Getting out of the UK for a bit is always an adventure, but there are certain things that just get under the skin of most Brits when we leave our shores.
It’s not that we don’t enjoy getting to experience a different culture, but there are some small quirks and full-blown frustrations that make us realise just how deeply ingrained our own ways are. For most people, these things don’t ruin the trip (and it would be quite sad if they did), but we do notice them and get a bit peeved at times.
1. No proper tea to be found
For many of us, a decent brew isn’t just a drink; it’s a way of life. It’s a comforting ritual that we can’t just shake off, no matter where we are in the world. So, when we find ourselves abroad and can’t get a solid cup of builder’s, it feels like we’re missing a little piece of home. The whole experience can be pretty disappointing, whether it’s lukewarm water with a sad teabag sitting on the side or tea that tastes suspiciously herbal. And don’t even get us started on the lack of milk. Honestly, it’s a crisis, and no amount of fancy cafes or vibrant markets can fix that. (Hot tip: Bring your own tea bags with you in case of emergency!)
2. People skipping queues
Queueing is somewhat sacred in Britain. There’s something incredibly reassuring about knowing where you stand in line and that everyone else will quietly follow suit. But then you step outside of the UK and realise not everyone shares the same respect for orderly lines. Whether it’s someone barging ahead at the airport or shoving past you at a restaurant, it can seriously get your blood boiling. We’re British—we queue! Why can’t the rest of the world follow our lead?
3. Tipping culture confusion
In Britain, we don’t really have a clear-cut tipping culture (though they’re slowly trying to bring it in!), and it’s often a bit awkward, especially when we’re abroad. You start to wonder, how much is enough? Should I tip 10% or 20%? Or, should I even tip at all? And the stress of wondering if you’ve tipped too little or, heaven forbid, too much, can leave you second-guessing every little move. No one wants to upset anyone, but figuring out the tipping etiquette in every country can quickly become a bit of a social anxiety minefield.
4. Being called out for saying “sorry” too much
We apologise for everything, whether it’s our fault or not. Bumped into you? Sorry. Sat too close to you on the bus? Sorry. When we’re abroad, though, our habit of apologising for things we didn’t do can throw people off. It’s funny how we can’t stop apologising, even to strangers, but when it’s pointed out to us, it feels a bit awkward. (And yes, this has actually happened before!) Trying to explain why we’re so polite and constantly saying “sorry” just makes everything even more uncomfortable. It’s just part of who we are!
5. Room temperature drinks
You know when it’s sweltering outside, and you’re dying for a nice cold drink? Well, abroad, especially in places like mainland Europe, that might not always happen. Instead of ice-cold fizzy drinks or a chilled pint, you often get served drinks at room temperature. And we’re not talking about just one warm Fanta—this seems to happen with almost everything. After a long day of sightseeing, a warm bottle of water is the last thing you want. Honestly, it’s a shock to the system when you’re so used to cold drinks at home.
6. Shop closing times that make no sense
Back home in the UK, we’ve come to expect everything to be open a bit later, or, at the very least, follow a predictable schedule. But when you go abroad, you quickly learn that not every country operates on the same timeline. Shops closing early in the evening or taking long siestas in the afternoon can leave you scratching your head. You can find yourself in a frantic dash, realising just as the shutters come down that you’ve missed out on a trip to the shop. Lesson learned: always check the opening hours, or you might end up disappointed.
7. Overly enthusiastic greetings from strangers
In the UK, we value politeness, but there’s a fine line. A quick “alright?” is about as much as we need to say hello. However, when we’re abroad, especially in countries like France or Italy, we often encounter overly friendly greetings from strangers. We’re talking big smiles, hearty hugs, and sometimes even cheek kisses (yes, plural!). As Brits, we just don’t know what to do with all that. We stand there awkwardly, trying to figure out whether to hug, kiss, or just nod, wishing they could stick to the good ol’ “hello” and call it a day.
8. Prices that don’t include tax
At home, when you see a price tag, that’s usually the final amount you’ll pay. But when you’re abroad, the price you see is rarely the price you pay. Many countries tack on tax or service charges at the till, leaving you shocked when your bill comes in higher than expected. It’s one of those little things that can quickly turn a “bargain” into a not-so-bargain when you realise the tax isn’t included. This can seriously throw off your budgeting and make shopping feel a little more stressful than it needs to be.
9. Roads without proper crossings
Source: Unsplash We love our zebra crossings and traffic lights—everything is orderly. But when you find yourself in a place where jaywalking is practically a sport, it can be a little nerve-wracking. Without designated pedestrian crossings, we often end up standing at the curb, waiting for a gap in traffic that never comes. There’s an unspoken rule about waiting for the green light or the zebra crossing back home, and when that’s not there, crossing roads feels like a game of chicken.
10. The lack of proper weather conversations
For us Brits, chatting about the weather is practically a national pastime. It’s how we break the ice and fill awkward silences. But abroad? Try starting a conversation about whether it’s going to rain or how warm it is, and you’ll often be met with blank stares. Without this shared ritual, we’re left scrambling for something else to talk about, realising just how much we rely on weather chat to make small talk. Honestly, it’s a bit of a culture shock when we realise the rest of the world doesn’t have the same obsession with talking about rain.
