When we travel abroad, we carry not only our luggage but also our cultural habits, attitudes, and sometimes our worst instincts.
According to a survey cited by Business Insider, respondents were asked to name the nationalities whose citizens are perceived as the most poorly behaved when travelling internationally.
Based on responses to that survey by Triposo — which included confessions of travel misbehavior and opinions on others — the top ten list included the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, China, Australia, Germany, India, France, Italy and Brazil.
What follows is a look at each of these countries and the traits that have led to their inclusion on this infamous roster.
1. United States
Topping the list of notoriously ill-behaved tourists are Americans. In the Triposo survey referenced by Business Insider, respondents often described U.S. travelers as loud, rude and lacking cultural sensitivity.
Stereotypes about Americans abroad include poor fashion sense, boisterous behavior in public spaces, and a tendency to dominate conversations and activities without considering local norms.
These perceptions are widespread enough that even some Americans admit their compatriots have a reputation for being among the worst tourists globally.
2. United Kingdom
Coming in second are travelers from the United Kingdom. British tourists are often associated with “bawdy bar behavior” and a propensity to drink heavily while on holiday, especially during events like stag and hen parties.
This kind of revelry can border on loudness and a lack of decorum in public spaces, leading to a reputation among locals and fellow tourists alike as inconsiderate or disruptive when abroad.
Unlike some stereotypes that paint the British as overly polite, this travel trope highlights a wilder side that surfaces on foreign soil.
3. Russia
Russians take third place on this list. Survey respondents frequently called them difficult travelers, sometimes highlighting issues such as drunkenness and abrasive behavior.
Cultural communication differences can contribute to misunderstandings, as what might seem direct in one cultural context can be perceived as rude in another.
Interestingly, many Russians themselves have reportedly acknowledged that their fellow citizens can be among the worst behaved when exploring other countries.
4. China
China appears next on the list of worst behaved tourists. With the world’s largest population, Chinese travelers naturally make up a significant proportion of the global tourist population.
The sheer number of Chinese visitors in many destinations can make any negative behavior more noticeable.
Some respondents in the survey suggested that rather than being inherently rude, Chinese tourists might simply stand out more due to the frequency with which they travel abroad, sometimes without sufficient preparation for local customs or etiquette.
5. Australia
Australians are ranked fifth. Australian travelers enjoy exploring the world and are known for their adventurous spirit, but this same spirited approach can sometimes be misinterpreted.
High volumes of travel, social drinking and a laid-back attitude may lead to behavior that locals interpret as exuberant or lacking in refinement. It’s also possible that Australians attract attention simply because they are a prominent tourist presence in popular holiday spots.
6. Germany
German tourists are perceived by some as among the worst behaved, taking sixth position. Travelers from Germany may garner complaints tied to frequent travel-related grumbling and perceived brusqueness.
Known for their efficiency and direct communication, Germans may sometimes appear impatient or overly critical in tourism settings. While this can be misunderstood by hosts and other travelers, it contributes to their place on lists of poorly behaved tourist nationalities.
7. India
Ranked seventh is India. According to the same survey, Indian travelers were noted for behavior that some respondents found less than commendable.
With India’s rapidly growing middle class, more citizens than ever are exploring the world, and not all are familiar with international norms or etiquette.
This can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or actions that locals and other tourists perceive as disrespectful or disruptive.
8. France
French tourists are next on the list. Although France is itself a top destination for travelers, its own citizens abroad sometimes carry a reputation for engaging in rude or scandalous behavior.
Whether it’s perceived aloofness, a dismissive attitude toward local customs, or simply a cultural preference for directness, French tourists can give off an impression of being less considerate than their hosts might prefer.
9. Italy
Italy’s place on the list comes at ninth. Italian travelers have been described as ruder and more lewd compared to others, according to responses in the survey.
This may reflect a stereotyping of Italians as passionate and expressive — traits that, when taken to extremes, can be seen as lacking in decorum or subtlety when abroad.
10. Brazil
Finally, Brazilian tourists complete the roster. Ranked tenth, Brazilians were viewed by many survey respondents as particularly “naughty” travelers.
Cultural stereotypes tied to celebrations like Carnival may play into this perception, where exuberance and high energy are common traits.
While many travelers from Brazil are respectful and enthusiastic explorers, the survey results indicate that some behaviors have left negative impressions among international observers.
