ugly american tourist
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

5 Ways How NOT To Be The 'Ugly American' Tourist

Traveling abroad can be fun, but it isn't when you're acting a fool.

167
https://unsplash.com/photos/dRHE-XF7wls

Traveling has always been one of the great American Pastimes. In 2017, Conde Nast Traveler reported that over 80 million Americans traveled abroad to various locations around the world.

Even though less than half of the American populous have a passport, we're still traveling across the globe at a record high. However, many of our compatriots forget how to act while in another country, giving us a bad reputation.

Here are ten tips on how not to be the "Ugly American" while traveling over seas.

1. Learn the language

While I'm not saying become fluent in Mandarin before your trip, it's still a nice thing to at least learn how to say "please" and "thank you."

Learning some key words or phrases in the language of the country you're visiting can go a long way with its citizens. Saying "merci" instead of a gruff "thanks" to your French waiter in Paris can make all the difference.

2. Hit up local restaurants

While it may be tempting to hit up that Shake Shack in Tokyo, you'd be missing out on all the great local restaurants. There's truly nothing like dining in a local restaurant that serve's its regional cuisine, surrounded by (you guessed it) locals.

The food may be unfamiliar to you, but that's apart of the whole experience. Trust me, there's nothing like eating schnitzel and spaetzle in the middle of Berlin.

3. Be respectful to cultural norms

Whether it's not wearing shorts in a religious space or simply crossing the street when the light is green, it's important to follow the rules of etiquette set by the culture of the country.

You don't want to make the Germans think you're rude because you decided to show up five minuets late (trust me, the Germans are a very punctual people).

4. Avoid the tourist traps

You know the places I'm talking about. They're the big ol' stores or restaurants that are laden in neon and signs proclaiming that their prices are the lowest in the city. avoid these places like the plague.

They're designed to separate you from your money. You really don't want to spend 200 euros on a piece of the Berlin Wall only to find out it actually is a piece of an old rec center.

5. Be aware of pickpockets and other scams

While most international cities are quite safe, there will still be the odd scam artist and pick pocket. Most cities will have signs in major tourist areas advising you to be aware of scams and pickpockets.

Even if the signs aren't present, it's still important to keep your valuables safe and protected. One good way to avoid being pickpocket is to try to blend in as an everyday citizen and not as a tourist.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

55175
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35540
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957613
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

185033
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments