Brits abroad: Worst tourist holiday mistakes named from sunburn to towel hogging

New research from Virgin Media O2 has exposed the worst mistakes Britons can make on holiday. From sunburn to towel hogging, here’s how Britons can avoid embarrassing themselves abroad.

As millions of Britons prepare to travel overseas for a holiday, more than 90 percent of people think British people have bad holiday habits.

According to the research, the worst holiday faux pas was expecting everyone to speak English.

Nearly three quarters of those surveyed thought it was embarrassing that British people expect people overseas to speak English.

While around 1.5 billion people around the world speak English, it’s polite to learn at least a few phrases of a country’s native language before travelling there.

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The next most embarrassing holiday habit was getting burned with over half of those polled finding it shameful.

While getting burned on holiday might be uncomfortable, it can also be really dangerous for tourists.

It’s always important to wear suncream and reapply regularly if tourists are spending a long time in the sun.

Nearly half of those polled thought it was embarrassing when British tourists leave their hotel room in a mess.

DON’T MISS

This year, O2 is offering Priority customers a three month free trial of Super Duolingo to help them learn the local lingo before travelling.

Gareth Turpin, Chief Commercial Officer, Mobile, at Virgin Media O2 said: “Holiday season is upon us with millions of Brits set to travel this summer for some well-deserved down time.

“But with life being busier than ever these days, it can be hard to find the time to learn a language and really get into the holiday spirit. So, we have joined forces with Duolingo to offer our customers a quick and convenient way to brush up on some basics before they go away this year.

“And as O2 is the only major network to offer EU roaming at no extra cost, our customers can keep on top of their Duolingo streaks while they’re away, without having to worry about data roaming charges.”