10 Tourist Questions That Will Make You Facepalm

I like to think that I’m a pretty smart guy, but when it comes to travel, I’ve had my fair share of dumb moments. Like that time I asked a local in Japan if they spoke Japanese (yes, I really did that). Or the time I thought I could fit all my souvenirs in my carry-on, only to realize I had to buy an extra bag at the airport. Travel, with all its excitement and novelty, has a way of making even the most intelligent among us feel a little foolish.

And I’m not alone. The world is full of travelers who, in their eagerness to explore, have asked some truly bizarre questions. From pondering the logistical capabilities of deer to questioning the time-space continuum of the International Date Line, these inquisitive wanderers have led us down some delightfully befuddling paths. So, in the spirit of shared laughter and learning, let’s delve into the fascinating, amusing, and sometimes head-scratching world of the ten dumbest questions ever asked by tourists.

1. “Are the deer real?” (Asked at a deer crossing sign)

Deer have a reputation for being elusive creatures, but one traveler was particularly perplexed by their ability to cross at designated areas. It’s a question that’s both hilarious and oddly profound, reminding us that even the most mundane signs can prompt us to ponder the mysteries of the natural world.

Adam’s Take: I remember the first time I saw a deer crossing sign while driving in the countryside. I was genuinely curious about how the deer knew to cross there. Little did I know, I was not alone in my bewilderment!

2. “How do the deer know to cross at that sign?” (Asked at a deer crossing sign)

Another deer-crossing-related question that’s both sweet and silly. It’s a reminder that, when confronted with the natural world, our minds can sometimes take us to the most delightful and unexpected places.

Adam’s Take: It’s funny how we often assume that animals have an innate sense of where to cross the road. In reality, it’s more about their habitats and the places they naturally migrate to. But it’s still fun to imagine the deer lining up at the sign like pedestrians at a crosswalk!

3. “How do you get the deer to cross at that sign?” (Asked at a deer crossing sign)

This question takes the deer-crossing confusion to a whole new level. Not content with pondering the deer’s ability to read signs, this traveler is now wondering how the authorities managed to train the deer in the first place. It’s a whimsical and charming inquiry that captures the sheer delight of exploring the unknown.

Adam’s Take: If only it were that easy! I can just picture a team of deer trainers working tirelessly to get the deer to cross at the sign.

4. “Are the moose trained to only cross at that sign?” (Asked at a “Beware of the Moose” sign in Canada)

Moose are majestic creatures, but one traveler was particularly curious about their ability to follow traffic rules. It’s a question that’s both amusing and endearing, highlighting the wonder and innocence that travel can inspire.

Adam’s Take: I’ve encountered plenty of “Beware of the Moose” signs in my travels, and I’ve always been in awe of them. But I’ve never considered the possibility of them being trained to cross at specific areas.

5. “What time does the 9 o’clock tour start?” (Asked by a tourist in Italy)

Ah, the eternal dilemma of the 9 o’clock tour. Do you start it at 9 o’clock, or do you wait until it’s not 9 o’clock anymore? Such profound questions are the stuff of travel lore, reminding us that even the most seemingly straightforward inquiries can lead us down rabbit holes.

Adam’s Take: I’ve been on my fair share of tours, and I can’t help but chuckle at the thought of the 9 o’clock tour starting at any time other than 9 o’clock. But then again, time is a funny thing when you’re traveling, and sometimes it seems to have a mind of its own!

6. “Are there any English people in England?” (Asked by a tourist in England)

England is known for many things, but one of its most enduring qualities is its Englishness. So it’s no surprise that one traveler was curious about the presence of English people in England. It’s a question that’s both charming and bewildering, reminding us that the world is full of surprises, even in the most familiar of places.

Adam’s Take: I’ve always found the idea of English people in England to be a delightful paradox. It’s one of those things that seems so obvious, yet when you stop to think about it, it’s actually quite profound.

7. “Is it worth going to the beach if it’s going to rain?” (Asked by a tourist in Hawaii)

Rain and beaches don’t always go hand in hand, but one traveler was determined to make the most of their beach day, rain or shine. It’s a question that’s both pragmatic and whimsical, highlighting the tenacity and spirit of adventure that travel can inspire.

Adam’s Take: I’ve been caught in my fair share of rainstorms while at the beach, and I can’t help but admire the determination of this traveler. After all, sometimes the most memorable experiences come from unexpected situations.

8. “Is this the same moon in Mexico?” (Asked by a tourist in Mexico)

The moon is a source of wonder and mystery, but one traveler was particularly curious about its ability to travel. It’s a question that’s both charming and thought-provoking, reminding us that the world is full of marvels, even in the night sky.

Adam’s Take: The moon has always held a special place in my heart, and I can’t help but smile at the thought of someone wondering if it’s the same moon in different parts of the world.

9. “Can you swim in the ocean?” (Asked by a tourist in Hawaii)

Swimming in the ocean is a classic beach activity, but one traveler was particularly concerned about the logistics. It’s a question that’s both practical and endearing, underscoring the simple joys and unexpected challenges of exploring new environments.

Adam’s Take: I’ve always been a fan of swimming in the ocean, and I can’t help but chuckle at the earnestness of this question. After all, swimming in the ocean is one of those quintessential beach experiences, but beware the rip tide.

10. “Is the water in the toilet drinkable?” (Asked by a tourist in France)

Toilets are a fact of life, but one traveler had a particularly perplexing question about their water source. It’s a question that’s both humorous and oddly practical, highlighting the sometimes bizarre but always entertaining curiosities that travel can inspire.

Adam’s Take: I’ve been on my fair share of trips, and I’ve encountered some truly bizarre questions about toilets along the way. But this one takes the cake! It’s a reminder that, when you’re in a new place, even the most seemingly mundane objects can become sources of wonder and confusion. And who knows, maybe the water in the toilet is drinkable in France!

In Conclusion

Travel is a journey of discovery, and sometimes that discovery leads us down some delightfully bizarre paths. From wondering about the deer’s crossing abilities to pondering the moon’s travel itinerary, the questions we ask while traveling can be as perplexing as they are endearing.

So the next time you find yourself asking a seemingly dumb question, don’t be too hard on yourself. After all, travel is all about the unexpected, and sometimes the most unexpected questions can lead to the most memorable moments.

And now, I turn the mic over to you. What’s the dumbest question you’ve ever asked while traveling? Share your story in the comments below, and let’s revel in the whimsical world of curious questions and head-scratching travel moments together!

This blog post idea is the authors’ own with assistance from AI tools like Grammarly and ChatGPT.