Why British behaviour in Spain is getting locals backs up – even if you think you're being polite
That's according to a language expert who has revealed his golden rules to spare the blushes of Brits abroad.
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Though most tourists from the UK think themselves the epitome of politeness on holiday their well-intentioned manners could well backfire on them.
One of the biggest blunders is Brits trying to sound too polite – or too posh.
Language guru James Smith has spent more than a decade teaching Spanish and living across Spain, Argentina and Costa Rica.
He said the issue stems from a fundamental cultural misunderstanding.
'British tourists think they're being respectful by using elaborate politeness, but Spanish culture values directness,' he said.
'What we consider courteous can actually make Spanish speakers uncomfortable because it sounds unnatural and forced.'
Here are James' golden rules for getting along with the locals:
Politeness doesn't translate
Never say "I'm terribly sorry to bother you" – it's too abstract in Spanish. Be direct.
'I've watched British tourists tie themselves in knots trying to be polite, and the Spanish person just looks bewildered,' said James.
'They're wondering why this person is apologising so much for a simple request.'
Brits vow to defy anti-tourism zealots after 1000s of sunbeds across Majorca were scrapped
Don't sound like Shakespeare
Too often people try to sound posh. Don't.
'The phrase 'would you mind' doesn't really exist in Spanish the way we use it," said James, of Learn Spanish with James.
'You end up with these clunky translations that make you sound like you're performing Shakespeare in a café.'
With these points in mind, here are some everyday phrases James suggested Brits can try out on the streets of Spain.
Ordering a drink
British way: 'Would it be possible to have a coffee, if that's not too much trouble?'
Spanish way: 'Un café, por favour' (A coffee, please)
Getting someone's attention
British way: 'Excuse me, I'm terribly sorry to interrupt…'
Spanish way: 'Disculpe' (Excuse me)
Making requests in shops
British way: 'Would you mind if I had a look at that, please?'
Spanish way: 'Ese, por favour' (That one, please) - while pointing to the item.
'Even asking 'Can I see that?' sounds overly formal in Spanish,' James explained. 'Just point to what you want and say 'that one, please' - it's perfectly polite and completely natural.'
'The beauty of Spanish communication is its simplicity,' James added.
'You're not being rude by being direct. You're being clear. That's actually more respectful than making someone decode your overly complex politeness.'
Experts weigh in on whether you should reserve your sunbed with a towel on holiday
EVERY summer, hotels become the sites of frantic battles, as guests try to reserve the best loungers with their towels first thing in the morning.
But etiquette and elegance expert Katarina, who shares her expert opinions about manners on TikTok at @katarina.etiquette, says people need to be less selfish and more considerate of other hotel guests.
In the footage, she said: "If you're staying at a hotel, avoid blocking the sunbeds if you're not planning on staying. It's disrespectful toward other guests.
"Unless the hotel has a reservation system in place, only occupy the sunbeds when you're staying by the pool."
Renowned etiquette expert, William Hanson, believes there is a 30-minute grace period on poolside reservations.
This is where hotel guests can use a towel or a book to reserve a spot for no longer than half an hour.
William told the Sun Online Travel: "In the morning, at the start of the day, and you're by the pool after breakfast, then it's fine at 8.30 to put your towel on the bed to reserve your spot.
"But later on in the day after you've used the lounger, and go off for a massage, for example, which is going to be an hour, then you can't use a towel to reserve the sun lounger."
If you're grabbing some grub at lunchtime, William said holidaymakers are allowed to eat at the hotel bar or restaurant providing you're not gone longer than 30 minutes.
He said: "It also gives your towel time to dry off."
William said despite the grace period, "You can't hog the sun lounger for the entire day."
Meanwhile, Laura Akano, the Principal Coach and Trainer at Polished Manners doesn't believe holidaymakers have a right to reserve a lounger at all.
She told the Sun Online Travel: "I think it should be a first come first serve basis - if the resort doesn't have a booking system."
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