I’m Not Rude! I’m Just American!

There are many places that may not be fun to travel to these days.

And I'm not talking about the obvious reasons like wars and political unrest.

I'm talking about the fact that the locals are not friendly towards visitors. 🫵

For example, in places like Spain or Italy, locals are getting tired of swarms of tourists taking over their cities. This is mainly because these tourists drive up prices so high that locals can no longer afford to live there.

I'm not going to claim I know how to fix this complex situation in this newsletter. Maybe I'll write more about it in another issue.

So if you're traveling to some of these hotspots, here are some tips to be more respectful when visiting areas where tensions might be high.

1. Travel with locals when possible. They'll look out for you and help keep you safe. When people see you traveling with locals, it's harder for them to dismiss you as just another tourist. Also, if anything bad happens, locals will usually stick up for you. I've had several experiences where locals were able to stand up for me and de-escalate difficult situations.
    
2. Wear appropriate clothes for the country you're visiting. This is about respecting other cultures' norms. Yes, you can wear whatever you want, but don't be surprised by the reactions you might get. Remember, traveling to a country is like entering someone else's home, so their standards may differ from yours. Save your "anything goes" attitude for back home. As Americans, we often feel we can do whatever we want, but that mindset is very "American." In reality, many cultures don't share this perspective.
   
   
   
    
3. Travel in groups when possible. People are less likely to harass a group than a single person. Just be careful because when traveling with a large group, it can be easy to get rowdy and cause a disturbance, which would upset locals.
    
4. Watch your volume level. Americans are often perceived as being loud, whether in restaurants, on public transportation, or in other public spaces. I think it's because American culture embraces the "bigger is better" mentality. However, not every culture operates this way. Remember that you're in someone else's home. Also, it's hard to be annoyed with someone who's quiet and respectful.
    
5. Remember that you're an ambassador for your country. Like it or not, people judge your entire nation based on your actions. I know, it's unfair! But we do it too! We all make judgments about other countries based on the tourists we encounter. So be kind and respectful. This mindset helps because Americans can easily let loose when traveling. I get it — in American culture, we often work so hard that when vacation time comes, we let loose like "kindergarteners at recess" — sometimes too much.
    
6. Learn a few words in the local language. The quickest way to annoy locals is to approach them speaking only English. Learning even basic phrases shows respect. It's harder for someone to be unkind to a person who's making an effort to respect their culture.
   
   
   
    
7. Limit nighttime activities. People are known to do stupid things at night, especially when drinking. It's better to avoid putting yourself in risky situations and consider turning in early.
    
8. Know where your country's embassy or consulate is located. If problems arise, it's always good to have this information on hand to ensure your safety. For more details, check out my article "What to Do When an Emergency Strikes While Traveling Abroad".
    

Overall, try these tips on your next trip. Honestly, there have been times when I've traveled overseas and felt embarrassed by the behavior of other Americans...

So maybe it's really about just not being a jerk.

Keep traveling,

Andrew

Have you ever visited a place where you could tell the locals were tired of tourists? How did you handle it?

Cocktail of the Week

Random Travel Thought

Travel research is like taking a shower. Skip it, and your vacation could definitely stink.

Follow me on Instagram.

The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com : This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner : An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing : I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

View Previous Posts