How can an American traveler not make an a** of themselves while in England?

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SJM

Well I've generally found that people in this country are so used to the stereotypical 'ugly American' that when they come across an American that isn't like that they are so pleasantly surprised that they will go out of their way to help them. General pointers to avoid that stereotype would be:

1. Don't keep going on about how 'in the States we do this', 'in the States that is so much better' - I can assure you that none of us here share that opinion (everyone prefers what they're used to) and none of us really care.

2. I certainly agree with the user above who mentioned don't do a British accent - Americans usually tend to think they can do an accent but really can't and end up making a fool of themselves.

3. Learn the difference between the United Kingdom, Great Britain, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland before you go so you don't start referring to the wrong thing. Some people in this country can be quite offended if you get these mixed up...

4. No, we don't all know the Queen personally. We're a country of 60 million people. Suggesting that we all know the Queen would be like suggesting the US President knows 1 in 6 Americans personally. Absurd.

5. It's probably a good idea to avoid discussing foreign policy - not only do most people here not agree with your foreign policy, but in my experience Americans aren't really that educated about the rest of the world and you will undoubtedly be out of your depth.

6. Avoid speeking loudly and brashly. It's seen as somewhat 'uncouth' over here.

7. Please don't refer to everything as 'old' and 'quaint'. We find it just as odd that Americans tear down perfectly useful buildings on the basis that they're more than 20 years old.

8. Please try some of the local foods (especially seeing as you're going to be in the north of England, they have great traditional dishes). The stereotype of British food really is completely wrong and there is nothing more hilarious than watching an obese American waddling into a MacDonalds.

9. We are a lot more liberal in our attitudes (some may say more advanced...) so be prepared to see things you may not be used to and don't gawp and stare. It's perfectly normal to see gay people walking down the street holding hands and as a nation we are nowhere near as religious as you, so preaching 'God this' and 'God that' really won't go down too well (you'll probably just get laughed at).

John A

dress up like shakespeare
drive a leyland mini

Paul D

Don't constantly go on about how much bigger, better, cheaper, etc everything is in the US.
We're big on sarcasm and irony in our humour, but you'll soon catch on.
Stay away from bottled American beer try the local stuff, but remember a British pint is bigger than an American one.
Most importantly, be yourself and have fun!

Filthy Lucre

...and whatever you do...don't dress like a Yank tourist!

Little Big Boy

Be yourself,just because our goverments are two cheeks of the same @ss doesen't mean that the people of England and America have a problem with each other.As far as i am concerned,you are very welcome in our country and hope you have an excellent time.

janeaustenwannabe

I think that American's have a reputation for being loud and oppinionated. If you just keep your opinions to yourself unless asked and be respectful of others space, you should be fine. Also, look into words that we use that mean something completely different over there. For instance, don't refer to someone's rear end as their "fanny" and don't ever show someone to fingers with the back of your hand facing toward them, this means the same thing as our middle finger "salute". Have fun and enjoy your break.

pollywallydoodle

Just be yourself. I have to say pre visiting the usa i thought americans were either brash and loud or full of themselves. Just what i thought. After going there I found them to be friendly helpful, always interested in what you were saying.
Dont change. Enjoy your visit, try to see the real countryside, it is beautiful.
Have a great time.

tina061178

its the loud brashness that sticks out like a sure thumb.

Tammy

-Learn to like Brown Sauce & Vinegar (instead of ketchup)
-Local food? Pasties! THE best bacon! Cider!
I'm hungry...

renoir

Don't worry, you are making too much of it, just enjoy yourself and ignore all these opinionated nice people, you honestly are not going to get people shouting abuse at you in the street unless it is two in the morning and you run into a posse of Man city fans, Have fun!

mj1112

see the country it beautiful... DO NOT compare it to the usa!!

Mr.Boombastic Mungbean

1. Don't ask anyone if they know a guy called John.
2. Do ask anyone if they have met the Queen.

Just by posting this question I can tell you'll be fine. We're not that bad you know. Have fun!

p.s. The subject of football will probably come up..... call it FOOTBALL not soccer!

They are not waiting for you that you'll come and they'll pick on you. Britain is full of tourists in summers. Nobody cares whether you are from Spain, Italy, France wherever. Just be yourself

finger lickin` good

dont refer to us a brits

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