The best idea is to learn a few words in the local language or even if you only speak a high school version from years ago, the local people love it when you try your best. And I must admit I am the same way with tourists visiting the U. S. There’s nothing nicer than someone trying their best to speak to you in your language no matter how humorously you or they may fail, it is always appreciated.
Exactly. I’ve been preaching that for a long long time. Yes you may occasionally find that one person who hates everyone and gets mad but generally speaking trying is the fastest way to warm a frosty relationship.
On the domestic front, I sadly admit I have a love/hate relationship with tourists. I live in a small resort town in upper Michigan. We obviously need to make all of our money in the four months of the year that we are inundated. But, lord, the tourists can get on my last nerve. Our peaceful little town turns into a raging sea of entitled people who argue about everything ("Well, it didn't SAY on the website that my kids can't wear a wet bathing suit into the museum") and drive like they are perpetually drunk. Our accident rate skyrockets every summer and our little 20 bed hospital ER sees at least one drowning a year because people ignore posted warnings about off limits swimming areas. It's the "well, you need our money so we can do what we want" attitude that is so grinding.
And to add insult to injury there is absolutely NO affordable housing within 50+ miles of the town. Investors have snapped up every home and apartment in the area to turn them in to short term rentals. We have jobs open at some bigger local industries but they cannot be filled because there is no where for hires to live. The short term rentals charge enough that these places can sit empty for most of the year!
To avoid any confrontations, I pretty much just ignore anyone I don't know for the entire summer!
I appreciate the local perspective on this issue. I remember the bumper sticker when I lived in the Florida Keys: "If it's tourist season, why can't we kill them?"
We Americans have turned into an entitled mess. Everything in America is at top speed, loud, and thoughtlessness. Get off of our phones and say hello, thank you, ask an intelligent question, smile, do a kind act. We go there to experience other cultures, not eat at McDonalds . Please lower your voice!!! We were at Cinque Terre last summer with our granddaughters and i got angry with them and raised my voice, we were sitting at an outdoor restaurant. The looks we got were not happy. Learn whats acceptable and follow it. Enjoy the slower pace, and have a wonderful experience.
That's all good advice for traveling in the U.S., as well. I lived in Southwest Florida in my younger years, and the yearly influx of "snowbirds" in the winter was sometimes close to unbearable, for many of the same reasons. And it goes for other visitors in the U.S., too. Just because you slaughter goats in the front yard at home, doesn't mean that our children won't freak out if you do it here. (Yes, that really happened in Pittsburgh a few years ago.) So please have respect for the locals in this country, too. That said, I have also traveled all around the U.S., and have been generally welcomed, for the same reasons as you list. Respect the local customs everywhere.
First, ditch the American Tourist Uniform of shorts t-shirt and running shoes. If you are going to wear a baseball cap, never wear it backwards. Take your cue from the locals; do they favor black pants? Does anyone wear white socks? Instead of short sleeves do they roll up long ones? You can tell if you’re on the right track, I’ve had people stop me and ask for directions in the local language in several countries!
Pass on the restaurants highlighted in the tourist guidebooks. Ask your hotel for recommendations to small restaurants that Do Not cater to the tourist trade. I’ve had great experiences and great food in all sorts of “Mom and Pop” neighborhood restaurants. Find out what some of the favorite local dishes are and order them, not hamburgers! Before you go, find out about tipping customs in the countries you will visit. Our Australian friends always talk about “how you Yanks tip people for breathing” in Oz where tipping is scarce. Definitely learn the local greetings and use them. Even if your pronunciation is so bad that their ears bleed, it will be appreciated!
One last item: I know you love that little folding umbrella with the cute characters or pithy comments on it, but leave it an home and get a black one!
Lastly treat people like you would want them to treat your Mother. You’ll have a great trip.
The advice about NOT going to the same tired tourist sights -- Barcelona, The Louvre, The Amalfi Coast, Venice -- is spot on. Drop the ¨bucket list¨ you made because you saw it in a travel book or on someone´s Instagram feed. The world is a vast place, plenty of places to go, especially when local people or museum workers are protesting.
I try to tread softly, be inconspicuous and not the stereotypical loud American. So far being polite, respectful, courteous, and showing curiosity about the culture and the area I am visiting has helped me avoid rude encounters. It also helps to travel during the swing and off-seasons, I hate crowds too!
Try going in May. We went to Paris, Munich, Vienna and Prague and then back to Paris this year. The worst day was at The Louvre on Monday, US Memorial Day, with what seemed like half of Asia. The staff were clearly stressed but we asked calm, respectful questions and waited our turn but didn’t venture in to see the Mona Lisa (again). Also, it seems like all sights now allow online ticket purchases ahead of time. That is a must and helps avoid long waits outside venues.
I always ask if someone speaks English first or Spanish, my second language. There are many Spanish speakers these days.
My suggestion is to be mindful of where you are, how you dress, and how you act. Especially for Americans, remember you are not in the USA, something the many ex-pats in Ajijic, Mexico, for instance, never seem to consider. Do not dress like a John Wayne cowboy, bringing back an image of a man I saw in Brussels in 1982. And tread quietly, so to speak, where ever you go. In short, be respectful and not idiotic. In Amsterdam in 1991, someone refused to believe I was an American. Depending on your outlook, that was either a minor or major achievement
I’ll just comment on the last three years post Covid. We have traveled on three Viking cruises, which means the number of people docking or less and we generally travel and small group of 2 to 4 with a guide. Be trying to be friendly and smile. Everyone has been very nice and it’s been South America Caribbean and Thailand and Cambodia. A smile goes a long way.
I will add when we were on a land tour of Croatia, We happened to be in Dubrovnik with our guide. All of a sudden it got packed with groups of loud tourist coming off cruise ships. It went for a nice quiet town to one where you couldn’t even walk down the main street. If I lived there, I wouldn’t have been happy.
Be QUIET! Americans are very noisy compared with Europeans.....yes even what we think of as excitable enthusiastic Mediterraneans! You can hear Americans on the subways and buses....always the loudest people talking to each other over other people, who are sitting relatively quietly. Get your travel plan settled before you leave your hotel or apartment so that you don't have to stop and shout to your companions on the way, and don't entertain the locals with details of what you did or where you ate yesterday in a loud voice.
It's never happened to me. On our most recent trip to Florence my wife was great at talking with shopkeepers, asking interesting questions about their store and sometimes their life, and I tried to learn some Italian before we went. When the shopkeeper was friendly we always tried to buy at least a little thing.
Great article. Very good recommendations. I haven’t experienced this type of treatment and I have 5 more Europe trips in 2025, but I’ll share this information with my clients and team members who are traveling this year.
If local customs forbid sitting on steps and eating outdoors, then either comply or don't go. I don't feel uncomfortable when I travel.
By the way, you can't eat or drink on the Washington Metro either, and as someone who lives there, I find it extremely annoying that I can't drink my morning coffee on the way to a meeting But that's the law so I comply.
My adult daughter and I just returned from 10 days in Puglia, Italy. I was really worried how we would be received as Americans. I speak some Italian and used it immediately when greeting our driver at the airport to meeting the staff at the two hotels where we stayed. The Pugliese could not have given us a warmer or friendlier reception and I think it is because we used Italian to the best of our abilities, modulated our voices, dressed to blend in (no American logos on clothing), used local guides when visiting towns and historic sites like Matera in Basilicata, and when speaking to the locals showed real interest in their lives, handicrafts, businesses etc. It really wasn’t that hard to pack our best manners. Mind you we were in a less touristed area of Southern Italy as opposed to Rome, Florence, Milan, or Venice. We did ask our guides if there was local resentment to tourists especially in the summer months and consistently were told that this was not the case. Locals in Puglia appreciated the tourist euros filtering into their communities. This region is not as resource rich as Central or Northern Italy. Even in popular areas like Matera or Bari or Leece where we did encounter small tourist walking groups made up of different nationalities, everyone seemed absorb in the place rather than taking selfies including my daughter and myself. The Golden Rule definitely applies when traveling abroad.
The best idea is to learn a few words in the local language or even if you only speak a high school version from years ago, the local people love it when you try your best. And I must admit I am the same way with tourists visiting the U. S. There’s nothing nicer than someone trying their best to speak to you in your language no matter how humorously you or they may fail, it is always appreciated.
That's excellent advice.
Exactly. I’ve been preaching that for a long long time. Yes you may occasionally find that one person who hates everyone and gets mad but generally speaking trying is the fastest way to warm a frosty relationship.
On the domestic front, I sadly admit I have a love/hate relationship with tourists. I live in a small resort town in upper Michigan. We obviously need to make all of our money in the four months of the year that we are inundated. But, lord, the tourists can get on my last nerve. Our peaceful little town turns into a raging sea of entitled people who argue about everything ("Well, it didn't SAY on the website that my kids can't wear a wet bathing suit into the museum") and drive like they are perpetually drunk. Our accident rate skyrockets every summer and our little 20 bed hospital ER sees at least one drowning a year because people ignore posted warnings about off limits swimming areas. It's the "well, you need our money so we can do what we want" attitude that is so grinding.
And to add insult to injury there is absolutely NO affordable housing within 50+ miles of the town. Investors have snapped up every home and apartment in the area to turn them in to short term rentals. We have jobs open at some bigger local industries but they cannot be filled because there is no where for hires to live. The short term rentals charge enough that these places can sit empty for most of the year!
To avoid any confrontations, I pretty much just ignore anyone I don't know for the entire summer!
I appreciate the local perspective on this issue. I remember the bumper sticker when I lived in the Florida Keys: "If it's tourist season, why can't we kill them?"
I love it! Those would sell like hotcakes up here!
We Americans have turned into an entitled mess. Everything in America is at top speed, loud, and thoughtlessness. Get off of our phones and say hello, thank you, ask an intelligent question, smile, do a kind act. We go there to experience other cultures, not eat at McDonalds . Please lower your voice!!! We were at Cinque Terre last summer with our granddaughters and i got angry with them and raised my voice, we were sitting at an outdoor restaurant. The looks we got were not happy. Learn whats acceptable and follow it. Enjoy the slower pace, and have a wonderful experience.
I've gotten a lot of similar comments on my other website. Maybe the problem is us?
That's all good advice for traveling in the U.S., as well. I lived in Southwest Florida in my younger years, and the yearly influx of "snowbirds" in the winter was sometimes close to unbearable, for many of the same reasons. And it goes for other visitors in the U.S., too. Just because you slaughter goats in the front yard at home, doesn't mean that our children won't freak out if you do it here. (Yes, that really happened in Pittsburgh a few years ago.) So please have respect for the locals in this country, too. That said, I have also traveled all around the U.S., and have been generally welcomed, for the same reasons as you list. Respect the local customs everywhere.
Hee, we were writing at the same time! Domestic tourism is just as bad!
First, ditch the American Tourist Uniform of shorts t-shirt and running shoes. If you are going to wear a baseball cap, never wear it backwards. Take your cue from the locals; do they favor black pants? Does anyone wear white socks? Instead of short sleeves do they roll up long ones? You can tell if you’re on the right track, I’ve had people stop me and ask for directions in the local language in several countries!
Pass on the restaurants highlighted in the tourist guidebooks. Ask your hotel for recommendations to small restaurants that Do Not cater to the tourist trade. I’ve had great experiences and great food in all sorts of “Mom and Pop” neighborhood restaurants. Find out what some of the favorite local dishes are and order them, not hamburgers! Before you go, find out about tipping customs in the countries you will visit. Our Australian friends always talk about “how you Yanks tip people for breathing” in Oz where tipping is scarce. Definitely learn the local greetings and use them. Even if your pronunciation is so bad that their ears bleed, it will be appreciated!
One last item: I know you love that little folding umbrella with the cute characters or pithy comments on it, but leave it an home and get a black one!
Lastly treat people like you would want them to treat your Mother. You’ll have a great trip.
Great tips. Thank you. I especially like the part about the American Tourist Uniform. It's so true.
The advice about NOT going to the same tired tourist sights -- Barcelona, The Louvre, The Amalfi Coast, Venice -- is spot on. Drop the ¨bucket list¨ you made because you saw it in a travel book or on someone´s Instagram feed. The world is a vast place, plenty of places to go, especially when local people or museum workers are protesting.
That's absolutely true. Plenty of other great places to explore this summer -- where you'll be appreciated.
I try to tread softly, be inconspicuous and not the stereotypical loud American. So far being polite, respectful, courteous, and showing curiosity about the culture and the area I am visiting has helped me avoid rude encounters. It also helps to travel during the swing and off-seasons, I hate crowds too!
Try going in May. We went to Paris, Munich, Vienna and Prague and then back to Paris this year. The worst day was at The Louvre on Monday, US Memorial Day, with what seemed like half of Asia. The staff were clearly stressed but we asked calm, respectful questions and waited our turn but didn’t venture in to see the Mona Lisa (again). Also, it seems like all sights now allow online ticket purchases ahead of time. That is a must and helps avoid long waits outside venues.
I always ask if someone speaks English first or Spanish, my second language. There are many Spanish speakers these days.
Yes, you're better off staying away completely -- especially now.
My suggestion is to be mindful of where you are, how you dress, and how you act. Especially for Americans, remember you are not in the USA, something the many ex-pats in Ajijic, Mexico, for instance, never seem to consider. Do not dress like a John Wayne cowboy, bringing back an image of a man I saw in Brussels in 1982. And tread quietly, so to speak, where ever you go. In short, be respectful and not idiotic. In Amsterdam in 1991, someone refused to believe I was an American. Depending on your outlook, that was either a minor or major achievement
Sage advice. Thank you.
I’ll just comment on the last three years post Covid. We have traveled on three Viking cruises, which means the number of people docking or less and we generally travel and small group of 2 to 4 with a guide. Be trying to be friendly and smile. Everyone has been very nice and it’s been South America Caribbean and Thailand and Cambodia. A smile goes a long way.
I will add when we were on a land tour of Croatia, We happened to be in Dubrovnik with our guide. All of a sudden it got packed with groups of loud tourist coming off cruise ships. It went for a nice quiet town to one where you couldn’t even walk down the main street. If I lived there, I wouldn’t have been happy.
Dubrovnik is so nice ... when the tourists are gone.
Be QUIET! Americans are very noisy compared with Europeans.....yes even what we think of as excitable enthusiastic Mediterraneans! You can hear Americans on the subways and buses....always the loudest people talking to each other over other people, who are sitting relatively quietly. Get your travel plan settled before you leave your hotel or apartment so that you don't have to stop and shout to your companions on the way, and don't entertain the locals with details of what you did or where you ate yesterday in a loud voice.
Truer words were never spoken (or written).
defuse... defuse...defuse, not escalate........
Yep, now more than ever.
It's never happened to me. On our most recent trip to Florence my wife was great at talking with shopkeepers, asking interesting questions about their store and sometimes their life, and I tried to learn some Italian before we went. When the shopkeeper was friendly we always tried to buy at least a little thing.
Great article. Very good recommendations. I haven’t experienced this type of treatment and I have 5 more Europe trips in 2025, but I’ll share this information with my clients and team members who are traveling this year.
If local customs forbid sitting on steps and eating outdoors, then either comply or don't go. I don't feel uncomfortable when I travel.
By the way, you can't eat or drink on the Washington Metro either, and as someone who lives there, I find it extremely annoying that I can't drink my morning coffee on the way to a meeting But that's the law so I comply.
My adult daughter and I just returned from 10 days in Puglia, Italy. I was really worried how we would be received as Americans. I speak some Italian and used it immediately when greeting our driver at the airport to meeting the staff at the two hotels where we stayed. The Pugliese could not have given us a warmer or friendlier reception and I think it is because we used Italian to the best of our abilities, modulated our voices, dressed to blend in (no American logos on clothing), used local guides when visiting towns and historic sites like Matera in Basilicata, and when speaking to the locals showed real interest in their lives, handicrafts, businesses etc. It really wasn’t that hard to pack our best manners. Mind you we were in a less touristed area of Southern Italy as opposed to Rome, Florence, Milan, or Venice. We did ask our guides if there was local resentment to tourists especially in the summer months and consistently were told that this was not the case. Locals in Puglia appreciated the tourist euros filtering into their communities. This region is not as resource rich as Central or Northern Italy. Even in popular areas like Matera or Bari or Leece where we did encounter small tourist walking groups made up of different nationalities, everyone seemed absorb in the place rather than taking selfies including my daughter and myself. The Golden Rule definitely applies when traveling abroad.
Nice to hear that they still like us in Puglia.