9 things lower-middle-class people do on holiday that make everyone else secretly judge them

Vacations are supposed to be a time to relax, have fun, and escape everyday life.

But sometimes, the way people behave on holiday says more about them than they realize — especially if you’re paying attention.

Lower-middle-class travelers often have their own unique habits and quirks when they’re away from home.

Most of these actions come from a mix of excitement, practicality, and the desire to get the absolute most out of every dollar spent.

Still, these behaviors can earn a few side-eyes and silent judgments from fellow tourists and locals alike.

Here are nine things lower-middle-class people tend to do on vacation that get quietly noticed.

1. Overpacking — and then struggling with it

There’s something about a trip that makes people want to bring everything.

Lower-middle-class travelers often show up at the airport with bulging suitcases, overstuffed carry-ons, and maybe even a tote bag or two dangling from their shoulders.

This usually leads to frantic repacking at the check-in counter or holding up the security line while digging for liquids.

It’s not that they don’t know how to pack light — it’s that they want to be prepared for every possible scenario.

Multiple pairs of shoes?

Check.

Outfits for every kind of weather?

Absolutely.

Of course, dragging all that luggage through cobblestone streets or crowded train stations quickly becomes its own kind of vacation workout.

Meanwhile, seasoned travelers glide past with a single, tiny carry-on.

2. Treating every meal like an all-you-can-eat buffet

For many lower-middle-class families, vacations are a time to splurge on food — especially if they’ve booked an all-inclusive resort or cruise.

Breakfast plates piled high with pastries, bacon, and fruit are followed by equally enormous lunches and dinners.

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying yourself, but the sheer volume can raise eyebrows.

Sometimes it looks less like savoring a meal and more like trying to “get their money’s worth.”

Buffet strategy becomes serious business: one person grabs a table while others fan out like a well-organized food team.

Dessert is mandatory, no matter how full anyone is.

Locals and fellow travelers might smirk, but for these families, it’s part of the joy of being on holiday.

After all, why go back home feeling like you didn’t indulge enough?

3. Wearing matching “vacation shirts”

Nothing announces “tourist” quite like a group of people wearing identical shirts that say things like Family Cruise 2025 or Cancun Squad.

These shirts are usually bright, bold, and impossible to miss.

On one hand, they make it easy to keep track of everyone — especially in theme parks or crowded cities.

On the other hand, they practically scream, “We’re not from around here!”

Locals tend to roll their eyes, while fellow travelers quietly smile at the spectacle.

It’s harmless fun, but it also highlights just how different vacation behavior can be from everyday life.

And yes, there’s always at least one person who refuses to wear the matching shirt and spends the day grumbling about it.

4. Bringing way too much cash — and flashing it around

Some lower-middle-class travelers feel more secure carrying physical cash instead of relying on cards or apps.

The problem? They tend to pull out giant wads of bills when paying for things, often counting them slowly in front of a growing line.

This can make locals nervous and fellow tourists cringe.

Not only is it unsafe, but it also unintentionally signals, “I’m a visitor with spending money.”

A few neatly folded bills would be fine — but carrying what looks like an entire month’s paycheck in your pocket is a bit much.

It’s practical in theory, awkward in practice, and occasionally risky.

5. Complaining loudly about prices

Vacations often come with sticker shock.

Lower-middle-class travelers sometimes respond by announcing just how outrageous they think everything is.

Whether it’s a bottle of water at the airport, a taxi ride, or the cost of admission to a famous landmark, there’s bound to be at least one out-loud “How much?!” moment.

While it’s relatable to be surprised, saying it loudly — and repeatedly — draws attention.

It also makes locals feel like they’re being accused of ripping people off.

Whispering your shock privately is one thing.

Broadcasting it to the entire restaurant is another.

6. Buying loads of cheap souvenirs

Souvenir shopping is a vacation tradition, but lower-middle-class tourists often take it to another level.

Every keychain, magnet, and novelty T-shirt becomes a must-have.

Suitcases fill up with trinkets that seemed charming in the moment but end up shoved in a drawer back home.

Locals tend to spot these purchases a mile away — especially when they’re mass-produced items sold at every tourist stall.

A single meaningful memento can feel special.

A pile of plastic snow globes?

Not so much.

It’s fun, yes, but it also quietly screams “tourist trying too hard.”

7. Over-documenting every moment

Smartphones make it easy to capture every second of a trip, and lower-middle-class travelers often take full advantage.

There’s nothing wrong with snapping photos, but when it becomes nonstop, it gets exhausting — for everyone else.

Every meal, every street corner, every mildly interesting object becomes a full-blown photo shoot.

Sometimes, entire groups stop foot traffic to pose with landmarks for 20 minutes straight.

It’s understandable to want memories, but living behind a screen means missing the actual experience.

Meanwhile, locals and seasoned travelers are just trying to get by without photobombing your 37th attempt at a perfect shot.

8. Dressing for comfort — and comfort only

Vacation outfits can reveal a lot about someone’s priorities.

For many lower-middle-class travelers, comfort reigns supreme.

That means baggy shorts, oversized T-shirts, and worn-out sneakers — sometimes even socks with sandals.

While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be comfortable, these choices can stand out in destinations where locals dress more formally.

It’s especially noticeable in high-end restaurants or cultural sites.

Comfort-first clothing says, “I’m here for me, not to blend in.”

And while no one expects a full runway look, a little effort can go a long way.

9. Trying to haggle over absolutely everything

In some places, bargaining is part of the culture.

But lower-middle-class tourists often take it to extremes, trying to negotiate prices at places where haggling isn’t expected — like cafés, museums, or even transportation services.

This can lead to awkward moments and frustrated locals.

The intent is usually innocent: they want to stretch their budget as far as possible.

But to others, it comes across as cheap or disrespectful.

Knowing when and where haggling is appropriate can make a huge difference in how you’re perceived.

Otherwise, you risk being remembered as “that tourist.”

Closing reflection: the joy — and humor — of travel quirks

Every group of travelers has its quirks, and lower-middle-class vacation habits are no exception.

While some of these behaviors might earn judgmental glances, they also add color and humor to the travel experience.

At the end of the day, most people are just trying to make the most of their trip.

A little self-awareness goes a long way — and maybe even saves you from being the star of someone else’s silent eye roll.

Travel is about growth, discovery, and connection.

And if we can laugh at ourselves along the way, the journey becomes that much richer.