My Top Tips for American Tourists on Blending In
October 2022 - This is me outside of Nottingham Castle. This afternoon, I showed one of my best friends from home around the city.
American tourists get a really bad rap. I’m on a mission to change that.
I want to preface this article by stating that most of the people I have met during my time overseas have been lovely. They have helped me navigate public transportation and taught me slang.
They have invited me to parties and welcomed me into their homes.They have made me pots of tea and bought me birthday gifts.
They have given me rides to the grocery stores, and straightened my hair. It is truly the people who made my time in Nottingham so wonderful.
I absolutely hate that Americans have an annoying reputation abroad. It’s embarrassing at times because I know stereotypes do have some elements of truth.
American tourists can certainly be loud, obnoxious and oblivious to the world around them. I have many loved ones without passports, who have never been on trains (forget buses!), who speak a bit louder (me being one of them), and who could not be trusted to label a map of Europe.
Yes, we Americans have a lot to learn, myself included, but I still love my home country.
In fact, I think this negative stereotyping sometimes can lead to cruelty. I was once in a Maccies (McDonald’s) after a night out, and someone snarled at me, “Oh, you’re American. That’s really embarrassing.”
I think a better understanding of one another and leading with kindness is a two-way street. Yet, when visiting anywhere abroad, the onus is us as Americans to do our homework.
Here are my top tips to help break down the “annoying/stupid” American stereotype on your trip.
1. Lower Your Voice a Little Bit
One time, a British peer told me his first impression of me was that I was loud…This was really rude but also true.
When I first arrived in Nottingham, I was loud. I think we as Americans just speak at a louder volume.
As time went on and my voice adjusted, when some of my friends and acquaintances would visit, I started to notice the volume difference. Be mindful of your volume and try to be a little quieter than whomever you are speaking to.
This will go a long way. Nobody likes to feel like they are being shouted at.
2. Study your Geography and Politics
Americans are notoriously bad with geography. It is not our fault that we aren’t taught geography in school.
However, you don’t want to make a fool of yourself when talking to a foreigner. I recommend making geography fun before your trip.
For the month ahead, try online quizzes like labelling a map of Europe, naming the top 100 cities in Europe, or naming the top 20 cities in whatever country you are visiting.
I did this before going to Nottingham and it gave me some confidence. When people would tell me where they were from, I could say at least say, “Oh, that’s up North, right?”
Likewise, watch a few YouTube videos about the country’s politics before your travels. Before you arrive, you should know who their national leader is and the current topics in politics.
3. Dress the Part
July 2024 - Me and my best friend, who is also named Charlotte. Is my outfit perfectly OK for an American 4th of July outing? Yes. Would I wear my outfit in England or anywhere in Europe? Absolutely not.
This one is also self-targeted. One of the easiest ways to spot an American is by our clothes.
Here are a few things that give us away: baseball hats, athletic clothes outside of the gym, hoodies, flip-flops, neon clothing and any clothing that mentions the U.S., like a Clemson football t-shirt or a Kirkwood High School jacket.
Now, don’t go buying a red beret in Paris or a Peaky Blinders cap in Birmingham. That’s a bit much.
However, I think trying to match the culture of wherever you are traveling shows respect. The key here is understated and timeless.
Jeans and a nice, solid-colored sweater are universal. A simple sundress and a small sneaker is universal.
Will people still be able to tell that you are American? Likely yes. Will you be seen as an oblivious American? No.
4. Be Prepared for Public Transportation
Most people don’t rent cars while traveling Europe because you simply don’t need one. Most airports and train stations have other transportation options built in for seamless travel.
Once you get the hang of it, you will be a pro. However, it does take a little getting used to and you don’t want to be shocked upon your arrival.
Apps to Download:
Bolt - This is the European version of a Lyft, an alternative to Uber.
Omio - This is an app where you can buy coach and train tickets and then the ticket is on your phone. I have used this in many countries and it has never failed me.
Apple Pay - This is not an app per se, but it is essential for European travel. Most subway systems, trams and public buses operate by tapping your card upon entry. Apple Pay saves you from having to fish out your debit card each time you use transit.
BlaBlaCar - This is a service app I used in Spain to book long (one hour or more) car rides. You must book a few days, or preferably a week in advance. The driver will meet you at a location in your city and drive you to your next destination.
5. Forego the Comforts of Home (And Keep the Karen-ing to a Minimum)
This was a cathedral we walked by in Mallorca on our way home from a dinner that started at 8:00 PM.
I love traveling around Europe but it’s not perfect. Many places don’t have air conditioning. Restaurants make you pay for water, and the service staff does not wait on you hand and foot.
Public toilets often aren’t free, and operate by coin. And I’m sorry British readers, but your laundry dryers are dreadful.
With that said, keep the bitching for the hotel room. These are cultural norms that a server or hotel is not going to change just for your visit.
6. Avoid “Check the Box” Travel and Slow Down
During my time abroad, I’ve run into many American groups and have observed a pattern. It seems that many Americans have a long list of what they want to see in each city.
For Paris, it’s the Champs-Élysées, le Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, the Tuileries Garden, the list goes on.
However, I notice that many Americans don’t give themselves enough time and their trip becomes an episode of The Amazing Race, rather than really being able to soak in the destination.
I totally get wanting to make the most of your travels. You’ve flown halfway around the world to get here.
However, I think cramming your itinerary each day removes any room for spontaneity and adds unneeded stress.
Really research the destination you are visiting beforehand and pick a maximum of two “Must-Sees” for each day. Then, mark everything else as a “Would Be Nice to See.”
Yes, the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre are incredible. But, I think there is also some magic in walking into a random boulangerie and simply sitting in a park.
