There are many things to be proud of when you’re British, but unfortunately, this doesn’t include our behavior when on holiday. These days, the news constantly seems to be full of other countries, usually European, complaining about Brits abroad. To avoid maintaining this stereotype any further, here are 19 reasons foreigners are sick of British tourists.
Loud and Obnoxious Behavior
Perhaps the most famous reason that foreigners are sick of British tourists is because of how we stand out with our loud and boisterous nature. This can be particularly off-putting in quieter cultures where restraint is valued; our volume disrupts the local peace, leading to complaints from both locals and fellow tourists. As The Independent reports, some countries are even requesting Brits to take their tourism elsewhere over this problem.
Excessive Drinking
While there’s no denying Britain has an excellent drinking culture, it can be too much for times, especially abroad. Excessive drinking often leads Brits to become unruly and even louder than usual, which is no doubt distressing for locals, especially when they may not share the same cultural norms around drinking.
Disrespect for Local Customs
It’s a sad fact that, for some reason, the Brits are particularly bad for disregarding local customs when traveling abroad. British tourists sometimes fail to respect cultural practices, such as wearing inappropriate clothing in sacred places or showing insensitive behavior during local traditions. This lack of cultural sensitivity can cause significant friction with locals, so understandably, they’re fed up.
Rude and Entitled Attitude
Unfortunately, foreign countries often associate Brits with a sense of entitlement. Tourists might expect the same standards of service and convenience they have at home without understanding local limitations. This attitude can be perceived as rude and arrogant, ruining encounters with local service providers and potentially leading to them turning nasty.
Ignorance of Language
Due to English being a universal language, Brits tend to rely heavily on English when abroad, making little to no effort to learn even basic phrases in the local language. This lack of linguistic effort can come across as dismissive or disrespectful to locals who appreciate even minimal attempts to communicate in their language, so put some effort in the next time you travel.
Messy and Littering Habits
Nobody admits to being a litterbug, yet leaving litter around is still a common issue for Brits, both in Britain and abroad. Our tourists frequently fail to clean up after themselves, whether on beaches, streets, or public transport. This habit not only tarnishes natural beauty but also adds to the workload of local cleaning services–it’s just not fair.
Excessive Bargaining
Once Brits catch wind of how haggling is popular in other countries, they immerse themselves into it, sometimes too much so. Their aggressive bargaining tactics can offend local vendors, who view it as disrespectful to their craft and livelihood. This creates an uncomfortable atmosphere in markets and shops, so don’t go overboard with the haggling.
Overcrowding Popular Spots
Brits tend to stick together, which in one way is wholesome but, in another way, invasive. This means that popular tourist destinations often become overcrowded with British tourists, making it difficult for others to enjoy them. Their presence can overwhelm local infrastructure, leading to longer wait times, depleted resources, and a diminished experience for all visitors.
Disregard for Quiet Hours
As we mentioned earlier, British tourists are notoriously loud, and this becomes an even bigger problem when quiet hours aren’t respected. Late-night parties, loud conversations, and noisy activities are all common among the brits, disturbing locals who value peace and quiet, leading to tensions and complaints from the community.
Inappropriate Dressing
Another reason foreigners are fed up with British tourists is our inappropriate dress sense, such as wearing beachwear in city centers or revealing clothing in conservative areas. Understandably, this often offends local sensibilities, leading to uncomfortable situations and a perception of disrespect for local norms.
Overuse of Sunbeds
It’s never a good look to reserve sunbeds with towels early in the morning, a notorious practice among British tourists (and Germans). This habit can frustrate other holidaymakers who find it difficult to secure a spot, and this territorial behavior over sunbeds can lead to conflicts and a negative holiday experience for others.
Lack of Tipping
In the UK, we only really tip if our meal is exceptional, but in countries where tipping is customary, it’s important to respect that. Despite this, British tourists often neglect this completely, showing a reluctance to tip at all, which will no doubt n offend local workers who rely on tips as a significant part of their income.
Insensitivity to Local Wildlife
Interactions with local wildlife sometimes become problematic due to British tourists’ behavior. Feeding animals inappropriate food or getting too close for selfies are both common British behaviors, both of which can harm the animals and disrupt local ecosystems. This lack of consideration for wildlife is a significant point of contention among locals, and it’s easy to see why.
Overuse of Technology
While this is common around the world, British tourists have developed a habit of engaging excessively with their devices rather than the local culture. They’re constantly taking photos, recording videos, and using social media, which can come across as disengaged and uninterested in the authentic local experience. This tech obsession frustrates locals who value face-to-face interactions.
Overpacking and Hogging Space
Due to being creatures of comfort, Brits will often pack excessive luggage for their trips abroad, occupying large amounts of space in public transport or accommodations. Naturally, this can be very annoying for others, so if that sounds like you, consider packing lighter; you’ll thank yourself when your luggage is easier to carry, too.
Ignorance of Historical Context
Despite being very proud of our own history, Brits are infamous for failing to acknowledge or understand the historical significance of places they visit, which can offend locals. British tourists sometimes overlook important cultural sites or behave inappropriately, which can be seen as a lack of respect for the local heritage and history.
Poor Queue Etiquette
Despite being known for their love for queuing, Brits are, ironically, known for queue-jumping and poor manners in lines during their holidays. It’s almost as if they feel that they don’t have to follow the rules when they’re away from home, which is a completely ignorant and selfish attitude that foreigners understandably despise.
Obsession with Familiar Foods
Everyone knows that one Brit on holiday who is always seeking out a full English breakfast, roast dinner, or a pint of Stella. A lot of us can be notoriously closed-minded abroad, preferring familiar dishes over local specialties and missing out on cultural experiences. This can also be potentially offensive to local chefs, who take pride in their traditional recipes.
Excessive PDA
Perhaps the biggest complaint from foreigners about Brits abroad, especially in more conservative countries, is our obsession with public displays of affection. While this might be tolerated in the UK, it can be deeply offensive in many cultures, even if it’s just kissing and hugging in public. This inevitably leads to uncomfortable situations, so it’s generally best to keep the PDA to a minimum when abroad.