Planning a vacation takes time, money, and no small amount of effort. Most travelers want experiences to be meaningful, not overrun with crowded photo ops and tourist traps that leave them feeling disenchanted. With that in mind, luggage storage company Stasher set out to rank the world’s best and worst tourist attractions. The company analyzed 101 major global attractions using data points such as visitor satisfaction, social media engagement, and the quality of nearby lodging. From centuries-old architectural marvels to natural wonders and modern landmarks, these are 10 attractions that don’t quite live up to traveler expectations, according to the Stasher study.

10. Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu – Peru

Score: 5 out of 10

There’s no denying the magic of Machu Picchu, but of all the attractions on this list, it’s the most difficult to reach, resulting in a low accessibility score. For some travelers, especially those on tighter schedules, the cumbersome logistics of reaching the ancient citadel aren’t worth it. Visiting the famed hilltop sanctuary requires an international flight to Cusco (68 miles from Machu Picchu), often via Lima, followed by a train ride to Aguas Calientes. From there, visitors can either board a bus or embark on a steep, 4-mile uphill hike to Machu Picchu.

On a positive note, Machu Picchu boasts the highest Google review score on this list (4.8 out of 5 stars). And despite the high cost of transportation to reach the attraction, other costs in Machu Picchu and the surrounding region are relatively affordable, such as hiring a private tour guide (around $50 USD), securing entry passes ($45 to $85), and enjoying local cuisine. Whether or not you consider Machu Picchu a true “tourist trap,” the key is to know what you’re signing up for before you go.

9. Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania

Score: 4.98 out of 10

Like Machu Picchu, Mount Kilimanjaro is undeniably beautiful, but the trek to see it may not be worth it for some tourists. As the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, Kilimanjaro rises 19,340 feet above the plains of Tanzania. It takes around four to nine days to reach the summit of the dormant volcano by hiking.

Some past visitors to Mount Kilimanjaro have weighed in on social platforms such as Reddit to say that the hiking trails and tours are overrated, citing concerns like crowding on popular routes, a slow pace of ascent, litter on the trail, and high costs for hiking packages. Others mentioned the long, anticlimactic descent with limited views due to frequently misty weather. And while many climbers say reaching Africa’s highest peak is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, viewing Kilimanjaro from afar during a wildlife safari may be a more appealing option for the casual tourist who is prioritizing comfort.

8. Disneyland Paris – France

Score: 4.9 out of 10

Disneyland Paris is among the most-visited attractions in Europe, yet among all Disney Resorts, it was the only one to experience a decline in tourist arrivals in 2024 — despite the debut of a new attraction, the Disney Electrical Sky Parade nighttime show. Some past visitors have taken to social media to complain of high costs, a smaller footprint than other Disney parks, a lack of attractions, and frequent construction delays.

Interestingly, in addition to ranking the most overrated tourist sites, Stasher’s survey ranked the best tourist attractions on each continent, and Orlando’s Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland ranked first in North America and Asia, respectively. Among Disney resorts worldwide, Disneyland Paris ranked last based on the study’s metrics. For travelers weighing whether to include it in a European itinerary, it may be worth setting expectations, especially if you’ve visited other Disney parks.

7. Stonehenge – Wiltshire, U.K.

Score: 4.85 out of 10

Despite the prehistoric monument being known worldwide, some visitors feel Stonehenge doesn’t live up to the hype. Because the monument is 5,000 years old, it must be protected against damage and erosion, which means keeping visitors at a safe distance. Access to the stones is restricted, and visitors must stay on a designated path about 45 feet from the monument. No entry is allowed inside the stone circle without a prearranged tour. For unknowing visitors, this can be a letdown.

That said, there are ways to get more out of your visit to Stonehenge. Booking an Inner circle tour allows you to experience the monument at sunrise or sunset, offering an up-close look at the stones with fewer crowds.

6. Museum of Old and New Art – Tasmania, Australia

Score: 4.8 out of 10

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is located just north of downtown Hobart, making it easily accessible for anyone visiting the capital city of Tasmania. Many visitors enjoy the unique museum, known for its shocking and sometimes controversial exhibits, but others felt their visit wasn’t worth the $39 admission price.

The avant-garde museum boasts the second-lowest Google review score on the list, with visitors citing a lack of traditional museum amenities, such as labels, maps, signage, and a clear layout. Others note that many of the themes are provocative or dark, and that some exhibits are unsuitable for children. Ultimately, whether you love it or hate it depends on your expectations and who you’re visiting with.

5. Victoria Harbor – Hong Kong

Score: 4.68 out of 10

Victoria Harbor, located between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula, is known for its striking skyline and popular tourist attractions. The scenic Star Ferry offers low-cost harbor crossings and tours, and it’s one of the best places to catch the nightly “Symphony of Lights” laser and light show along the harbor. Unfortunately, the harbor’s popularity has drawn large crowds, frustrating visitors and leading to lower ratings, especially in recent years.

For instance, the waterfront at Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade offers one of the best vantage points for views of skyscrapers on both sides, but it’s among the most congested areas of the harbor. In the same area, the Avenue of Stars (inspired by the Hollywood Walk of Fame) celebrates Hong Kong’s film industry but also attracts heavy foot traffic. For those who still want to visit the iconic waterfront, traveling outside the peak travel season or arriving early at sunrise may be more enjoyable.

4. Great Wall of China – China

Score: 4.43 out of 10

As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China is among the world’s most-visited landmarks, attracting 20 million tourists annually. Some travelers have walked the entire wall, but most visit one or two sections. Reviews of this architectural feat are mixed, mainly depending on which section the reviewer visited.

Complaints in Google reviews most frequently cite extreme crowds, commercialization, and extensive renovations, especially in popular areas near major cities like Beijing. This creates long queues and a chaotic atmosphere that obstructs views and distracts from the wall’s history and grandeur. On the other hand, some reviewers who sought to escape the crowds at remote sections noted that it takes a lot of time and effort to reach such areas, so it may not be worth it for every traveler. When it comes to this landmark, it’s best to research which section fits your travel goals.

3. Grand Bazaar – Istanbul, Turkey

Score: 3.86 out of 10

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar presents a dazzling array of colorful textiles, glittering lamps, and fragrant spices. As one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, it houses more than 4,000 shops and has been operating since the 15th century. Yet, some travelers feel the historic marketplace has become overrated.

These visitors noted that many of the shops now carry mass-produced souvenirs rather than local products. Pricing is also high, and shopkeepers can be persistent in their pursuit of a sale. While visitors can bargain with store owners, for some the effort isn’t worth it. Other smaller markets throughout the city may boast more authentic experiences at lower prices.

2. Dead Sea – Jordan/Israel/West Bank

Score: 3.51 out of 10

The Dead Sea, the lowest point on the planet, is a natural wonder that many tourists visit for its unique characteristics. Its name stems from its extreme salinity, which renders it devoid of all life except bacteria. However, the water’s density allows visitors to float more easily than in traditional salt water, a novelty you won’t find in many other places.

However, instability in the region has deterred many international visitors in recent years, and the lake’s inaccessibility poses logistical challenges that some travelers feel aren’t worth the time and money. Other concerns from reviewers include high entry costs, commercialization, crowds during peak season, and environmental decline, leading to safety concerns for swimming.

1. Hollywood Walk of Fame – Los Angeles, California

Score: 2.67 out of 10

According to the study, the most overrated tourist attraction is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This attraction on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles features 2,800 star-studded names engraved in the sidewalk, celebrating those in the film industry. Despite its popularity, the Walk of Fame has the lowest Google rating on this list (4 out of 5 stars). Some reviewers were underwhelmed by the experience, describing littered streets and sidewalks, aggressive solicitors, pickpockets, and crowds. The low ratings for nearby accommodations and safety also drag this attraction down.

However, many tourists enjoy the experience simply because it’s so iconic. Because of this, the Walk of Fame scores high on social media, garnering more engagement than any other attraction on the list. The landmark is also free to visit, making it a quick and easy stop on the itinerary to snap a picture with the stars of Hollywood legends. As with all the attractions on this list, managing expectations is key.

About the data: To compile this list, we referenced a 2025 report from luggage storage company Stasher on the “Top 10 Tourist Traps That Just Aren’t Worth It.” To determine this ranking, the company analyzed 101 major global attractions using five key data points: visitor satisfaction, social media engagement, airport accessibility, national security conditions, and the quality of nearby lodging. You can read the full report here.

Packing for a cruise can feel daunting for a first-timer. After all, if you forget something important, you’re limited to what you can buy on board or while in port. To help you avoid being stuck at sea without what you need, let’s take a look at seven things you should always pack for a cruise, including a few surprisingly useful items you may not have considered.

Clothing That Fits Your Cruise’s Dress Code

Before you even start with a packing list, it’s a good idea to read any information provided about your specific cruise, as the level of formality on board can vary considerably across cruise lines. Check your itinerary details or the website of the company operating your cruise to find a suggested dress code or packing checklist, which is a handy starting point. This one from Celebrity Cruises, for instance, is quite different from what’s suggested to comply with the dress code on an expedition cruise with an upscale operator like Silversea. Additionally, as part of your preparations, be sure to do some thorough research into the kind of weather you might expect and pack the right gear for those conditions. 

Binoculars (for Wildlife Cruises)

If you’re heading on a cruise to a wildlife-rich destination such as Alaska, you can expect plenty of sightings during your cruise. However, they don’t always happen on the Zodiac boat or during shore excursions; often, you’ll spot creatures in the distance from the ship. That can be frustrating if you don’t have the right equipment to zoom in on your subject, which is why packing a pair of binoculars can come in handy. Alternatively, if you’re an avid photographer, looking through a long lens will have much the same effect, and you’ll be able to record the moment to share with friends and family back home.

Towel Bands or Clips

While you’ll find beach towels in your cabin, if you plan to use one when it’s breezy on deck, you’ll be grateful for a couple of towel clips to hold it in place. However, clips can be bulky to pack if space is tight, and if squashed, they may break. Instead, seasoned travelers often choose towel bands, which can be pulled over a lounge chair and stretched to fit different-sized chairs. No matter which one you choose, a towel clip or band will also help you quickly identify which seat you were using if you step away for a moment. 

Small Bills for Tips While Ashore

Onboard gratuities are often included as part of the price of your cruise or can be paid up front. For example, Royal Caribbean levies a charge of at least $18.50 per passenger per day, while Carnival’s daily rates begin at $16 per person. However, the same can’t be said when you disembark. If you’re keen to explore at each port of call, you may want to carry a small amount of cash in small bills so you can tip servers at local cafés and bars. They’ll also come in handy if you wish to thank your guide after a fun tour or excursion.

Magnetic Wall Hooks 

Let’s face it: Cruise ship cabins can be cozy (read: small). Even the most spacious ones might still present storage challenges during your trip, particularly on longer voyages. While you can request additional hangers for clothes, it’s also handy to travel with a few magnetic wall hooks. Use them to store bags, toiletries, and other small items in easily accessible places, rather than piled on the floor or on furniture. Before you make your purchase, however, consider what the hooks are designed for and whether they are strong enough to support what you plan to use them for.

A Large Water Bottle or Mug (Preferably With a Lid)

Regular cruisers might tell you to bring your own mug, as those you’ll encounter on the ship are often small. In case of a less-than-smooth sailing, you’ll also benefit from choosing a mug with a lid so hot liquid doesn’t spill. Insulated mugs or water bottles will also be invaluable during shore excursions, and you’ll be doing your bit to reduce the use of single-use plastics.

Over-the-Counter Medicine 

Though you can purchase many over-the-counter drugs at the ship’s pharmacy or while in port, it’s far more convenient to pack a small first-aid kit with the basics. Pop a packet of pain relievers, seasickness pills, indigestion remedies, and a few Band-Aids in your luggage in case they’re needed. However, be sure to review the cruise line’s list of banned items and research local laws for the countries on your itinerary, as items that are commonplace and legal where you live might not be allowed in the places you visit. 

With the cost of living on the rise, planning for retirement is trickier than ever. Fortunately for seniors, a growing number of cities and states offer unique benefits for residents of a certain age — namely tax breaks and free programs designed to ease the burden of the affordability crisis. Check out six states and cities that offer benefits for senior residents.

Chicago, Illinois

Anyone who’d prefer to go car-free after turning 65 would do well to retire in the Windy City. The Regional Transportation Authority’s Ride Free Program makes public transit free for seniors who qualify for the Illinois Department on Aging’s Benefit Access Program. Seniors who are enrolled in the benefit program can take advantage of free rides on the Metra commuter rail, Pace suburban buses, and CTA buses and trains. Once granted, permits are valid for five years and must be renewed upon expiration. Chicago’s public transportation ranked 17th in the world in a 2023 survey, with 82% of Chicagoans having positive things to say about the Chicago Transit Authority, making this program especially appealing for seniors.

Alaska

Want to receive a $150,000 exemption from the assessed value of your home? Simply turn 65, move to Alaska for at least a year, buy a house, and use it as your primary residence for at least 185 days out of the year. The Last Frontier also doesn’t have state income tax, estate tax, or inheritance tax, which makes it a financially appealing place to retire (as long as you don’t mind the winters).

Denver, Colorado

Among the many reasons to move to Denver, its outdoorsy vibe and close proximity to the mountains rank near the top. For residents over the age of 60 who’d like to stay active without leaving city limits, MY Denver PRIME is a must. The program offers free admission to every recreation center and pool in the city, including clubs and drop-in fitness classes; you even get access to the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave located in Lookout Mountain Park. 

Hawaii

Hawaii has a similar program to Alaska’s real estate tax break. As long as you turn 65 by June 30 of the prior tax year, you can receive an exemption of up to $160,000 on the assessed value of your primary residence. (Figures vary by county, with Honolulu offering the highest exemption.) Note that this needs to be your full-time home, meaning you’re ineligible if you don’t live there at least 270 days of the year.

Atlanta, Georgia

If you’d rather receive tax exemptions at the city level, Atlanta may be for you. Fulton County has a homestead exemption program ideal for retirees, as it allows homeowners over the age of 65 to receive a $50,000 exemption on the county portion of their property taxes and a further $10,000 on school taxes (once they’ve been granted the property tax exemption for at least five years). Unlike many tax breaks aimed toward seniors, this one has no income requirements.

New York, New York

You’re never too old for higher education. Upon celebrating their 60th birthday, New Yorkers become eligible for tuition-free college classes as part of the City University of New York’s (CUNY) Senior Citizen Auditor Program. All 20 CUNY schools allow seniors who pay two small registration fees (one is $65, the other is $15) to audit courses as long as there’s space. Senior auditors won’t receive college credits, but they will continue their education in a unique way.

Long layovers aren’t always luxurious, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be. If you’re looking for a swanky property where you can get some much-needed shut-eye or extra pampering after hours in the sky, these upscale hotels in or adjacent to airport terminals around the world are just the ticket. Check into seven of the world’s best airport hotels, according to the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards.

Sofitel Athens Airport – Greece

Located directly across from Athens International Airport and an easy two-minute walk from the terminal, the five-star Sofitel Athens features soundproof rooms with premium memory foam bedding, a rooftop bar and restaurant with views of the Greek capital, an opulent Mediterranean restaurant clad in white marble, and 11 meeting rooms. Guests can take advantage of the indoor swimming pool, which is bathed in sunlight and has spectacular views of the airport runways from the ninth floor, as well as the adjacent spa offering Cinq Mondes face and body treatments.

Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain – Bahrain

With 96 luxury hotel rooms and 10 suites, the five-star Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain is situated right across from Bahrain International Airport and 10 minutes away by car from the city center of Manama, Bahrain’s capital. The hotel offers a popular brunch highlighting local sustainable ingredients, as well as themed nights, with food and live music, and a “chocolate hour” for guests to indulge in an assortment of sweet treats. The on-site Rimal Spa features 12 treatment rooms, including two traditional Turkish hammam suites.

Fairmont Vancouver Airport – Canada

If you have an early morning flight or late-night arrival at Vancouver Airport, the Fairmont couldn’t be more convenient. The entrance is located directly above the U.S. departures check-in area, so you don’t even have to leave the terminal to reach it. The upscale property offers amenities such as a fitness center, wellness packages featuring a sound therapy machine and a yoga mat sent to your room, multiple pools, saunas, and a lively bar and restaurant with views of planes taking off and landing. 

The hotel is located along the British Columbia Bird Trail, one of North America’s best locations for spotting migratory birds making the journey between the Patagonia region of South America and Alaska. The trail is the temporary resting place for blue herons, western sandpipers, snow geese, dunlins, and other fowl you likely won’t find back home. And you don’t have to be an avian enthusiast to book the hotel’s bird-watching package, which comes with a complimentary bird-watching backpack, complete with binoculars, snacks for the trail, and maps. 

Hilton Munich Airport – Germany

Conveniently located between Terminals 1 and 2 at Munich International Airport, Hilton Munich Airport is a restful sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle. In addition to welcoming overnight guests, the hotel offers day-use rooms for travelers on extended layovers. 

The hotel’s centerpiece is an impressive 15,000-square-foot, glass-domed atrium with palm trees overlooking manicured topiaries. There’s also a spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Mountain Hub Gourmet, serving hearty, alpine-inspired fare. For business travelers, the Hilton property features 30 soundproofed, daylight-flooded meeting rooms and a large ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,000 people, making it great for conferences and large events. 

TWA Hotel – New York

The TWA Hotel at New York’s busy JFK Airport operates in the historic TWA Flight Center, which was designed by Finnish American architect Eero Saarinen and completed in 1962. With a distinctive winglike roof and Y-shaped piers, the mid-century modern wonder recalls the advent of the jet age. After the terminal lay abandoned for many years, it was renovated and reopened in 2019 as a themed hotel using the original terminal as a lobby. 

The hotel also boasts a rooftop pool with runway views, the same iconic red sunken lounge for which the flight center was known, 1960s aviation-themed exhibits, a 10,000-square-foot gym, a “Twister Room” where you can play a wall-to-wall version of the game (invented in 1966), and 512 soundproofed guest rooms. 

Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Airport – China

Located on the west side of Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport at Terminal 3, the Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Airport welcomes travelers with an elegant interior and sleek, contemporary suites. The hotel’s design complements the terminal’s futuristic, avant-garde architecture. The latter was inspired by a manta ray and characterized by a honeycomblike, white-and-glass façade and airy, sculptural “tree” structures used for ventilation. 

Within the hotel, all 335 rooms are soundproofed and include high-end toiletries, a pillow menu, a flat-screen TV, a bidet, and plush bathrobes and slippers. On site, guests can sample authentic Chinese dishes at the hotel’s three restaurants, splash in the indoor pool, or work out at the fully equipped fitness center.

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport – Singapore

The Crowne Plaza at Changi Airport has a unique glass fiber-reinforced concrete exterior resembling orchid petals that naturally cools the structure by blocking the sun’s rays. The luxury, eco-chic property features 575 soundproofed rooms boasting runway or airport views, rain showers, and premium bedding. On site, there’s a 24-hour gym, an outdoor pool surrounded by tropical gardens, a whirlpool, a sauna, a club lounge, an extravagant ballroom, upscale dining options, and babysitting and childcare services. 

Perhaps the best part is that you’re just steps away from some of the world-class attractions inside the airport — such as the Jewel Rain Vortex (the world’s tallest indoor waterfall), Shiseido Forest Valley (a four-story indoor botanic garden), free 24-hour cinemas, themed butterfly and cactus gardens, and the Canopy Park, featuring a topiary walk, mirror maze, bouncing net, and canopy bridge.

Many travelers book vacations to escape the stresses of everyday life. But some airports really make you work for that escape. Certain travel hubs are notorious for having excessive delays and cancellations, others for time-consuming security screening processes, and still others for terrible traffic to reach them in the first place. To determine the worst of the worst, the travel insurance comparison service iSelect surveyed travelers for a study in October 2025, resulting in a ranked list of the most stressful airports out of 50 major airports around the globe. Here’s a look at the top five worst offenders.

5. Chicago O’Hare International Airport – Illinois

Study satisfaction score: 31.01 (out of 100)

According to the study, Chicago’s busiest airport — and the third-busiest in the U.S. — presents travelers with one of the most stressful flying experiences anywhere in the world. Factors in O’Hare’s fifth-place ranking include average flight delays of 22.86 minutes, coupled with the 1.03% of departing flights that are outright canceled, which may leave travelers scrambling to find an alternative.

In the study, 22% of travelers reported finding it stressful to get to and from the airport, which is located over 15 miles west from the heart of downtown Chicago via Interstate 90 — one of America’s most congested highways. Once at the airport, 81% of people reported being satisfied with the check-in process, but things get worse from there. Twenty-three percent of flyers said they encountered undue stresses during security screening, 30% reported problems with the long wait times at immigration and customs, and 28% found baggage claim to be stressful to navigate.

4. John F. Kennedy International Airport – New York

Study satisfaction score: 26.83

New York City’s busiest airport is also its most anxiety-inducing one. JFK is rated as the fourth-most-stressful airport of the 50 major global airports ranked in the iSelect study. Part of the reason for JFK’s low rating is that 24% of travelers found it difficult to get there. Passengers need to either take an expensive taxi — which will almost certainly get caught in traffic — or transfer from the subway to the AirTrain, which can be confusing to navigate if it’s your first time visiting New York City.

On the positive side, JFK has the lowest flight cancellation rate of any airport on this list, at just 0.91%. But 20% of travelers say that the check-in process made them feel stressed, 29% had concerns about the difficulties of passing through security, and a staggering 33% reported issues with the long wait times at customs. The stresses continue even once you’re cleared by immigration, with 26% of respondents saying they felt overwhelmed at baggage claim.

3. Manchester Airport – United Kingdom

Study satisfaction score: 23.1

Manchester Airport is the busiest airport in the U.K. after London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Its ranking as the third-most-stressful airport worldwide is largely due to the fact that it achieved the lowest satisfaction rate of any airport in the study in two separate categories: security and baggage claim.

Travelers didn’t have many nice things to say about immigration and customs, either, as 29% of people lamented the long wait times and other related stresses. On top of that, departing flights experienced average delays of 23.26 minutes, as well as an average cancellation rate of 1.18%. On the positive side, 81% of passengers said that Manchester Airport was easy to get to.

2. Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport – Portugal

Study satisfaction score: 22.51

Humberto Delgado Airport, which serves the Portuguese capital city of Lisbon, is rated as the most stressful airport outside of the United States. Lisbon’s airport had the highest average departure delays (27.39 minutes) of any airport in the study, as well as the third-highest departing flight cancellation rate (1.49%). 

Happily, Humberto Delgado Airport is located close to the city center, and 84% of respondents said they had no difficulties in getting there. But the experience goes downhill once you arrive at the airport — 21% of passengers reported issues with check-in, 23% with security, 25% with wait times at immigration, and 28% with baggage claim.

1. Newark Liberty International Airport – New Jersey

Study satisfaction score: 18.46

The world’s most stressful airport is Newark Liberty International, according to the iSelect study. With 451 daily flights on average (the 10th-highest total in the U.S.), Newark serves as a gateway to New York City and northern New Jersey. Interestingly, average departure delays rank as the lowest of any airport on this list at 21.40 minutes; however, Newark had a sky-high cancellation rate of 1.43%.

Additionally, 26% of respondents said that getting to the airport was stressful, 23% reported concerns with the check-in process, 30% had issues with security, 34% complained about the long wait times for immigration, and 29% found it stressful to navigate baggage claim.

What’s the quickest way to aggravate hotel staff and fellow guests? While obvious missteps like leaving trash behind or being a noisy neighbor are certainly frowned upon, they aren’t necessarily the biggest offenders. So, what actions cross the line? To answer that question, we compiled results from hotel etiquette surveys conducted by YouGov and Hotels.com, along with insights from national etiquette expert Diane Gottsman, to uncover which behaviors travelers and hotel staff find most offensive. Here’s what the hotel guests and experts had to say. 

Taking Items From the Room

A whopping 93% of respondents in the YouGov survey said taking home items from the hotel — like towels, coat hangers, or Bibles — is unacceptable, making it the most disliked hotel behavior among the 25 actions listed in the survey. Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman seconds this, adding that items like robes, beach umbrellas, pillows, and in-room kitchenware (such as coffee makers and tea cups) are not for guests to take. You’ll be charged a substantial fee if housekeeping notices the missing items, and you may even be banned from the individual hotel or hotel chain.

That’s not to say that you can’t take anything from your room. Single-use travel-sized toiletries in the bathroom, including body wash, lotion, and hair products, are yours for the taking — just don’t grab any large, reusable containers that hotel staff refill after each guest. If you must leave with a plush monogrammed hotel robe as a souvenir, ask the front desk — many hotels sell them.

Smoking in Nonsmoking Rooms

Today, most hotel rooms are smoke-free, but that doesn’t stop some guests from ignoring the rules. In the YouGov survey, 92% of respondents agreed that smoking is unacceptable. Not only is it a health hazard for those with health conditions, but it’s also a fire hazard.

Any traveler who breaks this rule will likely be fined for smoking in nondesignated areas, including rooms, the lobby, or pool areas. In fact, many hotels are now 100% smoke-free, including most brands under Hilton and Marriott. If the hotel finds evidence of you smoking, fees can amount to several hundred dollars.

Not Informing Hotel Staff of Room Damage

Broken or damaged items in a hotel room shouldn’t be overlooked; in fact, Gottsman urges travelers to inform hotel staff immediately if anything in the room is damaged. Often, hotel managers can fix it quickly or move you to a different room, and it’s a common courtesy for the next guest. Participants in the YouGov survey agree: 85% of respondents said that failing to inform hotel staff of room damage is unacceptable.

But what if you accidentally break something? Gottsman explains that it’s helpful to try to clean it up yourself before informing staff, particularly if it’s a hazardous item. For instance, if you drop a glass bottle from the mini bar, try your best to safely collect the glass shards so that an unknowing housekeeper doesn’t injure themself.

Sneaking a Pet into the Room

According to the YouGov survey, 83% of respondents think it’s unacceptable to sneak a pet into a hotel room without advance notice. Since hotels often have limited numbers of pet-friendly rooms, always let the front desk know ahead of time if you have a furry travel companion.

This helps keep travelers with severe allergies safe by separating pet-friendly rooms on select floors or in specific room types. Most hotels also charge pet fees to cover extra cleaning upon departure, ensuring the room is in tip-top shape for the next guests.

If you’re searching for hotels without pet fees, consider Kimpton Hotels. Most of the brand’s hotels require no pet deposit or cleaning fee, have no weight limit, and often offer complimentary amenities like water bowls and pet hygiene bags.

Dressing Inappropriately

According to the Hotels.com poll, walking around common areas barefoot is the most annoying thing a fellow traveler can do, with 94% of respondents firmly opposed. It seems that “no shoes, no shirt, no service” is favored for most hotel areas, sans the pool and beach. Indeed, most hotels have common-area shoe policies for safety reasons.

Moreover, 92% of respondents said that wearing a robe in the lobby is another faux pas, and 76% said even pajamas at breakfast are a no-go. Gottsman agrees, noting that the hotel lobby isn’t your living room — pajamas and bare feet simply aren’t acceptable.

Public Displays of Affection

According to Hotels.com, 86% of its respondents dislike PDA from hotel guests. While hotels typically don’t have formal, written policies on public displays of affection, there are unspoken rules of etiquette to prevent unpleasant situations.

Unfortunately, some ill-mannered travelers ignore these guidelines, making fellow travelers uncomfortable. While PDA policies in the U.S. are lax, other countries have stricter regulations in public areas, as well as cultural considerations that might be more conservative than those in your home country.

Reserving Pool Chairs

Another action that came up in Hotel.com’s survey was reserving pool chairs in advance. Three out of five respondents said it’s rude to claim a pool chair for yourself, but unfortunately, this is an everyday occurrence at many resorts.

In the early morning, guests often venture down to the pool area before it opens to place personal items (such as a beach towel, bag, or book) on a few chairs to reserve them for their party. But Gottsman says that if the rest of your party isn’t arriving promptly, it’s polite to give up their seats when the pool area is busy.

Some hotels actually have strict rules against reserving chairs — instead of operating on a first-come, first-served basis, these hotels will place a time-stamped token on chairs with belongings. Items left alone for a certain period — say, an hour — will be removed and held by staff for the owners to retrieve. This allows fair use of the pool chairs for everyone currently at the pool, not for those who are off doing other things.

Checking Out Late

In the YouGov survey, 79% of respondents said that checking out of a hotel more than an hour late without prior notice is downright rude. Housekeeping has a limited window to turn rooms around between guests, so when the previous guest is late, it often creates a ripple effect, delaying the next guest’s check-in.

This is why most hotels charge fees for unexpected late checkouts. To avoid extra charges, request a later checkout the night before you’re set to leave, or, at the very latest, the morning of your departure. Sometimes, staff can move future guests’ room assignments to accommodate your request, thus avoiding a fee, but there are no guarantees.

That said, some hotels do offer to guarantee a late checkout for an extra fee. Additionally, some loyalty programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy, offer guaranteed late checkout as a perk for elite members at most brands.