TravelOCT 10, 2023

“What Should People Absolutely Not Do When Visiting Your Country?” (45 Answers)

142

It’s always risky to assume that some things are universal. From the side of the road we drive on to the meaning of a raised thumb, some things can and will differ, so it’s best to protect yourself from looking like a clueless tourist.

So one netizen asked people around the world to share the things tourists should absolutely avoid when visiting their country. We also got in touch with veteran traveler and blogger Jon Miksis to learn a bit more. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites, and be sure to comment your own thoughts and ideas below.

More info: Instagram | Global Viewpoint Travel Blog

#1

“What Should People Absolutely Not Do When Visiting Your Country?” (45 Answers)

There are two places in Norway where the borders of 3 countries meet. One is between Norway, Sweden and Finland. So you can walk around the border marker and say "I am in Finland, now I am in Sweden, now Norway". It is by a lake, so they have made a wooden walkway around the border marker so people can do that.

Norway also have a point where the borders of Norway, Finland and Russia meet. If you try to do the same there, you will be arrested. If you throw a rock or pee over the border with Russia or even just in that direction, you will be arrested.

While the Nordic countries are like brothers, Russia is the unstable psycho living next door.

Foxtrot-Uniform-Too, Maltesen

Report

388points

#2

Americans need to stop trying to bring their guns into Canada.

Just stop it.

Bigpoppacheese14

Report

283points

Bored Panda got in touch with Jon Miksis from the Global Viewpoint Travel Blog to get some insight on travel from an expert. Firstly, we wanted to know what tips he would give a younger self. “If I could give my younger self one piece of advice about travel, it would be this: Be open to all types of experiences: good and bad.”

“Embrace the beautiful moments, the breathtaking landscapes, and the joy of new friendships. But also be prepared for the challenges: the unexpected delays, the misunderstandings, and even the disappointments. Both the highs and the lows are part of the journey, and they shape your understanding of the world and yourself. Traveling isn't always perfect, but that's what makes it real and enriching.”

#3

UK here. Always queue. Even if there isn’t a queue, just look around politely and ask whoever’s around if they’re queueing. I know this reads like a joke but it really isn’t. There’s always a queue, and tourists always ignore it, and that’s usually why tourists get a bad rap in the UK.

fearthe0cean, Samuel Regan-Asante

Report

219points

#4

If you are in Berlin and come across a monument, art installation or similar, treat it with respect. There is a 2/3 chance that it is some kind of world war 2/ holocaust/ german separation memorial. You would not believe the number of tourists that climb or even picnic on the concrete coffins of the memorial of m******d jews in Europe

spastikatenpraedikat, Nils Lindner

Report

204points

#5

I'm a foreigner living in China. I feel pretty grateful to live here.

The thing is, especially for teachers, foreigners are treated REALLY well, revered, even.

So, perhaps it might be easy for a person to start thinking others are fortunate to be around them, who knows...

Either way, I've met enough foreigners who do nothing but talk down about Chinese people, s**t talk their country, make fun of them, or just talk about how disgusted they are by them.

If you come here, remember, it's not your country, things can be pretty different here. They're not as mindful of how their own actions are perceived by others in public. On the same account, they're also not judgemental of how YOU act in public, they're very "live and let live" towards others.

Basically, don't come to China and be a huge d**k towards people who will, by default, be nothing but overly nice to you. They're not nice because they're weak, stupid, or lesser than you, they're extremely nice because they feel fortunate to meet and engage with you.

It should go without saying but, if you have the chance to spend time with someone who is that happy just to know you, perhaps you could also try to feel grateful to have that kind of person in your life.

caidicus

Report

201points

We were also curious to learn more about time and convenience and what were his thoughts on paying more over “roughing it.” “When I first started traveling, I'd cut costs in any way I could - even if it meant sacrificing precious time. However, today, my priorities are different. I'm almost always willing to pay a premium if it means that I get my time back.”

“Here's why: Time is something you can't get back. Once it's gone, it's gone forever. Money, on the other hand, can be earned again. When you choose to pay more for a direct flight, a comfortable hotel, or a guided tour, you're not just spending money; you're buying time. You're choosing to spend less time in airports, in lines, or figuring things out on your own. You're giving yourself more time to enjoy your destination, explore, relax, and create memories.”

#6

i'm from the czech republic originally, and something every tourist should be aware of is privacy. if you're some american influencer, DON'T GO TO CZECH REPUBLIC. you will get arrested if you push yourself into other people's lives. us czechs are not tolerant of that kind of behavior.

yapper5013, Blue Bird

Report

192points

#7

Do not touch the bison. I don’t care that they’re herbivores and look fluffy. They are incredibly strong and will k**l you if they’re in a bad mood

hartywhalers, Goutham Ganesh Sivanandam

Report

186points

#8

Not a “country “ exactly but we may as well be, while in Louisiana remember a SWAMP IS NOT A LAKE. The sheer amount of tourist and northerners I see trying to swim in a swamp filled with swamp dragons is mind blowing. People have died, a Chinese tourist had her arm ripped off and another guy lost his dog throwing a ball into the water. We also have bull sharks

MolagMoProblems, Jessica Tan

Report

178points

“For me, this choice reflects a deeper understanding of what's truly important in life. It's not about having the most money, but about having meaningful experiences and making the most of the time you have. By paying a premium for travel, you're investing in yourself and your happiness. You're recognizing that the best things in life aren't things at all, but the moments and experiences that enrich your life,” Jon shared with Bored Panda.

#9

Italy. The amount of morons (mostly tourists) climbing, scratching and desecrating monuments is stupidly high. Do these people really think it makes them cool to scratch their idiot name on someone else's millenary heritage? Beside being barbaric and ignorant, Italian taxpayers pay millions each year for monument restoration. I am a meek man, but any time one is caught in the act, I would instantly shoot them in the face with a rifle.

ImmediateLaw5051, esrageziyor

Report

178points

#10

If you are hiking through the austrian mountains with a dog, put it on a leash. The cows will hurt you if they feel threatened. In General don't disturb the cows and keep away from them.

annadaso, Tim Depickere

Report

176points

#11

Don't touch the King's guard.

EmperorOfNipples, Samuel Wölfl

Report

176points

Similar to the suggestions in this article, we wanted to hear his thoughts on how best to prepare oneself. “While there are many things travelers should do when preparing for a trip, I believe these two will have a maximum impact: understanding the local culture and planning a flexible itinerary.”

“Firstly, take the time to research and understand the local culture, customs, and etiquette. This goes beyond merely knowing what to wear or how to greet people...it's about immersing yourself in the mindset of the people. By grasping the nuances of how people interact, what they value, and even what might be considered offensive, you can engage more authentically with locals.”

#12

Order an ‘Irish Car Bomb’ shot. Doesn’t exist here, and the name has roots in The Troubles, a dark time in our history that people north and south of the border who are still alive lost people to.

TheIrishninjas, A. Strakey

Report

172points

#13

I live in Barbados. Don't wear camouflage. It's illegal unless you're a part of the Defense Force.

durants, Amine M'siouri

Report

171points

#14

If you come across Canada, don't ever dare touching our geese, thanks.

ClickWorthy69420, Pixabay

Report

170points

“This enriches the overall travel experience, turning a mere visit into a profound exploration of a new way of life. This is the difference between a traveler and a tourist. Secondly, creating a flexible itinerary strikes a balance between planning and spontaneity. While it's important to know the must-see attractions and how to get there, leaving room for unexpected discoveries can lead to the most memorable experiences.”

“A rigid schedule might get you to all the tourist spots, but it's the unplanned moments—like stumbling into a local festival or a hidden café—that often become the highlights of a trip. Over the years, it's the serendipitous moments that I remember the most.” You can find more of Jon’s writing on the Global Viewpoint Travel blog, as well as his Instagram.

#15

If you're not a strong swimmer, please don't wade out into our ocean expecting that you'll be okay. If you want to swim at our beaches, stay between the flags where there are lifeguards on duty.

nightlightened, Karl Fredrickson

Report

161points

#16

Don't go for a drive in the outback without making sure you're properly prepared if you get stuck. There's a reason you see so many abandoned cars on the highways out there.

thethreekittycats, Daniele Nabissi

Report

155points

#17

When visiting Denmark, don't sit next to people on public transport, unless there are no other seats available. And don't speak to strangers on said public transport also. Danes are incredible sensitive about their personal space and privacy. Also, not big on small talk.

Material_Ambition_95, Mediocre Studio

Report

154points

#18

I am in the US and apparently it is common in other countries when a cop pulls you over, to take your papers out of the glove box yourself and walk it up to them.

Do not do this. It is a great way to get shot or tazed.

Due to the gun culture here, the cop has no way of knowing if you are or are not armed. Getting out of your car without being ordered to do so will be perceived as a hostile act, and the cop will pre-emptively defend themselves.

Stay in your car, roll down your windows. Keep your hands visible (resting on the steering wheel is good). If you need to reach anywhere, tell the cop exactly what you're doing, aka, "My passport is in my jacket pocket, I'm getting it right now."

If the cop asks if you know why they pulled you over, you don't. Be polite, be apologetic, and you'll probably get let off with a warning.

stolenfires, Rosemary Ketchum

Report

144points