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13 Annoying Travel Behaviors That Make You Unpopular
Listen up, fellow wanders; we need to have a little chat. We all love vacations, right? The thrill of exploring new destinations, the joy of indulging in delicious cuisines, and the relaxation of being away from it all.
But here’s the deal: there are a few habits that some of us might be guilty of that are driving other travelers absolutely bonkers. Now, I’m not pointing fingers (well, not yet, at least), but let’s just say there are a few things we can all work on to make our vacation experiences more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Even I’m guilty of a few of the things on this list from time to time…I’m looking at you excessive carry-on bag! So maybe it’s time to gain a bit of self-awareness and address some of these bad habits to make everyone just a bit less grumpy while on vacation.
Loud Talking
Why does it feel like some people believe they’re narrating a live podcast for everyone within a five-mile radius? Whether it’s on a plane, in a quiet museum, or echoing down hotel hallways at 2 a.m., overly loud chatter is the fastest way to annoy everyone around.
Newsflash, Rebecca, we don’t need a play-by-play of your Tinder dates while stuck in our cramped middle seats. Pro tip? Use your indoor voice…or, better yet, your silent mode.
Excessive Carry-On Luggage
There’s always “that person” (who, me?!) shuffling down the aisle, dragging what looks like a small aircraft carrier disguised as a carry-on. They hoard all the overhead bin space, leaving the rest of us smushing backpacks under our feet like peasants during medieval times.
FYI, carry-on guidelines exist for a reason, and if packing light is impossible for you, maybe check that bag and save us all from a 20-minute overhead wrestling match.
Ignoring Personal Space
Oh, you’re hogging the seat armrest, leaning halfway into my shoulder, and now your knees are poking into my tray table? Lovely. Standing too close in security lines, pressing up against strangers on buses, or commandeering shared armrests is almost an art form for some.
I should know, ask me about the flight I just took with the man-child next to me, taking the armrest AND spreading eagle like he was at home on his couch while encroaching into my middle seat legroom. Friendly reminder: Everyone’s bubble space is sacred, and no one should need to write a cease-and-desist to reclaim it.
Taking Endless Photos
We’ve all encountered the tourist-turned-photographer-extraordinaire at iconic spots. You know the one – hogging prime locations while choreographing their 52nd pose for Instagram, complete with exaggerated hand-on-hip and “looking-off-into-the-sunset” vibes.
Sure, we all want the perfect shot, but maybe snap a few and then clear the stage so the rest of us can grab a moment to remember why we booked this trip in the first place.
Not Controlling Children
Look, kids are adorable…except when they’re not. Unruly kiddos running laps around plane aisles or causing a ruckus in restaurants are like tiny tornadoes of chaos.
Parents, we get it; traveling with kids can be tough, but a shouty under-five reenacting their audition for a Tarzan reboot isn’t exactly what the rest of us signed up for. Bring snacks and toys, and if all else fails – bring noise-canceling headphones for everyone else involved.
Overindulging in Alcohol On The Plane
The airplane bar – a novelty some take a bit too seriously. Don’t be the person who turns from “fun travel buddy” to “rowdy karaoke star” just because you had three gin and tonics at 30,000 feet.
No one enjoys dealing with a loud, disruptive, or flat-out obnoxious tipsy passenger on a red-eye flight. Moderation is key…save the antics for your house parties (or at least the bar).
Being Unprepared
We all fear the person fumbling at airport security like they’ve never heard of liquids under 3.4 ounces. They’re digging for IDs, unfolding wrinkled boarding passes, and holding up the entire line as if they just showed up at the airport as a surprise guest.
Please act like an adult and have all your documents ready beforehand (maybe even rehearse how quickly you can take off those shoes before deciding to wear them). It’s not improv night.
Strong Perfumes or Odors
Whew. Here’s a scent that lingers longer than the line at customs. Whether it’s a perfume that smells like a floral explosion on steroids or a questionable tuna sandwich wafting through the air, strong odors are a major no-no in small shared spaces.
Be considerate and maybe leave the Eau de “stinky leftovers” for when you’re at your destination…outside.
Ignoring Local Customs
Ignoring customs isn’t just rude – it’s downright disrespectful. Not dressing appropriately at religious sites, talking over guides, or snapping selfies when it’s blatantly not allowed is an easy way to look entitled.
When in doubt, Google the basic customs of your destination and remember you’re a guest in that country. Bonus points if you try to learn “hello” and “thank you” in the local language.
Oversharing Stories
Look, it’s cute that you visited Machu Picchu or ate “life-changing” street tacos in Mexico, but please read the room before launching into your 45-minute TED Talk about your adventures.
Not everyone at Gate 32 or the breakfast buffet wants an unsolicited monologue about how “the locals really opened your eyes.” Sometimes silence – like those street tacos – is golden, especially if the person you are talking to is clearly not invested.
Line Cutting
Lines are sacred rituals of patience and endurance. Cutting ahead in security, at boarding gates, or at attractions without so much as an awkward “oops, sorry!” is a surefire way to become the villain of someone else’s trip.
If waiting your turn feels impossible, maybe try meditation – or consider that karma is probably already en route to balance the cosmic scales.
Constant Complaining
There’s always that one guy who finds everything about the trip just unbearable – flight delays, long lines, the weather, you name it. Sure, travel isn’t perfect, but no one enjoys sitting next to a human raincloud.
Channel some gratitude, or at the very least, mutter your complaints into your tray table…where the rest of us aren’t forced to absorb that negativity.
Monopolizing Shared Spaces
Oh, you’ve claimed half the poolside lounge chairs with your towels and magazines? And you’ve spread out across three train seats, so your bag doesn’t have to sit on the floor? Amazing.
Common spaces are exactly that – shared. Be a hero (or just a decent human) and take only the space you need, especially if it is crowded. It turns out the world does revolve…just not around you.
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