Don’t mind me: The politeness of Brits abroad

Despite the bad press, it seems that most Brits abroad go out of their way to be polite

British tourists have run up a fair old rapsheet for bad behaviour in the past. From the drunken exploits of marauding football fans to the accusations of passive-aggressive aloofness and condescension, the reputation runs that as soon as a Brit leaves Blighty, all pretences of decorum and politeness go out the window.

But a new study by online travel agent Loveholidays.com has found that Brits abroad actually go out of their way not to offend, and perhaps even ramp up their levels of politeness when travelling, ensuring the image of the self-deprecating, friendly Brit persists worldwide.

Here are the ten things that Brits do to be extra polite when travelling overseas…

1. Perfect flight etiquette

According to the survey, 90 per cent of Brits act extra considerately when aboard a plane, with an impressive eight out of ten unwilling to ask passengers sitting next to them to get up more than once if said Brit is seated by the window.

2. Towel-llujah

Only 20 per cent of Brits would even contemplate reserving a poolside sun lounger with a towel before intending to use it. Instead, the majority – eight out of ten British holidaymakers – would rather run the risk of simply heading down to the pool when they’re good and ready.

3. Bed manners

94 per cent of Brits asked in the survey said that they hate leaving their hotel room in a state each morning, preferring a quick tidy up so as not to inconvenience the cleaners.

4. Getting shirty

Brits staying at an all-inclusive resort believe that lunchtime is not the time to parade one’s freshly crisp torso, with more than two-thirds of Brits of the opinion that lunching in their swimwear is not acceptable.

5. Looking buff

Then there’s that all important evening buffet etiquette. While no Brit would ever dare to cut in line, a massive 95 per cent would also not dare head up to the buffet for a fourth helping. Two is expected, three is fine, but four – it would appear – is where Brits drawn the line.

Brits tend to cover up where necessary… but have no qualms with topless sunbathing

6. Life’s a beach

Brits’ collective stiff upper lip is never more apparent than at the beach, says the survey, which reports that nine out of ten Brits refrain from playing loud music so as not to disturb other bathers.

7. Pucker up

But Brits may not be as prudish as their reputation suggests: half of those holidaying abroad have no qualms with public displays of affection when at the beach…

8. No tanlines, please, we’re British

… and 50 per cent of British women polled had no problems going topless at the beach.

9. Beer for cheer

Such newly discovered body confidence may need a helping or two of Dutch courage, however, which perhaps explains why one-third of Brits will start drinking at noon when abroad on holiday…

10. Shaken and stirred

… while one-in-five are happy to drink an alcoholic cocktail at any time of the day or night when overseas.