A travel vlogger has issued a warning to anyone planning a trip to Spain, advising them to avoid a common food-related mistake that could potentially offend the locals. Mark Wolters, who runs the popular YouTube channel Wolters World, shared some crucial advice in a recent video filmed in Cordoba, Spain.
In his video titled ‘7 Things Tourists Do in Spain That Drive Locals Crazy,’ Mark reveals a list of actions that tourists may not realise could upset the Spanish locals, including a specific faux pas related to food.
He explained that when you visit Spain, people will offer you food, but if you feel like you’ve had enough, you should avoid saying a specific phrase, or you might insult somebody.
Mark said: “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.”
However, Mark said that even though you may be tempted to say “no quiero” or that you “don’t want” the food, this may not be the best idea if you want to keep things friendly.
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 added that you should approach the situation with more of an “I don’t feel like it” vibe when you’re passing on food, or it won’t “go well.”
Meanwhile, the UK Foreign Office has issued new travel advice to Brits travelling to Spain.
The Foreign Office urged holidaymakers to be aware of street crime in Spain and advised people to download the ALERT COPS app.
The app offers a simple way to alert law enforcement, allowing users to send alerts, images, and videos.
The Foreign Office said: “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.”
It’s free to use throughout Spain, except in Catalonia and the Basque Country. Meanwhile, the Majorca Daily Bulletin also highlighted vehicle crimes, such as the so-called “Highway pirates,” who target rental vehicles and cars with foreign licence plates.
