When you’re on holiday, spotting fellow travellers can be a fun little game. The British tend to stand out in unique and often charming ways among the many nationalities. Whether you’re a fellow Brit looking for some camaraderie or simply curious, these 20 telltale signs will make it easy to identify them wherever you go.
Overpacking
“It can be easy to overpack if you don’t have a game plan,” says Forbes—and, unfortunately, many UK residents don’t. This often means they travel with large suitcases filled with more clothes, toiletries, and gadgets than they’ll ever need, so you might see them struggling with heavy luggage or unpacking a seemingly endless supply of items at their destination.
Fashion Choices
Look out for socks with sandals, Union Jack clothing, or football shirts. British fashion sense abroad can be quite distinctive, often mixing practicality with a touch of national pride. Their wardrobe choices can sometimes clash with the local fashion, making them easy to spot. They might wear flip-flops with everything or insist on wearing their favourite team’s jersey.
Sunburnt Skin
Despite being used to a more temperate climate, people from the UK often underestimate the power of the sun abroad. The result? A lot of sunburnt skin. You can usually spot them by their red shoulders, faces, and noses and the inevitable search for after-sun lotion.
Love for Tea
No matter how hot it is, you’ll often find Brits clutching a cup of tea. It’s almost a sacred ritual. Even in sweltering heat, a cuppa remains their go-to comfort. You might see them struggling to find the perfect brew abroad, often lamenting the lack of good old PG Tips or Yorkshire Tea. They might pack their own tea bags just in case, as they’re unable to trust foreign blends.
Complaining About the Weather
Whether it’s too hot, too cold, too rainy, or too dry, British people are world-class complainers when it comes to the weather. It’s a classic icebreaker for them, and they often find camaraderie in a shared moan about the local climate, no matter how perfect it may seem to others. The British are accustomed to a temperate, often unpredictable climate, so extreme weather conditions abroad can be quite a shock.
Queuing Habits
Renowned for their patience and politeness when it comes to queuing, if you see a well-organised line of people, chances are there’s a Brit somewhere in it. They take queue-jumping very seriously and often look disapprovingly at those who don’t respect the unspoken rules of orderly conduct.
Love for English Breakfasts
Hunting for a ‘proper’ English breakfast is a serious mission for many English people abroad. They crave baked beans, sausages, bacon, eggs, and toast and will travel far and wide to find a café that offers this traditional meal—even if it means skipping the local delicacies. This hearty meal is a staple of British cuisine and a comforting reminder of home.
Accents
The diverse range of British accents is a dead giveaway, whether it’s a posh London accent, a soft Scottish lilt, or the sing-song Welsh tone—their distinct ways of speaking set them apart. You’ll often hear phrases like “cheers,” “brilliant,” or “mate” peppering their conversations.
Apologising Frequently
Brits are known for their politeness and tendency to apologise, even when it’s not their fault. You’ll often hear them saying “sorry” if they bump into someone, need to squeeze past, or even if someone else steps on their toes. This habit is deeply ingrained in British culture and sometimes bewilders those from less apologetic nations.
Seeking Out Pubs
A good pub is a home away from home for many Brits, and they’ll often seek one out wherever they go, looking for a pint of familiar ale, some hearty pub grub, and a comforting atmosphere that reminds them of home. The pub culture is an integral part of their social life, and finding a pub abroad can provide a sense of familiarity.
Love for British TV
Despite being in a beautiful, foreign location, many locals from the United Kingdom will keep up with their favourite TV shows. They might be found streaming British dramas, comedies, or soaps on their devices or asking around for channels that broadcast BBC or ITV.
Politeness
British politeness is legendary; they often use phrases like “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” with genuine sincerity. This courteous behaviour can make them stand out, especially in cultures where the approach to politeness might be more relaxed, as they are raised with a strong emphasis on manners.
Carrying British Snacks
Many English travellers go abroad with their favourite snacks for comfort and a taste of home. You might see them munching on Walker’s crisps, Cadbury chocolate, or Hobnobs. These snacks serve as a little piece of Britain they can enjoy wherever they are.
Talking About Football
Football (or soccer, as it’s known in some parts) is a favourite topic of conversation. Brits abroad will often keep track of scores and news, and it’s not uncommon to find them discussing matches, players, and teams with great enthusiasm, even with complete strangers.
Using Local Lingo Sparingly
While they may learn a few key phrases in the local language, people from Britain often stick to English. They might attempt “hello” and “thank you” but tend to revert to English quickly, sometimes speaking more slowly and loudly in hopes of being understood.
Discussing Home Comforts
You can often hear English tourists abroad talking nostalgically about things they miss from home, like a proper cup of tea, certain foods, or even the British weather. These conversations can make them easy to identify as they compare everything to their home country.
Love for a Bargain
If there’s one thing British people love, it’s a good deal. They’ill often hunt for bargains, whether at local markets or souvenir shops. They enjoy haggling and getting the best price, often sharing tips with fellow travellers on where to find the best bargains.
Reading British Newspapers
In our time of digital media, many from the UK still prefer the tangible feel of a newspaper, so if you see someone reading The Times, The Guardian, or even a tabloid like The Sun, it’s a good sign they’re British. They like to keep up with news from home, even while abroad.
Tendency to Form Groups
Brits abroad often stick together, forming little groups. Whether it’s a family, a group of friends, or a tour group, they find comfort in numbers and enjoy sharing their experiences with fellow tourists. These groups can often be heard laughing and chatting animatedly, so they’re easy to spot.
Affection for British Music
British music, including The Beatles and Adele, is a source of pride, so many UK people abroad will have playlists filled with British artists. You might hear them singing along or playing these tunes loudly, as they love sharing their musical heritage with others, especially in a different country.
