UK holidaymakers warned over 'tourist syndrome' which 'thousands' catch and spells trouble

British holidaymakers jetting out to the European Union and beyond have been warned over the syndrome.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


UK tourists have been warned over 'tourist syndrome’ which can get you in trouble on holiday – and thousands do it. British holidaymakers jetting out to the European Union and beyond have been warned over the syndrome.

The latest survey of 1,231 adults by travel analysts at Radical Storage has found the behaviour "threatens the future freedom of travel". October data has found that 56.5 percent of people will do "something out of character" while travelling.

The research has even found the most common offences that tourists have admitted to doing. The co-founder at Radical Storage, Giacomo Piva, told USA Today Travel: "Unfortunately, the findings of this survey confirm what we already know.

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"The tourism industry may have recovered from the impact of COVID-19, but sadly the epidemic of bad behaviour continues to threaten the future freedom of travel, with anti-tourist protests sweeping Europe.

"The fact that 56.5% of people admitted to behaving badly and experiencing 'tourist syndrome' on vacation shows us that this issue isn’t about the few ruining travel for the many – but the many ruining travel for us all."

Tourists admitted they wanted to let their hair down which could lead to the behaviour. The worst offenders were found to be Gen Zers, with 72% of the younger generation saying they're more likely to act out on their trip.

Four in 10 said their vacation "is a time to let your hair down and have some fun" and "to get out of my comfort zone and create some memories." About one-third of respondents said "you can behave differently where no one knows you."

The most common offenses travelers admitted to in the survey were being territorial by putting down towels to reserve their loungers by the pool, posing inappropriately with a statue and pPicking plants without permission, like at a nature reserve or someone's property.