6 Bad Habits To Avoid On Your Next Vacation

While exploring new lands and experiencing different cultures can be exhilarating, it’s not all smooth sailing. Along the way, we encounter fellow travelers who can be quite irksome, to say the least.

From being overly opinionated to failing to have basic hygiene, these habits can put a damper on our travel adventures.

In this article, we delve into the realm of annoying traveler habits and explore the ills of travel etiquette by hitting on a few things you can avoid.

Being overly opinionated when you don’t need to be

Being excessively opinionated when it’s unnecessary can be a real buzzkill. Look, I don’t mind discussing politics with open-minded and levelheaded folks. They’re a rare breed, but they exist.

However, during my travels, I’ve encountered way too many self-proclaimed political gurus who just can’t resist sharing their “expert” opinions on every contentious issue under the sun (or should I say, every talking point they picked up from a podcast).

Here’s the thing: most people don’t want to engage in intense debates or deep dives into politics while they’re on vacation. If someone doesn’t seem interested when you start veering towards those topics, just drop it and let them enjoy their well-deserved break from reality.

And even if they do seem interested, have the courtesy to consider that the people around you might not want to listen to a heated Fox News versus MSNBC showdown while they’re trying to relax and soak up some vacation bliss.

In short, let’s all agree to save the political punditry for another time and place. After all, there’s a whole world out there to explore and enjoy, without getting caught up in the never-ending political circus.

Spoiling peaceful moments

Recently we watched a spectacular sunrise on top of Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Unfortunately a small group of people decided to bring their drone up to the top and fly it around. Never mind the fact that it’s a no-fly zone, they kept their drone in close proximity to everyone on the mountain and subjected them to the delightful symphony of a thousand angry hornets.

Needless to say, the early morning noise did not leave many in a state of bliss.

Parents also need to be extra careful that their kids don’t run wild in places of sanctity. I recall visiting the the USS Arizona Memorial where people remain very quiet, usually only talking in respectful whispers.

At some point someone unleashed a running brigade of kiddos through the sacred grounds and didn’t seem to feel much urgency with remedying the situation.This was another unfortunate incident that threatened to ruin the moment.

So try to be cognizant of your surroundings and act accordingly so that you don’t disturb others embracing a moment of tranquility.

Not treating workers like humans

It truly is disheartening to witness the countless instances where people forget that servers are, in fact, humans. It’s as if some folks have developed a “server blindness” that prevents them from seeing beyond their own needs and desires.

Now, I’m not suggesting you should engage in lengthy philosophical discussions with every server you encounter (although that could be interesting). But hey, taking a moment to acknowledge the humanity of those working in the service industry can work wonders.

Instead of treating them like an emotionless robot, how about a splash of warmth?

A smile, a genuine “thank you” can brighten their day, and yours too. Same goes for restaurant servers, flight crews, and all the hardworking souls who make your tours and adventures possible.

A little sprinkle of kindness, a pinch of empathy, and voilà! You’ve added that extra ingredient that turns an ordinary interaction into a memorable one.

Arguing with TSA Pre-Check agents

I’ve seen it more times than I’d like but one thing I would like to see less of is arguing with TSA Pre-Check agents when your boarding pass doesn’t have Pre-Check on it.

You should always check your boarding pass at the time of check-in to see if you have Pre Check and if you don’t, then take it up with an agent at the check-in counter. Odds are, they will probably be able to add your number right on the spot.

But please for the love of humanity do not unleash your frustrations upon the folks manning the TSA Pre-Check line and get into a lengthy tirade about how you paid for it. All you’re going to do is slow things down.

Failing to have basic hygiene

At some point, the stench of adventure catches up with the best of us, and we become one with the odorous essence of travel.

Now, don’t get me wrong. We can all understand a little post-excursion musk after a day under the scorching sun. But there’s a difference between a collective aromatic experience on a tour bus and showing up to a hotel restaurant smelling like an olfactory supernova.

So, fellow travelers, let’s take a moment to sniff ourselves out. Embrace the art of basic hygiene, for it is a gift to yourself and those around you. A spritz of deodorant, a splash of cologne or perfume, and a focus on general freshness can work wonders.

Not knowing how to act in nature

Some people rarely venture out into nature unless they are on vacation and it really shows.

But it’s also understandable that these people would not know all of the nature etiquette they should. However, sometimes there is a shocking lack of common sense that really is not excusable.

In a moment of cringe, I recall seeing tourists treating a 1,600 years old bristle cone pine tree like it was their personal jungle gym, climbing and swinging like they’ve stumbled upon a wild playground.

Then there are those who blare music on trails. Can’t we leave the dance parties to the clubs and let the birds and the rustling leaves provide the soundtrack to our outdoor adventures?

And let’s not forget those snorkelers who kick through delicate coral reefs like they’re auditioning for the role of the ultimate underwater bulldozer.

When venturing into nature’s embrace, channel your inner curator. Treat the wilderness as a priceless work of art, disturb as few things as possible, and leave only footprints behind. Remember, we are but humble guests in this grand gallery of life.

Final word

These are just a few of the habits that I’m sure drive others crazy. Ultimately, it just comes down to being considerate and using common sense to avoid falling into these ways.