what can americans do to improve our image when traveling abroad?

Question

I have never been abroad but I know americans are stero-typed as fat, ignorant and are generally not well liked. what can we do, as individuals ,to debunk this stero-type when traveling to your country? this question is not for americans.

Answer 1

Carry a CANADIAN flag baby!

Answer 2

Don't compare everything with the US and view the US as being superior in everyway.
In the UK don't open your mouth about some subject that you know a little about because it's likely that the Brit will know a lot more, not let on till you are fully committed to the wordplay, then drop in a quick one liner to make you crash and burn.

Tipping and ostentatiously throwing your money around is considered vulgar in the UK where society is much less money orientated than the USA, though this is changing.

Telling people what material possesions you own, within minutes of meeting someone is considered bragging, and no one likes a bragger.

I was once in a pub (Bar) near Stratford Upon Avon close to closing time, when a party of elderly Americans wandered in. The place was rocking, and these Americans wandered up to the bar and asked for three lattes and a danish pastry.
They then shuffled out again empty handed, leaving me feeling extremely sorry for them and annoyed with the bar staff for not attempting to at least rustle up a quick instant coffee for them on the house.
Point is though, that my night need not have been ruined if these people had just looked around and noticed that everyone was drinking beer, and not assumed that England was another US state, where pubs sell lattes and danish 24 hours a day.

Politeness is the key; when I travel to the US and a waitress hands me a coffee, I say "thank you" and the waitress usually beams a beautific smile and says "you are very welcome", surprised that I thanked her, yet this is expected in the UK and considered very bad manners if a thanks is not forthcoming. Throwing a couple of pounds on the table as you leave will not redeem this omission in the waitress's eyes.

I won't even start about loud talking and shouting to Myrtle from across the street.

I realise that not all americans are like this, though all the prescribed incidents, I actually saw happen; just as all Brits are not hooligans when abroad, but you did ask the question.

Kindest Regards
M

Answer 3

I understand Americans quite well since I lived in the States for almost 9 years. Now, I live in Rome and I can see some common attitudes in American tourists that I think can be avoided in order to improve their reputation.

I think the most important thing is not to expect that the country you're visiting functions in the same way that the US. It makes me almost laugh the fact to see so many Americans freaking out when they have to take uncomfortable buses or just cross the streets, or when they get angry because people don't speak English or they have to make a one-hour line in the post-office to send some postcards to friends. Just remember you are not in the US and try to take it easy.

One more thing Americans should try to avoid is to get so wasted during the nightlife. It seems Americans go anywhere with an uncontrolable desire to get drunk. I don't really know what's up with that. My impression has always been that Americans don't feel that much free to drink in the US.

Answer 4

Speak quietly. You can always hear Americans before you see them.

I am an American and people native to the country I visit almost always take me for British or Canadian merely because I don't speak loudly.

The way you dress also tells people you are American.... It's sort of loud too. Just look around and see what the native folks are wearing and try to look like that.

Remember, you are a guest in their country so you shouldn't be critical of them if they don't understand American. Don't say the words again louder, that won't help either. Just be patient and either look up the key words you need in a language dictionary or use your hands like in charades.

If you take the attention away from yourself while you travel there will be more opportunities to learn from the people you meet and the richness of the culture you are visiting will be one of the treasures you can take home.

It isn't heavy, it isn't expensive, it will be valuable to you when you get home and you will remember it for the rest of your life.

Answer 5

Live as the Roman's do!! Fit into their ways and mannerisms and social expectations. In the UK, we tend to reserved and polite. Do not mistake that for unfriendliness and don't be afraid to approach if you need help/guidance. You will find that we are very giving and helpful people. I was in the States a few weeks ago and, generally, I did not find that Americans were fat or ignorant, on the contrary, they were very articulate, friendly and polite.

Answer 6

Don't be a complete @ss, and don't be arrogant. Just remember, you are in another country and you most likely will not understand everything being said to you. DO NOT ask them to speak English. Not for Americans? Bullsh*t. Those of us that have no problems when traveling abroad can advise others.

Answer 7

Dont wear shorts and bumbags and look "touristy" (tho I am sure the same can be said for some brits visiting you guys!) how about ban all American coach trips around the Uk cos these consist of this type of person

Answer 8

The best thing americans can do is speak a little softer, it's annoying when you can hear some one elses conversation half a block away, and try not to speak your thoughts out loud, that's also annoying to europeans.

Answer 9

Pretend you aren't yanks. Tell people you met a yank that wasn't a bad as people think they are. You have to persevere as your country is headed by the worst yank of all. His name tells us what kind of person he is. His actions speak even louder than words. B well.

Answer 10

I am American. I am not fat. I am not lazy. And when I travel abroad, I generally keep to myself and give the natives their space. It's THEIR home I am in.

Oh well.

Answer 11

Don't act like a GOD, don't wear white socks heheh , don't be arrogant and don't think like you are something more than the others.....read something about the country you are going to....