American tourists often get a bad rep when traveling abroad. Locals worry they’ll be loud, messy, and disrespectful of foreign countries and cultures. However, most Americans make an effort to be on their best behavior, avoiding the following 18 things at all costs when traveling abroad.
Making Generalizations
It’s offensive to make generalizations about a country you’re unfamiliar with, so avoid it at all costs. The US is massive; each state has its own norms, and foreign countries are the same. Popular generalizations like ‘French people are lazy’ or ‘Germans are unfriendly’ won’t go over well because they’re unkind and untrue.
Falling For Scams
Scam artists regularly target blatant tourists, so never assume you’re an exception, especially if you’re visiting popular tourist traps. USA Today warns of common travel scams, including card games promising monetary rewards, ‘free’ gifts you’re pressured to pay for, and taxi overcharges. Stay vigilant to avoid being scammed.
Assuming Everyone Speaks English
While many people whose first language isn’t English do speak it, don’t automatically assume. When interacting with locals while traveling abroad, politely enquire whether they can advise you in English, and don’t get frustrated if their English isn’t perfect. Put yourself in their position of having to translate into another language!
Ignoring Closing Times
In the US, it’s normal for many stores and restaurants to stay open very late, but that’s not the case worldwide. It’s a good idea to check the closing times of an establishment before going in to avoid overstaying your welcome. The staff will appreciate your courtesy, too.
Not Checking the Weather
Americans usually associate summer with sunshine and winter with rain and cold temperatures, but that’s not universally accurate. For instance, June to October is a rainy period for Asian countries, and winter is hot in Indonesia, Spain, and Jamaica. Check the weather before traveling to avoid surprises.
Only Visiting Landmarks
We all want to visit the Eiffel Tower, Christ the Redeemer, the Colosseum, and Buckingham Palace, but there are so many hidden gems in foreign countries that American tourists often miss. By only visiting landmarks, they’re paying a lot of money and not truly seeing the hearts of the places they’re in.
Having No Travel Medical Insurance
Most Americans have good US healthcare plans, but those are irrelevant when traveling abroad. If you become ill or get injured in another country, you’ll be stuck with a massive bill without insurance. Forbes recommends travel medical insurance to cover potential ambulance services, X-rays, medicines, and dental care.
Leaving Their Belongings Unattended
Tourists often stand out because they lug bags around with them. Unfortunately, pickpockets are clever, so you won’t notice they’ve stolen from you until it’s too late. Some thieves are brazen enough to snatch your entire bag. So, never leave your belongings unattended, especially your passport, phone, and wallet.
Not Learning Essential Phrases
You don’t need to learn an entire new language before traveling abroad, but it’s a good idea to learn essential phrases, such as ‘How much is this?’, ‘Where is the bathroom?’ and ‘Could you assist me?’ Neglecting to learn these essential phrases can leave you feeling stranded!
Eating at Tourist Spots
One of the best things about traveling abroad is eating in different restaurants. However, eating at popular tourist spots is a mistake, even if the food is good. It will be busy all day, so you won’t get any peace, and people will likely approach your table and try to sell you things.
Bothering the Locals
Americans get a bad rep for being ignorant of foreign communities, so don’t fuel it by bothering the locals. Remember, though a country is foreign and exciting to you, it’s their home where they live, work, and socialize. Don’t bother them by being loud, invading their personal space, or acting overly familiar.
Disrespecting the Culture
Tourists from every country are criticized for disrespecting foreign cultures, with Americans frequently blamed the most. The Conversation explains that tourists disrespect foreign cultures because they don’t feel bound by the societal pressures of their home countries, which is egotistical. It’s basic manners to be respectful of the countries you visit.
Eating Only Familiar Foods
Popular American fast food chains operate worldwide but try to avoid sticking to what you know when you’re abroad. There are many local delicacies to try, and it’s rude to assume foreign cuisine is bad. Local eateries love it when tourists appreciate their food, so it’s a good time to try something new.
Confusing the Local Language
It’s basic etiquette to research the local language of the country you’re planning to visit. Many Portuguese people often lament how tourists automatically speak Spanish to them because they think it’s the local language. American tourists, in particular, should avoid showing such ignorance at all costs.
Destroying Natural Areas
Showing disregard for natural sites in the US is awful, but it’s unforgivable in other countries. Places like Norway, New Zealand, Canada, Switzerland, and Iceland have beautiful natural areas that they protect. Tourists who litter, scare wild animals, destroy plants, and pollute water are rightly shamed for their disrespect.
Expecting Free Bread and Water
In the US, most restaurants offer free bread and water to diners, but this isn’t the case everywhere. In most European countries, you’ll be charged unless it’s tap water. If you don’t expect to pay and cause a scene, you’ll attract negative attention and likely offend the servers.
Exploring Without Directions
Naturally, you won’t know your way around a foreign country and don’t want to get lost. Maps are recommended if you want to explore outside busy city centers because otherwise, you’ll struggle to find your way back. Learning how to ask for directions in other languages is also advised!
Overplanning
Finally, avoid overplanning at all costs. Have a rough plan for your trip, but don’t be beholden to a schedule you made back in the US. Forbes recommends traveling without a strict plan to give yourself more time to explore, discover cool places, and appreciate unique experiences, especially if you’re traveling solo! Now, that sounds like a plan.
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