Even the French don't like French tourists.

[sleepyjeff]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20080707/wl_time/mostobnoxioustouriststhefrench

[BarTopDancer]

Interesting read.

[cirquelover]

Well, at least the Americans are moving down the list!

[BarTopDancer]

I know the process of tipping is confusing to those not from here. Some cultures it's rude to tip at all, some you just leave the change.

When I was showing some people from Oz around a few weeks ago they asked me what was proper. It was their 3rd day and they had been leaving 15% and a few bucks a drink. I explained my personal guidelines and why, but i was impressed that they researched enough to know 15% is acceptable(ish).

[alphabassettgrrl]

It's good to know the customs when one visits another country.

[CoasterMatt]

From my own personal experience, I'd say Canadians are the most annoying.
(but strangely enough, the French Canadians are just fine, and I've had great experience overall with French visitors).

Of course, the worst of all are "soccer moms" and other creatures of the suburban world. :)

[CoasterMatt]

Another thing this article brings to mind, is that no matter what, these people are on vacation; people on vacation don't always act sensibly, no matter the custom - anybody on here who's seen me at work knows that sometimes I have to just grin and bear it - and in the end, my guests are happy, and I'm still gainfully employed.

[dlrp_bopazot]

Ouh la la they're talking about french tourits . OK as im french and work in the tourism industry i can say The French tourist are stupid like any other tourist but they do like to Complain to obtain something in return .

In the US most of the tourism Industry take care of everything because they are scared about going in court with someone for a little detail . In France we cant go in court for a HOT COFFEE or a pill in our Cheeseburger because they will laugh at the court for the stupidity .

i have to admit that the french in vacation complains a lot .

[blueerica]

Funny Bopazot should mention that. When I was in Spain, a loosely attached table umbrella came up out of a neighboring table and went right to my eye. I could have lost an eye or broken the bone of my the left lower eye socket area (whatever that is). A waiter saw it and did nothing. When we went in for some ice to ice it, nothing really happened until we begged. It was not a good day.

I realized it had to do with how litigious the US is versus Everywhere Else. I was shocked to get no help. Then again, I always figured that I'm the Good Samaritan type, aren't others like me, at least a little?

[Strangler Lewis]

Went to a circus here in Switzerland and the elephants and the people in the first row were right at ringside. The elephants and horses would put their feet on the little barrier, lie down on it, etc. When the elephants paraded through town to take their daily promotional bath in the lake, they just showed up. No police, no barricades. I don't think that would happen in the U.S.