20 Annoying Things Americans Do While Traveling That Grind The World’s Gears
It’s no secret: the world has a love-hate relationship with Americans. While our cultural exports (hello, Hollywood!) are beloved by many, American tourists often have the knack of making memorable impressions, and not always in a good way. Pack your self-awareness as we dive into the top 20 cringe-worthy American tourist behaviors that irritate the globe.
Dress Code: While “comfort over style” might work for a Walmart run, sporting white sneakers, baggy tees, and baseball caps at ancient temples or upscale Parisian cafes is a quick way to stand out like a sore thumb.
Volume Control: Americans have a reputation for being, well, LOUD. We must remember indoor voices aren't just for libraries back home.
Tipping Everywhere: In many cultures, tipping can be seen as offensive or simply unnecessary. Do your research beforehand.
Assuming Everyone Speaks English: Sure, English is prevalent, but attempting a few words in the local language goes a long way.
Chain Restaurant Loyalists: With a world full of culinary wonders, why would anyone hunt down a McDonald’s in Tokyo or a Starbucks in Florence?
Cultural Insensitivity: No, not every local celebration is the “____ version of 4th of July!” Every culture’s holiday or custom is unique and deserves respect.
Impatience: In many parts of the world, things move slower. Instead of tapping our watches, we should be embracing “la dolce far niente” or the sweetness of doing nothing.
Complaining about Portion Sizes: Remember, the U.S.'s super-sized meals are the exception, not the norm.
Overzealous Patriotism: Being proud of where you’re from is great, but constantly comparing and declaring the U.S. as “the best” can come off as arrogant.
Overpacking: Do you really need seven pairs of shoes for a week-long trip? Travel light, and perhaps leave room for souvenirs.
Ignoring Local Norms: Whether it’s removing shoes before entering a home in Asia or greeting with two kisses in Europe, be observant and respectful.
Assuming U.S. Currency is King: Not every place will gleefully accept dollars. Carry local currency.
Incessant Complaining: From “It’s too hot!” to “Why don’t they have this?”, constant complaints can be grating. Embrace the differences.
Taking Insensitive Photos: Snapping pics at sacred sites or during solemn events without understanding their significance is a faux pas.
Name-Dropping Cities: Your hometown might be a big deal in the U.S., but don’t expect every local in Nepal to know where Poughkeepsie is.
Expecting Ice Everywhere: While many Americans love their beverages ice-cold, this is not a universal desire. In many cultures, room temperature or warm drinks are the norm.
Wearing University Apparel Everywhere: Proud of your alma mater? Great! But that college sweatshirt doesn’t need to be in all your travel photos.
Traveling in Herds: Moving in massive groups can disrupt local life. Consider breaking into smaller squads, blending in, and respecting the local pace.
Getting Easily Offended: Just as we might find some local customs strange, our ways might seem odd to them. A little humor and humility can bridge many gaps.
Being “The Expert” after a 3-Day Visit: Experiencing a place for a few days doesn’t make us experts. Listen more, speak less, and always stay curious.
In conclusion, travel is an opportunity to broaden our horizons, experience new cultures, and grow as individuals. By being more self-aware and respectful, we can ensure our journeys enrich not only our lives but also the lives of those we encounter. Safe travels!
