In a recent international News Group poll, Americans were voted to be the least popular tourist group. Why is this the case?
2006-07-03 10:44:02 · 12 answers · asked by reality check 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Interestingly enough, when we've been travelling we've been told a number of times, in a number of countries, that Americans by themselves are well liked, but when they are in a group they are impossible.
The most common complaint is that they want things to be just like they were back in the States, which leads one to wonder why they travel at all? They also tend not to be culturally sensitive -- there truly are some places that should not be photographed, no matter if Aunt Emily at home is waiting breathlessly to see their tour pictures.
And it would help if they would learn a few words of the language of the country they were in. Too often they speak only their own language and when others don't understand, get angry and resort to shouting, still in English, then call the native people dumb for not comprehending. I've seen all too many examples of this.
They also threaten, when in a foreign country, to take their complaints to their Congressman, which sends the locals into fits of giggles.
Other than that, they're okay.
2006-07-03 10:51:21 · answer #1 · answered by old lady 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Actually we all can thank our dumb president for this stereotype. I'm an America living in Hungary. The people here are very nice and gorgeous, but they hate Americans. Most Europeans now dislike Americans because of Bush and our earth tromping consumeristic ways. I get beat up all the time by gangs of American hating kids. They call me names, spit on me, and keyed my SUV several times. they tell me to eff off when I simply ask for some ice with my coke. They can spot Americans a mile away and will try to steal your money and scam you. Serious, we are in trouble! Dont come to Europe. But if you decide to come anyway, try to at least blend in. For instance, be sure NOT to eat with a fork and knife in each hand, this is a dead giveaway. Eat with just a fork. Make sure you leave only a 10% tip on the table for the waiter. DO NOT give him the tip in person, this is rude. Women here get really offended if men open doors for them. Men always go first anywhere in Europe. If you plan on driving here be aware that the driver's are quite nervous and fast. It's safe to rent a very large SUV so that they are the ones to die in a collision, and not you. Gas is plentiful and quite cheap here, so don;t worry too much about the extra fuel you spend on an SUV. About style, I have noticed that the new style for men during the summer is wearing a nice pair of Birkenstock sandels, khaki pants, and maybe a bright colored shirt. Do not tuck in your shirt! They will spot you! Ladies, take note: the current European style here is: sweats. As baggy as possible. Girls here do not dress so nice, so blend in by dressing a little raggy, like you do at home on Sunday. Makeup is not needed, nor is doing up you hair too much. Just follow my advise and you certainly will never be spotted as a rotten American. Hope this helps.
2006-07-03 18:11:51 · answer #2 · answered by chessguy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because as a generalisation they think that america is perfect and that all other countries should be the same ..if its so damned perfect why do they want to visit other places ...and they think that all food should be just like at home and none of this foreign muck...the mind boggles at the ignorance of others to different cultures and in saying this I do realise that not all are like this I was just saying as a generalisation... I work in the tourist industry here in Australia and unfortunatley in general it is the rude and arrogant ones that stay at the front of your mind when thinking of a certain group the really nice ones that you want to come back become Mr and Mrs This..... they dont stay in mind as a certain nationality they stay as nice people
2006-07-03 21:23:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it sucks to see them. They are generally rude and obnoxious. I am unsure if this is how they always are, or if travel bursts the homing device in their brains and they meltdown in other countries.
Of course there are probably nice American tourists. I just have not met them.
2006-07-03 17:48:36 · answer #4 · answered by Grog The Fish 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cause we are loud, will eat all your food, rape the horses,steal the piggies and prolly start a war or declare an action. Or just invade cause the top dawg wants ta be a wartime prez rather than the loser that he truly is.
2006-07-03 18:01:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Really??? Thats not true. American tourists are friendlier than all in Europe; they are more broadminded and they spend more money than tourists from all other countries.
2006-07-03 17:53:16 · answer #6 · answered by Fatima 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They make a lot of Noise, Talk in Elevators, Are very Demanding, Are very Critical, Expect everyone to speak English etc. etc.
2006-07-03 17:49:02 · answer #7 · answered by fatsausage 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
B/c we don't care. When I go over seas, I pay for everything to be perfect. If it isn't, then someone should hear about it.
Being an American is more of an attitude if anything.
2006-07-03 17:47:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they have bad, arrogant, attitudes. They seem to think that they are better than other people. I'm an American, and I am amazed at most people's attitudes, everyday, all day.
2006-07-03 19:52:17 · answer #9 · answered by mo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they're lazy, fat, inconsiderate, loud, dirty, smelly, rude, stinky, nasty looking, poor, ugly, and did i say ugly?
yes, that is your average American in a nutshell.
and yes, I'm an American..but i'm not average. hehe.
2006-07-03 17:47:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋