Traveling to the Mediterranean? While Americans are welcomed in Spain, Italy, Greece, and France, there are some tourist behaviors that locals often find unusual, funny, or even frustrating. Avoid these mistakes to blend in better and enjoy a more authentic experience!
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll blend in better, have a more authentic experience, and maybe even make some local friends along the way!
Read Here European Things that terrify Americans and American Habits that make Europeans Cringe
Read here how to pack for Europe and Best eSIM for Europe
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Tips to Embrace the Mediterranean Lifestyle
The key to enjoying the Mediterranean like a local is to:
Slow down and enjoy life (“La Dolce Vita” in Italy, “Pura Vida” in Spain)
Dress well but comfortably
Try local customs and foods
Learn a few words in the language
Relax—don’t rush!
1. Eating Dinner Too Early
Mistake: Arriving at a restaurant at 5-6 PM and wondering why it’s empty.
Why It’s a Problem: In the Mediterranean, dinner starts LATE—usually between 8:30 PM and 10:30 PM. Showing up too early might mean you’re eating alone or at a tourist trap.
What to Do Instead: Have a light snack in the afternoon and plan for a late, leisurely dinner like the locals.
2. Over-Tipping Like in the U.S.
Mistake: Leaving a 20% tip everywhere.
Why It’s a Problem: In many Mediterranean countries, tipping is not expected or is much lower than in the U.S. since service charges are included in the bill.
What to Do Instead: Check if the “servizio” (Italy) or “service compris” (France) is already included. A small 5-10% tip or rounding up is appreciated but not required.
3. Dressing Too Casually in Cities
Mistake: Wearing flip-flops, gym shorts, and tank tops in cities like Rome, Barcelona, or Paris.
Why It’s a Problem: Mediterranean fashion is more elegant and put-together. Tourists wearing overly casual outfits stand out immediately and may even be refused entry in some places.
What to Do Instead: Wear comfortable but stylish outfits—think light dresses, linen shirts, and comfortable but chic shoes.
4. Expecting Fast Service at Restaurants
Mistake: Getting impatient when waiters don’t check on you every 5 minutes.
Why It’s a Problem: Mediterranean dining is slow and relaxed—restaurants don’t rush you, and meals are meant to be enjoyed for hours without being interrupted constantly.
What to Do Instead: Flag down the waiter when needed, and don’t expect the check until you ask for it. Enjoy the slow pace—it’s part of the experience!
5. Talking Loudly in Public
Mistake: Speaking too loudly in restaurants, on public transport, or in historic sites.
Why It’s a Problem: Americans are sometimes known for being loud, while Mediterranean cultures tend to be more soft-spoken in public.
What to Do Instead: Be mindful of your volume, especially in churches, museums, or small restaurants.
6. Ordering a Cappuccino in the Afternoon
Mistake: Asking for a cappuccino after lunch or dinner.
Why It’s a Problem: In Italy and Spain, milk-based coffees are only for mornings—after meals, locals drink espresso. Ordering a cappuccino in the afternoon is an instant giveaway that you’re a tourist.
What to Do Instead: If you want coffee after lunch, order an espresso (“café solo” in Spain or “caffè” in Italy).
7. Assuming Everyone Speaks English
Mistake: Expecting waiters, shopkeepers, and taxi drivers to speak fluent English.
Why It’s a Problem: While many Mediterraneans do speak English, assuming they should can come off as rude or entitled.
What to Do Instead: Learn a few basic phrases like:
“Grazie” (Thank you) in Italy
“Gracias” in Spain
“Merci” in France
“Efharistó” in Greece
Even trying a few words shows respect and can lead to better service!
8. Overpacking for the Trip
Mistake: Bringing huge suitcases filled with multiple outfit changes.
Why It’s a Problem: Many Mediterranean cities have narrow streets, stairs, and no elevators, making large luggage a nightmare to carry around.
What to Do Instead: Pack light with carry-on luggage and versatile outfits—locals often rewear the same clothes stylishly.
9. Rushing Through Sightseeing Too Fast
Mistake: Trying to see too much in one day (e.g., Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, and a Seine cruise all in a morning).
Why It’s a Problem: The Mediterranean lifestyle is slow and relaxed. Rushing around stresses you out and prevents you from truly absorbing the experience.
What to Do Instead: Plan fewer activities per day and take time to sit at a café, walk leisurely, and soak in the atmosphere.
10. Eating at Touristy Restaurants
Mistake: Eating at places near big landmarks with menus in 10 languages and pictures of food.
Why It’s a Problem: These restaurants are overpriced, low-quality tourist traps.
What to Do Instead: Look for restaurants with locals inside, handwritten menus, and no pictures. Use Google Maps or ask locals for recommendations!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.