15 Rudest Things Travelers Do (Don’t Be That Person)

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Let’s be real—we’ve all been that traveler at some point. 

Maybe you overpacked and had to wrestle your suitcase up a staircase while an entire airport silently judged. Maybe you expected five bars of Wi-Fi in the middle of the jungle. Or maybe, like me, you saw another scoop of plantains hit your plate and seriously considered launching it across the room. (No shade to Central America, but… enough.)

The truth is, travel humbles all of us eventually.

After more than 60 countries, I’ve racked up a solid list of travel wins, embarrassing face-palms, and a few strong opinions about what not to do while traveling.

I’ve also witnessed some truly cringe behavior. Like the time an American loudly complained that nothing was in English—while standing in a tiny family-run restaurant in rural Thailand. I wanted to melt into the floor.

This post isn’t about shaming—it’s about leveling up. 

It’s a rundown of my personal travel pet peeves—served with a side of tough love and a few real stories. It’s about being more self-aware, respectful, and prepared—so you can enjoy your adventures without being that person.

👉 I’ve solo-traveled all over the world and LOVE to take tours that I find on Viator. They have so many 5-star tours, and it’s easy to see which ones have the best ratings. I’ve also had to use their 24/7 customer service more than once and was helped immediately.

1. The “I Brought My Entire Closet” Traveler

If your suitcase could double as a piece of furniture, we need to talk.

Overpacking doesn’t just make your life harder—it turns every staircase, cobblestone street, and hostel bunk into a full-body workout. 

I once packed so much for Scotland that I had to drag my suitcase up a hill while a group of elderly locals looked on in horror. Pretty sure one of them crossed themselves.

But the worst? Traveling with someone who treats their massive luggage like a team lift. I once backpacked with a girl who had multiple giant rolling bags and always expected the rest of us—or the exhausted hostel staff—to help. Sorry, but if you packed it, you carry it. 

And don’t even get me started on how much space those bags take up in a dorm. It’s a hostel, not your walk-in closet.

💡Pro tip: You can rewear stuff. No one’s keeping track. Promise.

2. The “Why Doesn’t Anyone Speak English?” Traveler

Look, I’ll admit it—I’m spoiled. English is spoken in a lot of places around the world. 

But that doesn’t mean it should be expected. You’re in their country, not the other way around.

Expecting everyone to cater to you in your native language just screams “main character syndrome.” 

I once overheard a guy in a small town in Spain get mad because the menu wasn’t in English. Sir, you are in Spain. I groaned internally and pretended I didn’t understand him either.

Honestly? It’s way more fun when you’re somewhere where English isn’t the default. It forces you to pay attention, get creative, and engage with the culture in a totally different way.

And if the idea of being misunderstood freaks you out—don’t worry. That’s where the next type of traveler comes in…

3. The “I Refuse to Learn a Single Word” Traveler

“Hello.” “Thank you.” “Do you speak English?” That’s all we’re asking for. 

You don’t need to roll your Rs or perfect the accent—just try.

I’ve been all over the world, and I always learn a few basic phrases. It takes five seconds, and it always makes a difference. Locals light up when they see you’re making the effort, even if you butcher the pronunciation.

It’s the easiest way to turn a basic transaction into a real connection.

4. The McTraveler

I get it—checking out the local McDonald’s can be fun. (Japan’s teriyaki burger? Iconic.) But if you’re eating the same familiar stuff every single day, you’re missing out on one of the best parts of travel: the food.

I’m a full-on foodie traveler. Eating is my favorite way to experience a new place. You can learn so much about a country’s culture, history, and even values just by sitting down for a meal! 

Whether it’s khao soi in Chiang Mai, pupusas in El Salvador, kanafeh in Jordan, or arancini in Sicily—those are the memories that stick with me.

If you’re nervous about trying new dishes or don’t know where to start, take a food tour! It’s one of the easiest (and most delicious) ways to learn your way around a cuisine.

And as for food poisoning? Honestly, I’ve gotten sick way more often from sketchy salads than from street food. Just eat where the locals eat, and you’ll usually be golden.

5. The “I Read One Blog and Now I’m an Expert” Traveler

You know the type. They’ve been in the country for 48 hours, and suddenly they know everything. 

They’re correcting locals, name-dropping obscure places they’ve never actually been to, and shaming other travelers for going to “touristy” spots—while conveniently ignoring their own Eiffel Tower selfies from 2017.

Look, I’ve read the blogs, too. I write the blogs! And I still don’t pretend to be an expert after two days somewhere. 

Culture and context take time—and sometimes, even a lifetime—to really understand.

Plus, travel is personal. What’s meaningful or exciting for you might be totally different for someone else. And that’s kind of the point.

So let people enjoy their guided tours, their gelato at Trevi Fountain, or whatever “basic” thing brings them joy. There’s no award for Most Authentic Traveler™—and even if there were, this person definitely wouldn’t be winning it.

6. The One-Upper

Oh, you hiked Machu Picchu? That’s cute. They did it barefoot, uphill both ways, with no guide, no snacks, and a llama strapped to their back. And they will tell you all about it—whether you asked or not.

The One-Upper treats every travel convo like an Olympic sport. Whatever you’ve done, they’ve done it longer, cheaper, harder, or more “authentically.” And while they’re busy winning imaginary points, everyone else is just trying to enjoy their vacation.

Here’s the thing: travel isn’t a competition. 

You don’t earn extra credit for skipping showers or refusing to take a tuk-tuk “because locals walk.” You’re allowed to book the group tour. You’re allowed to be excited about popular places. Doing something different doesn’t automatically make it better.

So if someone’s Machu Picchu trek meant the world to them? Let it. Your barefoot llama story can wait.

7. The Armrest Hog (Or Worse… The Manspreader)

We live in a society. And in that society, the middle seat gets both armrests. I don’t make the rules—I just respect them.

But somehow, there’s always that one person (usually a man). The one who spreads their legs like they’re in a recliner at home, or casually dumps their jacket, book, and backpack on the one open seat like it’s their personal storage locker. Meanwhile, you’re smooshed against the window, wondering what life choices brought you here.

Flying is already uncomfortable. Don’t make it worse by pretending space is unlimited just because you’re feeling bold at 30,000 feet. Basic courtesy goes a long way.

And if you’re lucky enough to not be in the middle seat? Be kind. Keep your limbs in your lane.

8. The Hostel Room Wrecker

Hostel dorms are shared spaces—not your private suite. 

So if you’re rustling plastic bags at 6 AM, FaceTiming like you’re filming a reality show, or flipping on the overhead light while people are clearly asleep, congrats—you’re the villain in someone’s travel story.

Yes, everyone makes noise sometimes. But there’s a difference between accidental rustling and not even trying to be respectful. 

I’ve been jetlagged, sick, or just plain exhausted more times than I can count, and nothing kills your much-needed nap faster than a surprise group chat and a floodlight to the face.

If you’ve got a 4 AM checkout, pack your bag the night before or quietly pull it into the hallway to finish. Use your headphones if you’re watching something on your phone. Need to make a call? Step outside. It’s not hard.

Pro Tip: Read reviews on Hostelworld – one of the best hostel booking sites – to see what the hostel serves for breakfast. 

9. The Boarding Gate Hoverer

Unless your group is being called right now, sit down. Crowding the gate like you’re trying to get front-row concert tickets won’t make the plane leave faster.

One time, my friend and I were straight-up blocked by a group who clearly thought boarding was a race. They physically stepped in front of us, ready to sprint the second the agent blinked. Imagine their faces when our higher boarding zone got called and we strolled right past them. Was it their first time in public? I honestly don’t know.

Here’s the thing: airplanes are not going to leave without you. And standing in a clump near the gate doesn’t make the process go smoother. If anything, it slows things down for the people who actually need to board.

Just… chill. Your seat isn’t going anywhere.

10. The Backpack Swiper

You know the moment. You’re minding your business when—WHACK—you get nailed by someone’s oversized backpack as they spin around like they’re in a dance battle.

I learned this lesson on the NYC subway, where people will absolutely let you know if you’re taking up too much space. And honestly? Fair. 

It’s not just about inconvenience—it’s about basic spatial awareness. The lack of it is one of the most annoying things travelers do.

If you’re in a crowded space—buses, metros, museum lines—take your backpack off and carry it in front of you. You’ll save some ribs, avoid side-eye, and maybe even keep your valuables safer.

Because no one asked to get body-checked by your hiking pack.

11. The Loud Video Watcher

Nobody came to the Taj Mahal to hear your TikTok scroll—or your podcast, or your cousin yelling over FaceTime.

Why do some people think playing sound on their phone in public is okay? 

Newsflash: we can all hear it. Turning the volume down doesn’t make it better. Taking your call on speaker in a shared space doesn’t make you special—it just makes you rude.

This goes double in hostels, cafes, trains, and basically any public place where strangers did not consent to being part of your entertainment or group chat.

Use headphones. Or better yet, wait. The internet will still be there when you get back to your hotel room.

12. The Confused Tipper

Tipping is confusing—even for those of us who travel a lot.

In the US, where I’m from, tipping 20% at restaurants is the norm. Even if the service was terrible, I’ll still leave something. 

But when I’m in Europe? It’s totally different. A few coins on the table or rounding up in a taxi is often enough. And in places like Japan? Tipping isn’t just unnecessary—it can actually be offensive.

That’s why it’s so important to research local customs before you go. It might seem harmless to leave a tip where it’s not expected, but it can create awkward situations or even mess with local economies and expectations over time.

So whether you’re grabbing street food, taking a taxi, or checking out of your hotel—do a quick search. Google is free, and it’s a lot less awkward than a confused stare or unintentionally starting a “tip creep” trend in a country that doesn’t want it.

13. The “Trip Ruined by Minor Inconvenience” Traveler

Missed train? No Wi-Fi? Room not ready? Sure, that stuff is annoying—but it’s not the end of the world. 

Travel will test your patience. Things will go sideways no matter how organized you are. What matters is how you handle it.

I refuse to travel with people who spiral every time something doesn’t go exactly as planned. A bad attitude drags down the whole group—and honestly, makes the trip way less fun.

Take a second to sulk, sure. Then shake it off and adapt. 

Some of my best stories come from total chaos: I’ve been stranded in the Scottish Highlands for hours with a blown-out tire, needed stitches in Taiwan after flying off my bike—the day before a huge earthquake hit—and dealt with train strikes in Italy more times than I can count. Oh, and once I wasn’t allowed to board a flight to Vietnam because my visa was missing my middle name. Cool cool cool.

Stuff happens. Let it roll off you. Future you will either laugh or have a great story—or both.

14. The Country Collector

Jetting through 10 countries in 12 days might look impressive on your Instagram bio, but let’s be real—a 6-hour layover doesn’t mean you’ve done a place.

I’m not saying you can’t count countries. I do—I have a list of every country (and non-country) I’ve visited, and I think it’s super cool when I hit a new milestone.

But I also know that number is a vanity metric. It doesn’t say anything about how deeply you connected with a place or what you actually experienced.

The more I travel, the more I value slow travel. Spending three months in one place, returning multiple times, getting to know neighborhoods, people, routines—that’s where the magic happens.

I have a travel friend who’s obsessed with his country count. He’ll plan an overnight layover in a new country just so he can tick it off the list. Less than 24 hours. No real experience. But he brags about it like it’s a flex. Why? I honestly have no idea.

So count if you want. Don’t count if you don’t. Just know the number doesn’t mean much—and it’s not a competition.

15. The Comfort Complainer

Listen—I love to complain. Kvetching is in my blood. It makes me feel better, even if it’s probably hella annoying to everyone around me. But like all things in life, there’s a time and a place.

Yes, you can complain about the slow Wi-Fi. But maybe don’t do it loudly while sitting in a remote mountain village where the electricity cuts out every afternoon. Not everywhere is built for your comfort—and honestly, that’s kind of the point of travel.

You’re not entitled to the same level of convenience you have at home. The more you expect that, the more frustrated you’ll be—and the more likely you are to miss out on what’s actually special about where you are.

So vent if you must. But do it quietly, maybe in your journal, and definitely not within earshot of the people trying to make your experience possible.

Final Thoughts on Travel Pet Peeves (and How Not to Be That Person)

From the overpackers to the armrest hogs, the boarding gate hoverers to the loud TikTok scrollers, we’ve all witnessed (or been) travelers behaving badly. 

Maybe you’ve been stuck next to the One-Upper, had your nap ruined by a Hostel Room Wrecker, or gotten backpack-swiped in a museum line. And maybe—just maybe—you’ve caught yourself doing one of these things without realizing it.

The good news? Awareness is everything.

Traveling well isn’t about perfection—it’s about respect, adaptability, and a little humility. 

If you’ve ever overreacted to a missed train or grumbled about slow Wi-Fi in the mountains (guilty), you’re not alone. But learning to roll with the chaos? That’s when the real growth (and better stories) happen.

If this post hit a nerve—or made you laugh—you’ll want to brush up on common travel worries and how to handle them. Because being a great traveler isn’t just about what not to do—it’s also about feeling more confident, prepared, and calm when things go sideways.

Trust me, you’ve got this. Just maybe pack a little lighter next time. 😉