, a holiday destination for many, and so on, but I just hate its tasteless glitz, its lack of soul, and the intense stratification of its society.
RELATED:
#2
Qatar. Slavery is basically legal.
#3
Never leave the hotel in Egypt as an underaged girl without your parents. Even if you're with them you probably will be followed and hit on by older creeps, but they won't do anything when you're not alone.
PhiloPhocion:
The harassment is out of control. My first visit was with family and there were people calling out the lewdest comments about my literally 10 year old sister and our mum. Second visit in my early 20s was with a group of friends including two women, who were physically grabbed or touched by strangers saying lewd comments if we weren't literally standing shoulder to shoulder with them.
The scamming and conning is also out of control. Scams are everywhere, including in areas that most tourists would think are relatively safe (i.e. scammers working on official areas around major tourist sites, even sometimes right at the doors of official areas dressed in pseudo official uniforms, with no pushback from officials). And even officials themselves - I can't tell you the number of friends I've had who have had some form of having cameras or electronics seized by customs for no reason or 'spot check passport reviews' where your passport is taken unless you can pay the cop some pocket money.
I absolutely loved Egypt - its food, its sites, and most of its people are incredible warm and welcoming. But holy hell it makes it hard to love sometimes.
It gets a little better outside of Cairo but I advise literally everyone going to mentally prepare themselves and if they don't know anyone there already, to just hire a guide to at least help avoid the worst of the harassment and scams.
Shark Lady 2 months ago
You also have to look out for the guides though, there are many that will also rip you off.
To learn more about places where travelers might not necessarily want to return to, we got in touch with travel expert Jhona Yellin, Editor at offMetro. Jhona was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and reveal where she didn't have the best experience as a tourist.
"You might be surprised by my choice, but yes, it’s Paris—the most visited city in the world, fresh off hosting the Olympics with all its grandeur," she shared. "Well, during one of my trips to Paris, I ventured into the 18th arrondissement, which is often celebrated for its artistic legacy, thanks to legends like Picasso and Dali once calling it home. The area has transformed over the years into a bustling, working-class neighborhood with affordable spots and a real local vibe. But let me tell you, there are parts of this arrondissement that I would definitely avoid."
#4
I worked in Saudi Arabia for just 10 days and couldn't stand it. It saddened me that there were almost ZERO women in public. And in the airport there was a bookseller kiosk where all of the books were in English so they were obviously aimed at westerners and almost all of them were about Islam. I browsed one of them and it was basically trying to convince western women that god wanted them to stay inside where they were "safe" and how rampant rape is in western countries. Sickening. Ironically in the bottom corner there were like 3 books in Arabic and do you know what they were? HARRY POTTER books! Funny.
#5
Kuwait is a f*****g cesspool.
penswright:
From Kuwait, Seriously don’t come here. There’s absolutely nothing special to do here that you can’t do literally anywhere else.
The lack of entertainment in the country is a huge issue, it’s the reason why we lead in obesity rates and why people don’t like going outside. Also if there’s a concert or a new mall opening, good luck going, if the traffic doesn’t kill you, the crowds will.
Rose the Cook 2 months ago
I had an unscheduled stopover there, never left the airport but the people were really rude. I can't imagine why anyone would go there deliberately.
#6
Pakistan. I lived there for a while. Even in the best neighborhoods in Islamabad, there is trash everywhere, literally no hygiene. Then, when it’s cold, trash is burned, releasing thick, toxic clouds of smoke.
"Take the area around Marx Dormoy and Porte de la Chapelle stations, for example," Jhona continued. "During the day, it’s fine—people are going about their lives, and you might even find a decent boulangerie tucked away on a side street. But at night, the vibe completely changes. The stations become hangouts for groups of drunk and homeless individuals, which can make things feel dicey. Walking through there after dark left me constantly checking over my shoulder, and I wouldn’t recommend it unless you enjoy that kind of adrenaline rush."
The travel expert also added that there are some places she's avoided entirely based on others’ experiences. "Dubai, for example. Now, I know some people love the glitz and glamour, but I’ve heard too many stories about how rigid and strict it can be for certain tourists, especially women, and that doesn’t quite align with my idea of a relaxed vacation," Jhona told Bored Panda.
#7
Turkey was terrible.
My cousin was a blonde-haired, blue-eyed little girl at the time.
And some weird old man actually tried to kidnap her right in front of us.
He grabbed her hand and tried to walk off with her.
Bare in mind she was maybe 5 or 6 at the time.
When we all started arguing, and were basically playing tug of war with this man trying to make him let her go, police came over and let the man go..
They were speaking Turkish so we don’t know what he said but the man was allowed to walk free.
Xenia Harley 2 months ago
My cousin who lives in Europe had a friend who many years ago went to Turkey with his wife. The friend was going into another shop while the wife ran into another shop. She was never seen again. People in the shop denied she was ever there. He called all authorities who basically did nothing. She was never found. The man went back to Turkey numerous times to try to find her, but nothing. She just vanished.
#8
Morocco.
From being ripped off, to children following me down a dark alley asking for money, to horrible hotel reception, to rich, spoilt locals at nightclubs, I've never been to any other country where I've been so relieved to leave.
#9
Did not enjoy LA. Visited a bunch of places including more obvious stops like Hollywood, the beach, downtown. It is not a place I'll go back to.
Damned_Cat 2 months ago
As a Californian, I would tell a tourist to skip L.A. and Hollywood; they are not the glamourous places that people are led to believe. Maybe visit Disneyland and the San Diego Zoo, but then get out of Southern California and head north. We have so many beautiful State Parks and other natural areas. Visit Monterey and our Wine Country areas (Central Coast and Napa). See Yosemite. Then you'll feel like it was worth the trip.
leendadll 2 months ago
Local too. I wish Hollywood would enact a city-wide cleanup. It's do horrible and I feel bad for tourists. TimesSquare did it (yes, I realize it has bad parts again), so can we. Maybe for the 2028 Olympics?
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FaceTime Audio 2 months ago
Well, duh! You went to the worst parts! Hollywood and the beach (I'm assuming Santa Monica) are tourist traps that residents avoid. Downtown isn't even a tourist spot; I'm not sure why you went there. This is like judging New York solely off of Times Square. Downtown and Hollywood are both *rough* areas, and Santa Monica Beach is overcrowded. If you're in LA, hit up some other places. Griffith Park Observatory. The Natural History Museum (it has a great exhibit on the history of LA!). The Academy Museum. The Grammy Museum. The botanical gardens in Arcadia. Echo Park. Go hiking- there are a lot of great spots, including ones that tie into the entertainment industry, like a trail that takes you up to an old MASH set. Or to Vasquez Rocks, in Agua Dulce, where parts of Star Trek and Bill and Ted 2 were filmed (popular place for Martian landscape scenes). Check out Mission San Gabriel! Go to Grand Central Market (the fun part of Downtown), or Smorgasbord food festival, or Little Tokyo.
Brian Garcia 2 months ago
While I agree, as a SoCal native and raised in Santa Monica please note that is not LA...it is its own city proper and only included in the county. I grew up there and at that time you did not go down to the pier or the promenade on 3rd street...what's there now is relatively more recent. The promenade was so successful it actually impacted/reduced the crowds in Westwood by UCLA (grew up a Bruin, too). I remember coming home from college seeing a couple tour buses, blew me away...now no getting away from it. And as a kid with the local YMCA spent many a day at Vasquez, tons of fun roaming around! I'd also maybe throw out the tar pits for a visit...they're still excavating fossils. I would also add a place to avoid is Venice...used to go, but that was when pick-up b-ball, boom boxes & roller-skating/skateboarding were big...now it's your name on a grain of rice...
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Aidan Campbell 2 months ago
The Hollywood sign is too small to properly see from Hollywood Boulevard. Universal Studios is worth a visit but that is about it.
Katherine Forrestall 2 months ago
American shallow and sleazy vulgarity is hard to avoid. There are refined areas and world class cultural centres, but the commercial and aggressive c**p is hard to take.
Jackie Smith 2 months ago
As a born and raised Angelino, I would skip Hollywood, Venice Beach and all the touristy spots as well! I live less than 15 minutes from Hollywood, and I NEVER go there! WAY more cool stuff to see here!
JayWantsACat 2 months ago
LA is what you make of it. Temper your expectations and obviously don't be an idiot who thinks its like the movies. Actually look into where to go and what to see and it can be a good experience. It's crazy to me that people still to this day go there thinking it's some fantasy land. It's urban sprawl sprinkled with some really great things. I don't even like LA and I think that's a pretty fair take on it. People expecting a city to be an an amusement park is their own fault.
On the other hand, we wanted to hear about places where Jhona had surprisingly nice travel experiences. "On my wine trip in Portugal (which I extended to see more of this amazing country), I discovered Lagos," she shared.
"It’s got that exotic flair mixed with a laid-back coastal vibe that just sweeps you off your feet. I went expecting beautiful beaches, and yes, it delivered on that front with its golden cliffs and hidden coves, but what truly surprised me was how warm and welcoming the locals were," Jhona noted. "It’s the kind of place where people stop to chat, recommend their favorite little seafood spots, and make you feel like you’ve lived there your whole life."
#10
Weird one, but Tokyo (not Japan as a whole). I have never felt so alone surrounded by so many people. I feel like I understand the loner trope in anime much better now. The food is great, everyone seems polite, and it is incredibly safe. But unlike nearly every other place I have traveled, I can't think of a single person in Tokyo that I had an actual conversation with.
The rest of Japan that I have been to is a different story. Extremely kind and welcoming. Lots of really interesting characters, and I mean that in the best way.
#11
I love Italy, but Rome was not great for me. There was an overwhelming amount of shady people trying to take advantage of tourists. The local we were with warned us not to carry any valuables to any touristy spots because there was a 100% chance someone would try and pickpocket us.
One evening, a group of dudes followed me around for almost an hour, harassing me because I was a teenage boy with long hair, which must have meant to them that I was gay (I'm not, but that didn't matter to them). 4 grown-a*s adults following around a teenage boy hurling insults in broken english. I was pretty terrified and have since had an appreciation for some of the challenges gay people have to deal with just for being themselves.
One dude at a train station tried to forcibly 'help' my mom carry her luggage (aka run off with it).
When we visited the coliseum, a lady threw a bracelet at my sister then started yelling at her, saying she was a thief and demanding she pay for it.
Also, driving in Rome was terrifying - courtesy on the road does not exist there, and everyone drives extremely aggressively. I saw a guy in a van hit someone on a vespa, lean out the window and yell at him, then drive off. The vespa guy just got up and left as if it were a regular occurrence.
Absolutely a beautiful country and most of the people were lovely, but a person without 'street smarts' could have a bad time there. This was all more than 20 years ago though, so it may be different now.
quentariel 2 months ago
Rome has a hellish tourist spots, but it has also areas that are less like that. It's full of smaller historical sites, churches, statues and art which I absolutely loved. Just venture a bit farther from the main streets and squares and preferrably ditch the Colosseum alltogether. Just be prepared with the basic Italian skills as people rarely speak anything other than it.
#12
50ish countries (including egypt) across 6 continents.
Israel by far the rudest people
Morocco i felt the most harassed and unsafe
Australia, Malaysia (borneo) and India where friendliest
(I'm a 30s white lady from Canada for context).
Michael Largey 2 months ago
Aussies are very hospitable - always eager to relieve you of the burden of your end of the conversation.
"If you’re looking for an underrated gem, I’d point you to Wistman’s Wood in Dartmoor, England," Jhona added. "We covered it in our post of hidden gems around the world. It’s like stepping straight into a fairytale. This ancient woodland, over 500 years old, feels otherworldly with its moss-covered trees and lichen-draped branches twisting into strange shapes. The dense understory barely lets any sunlight filter through, adding to the mystical vibe."
"But beyond the enchanting atmosphere, what really surprised me were the locals," the traveler continued. "Dartmoor residents are some of the friendliest people I’ve met. Whether it’s the pub owners who are happy to chat over a pint or the guides eager to share local legends about the wood, you get a real sense of community here. They make you feel welcome, which only adds to the charm of Wistman’s Wood—there’s not only a sense of magic in the air but also in the warmth of the people."
#13
The USA are definitely up there when it comes to entering the country, I have never felt the least bit welcome by TSA agents.
Once you’re done with that b******t and finally get out of the airport, that changes drastically.
Dusty's mom 2 months ago
The specter of 9-11 hangs heavily, as they're supposed to cull anything that can be used as a weapon, and assess potential threats. And the BS they deal with can be frightening. I wouldn't take the job if I were paid in gold bullion. Yeah, they're mean. They're protecting us. They're protecting you. We try to make up for it. But damn, we're scared.
#14
I've been all across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia and honestly the rudest people I encountered were in Wyoming (outside Yellowstone, everyone in Yellowstone was lovely)
...even the guys who tried to rob me in Lagos were more polite.
#15
Jamaica, from friends being grabbed and dragged into stores and shops, to locals hip checking you out of the way. Only country that we didn't get more than 100' out of the resort before we turned around and went back in. People you are tipping with put a smile on but the second you walk away they are talking s**t about you.
Nerd Groupie 2 months ago
The locals selling their stuff are HIGH pressure. You have to give FIRM no's. I know it's their livelihood but it's very tough when you were raised in a VERY polite society and find it hard to say no.
Finally, we asked Jhona if she could share advice for visiting places that don't have the best reviews from travelers. "As for places that don’t always roll out the welcome mat for tourists, I have one major piece of advice: do your homework," she says. "Travel research isn’t just about looking up the top attractions; it’s about learning the culture, understanding the norms, and, most importantly, checking if tourists are generally treated like guests or like inconveniences."
#16
As a young woman- Florence, Italy. Spent three months there in college.
First of all, you could feel the nasty demeanor the second you get off the train from any other town, very similar to a NYC vibe. Not in and of itself the deal breaker here though.
The issue was that I have never had SO MANY r*pey and violating things happen anywhere else. Walking around was *relatively* ok, it was Friday/Saturday night activities that were the most problematic. I’d be out with a group of women, and hordes of men would surround and try to grope us. Every weekend. I once had a man come up behind me and put his drink to my mouth. It was regular practice to have to pull friends away from handsy men or literally shove the men away when they didn’t respond to “NO.” Many of us just stopped going out unless our male friends were with us. It became too much work to constantly protect ourselves and each other.
Outside of the weekends, you’d still get the creeper yelling (or worse, whispering) “ciao, bella” and following you across the plaza.
This all happened enough times that to this day, I get ANGRY whenever I see a touristy t-shirt that says “ciao, bella,” because that phrase dredges up memories all the violating behavior, and why the f**k would I want a shirt with the worst pick-up line in the world on it.
#17
India is tough for solo travelers. I was being harassed and followed by cab drivers or salesmen for miles. I'm a guy. And everytime i took a taxi or tuk tuk they dropped me off at some random jelewery store or something because the driver gets a commission or free gas by doing so/if i buy anything. Also being white i stood out and was a big target. Couldn't imagine being a woman alone in New Delhi. I'm sure some areas or cities are better.
nerddadddy:
I have visited India a number of times. It's a magical place, very rich culture, and the people are very welcoming and warm. However, every time I have taken a bus, train, or airplane, when it's time to disembark, the oldest sweetest Indian grandmas will elbow you in the back and push you out of the way to be the first ones off. It's something cultural I think, but getting off any type of mass transport is a free-for-all where manners are out the window.
Adam Benson 2 months ago
I would recommend skipping India instead and going to Sri Lanka instead. We went there in 2018. It's a poor country but very beautiful. The people were very friendly and almost everyone we encountered spoke perfect English. It's very clean too, and we saw the most amazing beaches and mountains. I'd definitely go back for another visit.
#18
I was in Greece, travelling with a male friend, and had an amazing time.
The second he left, and I was on my own, the way men started looking at me scared the s**t out of me. I am *never* cat-called at home, and am used to dudes basically ignoring me (I think I natively give off a 'f**k you, don't bother' vibe, and I'm average-looking) and nearly every dude in Athens gave me this down-up flick of the eyes, tits-hips-a*s, delivered with such menace, that I felt very unsettled. One day, after an early ferry arrival, I had a five hour wait to check into my accommodation, also in Athens. I went to a park, lay my head on my pack, put my hat over my eyes and had a nap. I woke up to find that every bench in the park was occupied by a man, and all of them were staring at me. One was flat-out masturbating. I looked around at the dead eyes of the other dudes, decided I wasn't going to get any support there, and noped the f**k out as fast as I could. This was in broad daylight, on a weekday. Wild.
Joey Jo Jo Shabadoo 2 months ago
My first thought was, "You napped alone in public?!" which tells you a lot about my expectations of safety as a woman in public.
"Also, be prepared to adapt. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned—train strikes, language barriers, or the occasional scammer," the travel expert continued. "Learn a few basic phrases in the local language, even if it’s just how to say 'thank you' or 'sorry.' It can go a long way in making you seem less like a clueless tourist and more like someone who respects the place they’re in."
#19
I was in Kazakhstan a few years back. The people there were extremely xenophobic towards me and the group I was traveling with. They called the military on us. Four soldiers on horseback showed up with AK47s and pointed them at our faces and told us to get the f**k out of where we were even though we had a right to be there and we weren’t doing anything bad. These people weren’t just rude, they were f*****g a******s. Needless to say I will never visit that country ever again.
#20
The Philippines probably has the worst traffic ever, and I don't even understand why there are so many damn cars on a tiny a*s island.
It makes a 20-30 commute turn into a 4 hour waiting game.
Guess Undheit 2 months ago
That person obviously didn't leave Manila. Take the metro if you want to get around the city, but not at rush hour.
#21
In Croatia I've always met rude people despite I always tried to be kind, patient and used the please and thank you on a regular basis. Every waiter tried to scam us, every shop attendant ignored us (if not snorted when we entered), I just think they hate tourists.
"Oh, and always have a backup plan if the primary itinerary turns into a disaster. I once missed a bus in Thailand and ended up hitching a ride with a local fisherman. It was unexpected, yes, but sometimes those curveballs are where the real adventure starts," Jhona told Bored Panda.
"Lastly, manage your expectations. If you’re visiting a place known for being tough on tourists, go in knowing that," she added. "Treat it like visiting a prickly aunt—don’t expect hugs, but if you can find some common ground, you might walk away with a good story."
And of course, if you're looking for more travel tips, don't hesitate to visit offMetro!
#22
Many have mentioned Arab countries like Egypt or Morocco, or even India, which are usually regarded as rude countries to visit… but I’ve personally felt uncomfortable in Cuba. The country is extremely poor, frozen in time, and locals see you come and go with your expensive iPhone and cameras and everything they’ll never be able to afford. Scams are very common. People begging as well. Cuba is extremely safe (the govt makes sure every criminal disappears) but it just felt sad, and I could almost sense the resentment towards tourists, who are luckier than them.
TotallyNOTAFox 2 months ago
Well it was a communist country and only recently-ish became more socialistic, big part is the still existing US trade embargo that prevents goods reaching the island (food and medical equipment are exlcuded from it)
#23
I had a co-worker who traveled a bunch for various conferences.
The worst in his experience was Russia.
In most places he had been to, the locals were curious and happy to meet them; "Oh, how do you like it here? Where are you from? etc"
In Russia everyone he saw was hostile and irritated. The general vibe was, "Why the f**k did you even bother coming to this miserable s**t hole?"
END COMMUNICATION.
#24
Israel. They seem to make a point of being as rude as possible.
scolfin:
Israelis don't believe in manners. No, it's not that they have different manners than Americans, they just straight up don't believe in them, liked the web-handed alien that hassled Whestley in that one Star Trek episode.
Bartlet for World Domination 2 months ago
Israel is the weirdest mix of Arabic, Ashkenazi, and Sephardic cultural norms. Most Israelis grew up in a country that's basically at war. They are tough (some would say harsh) even when they are being kind. Growing up there is not easy.
#25
Bulgaria, "Bloody Beach"
Mob/mafia controlled, lots of scammers. Even a worker at a club tried to extort me for money, threatening to call the mafia on me if i didnt pay up.
#26
Not me but I had a teacher in high school who taught world history who, well, traveled around the world. One of the students in the class asked what her least favorite country or place she's been to was, she said Poland. It's important to note that she's a black woman because she said no where else had she ever been called so many slurs and spat at like Poland.
Acceptable-Draft-163:
Spent the last 10 years more or less travelling and living overseas. The worst experience I've had was in Warsaw. Mind, I was only there for 4 days in the dead of winter, but the people were very cold and unfriendly. Not a single person seemed interested in life, the city was grey and miserable (mind after ww2, it was more or less rebuilt) and I had 2 attempts to rob me. The first one the guy locked me and my girlfriend in a taxi and charged 180€ for a 5 minute drive. The only way I got out was I started kicking the windows in the back and started yelling. Second time I was walking near the metro and some guy walked over and tried to grab my girlfriends bag and run off, I pushed him and he ran away. That was more or less my experience of Warsaw haha. I'm sure it's lovely In summer. Not going to lie, I had a better time in Egypt over Warsaw.
Ece Cenker 2 months ago
I was in Poland for an entire moth in the ancient year of 1998 as a university student. My experience with Polish people has been one of the most positive in my life. I am sorry that these people came across some of the worst in the country
#27
Brazilians can be ruthless. Was blown away by how adept such a diverse population could be at identifying outsiders. Was in a group of about 6 college aged dudes studying abroad meandering Rio, and 3 teenagers followed us for about 10 minutes yelling "gringo!" lmao.
Breadcrumb. 2 months ago
I had a school bus of elementary school aged kids yell at me "blonde b***h, blonde b***h" grinning, on my travels in rural Mexico. My Mexican friends were embarrassed and explained they likely don't know what it means..I don't take it personally it's a funny story now.
#28
The airport I was in in Germany had the rudest attendants. The general people in Thailand are super friendly, but be careful in Bangkok, definitely some unsafe areas (especially for a woman).
#29
I absolutely hated Sri Lanka. It was full of charlatans and cheats when I was there last.
Adam Benson 2 months ago
We went there in 2018 and had a great time. The people were very friendly, with very good, cheap accommodation. Sure, there were a few people who tried to make money off us. But our driver was a very friendly, honest man who warned us about them in advance and helped us avoid them. I would definitely go back for a return visit.
#30
Every country has its good and bad parts!
For jerks to visitors, try some place like Iowa. If you are into what they like, its great. If you are a little different, forgot about it.
Brian Droste 2 months ago
I have friends in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Everyone I met and dealt with have been friendly. So I don't know about the rest of Iowa.
#31
For travelling/getting around:
Germany. I love Germany with all my heart but I mentally prepare to be treated like absolute garbage at airports and trains. I was yelled at at security checks and physically escorted off trains. I'd still go back, though. People were so friendly.
For meeting locals:
People from Mexico City seemed a little standoff-ish. Maybe it's just part of living in a big city, but nobody seemed to have any time and simply asking for directions seemed like a huge inconvenience.
For just walking around:
Any Italian big city. Love the country and had soooo much fun in small towns. But as soon as you get to a big city (Milan, Rome, etc) get ready to fend off scammers, pay attention to pickpockets, people cutting in line for transit, it's pure chaos.
Now for the good!! (To balance off the negativity)
For walking around and being a tourist:
Germany or Canada. It's incredibly safe, people are friendly, they seem genuinely interested that you have a good time in their country.
For meeting locals:
Toss up between Brazil or Ireland. You can go to a bar alone in either country and you'll end up making friends, locals are super friendly and are very interested in chatting with tourists.
#32
As a British person I'm both surprised and pleased no one has said Britain yet. For my part I have no particular country to say is especially bad but people in Brussels were pretty rude.
I've been to Ostend in Belgium too and loved it, the people were lovely, everyone was accommodating and kind but I guess because it's a capital city people were just not like that in Brussels. For context I'm in a wheelchair and it was like I didn't exist for the week I was there, I was ignored, barged in front of through doors I was trying to open, and barged in front of in general more than I've ever been in my life. It was also pretty difficult to get people to talk to me instead of my grandma who I was with, which any disabled person knows is infuriating.
There were some nice people, at times it was nice to be ignored instead of fussed over as I am sometimes, and it's a beautiful city, but I'd definitely go elsewhere in Belgium over returning to Brussels. I'd especially recommend Ostend, I can't say enough how lovely it was there.
#33
I've been on five continents, and you couldn't pay me to go back to the island of Java in Indonesia.
#34
Switzerland was the rudest (so far)! Specifically the German speaking part.
I went on a school trip there when I was 11 and cashiers/shop workers showed absolutely no signs of warmth or friendliness. The worst interaction I had was when I accidentally bought two of the same metal walking stick badge (they were stuck together and I didn't realise until after I'd bought them), and the gift shop flat-out refused to give me a refund for the second badge. Basically just made a face at me and shrugged her shoulders as if to say, "Tough, now f**k off".
I've always wondered why people working in shops in Switzerland were such bastards because I've met and befriended lots of Swiss people since (from the German, French *and* Italian parts) and all of them were absolutely lovely. I've flown with Swiss Air, they were great, and transferred through Zurich Airport which was also great...
Were me and my other 11 year old classmates unknowingly committing cultural faux-pas? Are kids expected to be quiet and whisper in shops and not talk at a "kid volume"? Was it the fact that we were visibly and audibly English and couldn't speak German? Are kids going out and about without parents/on large school group trips with teachers not the done thing? Are refunds not really a thing, and by extension, you're thought to be a c**t if you try to change your order/items that you buy at the last minute? Is Swiss culture funny about the exchanging of money generally?
I've never understood what went wrong on that trip.
Skara Brae 2 months ago
I understand the frustration, but perhaps the shops were overloaded with too many people and not enough workers.
#35
Iraq. I was stationed in Kuwait but travelled up north, often. The amount of flak we got was ridiculous.
Also, South Korea, I loved it there, but there were riots and protests of people that hated us.
What do you think ?
Gavin Johnson 2 months ago (edited)
This article should be called ‘I had an image in my head about a country I wanted to visit, I am incapable of using all of the information provided about that country and I went there with my utopian view of it, when I got there my utopian vision was crushed by reality, I am a doofus’.
UncleJohn3000 2 months ago
With a byline - "Privileged people sh1it on everybody."
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John Harrison 2 months ago
If you have absolutely nothing better to do with your life, you can read this. But as far as being practical or informative, it's completely worthless.
Bernd Herbert 2 months ago
Some have more than others though, and some cultural peculiarities are flat out s**t. But this article was still absolutely pointless
Load More Replies... Verena 2 months ago
"I visited a country totally different from my own culture and habits, and was shocked that my culture and habits did not sync". This even applies when travelling within ones own country. Even if it is small like the Netherlands. A person from Zeeland might find some common base with somebody from Friesland, but Amsterdam?
Pencil McGovern 2 months ago
Plus: "We don't have mosquitos where I'm from so the mosquitos in your country are clearly a reflection of your inferiority". Sure, buddy, that's not a "you" thing at all. /s
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Edward Finger Hands 2 months ago
Yikes…I’ve been to many places on this list and did not experience anything like these anecdotes. Not saying they didn’t happen, just don’t judge a country and its people based on a couple tourists’ negative opinions.
Guess Undheit 2 months ago
A big problem people have as tourists is they go there expecting the idealized and romanticized story of the place. Understand that people and places are the same everywhere - most good, some bad, some really suck. Just like where you're from. Go abroad expecting occasional problems instead of a "magical experience" and you'll have a much better time.
Guess Undheit 2 months ago (edited)
My biggest issue with Japan was their attitude towards tattoos, "you can't be here!" at beaches or swimming pools, as if it taints the water or something. You have to cover up constantly. I live in Taiwan where you see old grannies with armlength tattoos, and nobody bats an eye.
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JohninND 2 months ago
Everyone likes to c**p all over America all the time: leave. Go for it. Nobody's stopping you. Like anywhere else there's good and bad.
Auntriarch 2 months ago
Anyone who expects customs or immigration officers in any country to be cute and cuddly is going to be disappointed.
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David 2 months ago
Most of these are non-White countries and the criticisms seem to be mostly through the lens of a White American/European lens, and a lack of caring about other cultures.
SanFrancisco Professor 2 months ago
That's a cheap shot, David, and untrue. My Chinese wife routinely experiences bigotry when not with me in foreign countries. "Multiculturalism" is not respected as it is in America.
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Bilja M 2 months ago
I didn't like Cyprus because it's so obvious there is kind of war there, between Greeks and Turks, and it's not comfortable at all. There are army and police all around, Greek hate the Turks (and with a reason) and it's pretty obvious animosity on every corner. Also, they dumped garbage in the sea and it was all over the water on our beach which is inexcusable!
David Paterson 2 months ago
With only one exception, all of these countries are heaven on Earth compared to the worst parts of Africa.
Dean H 2 months ago
I'm sure there are people who have visited every single one of these countries and had an amazing time as well. Other than occupied Palestine which is currently suffering through an ongoing apartheid and genocide by violent Israeli settlers, you'll find different experiences by different people in different countries.
S. K. 2 months ago
The U.S.. Not because of the people I interacted with (most of them were warm and friendly) but because it's just the most vanilla place I've ever been. Every shopping centre looks the same, there are few truly unique things to discover, and the religiosity is so over the top (bible texts on bread? Really???). Everything was dull and featureless and I won't be sad if I never go back.
Trisec Tebeakesse 2 months ago
You need to do a little homework before you travel. I'm Filipino, but had never actually been to Manila. Was there a while ago now; spent the week in native dress and tried my best to blend in with the crowd instead of "sticking out like an American". It was a great trip.
PattyK 2 months ago
Many countries, especially in Europe, are experiencing exponential increases is tourists. Maybe these places have tourist-overload syndrome, especially if the tourists are American. (I’ve read that Americans are the worst tourists in the world — rude, arrogant, insensitive, and demanding that everyone speak English.)
sturmwesen 2 months ago (edited)
Reminds me of the American 50ish woman on a tour bus in Munich: instead of listening to the guide she was constantly complaining: the city is too old, too grey, too much construction,... she was bitching the whole hour. So you go to an old city that got bombed and complain about what's left and about what is newly built... what do you want?
Load More Replies... SanFrancisco Professor 2 months ago
I welcomed the chance to second what OPs had said about *specific* scams in Middle Eastern countries which I had experienced too. Perhaps advise posters that simply saying "rude" without at least a story to support it is a waste of their time and ours. Valuable article!
Livingwithcfs 2 months ago
Every country has its good points and bad. What I've seen here are some real safety concerns, but far more often I've heard people complain about how they are treated. I ask - how are you treating those people? Being obviously from a country that has been recently been in conflict with your country then expect them to be happy to see you, it's not your per say but what uou represent. Also social expectations are probably very different from your own country - to them you are being rude by not following their local customs. If someone finds you rude they are extremely unlikely to be polite to you. So sorry, but I believe most of these complaints are coming from those who have no idea how incredibly insulting them and their culture
Palestine Will Be Free 2 months ago
Exactly! And I will continue to call Israel an apartheid state!
General Anaesthesia 2 months ago
I am tempted to write a review of a few countries just to keep those doofuses away.
Teachzebra 2 months ago
Frankly most of these people seem like the kind of people that would complain about anything anywhere. Not to mention if you’re from a wealthy developed nation you shouldn’t be surprised that you’re not going to get the exact same culture in an underdeveloped nation with far less money than what you’re used to. There’s a reason people in those countries will go to great lengths to migrate to the wealthy countries.
Edward Shaw 2 months ago
First 8 being Muslim countries??? Just what is the woke panda agenda?
kansasmagic 2 months ago
See, I mostly travel to get away from other people. My favorite place to visit in recent years is Flagstaff, Arizona. I live in California and it's an easy ~10 hour drive - though *hot* in the summer, with long desolate stretches across the Mojave. Last time we went we had a few hours to spare so we added a driving tour of the Grand Canyon. There are a half dozen more national parks and monuments within a short drive. It's about 7000 feet above sea level, so summer temperatures are usually mild. The town is small and spread out around the base of the San Francisco Peaks, an ancient volcano and the highest point in AZ. Cool little downtown, lots of good restaurants and breweries. It does attract a "vagabond" crowd but I've never had any direct encounters.
Pernille 2 months ago
I wonder if most of these people were english speakers? English speakers can be horribly condescending. I've spent some time this summer working in the tourist trade, and as we are in France I've been speaking french, the amount of english speakers that was horrible was astounding. I mean most Europeans speak english, but only the native speakers have the gall to expect everyone else to speak their language.
cugel. 2 months ago
Well, we are not exposed to Moroccans saying that Moroccans are greatest people on Earth, and Morocco is the greast country in history, and that Moroccan culture is the envy of the world whether you think it is or not.
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Cooking Panda 2 months ago (edited)
The amount of islamophobia in this post is saddening. FYI not all country that claims to be an Islamic country represents Islam's value correctly. If only people would learn more about how Islam views woman. Also, some countries are huge (for example US & Indonesia). You can't visit 1 city and decide that you hate the entire country. That's not fair
Gavin Johnson 2 months ago (edited)
This article should be called ‘I had an image in my head about a country I wanted to visit, I am incapable of using all of the information provided about that country and I went there with my utopian view of it, when I got there my utopian vision was crushed by reality, I am a doofus’.
UncleJohn3000 2 months ago
With a byline - "Privileged people sh1it on everybody."
Load More Replies... John Harrison 2 months ago
If you have absolutely nothing better to do with your life, you can read this. But as far as being practical or informative, it's completely worthless.
Bernd Herbert 2 months ago
Some have more than others though, and some cultural peculiarities are flat out s**t. But this article was still absolutely pointless
Load More Replies... Verena 2 months ago
"I visited a country totally different from my own culture and habits, and was shocked that my culture and habits did not sync". This even applies when travelling within ones own country. Even if it is small like the Netherlands. A person from Zeeland might find some common base with somebody from Friesland, but Amsterdam?
Pencil McGovern 2 months ago
Plus: "We don't have mosquitos where I'm from so the mosquitos in your country are clearly a reflection of your inferiority". Sure, buddy, that's not a "you" thing at all. /s
Load More Replies... Edward Finger Hands 2 months ago
Yikes…I’ve been to many places on this list and did not experience anything like these anecdotes. Not saying they didn’t happen, just don’t judge a country and its people based on a couple tourists’ negative opinions.
Guess Undheit 2 months ago
A big problem people have as tourists is they go there expecting the idealized and romanticized story of the place. Understand that people and places are the same everywhere - most good, some bad, some really suck. Just like where you're from. Go abroad expecting occasional problems instead of a "magical experience" and you'll have a much better time.
Guess Undheit 2 months ago (edited)
My biggest issue with Japan was their attitude towards tattoos, "you can't be here!" at beaches or swimming pools, as if it taints the water or something. You have to cover up constantly. I live in Taiwan where you see old grannies with armlength tattoos, and nobody bats an eye.
Load More Replies... JohninND 2 months ago
Everyone likes to c**p all over America all the time: leave. Go for it. Nobody's stopping you. Like anywhere else there's good and bad.
Auntriarch 2 months ago
Anyone who expects customs or immigration officers in any country to be cute and cuddly is going to be disappointed.
Load More Replies... David 2 months ago
Most of these are non-White countries and the criticisms seem to be mostly through the lens of a White American/European lens, and a lack of caring about other cultures.
SanFrancisco Professor 2 months ago
That's a cheap shot, David, and untrue. My Chinese wife routinely experiences bigotry when not with me in foreign countries. "Multiculturalism" is not respected as it is in America.
Load More Replies... Bilja M 2 months ago
I didn't like Cyprus because it's so obvious there is kind of war there, between Greeks and Turks, and it's not comfortable at all. There are army and police all around, Greek hate the Turks (and with a reason) and it's pretty obvious animosity on every corner. Also, they dumped garbage in the sea and it was all over the water on our beach which is inexcusable!
David Paterson 2 months ago
With only one exception, all of these countries are heaven on Earth compared to the worst parts of Africa.
Dean H 2 months ago
I'm sure there are people who have visited every single one of these countries and had an amazing time as well. Other than occupied Palestine which is currently suffering through an ongoing apartheid and genocide by violent Israeli settlers, you'll find different experiences by different people in different countries.
S. K. 2 months ago
The U.S.. Not because of the people I interacted with (most of them were warm and friendly) but because it's just the most vanilla place I've ever been. Every shopping centre looks the same, there are few truly unique things to discover, and the religiosity is so over the top (bible texts on bread? Really???). Everything was dull and featureless and I won't be sad if I never go back.
Trisec Tebeakesse 2 months ago
You need to do a little homework before you travel. I'm Filipino, but had never actually been to Manila. Was there a while ago now; spent the week in native dress and tried my best to blend in with the crowd instead of "sticking out like an American". It was a great trip.
PattyK 2 months ago
Many countries, especially in Europe, are experiencing exponential increases is tourists. Maybe these places have tourist-overload syndrome, especially if the tourists are American. (I’ve read that Americans are the worst tourists in the world — rude, arrogant, insensitive, and demanding that everyone speak English.)
sturmwesen 2 months ago (edited)
Reminds me of the American 50ish woman on a tour bus in Munich: instead of listening to the guide she was constantly complaining: the city is too old, too grey, too much construction,... she was bitching the whole hour. So you go to an old city that got bombed and complain about what's left and about what is newly built... what do you want?
Load More Replies... SanFrancisco Professor 2 months ago
I welcomed the chance to second what OPs had said about *specific* scams in Middle Eastern countries which I had experienced too. Perhaps advise posters that simply saying "rude" without at least a story to support it is a waste of their time and ours. Valuable article!
Livingwithcfs 2 months ago
Every country has its good points and bad. What I've seen here are some real safety concerns, but far more often I've heard people complain about how they are treated. I ask - how are you treating those people? Being obviously from a country that has been recently been in conflict with your country then expect them to be happy to see you, it's not your per say but what uou represent. Also social expectations are probably very different from your own country - to them you are being rude by not following their local customs. If someone finds you rude they are extremely unlikely to be polite to you. So sorry, but I believe most of these complaints are coming from those who have no idea how incredibly insulting them and their culture
Palestine Will Be Free 2 months ago
Exactly! And I will continue to call Israel an apartheid state!
General Anaesthesia 2 months ago
I am tempted to write a review of a few countries just to keep those doofuses away.
Teachzebra 2 months ago
Frankly most of these people seem like the kind of people that would complain about anything anywhere. Not to mention if you’re from a wealthy developed nation you shouldn’t be surprised that you’re not going to get the exact same culture in an underdeveloped nation with far less money than what you’re used to. There’s a reason people in those countries will go to great lengths to migrate to the wealthy countries.
Edward Shaw 2 months ago
First 8 being Muslim countries??? Just what is the woke panda agenda?
kansasmagic 2 months ago
See, I mostly travel to get away from other people. My favorite place to visit in recent years is Flagstaff, Arizona. I live in California and it's an easy ~10 hour drive - though *hot* in the summer, with long desolate stretches across the Mojave. Last time we went we had a few hours to spare so we added a driving tour of the Grand Canyon. There are a half dozen more national parks and monuments within a short drive. It's about 7000 feet above sea level, so summer temperatures are usually mild. The town is small and spread out around the base of the San Francisco Peaks, an ancient volcano and the highest point in AZ. Cool little downtown, lots of good restaurants and breweries. It does attract a "vagabond" crowd but I've never had any direct encounters.
Pernille 2 months ago
I wonder if most of these people were english speakers? English speakers can be horribly condescending. I've spent some time this summer working in the tourist trade, and as we are in France I've been speaking french, the amount of english speakers that was horrible was astounding. I mean most Europeans speak english, but only the native speakers have the gall to expect everyone else to speak their language.
cugel. 2 months ago
Well, we are not exposed to Moroccans saying that Moroccans are greatest people on Earth, and Morocco is the greast country in history, and that Moroccan culture is the envy of the world whether you think it is or not.
Load More Replies... Cooking Panda 2 months ago (edited)
The amount of islamophobia in this post is saddening. FYI not all country that claims to be an Islamic country represents Islam's value correctly. If only people would learn more about how Islam views woman. Also, some countries are huge (for example US & Indonesia). You can't visit 1 city and decide that you hate the entire country. That's not fair
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