Ever wonder if that side-eye from a local is just your imagination or a sign you’ve wandered too deep into tourist territory? As summer travel hits fever pitch, stories of chilly receptions and outright protests are making even seasoned globetrotters rethink their approach. But here’s the twist: feeling welcome abroad isn’t about ditching your dream destinations, it’s about showing up with the right mindset and a few clever strategies up your sleeve.
From Venice’s tourist taxes to Barcelona’s flash-mob protests, it’s safe to say that overtourism is more than a fad. But don’t book that plane ticket yet. Travelers and experts alike assure: with some planning, plenty of respect, and some insider tips, you can turn cringe-worthy interactions into real connections and even trick out a smile from the grumpiest local.
1. Learn the Local Lingo Even Just a Little
Chloe Bennet, who made herself uncomfortable in Venice, noted that employing even simple Italian phrases such as ‘Buongiorno’and‘Grazie’ went a long way. In her opinion, ‘Even basic Italian phrases made a noticeable difference when I used them.’ Locals like it when visitors come, even for a short while, from their language. A small act can wipe out tension and pave the way for more authentic communication.
It has nothing to do with overnight grammar mastery, simply demonstrating that you care. According to ALTOUR chief risk and security officer John Rose, ‘A few words of the local language, expressing interest in their culture, and deferring to community norms can easily defuse tension.’ Learn simple greetings and manners before your trip. It’s the fastest way to convert a cold shoulder into a warm welcome.
2. Avoid the Crowds And the Melodrama
Few things are more ‘tourist’ than shoving through a group of other travelers at the busiest moment to take a selfie. But here’s the trick: locals are far more welcoming to you if you avoid the busiest areas and times. Bennet discovered that avoiding busy locations during busy hours and shopping at local stores made her feel like she was getting in touch with the city, not throwing its rhythm off.
This approach isn’t just about comfort, it’s about respect. As highlighted in recent coverage, Venice has started charging daily visitor fees to control the influx and generate revenue for local maintenance. Meanwhile, protests in places like Barcelona are less about tourists themselves and more about the sheer volume overwhelming local life. By planning visits to lesser-known neighborhoods or traveling during off-peak hours, you’re helping to ease the strain and likely getting a more authentic experience in return.
3. Respect Local Customs It’s Non-Negotiable
Lisa Mirza Grotts, an etiquette expert, emphasizes that visitors who ignore local norms like speaking loudly in quiet countries or dressing inappropriately are often the ones who get cold stares.’Pay close attention to local customs and social norms,’ she advises. This isn’t just about blending in; it’s about honoring the place you’re lucky enough to visit.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council says, ‘Recognize that destinations are more than tourist attractions; they are homelands and everyday life for local people.’ From not covering your shoulders at church to not eating on public stairs, those tiny compromises make a big difference. Payback? Locals will be much more likely to share their world with you.
4. Travel With a Local or in a Respectful Group
Diane Rulke, a 25-year European teacher, refuses to travel with anything less than a local guide. ‘A local will take you away from the most touristy areas, the greatest crowds, and will cause you to experience a more genuine reality,’ she asserts. Guides can help translate subtle cultural hints and take you away from generic faux pas.
If there is no guide in the works, invite friends who, like you, respect local customs. Safety in numbers—and, as Rulke reminds us, it is simpler to avoid being conspicuous for the wrong reasons. Also, a group can amplify your positive impact, particularly if everybody is responsible in their traveling.
5. Support Local Businesses: Avoid the Chains
Wishing to be perceived as something more than just another traveler. Where are your priorities? Bennet preferred to spend his money at local restaurants and shops rather than foreign chains, and it worked: ‘I observed that locals became more friendly when they perceived my attempts to be sensitive towards their cultural practices.’
Shopping local is one of the cornerstones of sustainable tourism, retaining economic value within the community as defined by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. This isn’t merely good karma, this is an opportunity to gain insider information and engage with the locals who call your destination home.
6. Stay Informed And Flexible
Protests, closures, and spontaneous disruptions can undermine the best-laid plans. But as recent coverage of Spain’s ‘anti-overtourism’ protests explains, they are seldom directed against tourists themselves. Rather, they’re a response to more unsustainable tourist conduct (Spain has experienced a steady, sharp increase in international visitation).
The smartest thing to do? Listen to local radio, keep up with early bookings, and be prepared to adapt. If you do find yourself in the middle of a demonstration, however, insiders recommend slowly getting out. Being flexible can be a whole lot more efficient at keeping your holiday and your working relationship with the local people on target.
7. Practice Kindness Even When It’s Difficult
Now and then, despite how you’ve warned them off, you’ll still receive a pretty cool reception. Here’s how veteran travel writer Christopher Elliott explains his approach: ‘When they grimace, I smile. And when they ignore me, I lean into my politeness.’ Defusing hostility with politeness is a pretty bland-sounding method but unexpectedly effective.
This isn’t about turning a blind eye to true problems it’s about tearing down walls of respect and understanding. As studies on overtourism indicate, residents typically feel besieged by sheer crowds of tourists. A bit more patience and a smile can remind everyone involved that travel at its best is about connection, not collision.
Travel in 2025 is not simply booking flights and taking selfies; whether it’s a summer of vacationers or high-season travelers, it’s about being a considerate guest in someone else’s homeland. By engaging with culture, putting money into the local economy, and the practice of empathy, summer tourists can trade tourist disdain for true hospitality. The world is still wide open, waiting for you to visit with respect.
