These are the main obstacles for tourists who want to mix with the locals.
With the anti-tourism protests on the rise in popular destinations throughout Europa, many visitors are increasingly trying to go unnoticed. But, short of ditching your safari hat and sock-and-sandal combo, how can you blend in with the locals?
There are lots of things tourists should not do and that can disturb residents and their fellow travelers. These are some of the most serious violations, according to users of the r/travel forum of Reddit.
Don’t use destinations as a backdrop to pose like a model
From the monte Fuji Lawson From Japan to a lake in Austria that inspired the movie ‘Frozen’, the most picturesque tourist spots have done everything they can to stop the crowds coming to Photos, even putting up screens to block the view. However, when everything is allowed, there is nothing stopping aspiring influencers from taking control.
One Reddit user, in response to the request for “The biggest tourist no-no’s you’ve encountered while traveling,” says: “People who arrive at a viewpoint or an iconic landscape… and then proceed to make a full model sessionwith dozens of poses and repetitions for Instagram. Most of the time I don’t even want a selfie, just the gazebo without a teenage girl in it.”
Another respondent also scolds travelers for “taking cheerful selfies in inappropriate places (I saw it in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, for example).” respect for the local people and religionFor example, not “posing and imitating Buddha in the temples of Thailand, something so offensive and tacky”, and not taking photos of locals without permission.
Also, according to Reddit, you have to take into account theclothes worn in conservative countries. “I get embarrassed when I see ‘influencers’ posing in front of the pyramids in a tiny top and shorts. It’s a little respectful of local customs and culture,” says another user.
Don’t assume that people don’t speak your language
It may be tempting to use your native language to make “private” comments when traveling, but do so with caution. “If you are a tourist, don’t speak ill of other people (tourists and locals alike) thinking that no one can understand your language“advises a Reddit user.
As proof of this, another traveler received a impolite response when confronting a woman who was committing offense number one at the Trevi Fountain in Rome. “I looked at her intently and told her that she had spent a couple of minutes taking several photos, that she had to be mindful of the other tourists,” she writes. “She leaves angry and says ‘Fucking Americans’ to which I respond ‘Bitch your mother and all your descendants’, I am Colombian-American.”
In a similar vein, avoid “pondering out loud why something is done a certain way simply because it is done.” in a different way in the place where the tourist comes from”.
Don’t clog the sidewalks
The inhabitants of big cities also they condemn tourists “what They walk very slowly, taking up the entire sidewalkcausing locals who really have to go somewhere to weave into oncoming traffic just to get through.”
The same applies to visitors who stop midway to consult a map or guidebook or to take pictures. You must also take into account local rules and customs when walking. For example, in some cities such as Amsterdam and Berlin, tourists who get intolos cycle paths They are an everyday nuisance. A Reddit user warns that, in Germany, where the rules are respected, jaywalking is completely prohibited, even on an empty street.
Don’t haggle too much
Although haggling is common and acceptable in many countries, visitors should be careful when doing so. “I’ve always found it repulsive to see a first-world tourist trying to haggle with a poor third-world salesperson,” says one Reddit user. “Of course, he haggles and tries to pay a fair price. But don’t worry about an insignificant sum of money.”
“I’m not going to waste my time trying to save a dollar or two in a country where the average monthly salary es less than what I earn in a day“, another user agrees.
Don’t venture out unprepared
The recent deaths of hikersduring the heat wave in Greece exposed the tragic consequences of underestimating the weather. Outside of Europe, this is much more common.
“Europeans: please stop entering our deserts and dying for a serious lack of preparation and research“, pleads a Reddit user from the United States.
“It’s a huge bummer, because we love that you’re fascinated by the American Southwest and we want you to have a good time. The information is readily available, so please, educate yourself before coming“.
Similarly, an Australian warns visitors that “Please stop wandering through our deserts and dying of thirst and please stop putting yourself in the mouths of crocodiles. “Those prehistoric monsters don’t mess around.”
Treat dangerous animals with respect is a common theme, and another respondent criticizes that “people in National Parks treat animals as if they were theme park attractions. It is a craziness ver How many people get out of the car to take photos of the bears?“.
ADVERTISINGRespecting nature goes beyond your own safety, one Reddit user reminds us: “If you’re in Hawaii (or anywhere with coral reefs), for the love of God, don’t touch the coral! And also look for reef safe sunscreenif possible”.
