Americans & Travel - Are We Truly Hated ?

Show all answers

empea

I'm British but living in SW France and my best friend here is a good ole S American gal (from Georgia).

Listen, there are stereotypes of many nationalities. Apparently we're uptight, arrogant and formal and apparently you're fat stupid and don't travel. I have travelled a lot and you will always meet hateful, ignorant people and nice, accepting people wherever you go. If anyone's worth bothering with, they will accept you on your own merits and not judge you on your nationality.

If you travel (why not start with Europe? There is so much diversity here), I would say, just respect the culture (buy something like a Rough Guide and read the intro before you go), make an attempt at the language and be pleasant - don't expect the same service or standards of the US, just enjoy the differences.

It would be a shame if your concerns stop you from experiencing this big wonderful world.

TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

In the past year my wife and I have traveled all over Europe mostly touring from cruise ships, but also on tours I arranged before the cruises. We have taken public transportation, trains and flown. We have never experienced any type hostility because we are from the US.

I think what people in other countries abhore is the arrogant American who think that they demand things the way they do in the US. They also probably hate the folks who have an attitude about them that the US is better than their country. What I have found is that a lot of the stuff you hear about the US being the best place in the world to live is a "crock". People in many other countries have the same freedoms, priviledges, and opportunities, and their standards of living are just as high as many here.

daiunus

One thing I see often from American tourists is... a Canadian flag sewn on the backpack. Being Canadian myself, I am flattered. That is one way to get around everything... Americans' (unless you have a heavy Southern Drawl) accents are similar to Canadians, and you won't be questioned. Other ways to be more welcome in Europe or anywhere outside of North America: Don't say you like Bush (this is a no-no), be open-minded (cultures are very different, even the ones with similar languages as us), and just be polite. If you are courteous, there is a good chance you will change some people's minds about Americans :)

Tara R

I'm Canadian myself but I've travelled with all sorts of Americans (across Europe and Asia). And while travelling most people don't like Americans off the bat. But if you are polite and not ignorant about other cultures (even outside of the country you are visiting) people will turn around and and behave respectful in return. However don't be shocked by seeing anti American graffiti or anti American political outbursts. Know your geography and cultural customs. The key is that being American doesn't give you the right to behave disrespectfully, Americans have a bad reputation for travelling. My advice is be yourself and try to change that reputation.

Norm

I never directly experienced hostility because I was an american. I have had some try to scam me because I was an american though. You may find some people that will give you troubles, but most of the people that you deal with will be just as glad to take your money legally as people here in the USA are when you travel around the states.

Clint P

"Suffer the prejudices of those who set prejudices before you."

Anonymous

Simply put most Americans are hated abroad because of the "Nasty Americans" who set foot abroad before them did.

Simplest solution to that problem, is to go abroad and be the excellent exceptiopn to the rule.

It is "Arrogant Americans" (or other national tourists) who think that because they are form where ever they are, the world should "learn to speak its language". It is the "Welcome American" (or other national tourist) that "learns to speak the lanuguage of the traveling location".

When in Rome do and speak as the Romans if it doesn't compromise your personal sense of values. If your values feel compromised its not anyone's fault but a lesson learned; i.e. if "... doing as the Romans do" isn't your cup of tea then don't go to Rome and try to change the Romans - simply don't go back to Rome!

The world is alot larger than our "American Backyard".

Ask yourself this... if someone came into your "American Backyard", demanding that you change your "American backyard" to suit them, how would you feel?

EXPERIENCE the world to gain WORDLY EXPERIENCE -- to SEE the world is as simple as clicking on the Travel channel; EXPERIENCE gives you a much more valid WORLD'S EYE VIEW; first hand as opposed to "subjective hear say".

Enjoy

Unique

American's are not liked in many countries.

While I lived and travelled in Europe, people thought I was from the UK and not USA. I was treated different/better when people knew I was an American.

banshee

I traveled outside the US and was told by the customs agents to tell people I was from Canada. The problem with many American travelers is that they don't look at the country they are going and learn what is acceptable and what is not in that society. Americans are very straight forward in your face type of people and many societies around the world find that offensive. Also, people in other countries tend to take advantage of Americans because they think we're all rich (don't we wish!). I know this does not happen to everyone, but keep it in mind. Also, if you go to Paris do not carry a purse and keep everything in your front pants pockets- the theives are unreal.

Sean

I have never experienced any hostility and only occasionaly rudeness by the French, while traveling in Europe.

I'm an American.

shoelace

You'll be fine! Don't try to fake an accent and don't act scared. Just don't expect everything to be American when you go to Europe. That's their pet peeve - Americans acting entitled and disrespectful to the local culture. Sure, ordering food or whatever could get tricky, but you're going to so much out of your trip. Please don't hesitate.

pricetravel

Americans are not hated. Jerks are hated. Many Americans travel abroad and think they everyone should speak english. Hotdogs and hamburgers should be served in every restaurant.

Many americans don't appreciate the beauty of the places visited. The museums, theater, architecture, etc.

Learn the culture you are visiting. Don't be loud. Don't be rude.

Sounds basic, but those are the reasons Americans are not welcome in many places.

dwh12345

I have traveled through most of Europe..relax...Most people are just great..never had any serious issues that I didn't cause myself..People don't hate Americans, they hate Bush.. I lived in England for a year..Had the best time imaginable

zippythejessi

If you go to a country that speaks another language (France, Italy, Germany, Japan, etc.) make an honest effort to learn to speak the language properly and learn the customs Even if you butcher some words, you'll get some respect for attempting to speak the language - especially if you can say in the language that you're not that adept a speaker or you're still learning. I've found that by making an effort, you come across a little better. What apparently turns off people from other countries is that Americans tend to want everyone to speak English and just speak louder and like the person they're speaking to is a moron if they don't speak English. There's also places where things like how a woman is dressed in public matters, or whether or not she holds hands with a man (married or not) that makes a difference as well. If you make an effort not to stick out like a sore thumb that screams "TOURIST". it'll be better.

Thom

First of all you should not let anything hinder you seeing the world especially fear of what people think you! Don't walk around thinking that everyone in the HUGE world is going to hate you because your American. When they hate you is when you act like a chauvinistic pig a know it all smart Astrix and most of all they HATE people who assume. Assume that they know everything about everything and everyone. Those are the general guidelines but most importantly if your a good person they will like you because you would never believe this but their are jerks from other countries as well. Now if your are a really suck person who can't get along with anyone and try to push your beliefs on everyone Else then yeah they will hate you. Be yourself their people too not savages you know!

jmkafer

I've traveled quite a few places now and I've never been automatically hated simply by being American ... but I also don't assume that everyone should speak English and in general, I try to avoid the ugly American stereotypes. Make sure you're polite and at least attempt to fit in. I also think that traveling off high-tourist season helps because people aren't so sick of tourists (in general, not just Americans). And I think you'll find that people in small towns are more friendly and less rushed (and therefore less impatient) than in the big cities (just like in the US).

Traveling really broadens your horizons and changes your perspective ... even if people are rude to you, you'll gain something from your travels and you can't let that ruin the trip for you or discourage you from traveling!!

Anti-Americanism is very widespread now and can lead to random abuse but if you're polite, don't talk too loud and don't say you support Bush (especially), you should be fine

Oh, and the best way to avoid trouble is to pretend to be CAnadian-everyone loves them.

cowboyweasel

I have only been to Japan and as long as we tried to speak Japanese, they were OK with us. Some even complemented us on our speaking ability; several times my wife was told that she had almost no accent. I think as long as you do a little research about the local culture and language it will help out in making your trip fun and enjoyable.

But why is the rum always gone?

Everywhere you go, you will find people who ate Americans, even here at home. However, everywhere you go, you will also find people who could care sod-all about your nationality. As with nearly everything, the bad experiences tend to get more press and attention than a normal or even exceptional experience. Go with an open mind and realize that anyone who is rude to you is a person, not a nationality.

itilian_2

hell yes!!!! most are to fat!!!! you need to go to the middle east...you will fit in!

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: