Travel Troubleshooter

A couple of years back when I resided in Athens, I came across a newly spray-painted message on a wall saying, “TOURISTS GO HOME!” The sight left me so surprised that I felt compelled to snap a photo.

Today, I likely wouldn’t pay any attention to it. Not after the recent occurrence.
antitourism protests in Barcelona
and after Venice
a daily charge of $5 for visitors who do not stay overnight
.

Visitors are often—not to put too fine a point on it—seen unfavorably. There’s justification for this sentiment. A recent internal survey carried out by a luggage storage firm revealed that over fifty percent of tourists admit to acting differently from their usual selves when away on holiday.
Radical Storage
This may involve posing inappropriately near statues, entering restricted areas without permission, or disregarding local traditions.

I
alerted about troublesome travelers two years back
I really dislike it when I turn out to be correct.

“Asian tourists often find American visitors noisy and assertive,” notes Adeodata Czink,
etiquette expert
And they didn’t let us down last summer.

This has not ceased. Living in Dublin, I witness sizable crowds of American, German, and Brazilian tourists filling up the cramped lanes of Temple Bar each evening, often drinking until they lose control. This behavior is disgraceful.

However, there’s positive news. The residents aren’t upset with every visitor, and should you end up on their list, there’s a straightforward method to remove yourself from it permanently. Moreover, you’re free to explore both Paris and Rome.

They don’t hate everyone

To start with, some positive news: The residents do not dislike all visitors.

“The criticism is aimed at raucous bachelor and bachelorette parties whose main interest seems to be getting intoxicated,” clarifies Don Jones, a managing director for
Andrew Harper
, a travel membership website. “It opposes Instagrammers flooding specific locations and ignoring basic etiquette to capture the perfect shot.”

If that doesn’t describe you, then you’re already ahead.

If it
is
If you’ve stumbled upon this enlightening article, consider changing your perspective. Drink responsibly, or even more ideally, remain abstinent so you can fully appreciate where you’re exploring. Moreover, I regret to inform you that nobody really pays attention to your Instagram posts. Put away your phone and experience the scenery through your own eyes instead.

How to act as an exemplary visitor (and possibly win over the local people)

You don’t have to be one of
those
Visitors during this spring break or over the coming summer travel season might find these effective strategies useful for ensuring their destination welcomes them with open arms:

Go where you’re appreciated.

It’s now the season when numerous Americans start thinking about where they might go for their summer getaway. Stay away from locations that appear unwelcoming to tourists. As Berkita Bradford, who heads the hospitality and tourism administration department at North Carolina Central University, points out, “Travelers increasingly base their choices on political, social, and cultural views.”

Show some respect.

Act as a conscientious tourist, advises Nicole Cueto, a travel consultant with
Fora Travel
“Adopt sustainable travel practices by lessening your ecological footprint and backing environmentally friendly projects,” she recommends. This involves cutting down waste, saving water, and being mindful of local fauna.

Know the drill.

A great way to enhance your experience is by familiarizing yourself with the local customs at your travel destination. As Nick Leighton, an etiquette specialist and co-host of the weekly podcast, advises, “Demonstrate real curiosity about the local culture.”
Were You Bred by Wild Animals?
It fosters good will and assists in unintentionally avoiding offence.”

According to etiquette coach Jamila Musayeva, you should include two crucial items in your packing list: patience and kindness.

She advises, ‘Show the same respect here as you would at home in your own town.’ If something goes awry, such as a late flight or an incorrect food order, remain composed and address it gracefully. The way you react influences both your personal experience and how others perceive you.’

This doesn’t mean you’re completely at fault for all the backlash against tourists. Both destinations and locals are moving towards a truce as well.

How one spot is combating troublesome travelers

Several locations have gone further than just imposing fees for entering their city centres. As far back as 2020, when problematic tourists began to pose a significant issue,
Visit Idaho
launched an initiative aimed at drawing more conscientious and eco-friendly travelers to the region.

Its campaign, called
Travel With Care
, highlighted the importance of looking after the state, being attentive to others’ needs, and taking care of oneself. In practical terms, Idaho urged visitors to safeguard the land and outdoor areas, respect their fellow travelers, and ensure their own personal safety.

Idaho’s initiatives to foster kindness towards nature and others have shown no quantifiable outcomes so far. However, you won’t see slogans like “TOURISTS GO HOME!” scrawled on the walls of ski lodges in Sun Valley, nor has there been any proposal to charge visitors for strolling down Main Street in Boise.

Tourism authorities indicate that these measures have benefited both the travel sector and visitors. Natalie Jushinski, a tourism manager at Visit Idaho, remarks, “These steps have significantly encouraged collaboration among all parties involved, ensuring that both travelers and locals remain satisfied.”

The top tip: Steer clear of the crowds

Perhaps the most effective method to sidestep an unsatisfactory journey is to head in the exact opposite direction of popular spots. According to James Thornton, the CEO of Intrepid Travel, only 20% of tourists explore the remaining 90% of global tourist hotspots. He mentions, “If you’re open to venturing past well-known must-see locations, there are numerous incredible off-the-beaten-path destinations waiting for you that offer a new perspective on our planet.”

This does not automatically imply steering clear of well-known destinations. I adore Venice, Rome, and Paris, and believe everybody ought to visit these cities at least one time.

However, should you decide to go, make sure to visit during the off-season and avoid the crowds at the well-known museums and eateries.

Display an interest in the people,” suggests Thomas Swick, author of
Shaping Destiny: A Tale of Romance, Poland and the Birth of a Travel Author
This involves venturing off the beaten tracks and discovering lesser-known areas — each city boasts such spots — and immersing oneself in the local daily routines.

He wonders who knows; perhaps initiating a chat could reveal more insights than visiting any famous site.

“And rather than facing abuse, you might receive an invite for coffee,” he mentions.

Now
that’s
how to travel.