Americans & Travel - Are We Truly Hated ?

Question

I'm married to a Britishman who has seen more of the world than I ever will! I think he's learned since crossing the Big Pond that travel from the U.S. isn't the same as what is available in the U.K., especially regarding great package deals. Regardless, he dreams that we'll travel together someday. I just want to know if I travel to Europe or some of their coastal isles, what am I in for? I probably wouldn't tour the Middle East or Far East even if I had the opportunity simply out of fear. I wouldn't go anywhere betting I could fake a British accent so what's a good ole Southern American gal to do if she wants to venture out her backyard? Remember, you're helping to expand my little world so any kind advice and suggestions are appreciated!

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

I'm English and no, i don't hate Americans in the slightest. Nor do i dislike the accents: doing that just reveals ignorance of the history of English because in some ways, American English is more traditional than our own dialect, particularly the accent being rhotic and having a less advanced Great Vowel Shift. My main beef with the States is that lifestyles there are unsustainable ecologically, which harms the planet, but since North America is on this planet that would include your own country. The same criticism applies to Western Europe, of course. There's also an issue with the politics and the fundamentalism. There is very little in the way of progressive politics in the US, but then again the same is true of Western Europe. There is also a confusion between religion and fundamentalism. None of that applies to individuals though, and it's really a matter of degree: Western Europe is problematic in the same way but the US is worse. I see the States as a "melting pot". It's what happens when a nation is formed from a wide spread of people, so it's sort of like the rest of the world only more so. Therefore, what we don't like in America is just how the whole human race is, but sort of averaged out, so you're basically like the rest of us and if someone doesn't like human beings, that will be expressed in disliking America because it's in a sense the "most human" nation of all.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

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.

Answer 5

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!!

Answer 6

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.

Answer 7

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!

Answer 8

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 :)

Answer 9

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.

Answer 10

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.