9 things lower-middle-class people do on holiday that scream a total lack of social awareness

Travel brings out the best in some people—and the absolute worst in others.

When you step into another country or even just another city, there’s an unspoken social contract: you adapt, you observe, you try not to make yourself the center of attention.

But not everyone got the memo.

For certain travelers, the holiday isn’t about blending in or being considerate.

It’s about treating the world like their personal theme park.

And while there’s nothing wrong with having fun, there is something wrong with stomping through other people’s cultures like a bull in a china shop.

Here are nine things lower-middle-class people do on holiday that scream a total lack of social awareness.

1. Treating hotel staff like personal servants

There’s a difference between expecting good service and acting like you own the place.

Some travelers cross that line immediately.

They bark orders at housekeeping, snap their fingers at waiters, or demand special treatment for minor inconveniences—like their cocktail having three ice cubes instead of four.

Instead of saying “thank you,” they treat every interaction like a transaction where basic politeness is optional.

This doesn’t just make the staff uncomfortable.

It makes everyone around them cringe.

The irony is, they think this behavior shows they have “standards.”

Really, it just shows they’ve mistaken entitlement for sophistication.

2. Turning every meal into a photo shoot

There’s nothing wrong with snapping a picture of a beautifully plated dish.

But some tourists take it to the next level—standing on chairs to get the perfect overhead shot, rearranging plates for ten minutes while everyone else’s food goes cold, and shouting, “Wait, don’t touch that yet!” as if they’re directing a Vogue cover shoot.

In busy restaurants, this behavior is more than just awkward.

It’s disruptive.

The staff is trying to move plates, the other diners are trying to enjoy their meals, and suddenly one table has turned dinner into a Broadway production.

A quick photo?

Fine.

A full-on cinematic experience complete with filters and ring lights? That screams, “I don’t care about anyone else here.”

3. Ignoring local customs and dress codes

Every destination has its own norms.

Certain temples require covered shoulders.

Certain beaches expect quiet relaxation rather than blasting music.

But some tourists barrel through without a second thought, showing up in inappropriate outfits or behaving in ways that make locals wince.

They laugh too loudly in sacred spaces.

They treat cultural etiquette as a suggestion rather than a rule.

And when corrected, they often get defensive, as if following basic customs is somehow beneath them.

This kind of behavior doesn’t just make the tourist look bad.

It reinforces every negative stereotype about travelers who refuse to adapt.

4. Overloading the buffet like it’s a competition

All-you-can-eat buffets bring out a very specific kind of chaos.

Instead of pacing themselves or taking reasonable portions, some travelers treat the spread like a personal challenge.

They pile plates so high that food topples off onto the floor.

They hoard rolls and shrimp as if the kitchen might run out forever.

They even “reserve” desserts by stacking them next to their water glass before they’ve finished their main course.

It’s not just unappealing—it’s inconsiderate.

Other guests are left staring at empty trays while one table hoards enough food to feed a small village.

The buffet is not a competitive sport.

Acting like it is makes everyone else wish you’d stayed home.

5. Talking loudly in quiet places

Museums.

Historic churches.

Tranquil gardens.

These are spaces meant for reflection and quiet appreciation.

But there’s always that one group who treats them like a sports bar, narrating every observation at full volume.

They ignore “silence, please” signs, laugh uproariously, and shout across the room to relatives as if they’re at a backyard barbecue.

The issue isn’t excitement—it’s awareness.

Whispering isn’t just polite; it’s part of respecting the shared experience of the space.

When someone can’t lower their voice, it sends a clear message: My enjoyment matters more than everyone else’s.

6. Complaining nonstop about prices

Traveling can be expensive, no doubt.

But some people spend their entire vacation pointing it out—loudly.

They gripe about the cost of a coffee, the exchange rate, the “outrageous” entry fees, and how back home everything is so much cheaper.

A little venting is normal.

A constant stream of complaints is exhausting.

It drains the energy from the group and signals to locals that you don’t appreciate what their country offers.

Here’s the thing: if you can afford to travel, you can afford to avoid making everyone around you feel like a captive audience for your financial commentary.

7. Taking endless selfies in inappropriate spots

Selfies are part of modern travel.

But there’s a line between capturing memories and turning sacred or solemn locations into personal photo ops.

Some tourists pose in front of memorials, religious altars, or historic tragedies with big grins and peace signs.

They block pathways, hold up crowds, and act like the destination exists purely as a backdrop for their Instagram feed.

It’s not just tacky—it’s deeply disrespectful.

Snapping a quick photo is fine.

Turning a meaningful site into a prop for clout? That’s a sign you’ve missed the entire point of being there.

8. Haggling aggressively in markets

Many cultures welcome light bargaining in local markets.

It can even be part of the fun.

But some travelers take it way too far, berating vendors, arguing over pennies, and acting as if every transaction is a battle to be won.

They forget that for the seller, this isn’t a game—it’s their livelihood.

When you haggle so aggressively that you make someone feel disrespected or humiliated, you’re not being savvy.

You’re being cheap.

There’s a balance between fair negotiation and exploiting someone’s work.

Lower-middle-class tourists often miss that balance entirely, leaving locals resentful and embarrassed for everyone involved.

9. Acting like they own the pool or beach

Shared spaces on holiday require cooperation.

Unfortunately, some people treat them like private property.

They “reserve” loungers at 6 a.m. with towels, even if they don’t plan to use them for hours.

They blast music without headphones, oblivious to others trying to relax.

Their kids run wild while they scroll through their phones, ignoring the chaos.

It’s the ultimate display of self-centeredness: taking more than your share and assuming everyone else will adjust.

Vacations are supposed to be about unwinding, but nothing ruins the vibe faster than someone who thinks basic courtesy is optional.

The bigger picture

Travel reveals character.

When you step into another environment, your behavior either shows respect or exposes entitlement.

The habits above don’t just create awkward moments—they ripple outward, affecting other travelers, locals, and the overall atmosphere of the place you’re visiting.

Being socially aware on holiday doesn’t cost money.

It doesn’t require fancy clothes or perfect manners.

It just requires noticing how your actions affect others and choosing to adapt.

The irony is, the very people who think they’re “living it up” often end up remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Closing thought

A holiday should leave good memories—for you and for the people whose spaces you’ve entered.

If your travel style involves shouting, hoarding, haggling, or constant complaining, you’re not just embarrassing yourself.

You’re shaping how others see you—and, unfortunately, how they see tourists in general.

Respect doesn’t make a vacation less fun.

It makes it richer, deeper, and far more meaningful.

And it ensures that when you return home, you’ve left behind smiles instead of sighs.