What were they thinking? The worst behaving tourists of the year so far
This week yet another rogue tourist made worldwide headlines.
A man was filmed climbing over a guardrail, damaging two clay warriors that are part of China's Terracotta Army.
There have been plenty of other 'what the hell' moments involving travellers this year. Here's a look back at a rogue gallery of them.
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We're only halfway through the year but these tourists already wish it was over. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Put the wombat down
A self-described "outdoor enthusiast and hunter" managed to unite an entire country and drew the ire of the prime minister after she posted footage of her snatching a baby wombat from its mother in Australia.
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The condemnation was swift with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urging her to "take a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go".
Sam Jones, also known as Samantha Strable, flew out of Australia straight after the controversy. A second video then emerged of her picking up a second animal, this time an echidna. She has since apologised.
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Sam Jones flew out of Australia straight after the wombat controversy. samstrays_somewhere
Put the beers down
A Kiwi didn't cover himself in glory after deciding to take a dip in the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome after a few beersies.
The unnamed 30-year-old, who was said to be living in London, was reportedly with two other New Zealanders when they were caught by police trying to wade into the fountain. He managed to break free and jump into the water, leading a police spokesperson to tell CNN: "Alcohol was definitely involved."
A swift €500 fine followed, which is just under $820, and the tourist was banned from visiting the landmark for life.
Trevi Fountain is popular tourist attraction but swimming is not allowed. Getty
Put the rock down (gently)
One stupid decision could end up costing a tourist in Spain up to €200,000 ($350,000).
A video posted to social media showed him throwing a large rock down a gorge in the Picos de Europa National Park. The stone hits the ground with a large bang and the group is heard laughing.
But a spokesperson for the Spanish Civil Guard told media outlet Need to Know that the stunt could cost them "dearly" as it could have hit other walkers or local farmers. The rock thrower hasn't been identified yet.
Put the hiking boots away
A tourist from Norway faced swift action after ignoring official advice to climb a sacred mountain in Bali.
Only known by his initials BG, the Norwegian was caught hiking on Mount Agung solo, which is a big no-no.
Rules for climbing the active volcano state that visitors must have a guide. BG was caught on February 15 and was kicked out of the country five days later.
Mount Agung cannot be hiked solo. Getty
Put the clothes away
A 10-hour flight to nowhere was caused by one of the most puzzling decisions ever by a plane passenger.
A flight to Delhi had to turn back to the US after nine of the 10 toilets on board the Air India flight 126 from Chicago O'Hare, US to Delhi stopped working.
The reason? One passenger clogged the system after stuffing clothes and a plane blanket down the toilet.
Honourable group mentions: The light-fingered tourists visiting Bruges who are stealing cobblestones from the Belgian city, and the visitors to Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway who are leaving coins in the stones, causing them damage.
This story was originally published by Stuff and has been reproduced here with permission.
