Holidaymakers clash over annoying habits

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.

The top reported complaint by fellow holidaymakers was people leaving litter / not tidying up after themselves, with 25% of the vote.

Surprisingly, saving sun loungers missed out on the top spot, the commonly reported issue was only the most annoying factor for 18% of people surveyed.

Worryingly, rounding out the top three is people using bad language around the pool where there are children.

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. 

What do you feel is the most annoying thing other holidaymakers do while abroad?
Leaving litter / not tidying up after themselves	25%
Saving sun loungers with towels when not using them	18%
Using bad language around the pool where children are	17%
Smoking or vaping close to others on the beach	10%
Other holidaymakers don’t annoy me	3%
Playing loud music on the beach	3%
Putting feet in water fountains / ignoring local rules and customs	3%
Wearing swimwear in the towns / away from the pool	3%
Drinking in the pool	2%
Going barefoot into the toilet blocks	2%
Having loud arguments	1%
Not applicable	13%

Of the 1000 people surveyed by travel insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk, 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.

References:

 *https://www.smartertravel.com/travel-insurance-coverage-things-policy-wont-cover/

 **https://news.booking.com/bookingcoms-2025-research-reveals-growing-traveler-awareness-of-tourism-impact-on-communities-both-at-home-and-abroad/

San Sebastian – https://www.timeout.com/news/this-popular-european-beach-hotspot-has-announced-strict-new-rules-for-2026-102125

Albufeira – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn7g3nv34ejo

Palma – https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/12/17/palma-port-moves-to-end-party-boats-after-years-of-complaints/

Survey – ​Tiger.co.uk’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during June 2026, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.