During my time in Athens a few years back, I encountered a wall boldly spray-painted with the message: “TOURISTS GO HOME!” The statement shocked me so much that I had to snap a photo.

Nowadays, I probably wouldn’t even bat an eye at it. Not after witnessing the recent anti-tourism protests in Barcelona and the new $5-a-day tourist fee implemented in Venice.

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It’s clear that tourists often face hostility. A recent survey by Radical Storage revealed that over half of vacationers acknowledge acting out of character while traveling. This can involve anything from inappropriately posing with sculptures to disrespecting local traditions. Alarmingly, 42% even confess to breaking laws abroad.

I raised concerns about problematic tourists two years ago, and I regret to admit that my warnings were accurate.

“American tourists tend to be loud and expectant,” noted Adeodata Czink, an etiquette professional. “And they certainly fit the stereotype last summer.”

This trend hasn’t changed. Living in Dublin, I often find myself navigating crowded streets filled with American, German, and Brazilian tourists who indulge in excessive drinking in Temple Bar. It’s quite disheartening.

However, there’s a silver lining. Most locals don’t harbor animosity towards all tourists. If you’ve inadvertently landed on their bad list, you can easily redeem yourself – and yes, you can still enjoy visits to Paris and Rome.

Not All Tourists Are Hated

Firstly, here’s some reassurance: not all tourists are disliked by locals.

“The resentment is largely directed at rowdy bachelor and bachelorette gatherings that only seem interested in partying,” explained Don Jones, managing director of Andrew Harper, a travel membership organization. “Additionally, it’s aimed at Instagram enthusiasts who swarm popular spots without regard for common decorum in search of the perfect photo.”

If you identify with the former group, it’s time for a change. Enjoy drinks in moderation, or even better, choose to remain sober to appreciate the surroundings. Also, your Instagram account doesn’t hold as much importance as you might think. Put down your phone and genuinely soak in the sights.

Tips for Being a Respectful Tourist (and Winning Local Hearts)

You can easily avoid being labeled as a troublesome visitor this spring break or during the upcoming summer travel season. Here are some effective tips to ensure you are well-received at your destination:

• Choose where you’re wanted. If you’re planning a summer getaway, steer clear of places openly opposed to tourists. Berkita Bradford, chair of the hospitality and tourism administration department at North Carolina Central University, stated, “Travelers are increasingly making choices based on political, social, and cultural alignments.”
• Practice respect. Be a conscientious visitor, advised travel consultant Nicole Cueto from Fora Travel. “Embrace sustainable tourism by reducing your environmental footprint and supporting eco-worthy initiatives,” she suggested. This includes minimizing waste, conserving water, and protecting wildlife.
• Be aware of local norms. Familiarizing yourself with the customs of your destination can significantly enhance your reputation. Incremental knowledge leads to understanding; Nick Leighton, a co-host of the podcast Were You Raised By Wolves?, recommends showing real interest in local traditions, as it fosters goodwill and helps prevent unintended offenses.

Additionally, pack two key traits, as etiquette trainer Jamila Musayeva advises: patience and kindness.

“Interact with locals in the same manner you’d appreciate in your own community,” she recommended. “When things deviate from your plans, such as a delayed flight or an incorrect meal order, remain composed and address it gracefully. Your demeanor not only impacts your experience but also leaves a lasting impression on those around you.”

To be fair, you aren’t solely to blame for the negative perceptions of tourists. Destinations are also striving to improve their relationships with visitors.

How One Location Is Tackling Tourist Misbehavior

Some places are proactively addressing the issue beyond merely charging for entrance to tourist hotspots. In 2020, as unruly tourist behavior began to escalate, Visit Idaho launched a program aimed at attracting more responsible and sustainable travelers to the state.

Their initiative, Travel With Care, focuses on being considerate to the state, looking out for others, and ensuring personal safety. Idaho encourages visitors to care for the environment and natural spaces while being thoughtful toward fellow travelers.

While the outcomes of Idaho’s campaign promoting respectful tourism haven’t been quantitatively assessed, that’s precisely the aim. There haven’t been reports of graffiti saying “TOURISTS GO HOME!” in Sun Valley, nor has there been any proposal to charge visitors to stroll along Main Street in Boise.

Tourism representatives assert that these initiatives have benefited both the tourism sector and its visitors. “It’s significantly fostered cooperation between travelers and locals to ensure mutual satisfaction,” said Natalie Jushinski, a tourism manager at Visit Idaho.

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Top Advice: Sidestep the Crowds

One of the best methods to sidestep a disappointing travel experience is to avoid the crowded spots. James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, noted that 80% of tourists flock to just 10% of global travel destinations. “Many wonderful alternative spots await discovery, offering fresh perspectives if you’re willing to venture off the beaten path,” he said.

This doesn’t mean you need to bypass the iconic locales. I have a profound appreciation for Venice, Rome, and Paris and believe they should be experienced at least once.

If you choose to visit, try to go during less busy times and steer clear of the throngs at well-known museums and restaurants.

“Engage with the locals,” suggested Thomas Swick, author of “Falling into Place: A Story of Love, Poland and the Making of a Travel Writer.” “This means exploring lesser-known neighborhoods and embracing the everyday routines of the city.”

You might spark a conversation that offers insights greater than any tourist attraction could provide.

“And instead of facing negativity, you may find yourself invited for coffee,” he added.

Now that’s a perfect way to travel.

Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit helping to resolve consumer issues. He also publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a site dedicated to customer service news. For consumer assistance, you can contact him here or at chris@elliott.org.