With all the stories that Tall Tales Tuesday has brought you, I thought it was time to do a bit of a spoof post. Let’s chat about some ways you can be a terrible traveler. Sure, some of these apply to life in general, but they are all things I’ve seen (or done) while on the road. I’d love to hear some of yours in the comments!

Argue with the flight attendant.

Keep your seat leaned back for the entire flight.

Play your movie or music without headphones (planes, hikes, etc.).

Stand really close to someone in line.

Never reciprocate taking someone else’s picture.

Sneeze, cough, or yawn in small spaces (airplanes, shared cabs, elevators) without covering your mouth.

Walk in front of people trying to take a picture.

Talk louder and slower to someone who doesn’t speak your language.

Don’t smile. At anyone. For any reason.

Eat only foods you know and can get in your home country.

 Contribute nothing (directions, decisions, ideas) to the group you’re traveling with.

Leave your smelly laundry out in your shared hotel room.

Cut in line.

Be late for the tour. Not because you got lost, but because you were getting ready.

Harass the animals whether they’re in a zoo or on the street.

Get obnoxiously drunk.

Buy so many souvenirs that you have to ask your travel partner to put some in his/her suitcase.

Check a bag. Better yet, check two bags.

Stay at the hotel in a country where it is safe to leave the hotel and your group is planning an outing.

Lose your travel documents. (Yes, I know it happens to the best of travelers. It’s still a pain for all involved.)

Complain. Constantly.

Count down the days until you go home.

Don’t send a postcard.

Check your work email nonstop.

Ignore all locals.

Be rude to the wait staff.

Don’t wear deodorant in a hot country.

Get sunburned on the first day of the trip. Spent the rest of it indoors.

Bargain the price on everything when bargaining is not the culture in that country.

Act like you’ve been there before so your fellow travelers feel less than.

Talk in a fake accent. On purpose.

RQ: What are some other ways you have, or have seen people, be terrible travelers? 

Brooke Selb

I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.