by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 9:30 AM ET, Fri January 2, 2026
As global travel continued its strong rebound in 2025, so too did headlines about poorly behaved tourists.
A CNN Travel “Worst-Behaved Travelers of 2025” roundup revealed a spectrum of misconduct that captured global attention.
From disrupting rescue routes at Mount Etna to blocking toilets on long-haul flights and vandalizing iconic heritage sites, the roundup serves both as an entertaining cautionary tale and a learning opportunity.
RELATED: Getting on the Naughty List: Bad Passenger Behaviour Peaks at the Holidays
How to Avoid Being a Bad Tourist
Europe: Respect Culture, Sites and Space
Europe remains one of the most popular regions for Canadian travellers.
- Don’t damage heritage: In Italy, tourists were photographed diving into Venice’s Grand Canal, driving up the Spanish Steps, and damaging artwork in museums like the Uffizi Galleries, all actions that attracted criticism and fines.
- Tip with context: While tipping is appreciated, customs vary widely by country. In many parts of Europe, rounding up the bill or leaving a modest tip (e.g., 5–15% where expected) is polite, but it’s not universally required, reports Forbes
- Follow local norms: According to Getours, simple courtesies like queuing without cutting lines in the UK or respecting “siesta” closures in Spain help visitors blend in and avoid rude surprises.
RELATED: Sun, Sand, and Fines: Europe’s Crackdown on Bad Beach Behaviour
Asia: Learn Customs and Etiquette Ahead of Time
Asia’s diversity is part of its allure, but it also means etiquette can vary dramatically from one destination to the next.
- Cultural sensitivity matters: Overcrowding and behaviour concerns surfaced in Asia's hotspots, Bali, Kyoto and Phuket, where locals cited quality-of-life issues stemming from overtourism.
- Respect sacred sites: Many Asian countries expect modest dress and respectful behaviour at temples and other sacred places. For example, covering shoulders and knees is often required at major sites like Angkor Wat or Thailand’s Grand Palace.
- Watch gestures and interactions: Practices such as removing shoes before entering homes or being mindful of personal space show respect and help avoid accidental offence.
RELATED: Greece Applies New Measures To Manage Overtourism at Athens’ Acropolis
The Caribbean & Latin America
Destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America are popular with Canadians; local norms can vary.
- Respect pace and social norms: In many Latin American countries, relaxed attitudes toward time and friendly interaction are the norms. Being patient and polite fosters better local engagement, according to Getours.
- Protect the environment: Simple actions like staying on designated paths, following park rules and disposing of waste properly demonstrate respect for fragile ecosystems that local economies depend on.
Air Travel: Politeness is Non-Negotiable
Dramatic patterns highlighted in 2025 involved air travel, where disruptive passengers caused flight diversions, delays and arrests.
- Follow crew instructions: From pax trying to open emergency exits to those refusing to comply with seating protocols, incidents in 2025 underscored how quickly poor behaviour can escalate.
- Be calm and prepared: Simple habits — stowing baggage properly, not blocking aisles, listening to safety briefings and moderating alcohol go a long way.
RELATED: Turkey to Fine Airplane Passengers Who Block Aisles After Landing
A word about “aisle lice”: Passengers who crowd the aisle the moment an aircraft reaches the gate, despite rows ahead of them still disembarking.
According to CNN Travel, the phenomenon has become one of the most complained-about air travel habits, slowing deplaning, increasing tension onboard and creating unnecessary congestion in already tight cabin spaces. Aviation etiquette experts cited by CNN note that standing early offers little to no time advantage, while making the experience more stressful for fellow passengers and crew.
RELATED: ‘Travel Icks:' Canadians Say Other Passengers Just as Stressful as Delays
Universal Principles
Beyond destination specifics, there are universal etiquette principles:
- Learn before you go: Research local customs, dress codes, gestures and dining etiquette in advance so you’re not caught off guard.
- Respect personal and public space: Keeping voices low in sacred or transit spaces and asking permission before photographing people shows cultural awareness.
- Support local communities: Pay fair prices, use local services and consider visiting lesser-known destinations to ease overtourism pressures.
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