How to Avoid Being "That American" in Europe
I have gotten the ability to travel to so many places during my studies in Sweden, an exchange semester in France and with my family on vacation. While I traveled either by myself or with non-Americans, I quickly noticed and noted some of the things that many Americans tend to do while in Europe, therefore, leaving many Europeans groaning at the sight of a loud American tourist group barreling down the street. These are a few of the biggest issues I tend to see time and time again no matter what country I have traveled to -- Americans always seem to have the same traveling behaviors.
Watch your clothes. Typically Europeans just care more about what they place on their body. You won't see a Swede just doing errands in yoga pants (unless said Swede just came from a yoga class). While living in France, I wore sweatpants to meet friends for lunch and I asked if I was sick or hungover. I can almost always pick out an American if they are wearing some sort of sports gear in a non-sporty arena. You don't need to buy a new wardrobe before a European vacation but think consciously about how you'd like to be perceived.
Keep your opinions - your own. I'm not really sure why American people think they have been given a pass to tell others how to live their lives, run their countries or fill in the blank. I once overheard a conversation between an American and a French waiter in Chamonix, France his own opinions about the refugee crisis (this was in 2015). The French waiter really just didn't care at all and was obviously off put that this man would press opinions without an invitation. So unless you're asked for your opinions on a certain topic, just keep it to yourself.
Don't mock a non-native English speaker on his/her English. This one for some reason seems to be so rampant and it annoys the crap out of me. If you're in another country where the native language is something other than English, yet people are attempting to help you in English-- don't make fun of their accent or their mistakes. Do you speak Italian? Spanish? French? No - probably not so just shut it. Also offering a simple "Bonjour" or "gracias" can really go a long way!
Check your voice. Speaking of voices - keep yours down. I once read that the way Americans form their words and vowels allow for more space in the mouth thus making an American louder than other English speaking voices. Whether this is true or not... you got to admit- we are a nation of loud people. I too can be loud and annoying at times. But while on vacation just use your inside voice minus about 2 notches. I was in a restaurant in Budapest over the summer and I heard every single word of an American family's conversation who were sitting two tables away from me. As they left, I was tempted to say, 'have a nice time at the baths!'. I have even sushed my own mother while she was visiting me earlier this year. Walking side by side down the street doesn't require screaming.
Leave the American Savior complex at the airport. I have been guilty of this mindset as well. I think just growing up in the American education system we are subconsciously (or maybe not so subconsciously) taught that America is always at the center of history. Which is so wrong. After traveling to Romania and Hungary this summer, I realized how terrible and frightening life was for people in these countries after WWII. Much of Europe faced cultural, social, financial and political hardships after the end of WWII yet as an American I blissfully believed that everything was fine after D-Day. Just because the United States prospered after WWII does not mean that the rest of the world did. The aftermath of WWII, as well as the fall of the USSR, is still being dealt with in many countries. The last thing a citizen of one of these countries wants is a lesson is how strong and powerful the American military is and how grateful they should be to the US.
Respect the country's history and culture. I have seen many times how eye-gouging obnoxious Americans can be in regards to respect of a country's past. You are a guest in their country - act that way. So maybe a selfie at a Holocaust memorial or wearing next to no clothing in a grand cathedral isn't the way to do that.
Come with an open mind. This is easier said than done. You're traveling in another country that could be similar to the US or a polar opposite. Take that fact as a fun, exciting challenge. Ask for recommendations for local food at your hotel. You have just spent so much money to experience a new place so forget about McDonalds and Starbucks. Search out the smaller streets that tend to be overlooked by tourists. Forget about any stereotype that you may have and allow the people you meet to create a true view of the culture.
Watch your clothes. Typically Europeans just care more about what they place on their body. You won't see a Swede just doing errands in yoga pants (unless said Swede just came from a yoga class). While living in France, I wore sweatpants to meet friends for lunch and I asked if I was sick or hungover. I can almost always pick out an American if they are wearing some sort of sports gear in a non-sporty arena. You don't need to buy a new wardrobe before a European vacation but think consciously about how you'd like to be perceived.
Keep your opinions - your own. I'm not really sure why American people think they have been given a pass to tell others how to live their lives, run their countries or fill in the blank. I once overheard a conversation between an American and a French waiter in Chamonix, France his own opinions about the refugee crisis (this was in 2015). The French waiter really just didn't care at all and was obviously off put that this man would press opinions without an invitation. So unless you're asked for your opinions on a certain topic, just keep it to yourself.
Don't mock a non-native English speaker on his/her English. This one for some reason seems to be so rampant and it annoys the crap out of me. If you're in another country where the native language is something other than English, yet people are attempting to help you in English-- don't make fun of their accent or their mistakes. Do you speak Italian? Spanish? French? No - probably not so just shut it. Also offering a simple "Bonjour" or "gracias" can really go a long way!
Check your voice. Speaking of voices - keep yours down. I once read that the way Americans form their words and vowels allow for more space in the mouth thus making an American louder than other English speaking voices. Whether this is true or not... you got to admit- we are a nation of loud people. I too can be loud and annoying at times. But while on vacation just use your inside voice minus about 2 notches. I was in a restaurant in Budapest over the summer and I heard every single word of an American family's conversation who were sitting two tables away from me. As they left, I was tempted to say, 'have a nice time at the baths!'. I have even sushed my own mother while she was visiting me earlier this year. Walking side by side down the street doesn't require screaming.
Leave the American Savior complex at the airport. I have been guilty of this mindset as well. I think just growing up in the American education system we are subconsciously (or maybe not so subconsciously) taught that America is always at the center of history. Which is so wrong. After traveling to Romania and Hungary this summer, I realized how terrible and frightening life was for people in these countries after WWII. Much of Europe faced cultural, social, financial and political hardships after the end of WWII yet as an American I blissfully believed that everything was fine after D-Day. Just because the United States prospered after WWII does not mean that the rest of the world did. The aftermath of WWII, as well as the fall of the USSR, is still being dealt with in many countries. The last thing a citizen of one of these countries wants is a lesson is how strong and powerful the American military is and how grateful they should be to the US.
Respect the country's history and culture. I have seen many times how eye-gouging obnoxious Americans can be in regards to respect of a country's past. You are a guest in their country - act that way. So maybe a selfie at a Holocaust memorial or wearing next to no clothing in a grand cathedral isn't the way to do that.
Come with an open mind. This is easier said than done. You're traveling in another country that could be similar to the US or a polar opposite. Take that fact as a fun, exciting challenge. Ask for recommendations for local food at your hotel. You have just spent so much money to experience a new place so forget about McDonalds and Starbucks. Search out the smaller streets that tend to be overlooked by tourists. Forget about any stereotype that you may have and allow the people you meet to create a true view of the culture.
Are there any other bad habits that Americans have while traveling?
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