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6 of the Most Insulting and Shameful Things Travelers Have Done Abroad

Don’t Be That Person

While in a place where cultures we’re not aware of exist, it’s easy to unknowingly do some things that are either offensive or embarrassing. It’s all a part of the learning experience that comes with exploring new territories.

But some actions, regardless of the location, could be perceived as universally shameful, as people have confessed in an online discussion board.

“I mistook matcha powder for wasabi and mixed it in my soy sauce. I got a scolding from the server, and my dip was confiscated, lol. I also poured the tsukemen broth into my teacup and tried to drink it; also confiscated my cup. I’m bad at Japan,” a sightseer writes.

Using Dining Utensils for the Wrong Purposes

Coming in first on our list is the first unfortunate case revolving around Buddha. Buddhism has deep roots in Mongolia, having been practiced there for a solid two millennia. So, imagine the shock when a traveler all the way from Scotland arrived in Mongolia, embarked off-road in their smart car, and proceeded to go around a Buddha statue.

Yelling In Circles Around Buddha

“I visited Angkor Wat, and there are a lot of Buddha statues that have had their heads removed from different times that the country was occupied. So I very stupidly posed with my head in place of a missing Buddha head. I almost didn’t post this because I still cringe thinking about it, but I didn’t know better. This happened almost a decade ago,” a traveler shares.

Buddha’s Head

While in Nicaragua, one jet setter says they stopped for a few drinks at a bar and kept asking locals how the political climate was with all the protests. They kept telling the traveler they were not allowed to give any information.

Asking About Protests

A few individuals reflect on arriving in a different country and pronouncing the words wrong for the first few days of their visit. One said oui in Mexico, another pronounced “nein” in German, “neen,” while another confused oui for si.

Right Word, Wrong Language

In France, and some other countries, kissing once on each cheek is the traditional greeting, and everyone complies out of respect. This globetrotter articulates their experience, “I remember when her male friends came up to do it, I visibly winced and recoiled in horror lol.

Refusing Kisses on the Cheek

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