Last updated on November 1st, 2023 at 04:26 pm
Recently, I wrote a post lamenting the behavior of tourists in Hawaii. That post was primarily about domestic visitors. However, on a recent trip to the Pacific Northwest, I discovered that even international tourists suck these days.
It’s ironic, isn’t it? For a long time, American tourists were loathed the world over. Then came tourists from mainland China. These tourists were so bad that the Chinese government even enacted its own education and punishment system for its citizens traveling abroad. But now, in 2022, I’ve seen it all. That’s because even international tourists suck – and yes, I’m not talking only about the Chinese.
Even International Tourists Suck
I just got back from Seattle and Portland. I’ll have a trip report series soon, but I have to get this off my chest now. I don’t know what the hell is going on with everyone, but tourists in general are just awful. What surprised me most, though, is that even international tourists suck. You know, the type of people who previously bemoaned American tourists for our rude and entitled behavior. Now, these guys are behaving in exactly the same way!
I didn’t have to wait long to begin witnessing this. My first observation occurred almost immediately after arriving at our first hotel – the Hyatt Regency Seattle. Since our flight arrived on the later side, I decided to order Door Dash for a late dinner. When I was waiting in the lobby for our delivery, I sat in one of the available chairs. Minutes later, a family from Spain walked up to the chairs, and one of them began leaning against my chair, almost facing me so he could talk to one of his companions seated in the chairs next to me. Fine, whatever.
Then he began coughing. All over me. Good thing I opted to wear a mask while waiting. Mind you, he could’ve leaned against his companion’s chair. But, no. Asshole.
The next day, we ventured out to Pike Place Market. I know the market is nearly always a chaotic mess. But, man, it would be less pleasant if people weren’t so ignorant. So many people stood in the middle of walkways and streets, often clogging the entire way. Many even walk right in front of others, only to abruptly stop and block the whole way. I slammed into people doing this several times.
Of course, while I was waiting for my order at Sosio’s, the workers repeatedly asked tourists to stop touching the produce. He even got into an argument with one who kept touching everything over and over again.
Not Everyone Was Bad
Of course, not EVERYONE was bad. There was one family we ran into at Pike Place Market – they were either Chinese or Korean, I couldn’t really tell. But Mrs. Island Miler and I were trying to take a selfie with one of the pig statues. When she saw us, the mother of the family hurried over and offered to take our photo for us. I then reciprocated and took their photo for them.
At the Fremont Troll, a domestic tourist asked us to take a picture of him and his companion and reciprocated as well. But, even then, a group of Chinese tourists parked in a no-parking zone and nearly blocked our car in. Ugh.
Even International Tourists Suck, Final Thoughts
What the hell happened? Why are so many people being complete jerks nowadays? Is it anger over not being able to travel for two years? Or is it entitlement simply because everything is so expensive these days? Either way, people need to cut the crap. I know I don’t need to tell you guys this, but people need to learn to be kind again. They also need to remember that when you’re traveling, you’re in someone’s home. Be a courteous guest for the benefit of residents and fellow travelers.