I'm an American wishing to see Europe. Will I be insulted and treated harshly?

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Walter B

So long as you do not act like an American -- arrogant, self-centred, loud-mouthed and exaggerating about how big things are in Texas (which they are not compared to other countries) or how good things are in America, then you should have no problems.
If you can speak a second language, especially a European language (French, Spanish, Italian or Greek are the better), other than English would be an advantage and give you some credibility.
Do not drink large amounts of the local beers, as they are much stronger than what you are used to with American beers. Know the difference with your wines and which goes with each type of local food.
Do not expect large servings of food on your plates when visiting European countries. Their plates are usually covered with about a half to one-third of what an American usually puts on his plate.
It is not a matter of finding a country on a map, although many Americans do get confused. It is about finding the regions of a country on a map and understanding the cultural differences within those regions. Marseilles is very different to Burgundy or Normandy or Paris in France. Do you where in France is Corsica?
It is the same with Italy. Milan is very different to Rome or Naples or Sardinia or Sicily or Florence. The foods are different as is the culture and attitudes of the people.
Can you sell the difference between Sweden and Switzerland, many Americans get the two confused. The swiss have three national languages of their bordering countries, French, German and Italian and most people speak all three plus a fourth and even a fifth language. Sweden is near the Artic and the people speak Swedish or Danish or Norwegian or several plus a fourth and fifth language.
German and Austrian sound the same to most people, but to an Austrian or German, they are different dialects, and most Austrians do not like to be referred to as Germans. Dutch also sound like German, but it is a different language.

If you understand these, and the fact that French are very anti-anglophile (English speaking) then you should have no problems.

bla bla

Ok, from a 100% European (who has travelled to the US several times), I have to disagree that there is a "strong disdain for Americans (especially Texans) throughout Europe"

There is a strong distain for some of the political choices made by the US, and indeed for Bush in general...... but most people I know can seperate politics from day-to-day life and more importantly from individuals

The advice offered by fellow Americans in the other answers is good.

Just be respectful and you will be treated in the same manner. Yes it's a fact of life that you "may" encounter some comments from a small minority, but equally a small minority of Americans come over here and act like beliigerant idiots (I live close to Amsterdam so can vouch for that fact!), but the vast majority don't and have a wonderful holiday

If you travel around Europe to different countries, you will encounter very different cultures as well, and this is part of the fun of travelling around Europe, so take this into account and smile. If you do get comments then smile and take it with a pinch of salt. That being said, the vast majority of Americans (and indeed other nationalities) come to Europe year on year and never have any problems at all.

You sound like a decent guy to me, aware of what goes on, smart enough to check out things in advance, and I personally don't think you will have a problem at all. So come on over, have a great trip and enjoy (and don't worry too much in advance) :0)

Lisa D.

I'm thrilled that you are taking the plunge and traveling overseas- hopefully it will be a trip that will change your life... and trigger a lifetime of travel ahead.

I have been an avid traveler since college and have been abroad enough times to say with absolute certainty - There is always one drunk idiot that tries to talk politics and tell you that your president sucks blah, blah, blah... Just ignore that one drunk idiot and it will make way for the hundreds of wonderful citizens of the world you are going to encounter. Yes, even the French are wonderful in my eyes.

If you don't come across as loud and obnoxious (a rule that should apply in the US as well), then you are going to be greeted with warmth and hospitality.

Always be proud to be an American and a Texan, don't hide it, you will find many people who will be curious and enchanted. Be respectful to their culture and it will result in them respecting you as well.

Have a great time!

oneofcold

I've traveled all over Europe, and have never had the slightest problem for being American. A large fraction of Europeans dislike George Bush and US foreign policy, but they don't blame you as an individual for the policies of the US government. If you are friendly to Europeans, almost all of them will be friendly in return. If you feel nervous in a situation for whatever reason, just avoid discussing politics.

barthebear

There was a book several decades ago entitled 'the Ugly American' which described the rude , dressed in shorts with a camera hanging from their neck, americans who toured Europe. It stereotyped US tourists as they were quite disgusting. Today, Americans have to realize that Europeans did not like the way we attacked preemptively a sovereign nation , Iraq. So you are on the defensive. I have the feeling you will be an ambassador our country needs and you will use good manners and make friends. Try to practice a few French words to at least give them the idea you are trying to get into their culture-and wherever else you go, use a few words of their language too. You will find that it will be an enlightening and broadening experience which you will cherish. The family values in Russia, for example, far surpass the US and Italians are warm and fun. Good for you for venturing out of Texas which, in itself, is another country!

Kayla

"Sweden is near the Artic and the people speak Swedish or Danish or Norwegian or several plus a fourth and fifth language."

I've lived in Sweden for 28 years and I did not know we spoke Danish and Norwegian here!! Wow!!! And a fourth or fifth language!?? Haha!

I think most people have given you great answers to your question already. Come over to Europe and have a fabulous time here!!

kennysbabydoll

I went to North Wales in 1997 and the people were lovely! I was amazed by a lot of things there, but being rude was not one of them. I have been shocked lately hearing home much other countries hate Americans. I just do not understand it. Anyway it has been a while but people in London and North Wales were very nice. But, I was visiting an Internet friend so that might have made a difference. I do hope you have a wonderful trip and it will be a trip of a life time!
Retired Teacher

janisjoplin1313

Its not like you have to advertise the fact that your American. Just don't do anything annoying like don't expect everyone to know English. I'm Texan too, I don't really have all this pride though. There are jerks in every country. I think you'll be fine anywhere you go.

Stephanie

There are always going to be a chosen few who hate Americans despite how well read you are. However, you will be fine. Just be yourself and don't get drawn into talks of politics and you'll be fine.
side note: I was actually in Paris for the Tour de France several years ago. They actually flew the Texas flag over a goverment building near the finish line for Lance Armstrong. Now, that was pretty cool and I'm not even from Texas.
Go and have fun!!

Anna

Darling, you'll find people who insult will you all over the world. People that has nothing better to do with their time.Trick is not to let it bother you. ;-)

I've never EVER met a soul in Europe who aren't interested, in a positive way, in meeting an American, Texans or no Texans.

There's a reason why Texans has a strong sense of pride, some European countries (France for instance or England) have them and there's a reason why some European countries doesn't. (Sweden strongest case.)

Just be friendly and treat everyone you meet with the same respect you want them to treat you with. Common sense really.

Have a great time! You're too clever to take the stereotypical too seriously. French people are considered the rudest in the world. English men the worst in bed etc etc. Just not true. (in most cases...lol...)

Nicole C

I went there recently and if the way you describe yourself is true, then people in London would love you. It's an amazing city! They have got to be the nicest people! Anyways, people in Europe love Americans! Well, most of them do. Tourists are their main money source!

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