7 travel behaviors that might be making you look like a clueless tourist

There's nothing quite like that moment when you realize you've been doing something completely wrong while traveling—and everyone around you knew it except you.

I've been there more times than I'd like to admit. After years of traveling extensively through Thailand, India, Europe, and beyond, I've made my fair share of rookie mistakes. The kind that make locals exchange knowing glances and seasoned travelers shake their heads.

Here's the thing: we all start somewhere, and there's no shame in learning as we go. But if you're tired of accidentally broadcasting "tourist" with every move you make, it might be time to examine some of those well-intentioned habits that are actually working against you.

These are just my observations from the road, but I think most experienced travelers would agree—these seven behaviors are dead giveaways that you're still finding your travel legs.

The good news? They're all totally fixable once you know what to look for.

1. Taking photos of absolutely everything

Ever watched someone spend their entire museum visit looking through their phone screen? Or seen travelers frantically snapping pictures of their hotel breakfast, the taxi ride, and every single street they walk down?

I get it—you want to capture memories. But here's what I learned during a particularly photo-heavy trip through India: when you're constantly behind a camera, you're not actually experiencing the moment.

Plus, there's something about the frantic photo-taking that screams "first-time traveler." Locals and seasoned travelers tend to be more selective about what deserves a photo.

Try this instead: put the phone or camera down for the first few minutes of any new experience. Actually look around, breathe it in, and then decide if it's worth capturing.

You'll be surprised how much more present—and less touristy—you feel.

2. Overpacking your day with tourist attractions

Have you ever tried to hit five major attractions in one day? Racing from the Colosseum to the Vatican to the Pantheon, checking items off your list like you're completing a scavenger hunt?

I did this exact thing during my first trip to Rome, and I was absolutely miserable by hour three. Worse yet, I looked like every other frazzled tourist—sweaty, stressed, and completely missing the point of travel.

The reality is that cramming your itinerary sends a clear message: you don't really understand how to travel well. Experienced travelers know that less is often more.

Instead of trying to see everything, pick two or three things max for each day. Leave space for wandering, for that unexpected café you stumble upon, or for simply sitting in a piazza and people-watching.

Trust me on this one—you'll have better stories, feel more relaxed, and blend in with travelers who actually know what they're doing.

3. Speaking loudly in public spaces

Why do we automatically assume that speaking louder will help people understand us better when we're abroad?

I caught myself doing this embarrassing thing during my early travels through Thailand—practically shouting at restaurant servers as if volume could bridge the language barrier. Not only was it ineffective, but it also marked me as someone who clearly didn't know better.

Here's the truth: loud tourists are universally recognized and rarely appreciated. Whether you're on public transportation, in a museum, or ordering food, that booming voice carries the unmistakable stamp of inexperience.

The locals around you aren't deaf—they're just living their normal lives. And seasoned travelers have learned that quiet confidence and patience work much better than volume ever will.

Next time you find yourself in a communication challenge, try lowering your voice instead of raising it. Use gestures, translation apps, or simply speak more slowly. You'll be amazed how much more receptive people become when you're not accidentally shouting at them.

4. Wearing expensive jewelry and flashing cash

Do you really need to wear your diamond earrings and Rolex while exploring a bustling market in Bangkok?

I learned this lesson the hard way during one of my first international trips. I was so focused on looking put-together that I didn't realize I was essentially wearing a neon sign that said "rob me." It wasn't until a more experienced traveler gently pointed out my mistake that I understood how clueless I looked.

Here's what seasoned travelers know: blending in isn't just about comfort—it's about safety and respect. When you're dripping in expensive accessories or pulling out thick wads of cash at every purchase, you're not just marking yourself as a tourist. You're potentially putting yourself at risk.

Smart travelers leave the flashy stuff at home and learn to be discreet with money. Use cards when possible, keep cash in different pockets, and save the fancy jewelry for dinner back home.

You'll not only look more experienced, but you'll also feel more secure and confident as you explore.

5. Following your phone's GPS religiously

There's something unmistakably touristy about that hunched-over, phone-staring walk. Locals know their neighborhoods. Experienced travelers have a general sense of direction and aren't afraid to explore.

This doesn't mean you should ditch navigation entirely—just try not to rely on it for every single step. Before you leave your accommodation, take a few minutes to study the general layout. Notice major landmarks. Get a feel for the area.

Then put the phone away and trust yourself to figure it out. You might take a wrong turn or two, but those detours often lead to the best discoveries.

6. Eating only at tourist trap restaurants

That restaurant with the giant English menu right next to the Eiffel Tower? The one with photos of every dish and servers who speak five languages? Yeah, that's probably not where the locals eat.

Here's what I've learned: some of the best food experiences happen at places that look a little intimidating at first. The tiny family-run spot with no English menu. The street vendor with a line of locals waiting patiently.

Seasoned travelers seek out these authentic experiences, while obvious tourists stick to the sanitized versions designed specifically for them.

Start small—maybe ask your accommodation host for recommendations, or simply follow your nose to where you see locals gathering. Yes, it might feel uncomfortable at first, but that's where the real flavors of a place reveal themselves.

7. Complaining about everything being different

"Why don't they speak English here?" "The bathrooms are so weird!" "I can't find a decent hamburger anywhere!"

Sound familiar? Complaining about differences makes you look like someone who fundamentally misunderstands what travel is about. You're visiting someone else's home, and expecting it to cater to your preferences is, frankly, a bit entitled.

Experienced travelers embrace the differences. They see unfamiliar bathrooms as interesting cultural variations, not inconveniences. They try to learn basic phrases instead of expecting everyone to accommodate their language.

The next time you catch yourself complaining about how things are "wrong," try reframing it as an opportunity to learn something new. That shift in perspective doesn't just make you look more seasoned—it makes travel infinitely more rewarding.

Final thoughts

Look, we've all been that clueless tourist at some point—and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Travel is one of those things you only get better at by doing it, making mistakes, and learning from fellow travelers along the way. I certainly didn't figure any of this out overnight, and I'm still learning new things every time I pack my bags.

The beautiful thing about becoming a more seasoned traveler isn't just that you'll blend in better or avoid awkward situations. It's that you'll actually have richer, more meaningful experiences. You'll connect with places and people in ways that rushed, anxious tourists simply can't.