7 Unforgivable Travel Sins You Should Avoid

Not Knowing Tipping Customs

In some cultures, tipping is considered rude. In others, you're considered rude if you don't tip. Research what the standard is in your destination before you go, and act accordingly. And when traveling brings up gratuity questions beyond "How much?"—like, "Should I tip the concierge, tour guide, or maid (and how much)?"—this Global Guide to Tipping from Forbes can offer some travel-specific tip advice. And we've got a great printable tipping guide for within the U.S., too. Remember that many service-industry workers rely on tips to make a living!

Cutting in Line

Traveling's not all fun and sunshine—whether it's to get on a plane, buy a ticket, or enter an attraction, it sometimes means waiting in line. And just because you're in a rush doesn't mean you get to cut! Practice common courtesy and wait your turn. Don't try to act like you didn't know there was a line and skip in front of everyone.

Not Reusing Towels at Hotels

Traveling by plane or car unfortunately takes a toll on the environment. Make up for a little bit of that by reusing your towels during your hotel stay, instead of tossing them on the floor after every shower. You'll help the environment by saving water and energy, and you'll be giving your housekeeper a hand by making his or her job slightly easier.

Being Disrespectful to the Local Culture

Not respecting the local culture when you travel is rude and, in some cases, illegal. At best, you'll end up getting annoyed glares from locals—at worst, you'll be kicked out of somewhere or featured on an episode of Locked Up Abroad. Keep in mind that behaviors you may consider normal (like drinking alcohol or hugging in public) are illegal and offensive in some countries. Remember that some places you may consider a "tourist attraction" are places of worship for locals and may have dress codes. (For example, you'll be turned away if you try to enter many churches in Rome with bare shoulders.)

Stowing Your Carry-On at the Front of the Plane (When You're in the Back)

Sitting in the back of the plane but don't want to wheel your bag all the way down there, only to find that there's no overhead space left? Too bad. Shoving your bag over a row that's not yours really makes it difficult for your fellow flyers—they'll have to go to the back of the plane to stash their bags, fight their way back to their seat at the front of the plane (snarling the boarding process), and then wait until everyone else is off the plane to collect their bags. Be courteous and at least attempt to find overhead space near your row.

Trying to Board Before Your Row Is Called

We know you want to get your carry-on bag onboard before the overhead compartments fill up, but please don't be "Gate Lice" (a nickname for people that crowd the gate before their row or boarding group is called). All this does is slow down the boarding process and annoy people whose turn it actually is to board. Sit down and wait until your group is called!

Being An Inappropriate Photographer

Respect the signs that ask you not to use flash photography at museums and attractions. You don't want to risk damaging the artwork or distracting other visitors with your series of blinding lights. This rule also extends to snapping shots of locals for "color" without their permission—be respectful and ask if you can take someone's picture instead of just doing it. Again, remember that sites that may be another tourist attraction to you can be sacred places to locals and that clowning around for pictures can be considered very disrespectful. (Like in the case of a tourist fired from her job after snaps of her "funny" pictures at Arlington National Cemetery surfaced online.)

More From Smartertravel:

• Seven Signs You're an Annoying American Tourist
• 10 Signs You're a Terrible Traveler
• 10 Most Overrated Tourist Traps (and What to See Instead)