Spoiler alert – travel can be frustrating. The long lines, the shuffling about with half your worldly belongings in tow, the unfamiliar surroundings. Throw in a little bad travel etiquette and it’s a recipe for disaster.

The last thing anyone wants to be is “that guy”. You know the one. The person who quickly becomes the bane of everyone’s existence.

To that end, here are a few tips on bad behaviors to avoid when traveling so you can enjoy your journey (and so can everyone else).

Airport Etiquette

The airport. Talk about an exercise in frustration. Anxiety levels are through the roof and it seems the universe is conspiring to keep you from making it to your gate on time.

Here’s how to make the experience less daunting and avoid the ire of your fellow travelers.

Don’t get mad at the TSA agents

I see it all the time. People get to the airport late and now their problem becomes everyone else’s. And who better to take it out on than the lowly security agents.

What do you mean to you have to take off your jacket? Why do they care if you keep setting off the metal detector? Are they intentionally trying to make you miss your flight?

Before flying off the handle, take a moment to think about why they’re there in the first place. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather be a little inconvenienced in security than on a flight with some maniac who wants to terrorize the plane (or worse!)

And the agents’ job doesn’t just stop at keeping weapons off planes.

I was once waiting in line behind a young family when the TSA agent began asking the little girl where she was traveling and what her last name was. Immediately some jerk behind me got huffy and muttered “this is ridiculous!” Hey guy, the reason the agent asked was to make sure the little girl wasn’t being kidnapped. Calm down.

If you find you’re always in a rush, invest in programs like TSA Precheck or Clear to expedite the screening process. Crisis averted.

Be prepared to go through security

It’s the same in every airport, and yet somehow half the line is unprepared.

Unless you use TSA Precheck, have your liquids out (and in a quart-sized ziplock bag), laptops in a bin, shoes off, pockets emptied, and remove your belt or excessive bling (something small is fine but if you’re rocking a Flavor Flav sized necklace, take that sucker off).

Don’t be the guy fumbling in line to pull things out and strip down because you thought it’d be fun to wear every piece of jewelry you own. Nothing frustrates fellow travelers more than being stuck behind someone who takes an hour and a half to get through the metal detector.

Grab your stuff and move on

Similar to holding up the line getting through security, don’t stand on the other end and slowly put all your things away. Grab your belongings and move to the side!

Most airports have convenient benches and tables just past security where you can get situated without gumming up the works. Please utilize them.

Patience is a virtue

I understand we’re all in a rush to get through security and on to our gates. But realize that not everyone has the ability to breeze through as easily. Those traveling with small children, the elderly, and those with disabilities may find it difficult to have it all together.

And you know what, that’s ok!

I recently heard of a woman who was going through security with toddlers (nightmare!) After trying her hardest to wrangle them and all their belongings she turned to the person behind her, smiled, and apologized for the inconvenience. The person’s response? “F#%@ you!” Yup. Right in front of two small children.

Classy.

Don’t be the guy who is so self-absorbed that you forget how to be a decent human being. Instead of getting huffy, offer to help! Those struggling to keep the line moving while contending with kids or confusion will be grateful for your compassion.

Don’t become a human roadblock

We’ve all been trailing this guy. The one you’re rushing through the airport behind when they suddenly decide to stop without warning in the middle of the hallway.

Seriously?

If you have to stop, please move to the side to avoid creating a human pile-up.

And likewise, if you’re standing on a moving walkway make sure you move to the side for those rushing to their gates. Pretty please.

Be ready to board

It’s funny how everyone is in such a rush to get on the plane, and then such a rush to get back off. But with limited overhead space, it’s easy to see why. So when you’re in line to board be ready!

Make sure to have your ticket out, passport flipped to the right page (if flying internationally), and bags ready.

Don’t be that guy fumbling for his documents or trying to pass off a suitcase the size of a small apartment as a carry-on.

Airplane Etiquette

So you’ve made it through the odyssey of getting to your seat, now the real fun begins.

We’ve all seen the passenger shaming memes in recent years. People painting their toenails, flipping long locks over the seatback, and walking barefoot through the cabin (and lavatories! Nasty!)

Those seem obvious, but here are a few more subtle things to avoid so you’re not “that guy” on the flight.

Don’t lower your seat into someone else’s lap

I get it. Airline seats aren’t exactly comfy, so it’s tempting to lower your seat to a full recline so your back isn’t spasming by the time you land.

Please don’t.

Not only does this encroach on the (already limited) space of the person behind you, it could also spill their drink or ruin their electronics. Instead, have a glance behind you before reclining your seat (just a little), or avoid it altogether.

Your neighbor will thank you.

Keep movements to a minimum

We all get restless. But if you’re feeling antsy try walking around the cabin rather than Jazzercizing in your seat.

You may not realize it, but your constant adjustments are rocking the world of the passenger behind you.

Their entertainment screen is shaking, their knees are continually bumped, and their tray table looks like it’s in the middle of a massive earthquake. And if they’re trying to sleep, that movement becomes a cruel form of torture.

It’s healthy to get up during a flight anyways, so take a few laps.

Don’t blind everyone with your reading light

I was once on an overnight flight from London to Cape Town and everyone was in a blissful slumber (or at least as much of one as you can have in an airline seat.)

Then around 3am a woman in the row next to me decided it was the perfect opportunity to catch up on some journaling, so on went her light.

Are you kidding me?

She bathed the rows around her in fluorescent white and woke many of us up. You can imagine how popular she became (and after a few death glares she turned it back off in favor of a less obnoxious activity).

If you’re on an overnight flight, realize those around you are trying to catch a few winks and don’t be the one who wakes them up.

Be aware of your bubble

You paid for one seat, not all the seats around you. So when you’re flying be aware of what space is yours and what space is your fellow passenger’s.

Don’t use the entire overhead bin for your myriad of belongings (you get 1/3 of it, your seat mates get the rest). It’s an unwritten rule that anyone unfortunate enough to sit in the middle gets both armrests (they’re uncomfortable enough, give them a break!) Don’t bring stinky snacks on the plane that will have everyone reaching for their barf bags (gross!) And whatever you do, don’t be the guy who falls asleep and drools all over your neighbor’s shoulder (because, obviously).

Not A Typical Tourist

So you’ve made it to your destination and now it’s time to kick back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Here are a few things to be aware of so you aren’t labeled as yet another loathsome tourist.

Be conscious of how you affect the areas you visit

Your travels can be an escape from everyday life, but what you do during your trip can affect the lives of those who call your destination “home”.

For instance, when I traveled to South Africa they were experiencing a severe water shortage. With such a limited supply, everyone was asked to be mindful of water waste. We kept showers to only a couple minutes, order bottled water instead of tap, and use the classic rule “if it’s yellow, let it mellow”.

Was it a bit inconvenient? Yes. But did I want to be the jerk who was too selfish to care about the dire circumstances of locals? Absolutely not.

Likewise, be aware of tourist attractions that may be harmful to the environment or perpetuate animal abuse. There are several activities that would surprise you to learn are harmful, so educate yourself on what they are and avoid them.

Even something as simple as using a flash in museums can be detrimental. We all want that perfect shot, but each flash degrades artwork and interiors. Most museums won’t allow flash photography but for those that do, be mindful of how bad it is and simply shoot without it.

Try new things

Traveling should allow you to experience new things and grow as an individual. After all, if you wanted to talk to the same people, eat the same things, and do what you always do you’d simply stay home, right?

So when you’re traveling step outside your comfort zone!

Taste the regional cuisine, checkout the different customs, and talk to the locals and your fellow travelers!

I can’t tell you how many lifelong friends from all over the globe I’ve met on my adventures. Or how many experiences I’ve had that pushed my boundaries and became some of my favorite memories. And the new food obsessions I have after trying things outside my typical menu.

Believe me, you won’t regret trying something different.

Be aware of photography faux pas

The term “photo bomb” didn’t come about by accident. There’s nothing more frustrating than lining up the perfect shot only to have a passerby step into it as you click the shutter button.

Sigh.

Be aware of your surroundings and if someone is taking a picture, wait until they’re done or walk around them.

Want to really earn some karma points? If you see people awkwardly trying to take a selfie, offer to take the picture for them! Most are extremely grateful (and they’ll typically ask if you want them to do the same for you… bonus!)

And finally, don’t be so concerned with getting the shot that you miss out on the moment.

I remember sitting at the top of Table Mountain watching one of the most beautiful sunsets I’d ever seen. I started to look at others around me and noticed many were taking pictures of themselves in front of it until the sun dipped below the horizon. Once it did, they grabbed their belongings and headed for the exit.

Now don’t get me wrong, I certainly took my fair share of pictures to remember how stunning it was. But then I put my camera down and soaked up the striking colors around me. I couldn’t believe so many people had their backs to it the entire time!

Pictures can’t do scenes like that justice, so don’t miss it completely just for a new profile picture.

This bad travel etiquette may seem obvious, but it’s easy to get lazy and forget about those around you. Don’t be “that guy.” Have a little self-awareness so you and your fellow travelers can both enjoy the journey.

And the most important rule – a little kindness goes a long way!

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