Tourists have taken to Reddit to share the times they’ve accidentally wandered into a local’s home after mistaking it for a tourist attraction – and the locals are furious
From stunning architecture and dramatic coastlines to historical landmarks, the world’s most picturesque towns draw crowds for good reason. UNESCO World Heritage towns rank among the world’s top tourist hotspots, but this fame comes with a cost for locals who grapple with the impact of over-tourism.
A Reddit user ‘J_J_R’ shared their personal experience: “I live in a UNESCO World Heritage town and people seem to think the whole town is a museum. I’ve had people press their faces against our windows to look inside, or just open the gate and walk right into my backyard.”
They continued, expressing further frustration: “I’ve been yelled at by someone who came in to use the toilet because I didn’t have a sign up saying we were closed.”
In Norway’s scenic coastal towns, residents report similar invasions of privacy with cruise tourists often wandering into private gardens uninvited, reports the Express.
One traveller recounted an innocent blunder in Bali, writing: “I was on a walk during my first morning in Bali and saw this open gate to a big courtyard where women were laying out little piles of offerings.”
Believing it to be a public space, they said: “I thought it was maybe a temple and stood in the entrance, made eye contact, asked if it was open.
“The ladies cracked up, explained it was their house and I apologised and expressed my awe at how beautiful the house was.”
The homeowners took pride in their property and even educated the visitor about Balinese homes, which are designed as small compounds.
Despite such mishaps, one individual opined that these situations wouldn’t pose much of an issue provided tourists remain courteous.
Joining a guided tour can be a savvy move if you’re visiting a tourist hotspot, ensuring you hit all the must-see sites.
Travel gurus also suggest hitting up bustling destinations during the shoulder season to dodge those peak summer throngs.
