Who’re the Worst

Came across this while I was braindeadedly scrolling yesterday – a list of the  countries exporting the worst tourists. The source? Travel Magazine US. Never heard of 'em.

What surprised me, at first, was that US tourists weren’t at the tippy top of the list – that we aren’t considered THE absolute worst. I mean, I’ve traveled abroad a bit and we ARE an embarrassing lot. Truly.

I’m remembering the time Jen and I were sitting at a café in Venice. She and I were making every attempt to be good little tourists – ordering our wine and pizza in halting, broken Italian, and always remembering to say please and thank you (in Italian).

We saw a couple approaching from across the piazza and just knew trouble was coming. They weren’t so much walking as swaggering, like they owned the whole damn square.

Their outfits SCREAMED I’m American and buy all my clothes at DICK'S Sporting Goods. I'm never seen without a baseball cap and giant-ass white leather basketball shoes. They sat down, ordered a pizza with bacon (who the fuck puts bacon on a pizza?) and then had a complete nuclear meltdown when the bacon didn’t look the same as it does in the US. (n.b. of course it didn’t – it was pancetta. We were in Venice, Italy NOT Venice, Florida!)

That list, the ranking though:

1)  China
Their behavior has gotten so bad, that even their own government has commented on it, calling it “uncivilized” and claiming that it damages their “national image.”

Travelers from China are also notorious for refusing to wait in lines and follow simple rules, as well as entering private property to take photos, earning the nickname “selfie stick conquerors.”

2)  France
They’re seen as “most likely to engage in rude or scandalous behaviors” and also being the “least generous,” which is another way of saying the French are penny-pinchers or poor tippers.

3)  UK
British citizens are infamous for their loud, rowdy, and drunken behavior worldwide, especially during “stag parties,” which are their country’s equivalent of American bachelor parties. 

4)  US
Stereotyped as “The Ugly American,” tourists from the United States are criticized for a handful of bad habits: talking too loudly, being oblivious to everyone and their personal space, and complaining about everything—from cigarette smoke to burger sizes and coffee temperature.

American tourists are also known for making some pretty questionable fashion choices.

5)  Russia 
Russians have a reputation for being rude and rambunctious tourists, their behavior usually fueled by their love of alcohol. In a survey by Triposo, they were considered the most difficult travelers. 

It’s hard to get them to leave after they’re drunk and have overstayed their welcome.

6)  India 
Everybody loves a good bargain, but Indian travelers tend to go a bit too far when haggling overseas, which is one of many reasons they’re often branded the world’s worst tourists. 

7)  Israel
Hospitality industry workers frequently describe them as guests who are entitled, demanding, impatient, and won’t take no for an answer—sounds like a server’s worst nightmare!

8)  Australia
Australians are among the highest spenders in the world when it comes to travel and nightlife. Unfortunately, it’s having one too many drinks that usually causes their manners and morals to go down the drain, leading them to disrespect locals and drive while intoxicated.

9)  Germany
Much like the Americans, German holidaymakers bring their high expectations with them when traveling to other countries, and are very vocal when their ideal destination falls short. 

10)  Italy
There’s a well-known quote that humorously describes Italian tourists: “Italians love traveling to other countries, ordering Italian food, and then complaining that it’s not as good as it is in Italy.” (source) 

How do other sources rate us and other top nasty visitors?

Escape.com from Australia doesn’t give a specific rating. They do note that there are legends and dickheads in every country. How generous, mature, and realistic of them.

The Brits are apparently not so popular in Spain where many go in the warmer months.
British tourists are polite, friendly and considerate. But ply them with a few drinks and they’ll be running naked through the streets in no time.

Emmm, this kind of sounds like fun, eh? 

Chinese
Chinese tourists were fairly unpopular in the survey, particularly in parts of Asia. They were named as the worst tourists in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. One poster on Reddit wrote "the Chinese are the new 'Rude Americans’

Russians
According to the YouGov survey, Russians are particularly unpopular among Europeans, particularly in Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway. The general consensus seems to be that they think rules don't apply to them. 

Australians
Like the Brits, we have a reputation for letting our hair down a little too much when we travel. We can be particularly rubbish in Bali, where there have been instances of us getting too boozy and being disrespectful of the culture.

Germans
According to a poster on a thread on Quora, "they have a reputation for being a bit selfish ... “reserving” a poolside lounger every morning by getting up at 6am to put a towel on it”.

(strikes me as rather minor)

Americans
There are a couple of things that Americans are known for. Speaking loudly is one. Expecting everyone to understand English is another one. Speaking loudly to someone who doesn't understand English and expecting that person to understand better because they're yelling is one of the worst.

Italians
Italians and the French both represented on the list of unpopular tourists ... with the Italians just gaining the edge. (source) 

Japanese tourists come out on top as best, most well received tourists everywhere.

Finally, Business Insider reported on a survey where Americans were, in fact, considered the worst tourists of all. Yeah! USA, USA, USA! WE'RE NUMBER ONE, WE'RE NUMBER ONE, WE'RE NUMBER ONE!!!

1)  US
2)  UK
3)  Russia
4)  China
5)  Australia
6)  Germany
7)  India
8)  France
9)  Italy
10)  Brazil