You’ve heard the horror stories, perhaps witnessed their actions up close and maybe, just maybe you’ve been guilty of being one yourself. The Ugly American. You know the type — they’re loud, demanding, culturally insensitive and often clueless. They bully the gate agent at the airport (“I’m a frequent flyer. I should get a free upgrade!”), become the center of attention at museums (“That statue is completely naked!”) and patronize the service staff in restaurants (“I want a Coke WITH ICE!”).
A survey carried out by Expedia, outlined in this article on MSNBC, concluded that the world’s worst tourists, surprisingly, aren’t Americans; rather, it ranked the French lowest, because they speak little English and are seen as arrogant and poor tippers.
But clearly, the French aren’t the only ones whose manners could use some improvement. Tourists — as a species — have some pretty annoying characteristics. In big cities, they take up the entire sidewalk when busy locals are trying to get to and from work. In the countryside, they wonder why they can’t find their local newspaper or favorite TV station. And those who don’t take the time to learn a couple of polite phrases in the local language, such as “please” and “thank you,” are perhaps the most annoying of all.
What traits do you find the most annoying in other tourists, and what have you learned about how you act when you’re traveling abroad? Share your gripes and experiences in the comments section.
I think the biggest problem is that people get this idealized image in their heads of what their vacation is supposed to be and any variation of that ideal, regardless of how slight, sends them into a fury. If they visit a theme park and a ride is closed - hissy fit. If the restaurant has a longer than expected wait - hissy fit. People need to be more flexible and relax when they're on vacation.
I think that the Japanese rank ahead of the Americans on rudeness. They are deadset on being first in line.
joe ; You're 100% on target. People get wobbly when the slightest thing goes wrong, as if the seas should part because THEY are on vacation. relax folks, relax!
dixie;This is a typical Asian behavior. Having boarded many a train/subway in Japan and heard reports of same from colleagues in China, it's commonplace. Try getting on a crowded escalator in Shijuku station at rush hour! My method is to be polite, don't push, take my turn but do NOT be bullied out of your place. Muscle if you must but don't be shoved aside or you'll stand there forever.
you are totaly right joe people get upset because something happens to ruin the setting causing people to get uncofortable and angry
yeah ... i think they do this becaus they are way to demanding in qwhatthey want . nad think becaus they are there on vacation they can have what they want whe they want it.. wich is clearly not the right way to be on vacation ... wouldnt your vacation be better if everyone was happy?
I agree with Joe. People should be much more relaxed when on vacation and enjoy it. However, I think saying the Japanese are rude because they want to be ahead in line is a bit ridiculous.
I always notice the tourists who take up the whole sidewalk by walking side-by-side with their friends/families. They seem to be too insensitive to the fact that others need to pass-by. They literally get carried away.
While traveling to a place with a different culture, it's a good idea to try to understand a bit about the society and their way of life. This helps a tourist to integrate well.
I don't think that Americans are generally the annoying type, but there are a few who are arrogant tourists.
I definately agree with Joe, you must RELAX. I mean, isn't that what vacations are really about? Also, I've seen this many times with not just americans but other nationalities and that is comparing their homeland to the host country. They compare EVERYTHING; from toilet paper to food to water; and of course, will whine about how in their homeland everything is 100000x better than the host country. I remember while in mexico city, I won't say what nationality but this person actually complained that the MEXICAN FOOD is definately different from the mexican food she eats in her homeland and deemed it DISGUSTING and NOT THE REAL CUISINE. Seriously? I was just embarrased for her. Oh well, not everyone is openminded:(
Before getting off a plane, I remind my husband.." we are guests in this country and we should not criticize". These reminder seem to work magically and sets the stage for a quiet, serene and enjoyable vacation.
I agree with Joe too. If you are on vacation you get to relax. Isn't that why you are traveling? Take it easy and, if you don't understand what is going on and you think that people should speak your language, think again. You are the one who has to, as least, learn how to say "thank you" in the native language of the country you are visiting.
Have fun and relax.
when going on holiday my main reason is to relax without those annoying tourists.
these grumblers that travel to other countries really portray what they are in their home country.many think that because the visit another country and spend a few dollars there,that they should be treated like a king.of chourse here in america there are some that think that you should bow to them when they pass by.i guess that we could just call them the scum of america.
Nice interseting comments. Yes, I agree with these . One should remember when visiting other countries, you are representing your country and you are a guest in the host country. Any misbehaving will bring bad name to your own country.So be polite and learn few terms of that country so that you can enjoy speaking their language.You have gone there on a holiday , so Relax ! Spread some good things about your own country. Learn few things from other country.
some touists can spoil it for us cant they, naughty holiday makers!
I have a few other observations. First, when talking to hotel staff many tourists are very condescending and very demanding and often rude -- why? It embarrasses me, if I am next to such a person. Another thing, sort of funny, is when the person being addressed doesn't speak English, the tourist then repeats but LOUDER (I guess they think the non-English speaking person is deaf, rather than not bi-lingual). My biggest annoyance is on a tour bus when the tourists are chatting away about their home cities, rather than learning about the place we're touring -- didn't they come to a new place to really learn about it, or did they come to bond with Bill from Des Moines (do you know my cousin's boss who lived in Des Moines?? etc. etc.).
It also makes it hard to hear the guide. One last thing is the few people who try to sneak on the museum tours for which I and others have paid. Then they pretend they don't know they were supposed to pay -- please!! These are always Americans, and reflects on the rest of us. I agree with everyone's comments also, especially taking up the sidewalks.