1. Overview
This article explores common types of annoying travelers and provides practical advice on how to handle these situations effectively during your vacation. Whether it’s the slowpoke in line or the loud neighbor, learn to stay calm and enjoy your trip.
Don’t let their poor behavior ruin your trip.
Travel, no matter how far, is a pleasure. You get to explore somewhere new, dig into delicious local foods, and perhaps even make a few new friends along the way. However, let’s be real: Sometimes, your fellow travelers can get on your nerves. Rather than letting these incidents of poorly behaving tourists ruin your entire vacation, it’s beneficial to acknowledge their existence and then explore appropriate ways to address them if they disrupt your experience.
The Slow Poke
Where You’ll Meet Them: In line. Any line — from airport security to boarding a plane, or getting on the resort’s bus to the hotel’s check-in counter. This person is often unprepared and oblivious to how they’re holding everyone else up.
How to Stay Calm: Maintain perspective; this could be someone’s first trip and they may not know the travel process well. “This is tough if you’re dealing with people who rarely travel,” says Lisa Grotts, an etiquette expert in San Francisco. As for airport security, Grotts mentions, “There are ways around this; get to the airport early, and consider joining Clear or Global Entry to avoid long lines.”
The Seat Saver
Where You’ll Meet Them: By the pool, likely laying out towels across all the best chairs, only to disappear for hours, leaving you unsure if the seat is taken.
How to Stay Calm: This isn’t your issue to resolve. Instead, inform hotel staff. “Handle problems with grace; confronting the individual is rarely productive,” explains Laura Windsor, an etiquette professional. “Let hotel staff deal with these situations; they are trained in diplomacy.”
The Loud Neighbor
Where You’ll Meet Them: You might not directly interact with this person, but you’ll certainly hear them through your hotel room walls. They might blast music, shout across their room, or stay up all night making noise.
How to Stay Calm: Reach out for help. Confrontation may not yield a favorable outcome. “Contact management to deal with disrespectful guests,” advises Grotts.
The Bar BFF
Where You’ll Meet Them: As you order your favorite drink, this person will want to engage in conversation, non-stop, all night.
How to Stay Calm: It’s okay to be direct without being rude. “Let someone know you’d prefer to be alone or don’t feel like chatting,” Windsor recommends. “Your tone and body language are vital in communication. A kind approach can diffuse tension, using phrases like, ‘I’m terribly sorry, but if you don’t mind…’
The Way Too Relaxed Parents
Where You’ll Meet Them: Likely all around: at the hotel pool, in the lobby, at restaurants, or where their kids are free to roam while you’re also trying to enjoy your moment.
How to Stay Calm: Offer a bit of grace. “Caring for kids requires constant attention, especially in bustling environments,” notes Grotts. If matters get troublesome, kindly ask for quiet or, if necessary, move to a different location.
The Chatterbox
Where You’ll Meet Them: They can pop up anywhere — from an overly talkative flight companion to an irritating conversationalist during a tour, interrupting the guide.
How to Stay Calm: If you’ll be on a highly anticipated tour and someone is monopolizing conversation, Windsor suggests speaking to the guide discreetly. Alternatively, redirect the chatterbox kindly by saying, “I think this is important; let’s listen to the guide.” Using “we” instead of “you” promotes politeness.
The Snap-happy Influencers
Where You’ll Meet Them: These individuals congregate by the pool, at art installations, scenic overlooks, museums, and parks — anywhere you seek tranquility while they demand your patience for a photo opportunity.
How to Stay Calm: If they’re blocking your enjoyment for photos, it’s essential to notify the tour guide. Nonetheless, these influencers can be beneficial too. “Ask them to take your photo as well, which might encourage them to move on after a while!” suggests Windsor.
