Traveling is about discovering new places — and sometimes, making a complete fool of yourself. Don’t worry, it’s part of the charm! But if you’ve ever asked for bottled water in Norway or tried tipping in Japan, you’ve probably been the star of a local dinner conversation. Here are 7 common tourist habits that locals find funny, weird, or just plain baffling.
1. Asking if the tap water is safe – in countries where it’s more pure than bottled
- Where: Sweden, Iceland, Switzerland
- Tip: Just drink the water. It probably came straight from a glacier. Asking may get you a smile — or a raised eyebrow.
2. Tipping in countries that don’t tip
- Where: Japan, South Korea
- Tip: That generous gesture might be taken as an insult. Service is already included — and expected to be perfect.
3. Speaking louder to be understood
- Where: Everywhere
- Tip: English spoken louder is not another language. If they don’t understand, try gestures, not decibels.
4. Wearing flip-flops on cobblestone streets
- Where: Italy, France, Croatia
- Tip: Romantic alleys are not flip-flop friendly. Unless you enjoy twisted ankles with a view.
5. Photographing police officers or guards
- Where: UK (Buckingham Palace), Vatican, and definitely North Korea
- Tip: Some will pose. Some will glare. Some might confiscate your camera. Proceed wisely.
6. Obsessively searching for a Starbucks
- Where: Historic old towns across Europe
- Tip: Local coffee is cheaper, tastier, and doesn’t come with your name spelled as “Darn” instead of Dan.
7. Asking “Where’s the McDonald’s?” right after landing
- Where: Paris. Rome. Bangkok. You name it.
- Tip: Sure, it’s familiar — but so is regret. Try the local food at least once before retreating to nuggets.
Conclusion:
Travel is about embracing the unknown — and laughing at yourself a little. Locals usually appreciate effort and curiosity, even if it comes with a few cultural slip-ups. But with these tips, you might just blend in a tiny bit more… or at least get laughed at less.
