A travel expert has shared a simple mistake that tourists often make when dining in Spain, which can “insult” the locals – and it all comes down to the way you refuse food
(Image: Wolters World/YouTube)
A travel vlogger has issued a warning to those visiting Spain, advising them to avoid a common food-related mistake that could potentially offend locals.
Mark Wolters, a seasoned traveller and the man behind the Wolters World YouTube channel, shared some crucial advice in a recent video filmed in CoĢrdoba, Spain.
In his video titled ‘7 Things Tourists Do in Spain That Drive Locals Crazy,’ Mark highlights several behaviours that tourists “might not even realise” could upset Spanish locals, including one particular food etiquette blunder.
He explained that when you’re in Spain, it’s common for people to offer you food. However, if you feel full, there’s a certain phrase you should steer clear of to avoid causing offence.
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Mark elaborated: “Like, if you go to somebody’s house, they will offer you food, food and then some more food, and while we’re having that food, they’re going to talk about what food they’re going to give you next time you come.”, reports RSVP Live.
Despite the temptation to say “no quiero” or “don’t want” the food, Mark warned that this could be seen as an insult.
He continued: “That’s an insult to them. That’s like saying, ‘I don’t need your food. I’m fine.
” Your food’s not good enough for me’, or I don’t…’no quiero’ means ‘I don’t want’.
“It’s like, ‘I don’t want it because it’s not good enough’. They’ll be like, ‘No, you should have more.
“Let me prove to you it’s good’. So you’re trying to be nice, but it’s actually insulting them.”
He suggested adopting an “I don’t feel like it” attitude when declining food, warning that anything else might not be well received.
In other news, the UK Foreign Office has recently updated its travel advice for Brits heading to Spain.
The office is urging travellers to be vigilant about street crime in Spain and recommends downloading the ALERT COPS app.
This application provides a straightforward method to alert the police, enabling users to send alerts, images, and videos.
The Foreign Office stated: “The Spanish Police and Civil Guard have a mobile app which offers a number of services, including simple and discreet communication with police forces if you experience or witness a crime more information can be found on the ALERT COPS webpage.”
The app is free to use across Spain, excluding Catalonia and the Basque Country.
In related news, the Majorca Daily Bulletin has drawn attention to vehicle crimes, spotlighting the so-called “Highway pirates,” who specifically target rental vehicles and cars with foreign licence plates.