These are the habits that annoy holidaymakers most
Holidaymaking Britons are more annoyed by fellow travellers leaving litter than reserving sunbeds.
That’s the finding of a new survey by travel insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk who found 25% of holidaymakers are irritated by people leaving litter but only 18% cite saving sun loungers as the top holiday annoyance.
Holidays are meant to be the most relaxing time of the year, yet a recent survey from travel insurance experts shows 84% of travellers are getting irritated by other guests’ behaviour.
Worryingly 17% said using bad language around the pool where there are children was the most annoying thing other holiday makers did.
Other grievances on the list include vaping or smoking close to others on the beach, playing loud music and wearing swimwear in local towns and villages - concerns all holidaymakers need to be aware of when visiting new destinations.
Of the 1000 people surveyed only 3% said other holidaymakers didn’t annoy them, with 50% admitting they check other travellers’ reviews before booking a holiday to see if these behaviours are reported.
Holiday hotspots have tightened up local rules this year in the wake of overtourism issues, applying restrictions on how holidaymakers should behave, with guidance on smoking, loud music and dress codes – many of which now carry hefty fines.
In San Sebastian, the council has banned smoking, vaping and loudspeakers on the beach. Albufeira launched a new set of rules prohibiting holidaymakers from wearing swimwear in public areas away from a beach or pool, with €1,500 fines for offenders. And Palma has banned party boats from 2026, as these often alcohol-fuelled activities have attracted noise complaints from residents.
Ian Wilson, Managing Director and travel insurance expert at Tiger.co.uk said: “For many, summer holidays are one of the best parts of the whole year, a chance to relax and soak up some sun.
“However, it can be hard to unwind if the habits of others are proving stressful. Overtourism issues in certain areas are also adding pressure, with overcrowding, littering and increased tensions with local people
“Many authorities are clamping down on unfavourable behaviours, with new rules and penalties in place to help protect the local environment and support their communities.
“It’s important that holidaymakers respect local people and their customs and behave in a way that allows other travellers to enjoy their holiday.
It’s concerning that 84% of those surveyed find fellow guests irritating, with some serious issues noted on the list, from bad language around children to littering and smoking close to others.
“Travellers need to make sure they thoroughly research the resort they’re headed to - checking other guest reviews and official ratings, and looking at average guest age and resort type.
“Choosing the right style of holiday is key, from family friendly to adult only hotels, as travel insurance is unlikely to support a change of location unless the hotel becomes inhabitable for unexpected reasons such as a medical emergency, a natural disaster or an act of terrorism.*”
Tiger.co.uk gives customers the tools to help them compare and find savings on travel insurance.
