The caricature of the “ugly American tourist” is a much-maligned species in international travel circles. It’s not that all American tourists fit this formula, or that other nationalities don’t exhibit some unsavory characteristics. But, valid or not, Americans seem to get the brunt of the criticism for their tacky tourist ways. We’ve all witnessed variations on this theme when venturing domestically or abroad. There’s got to be a least a grain of truth to it for the cliche to perpetuate. Perhaps you’re even related to one, or are guilty of a few traits yourself. Here are 13 cringeworthy ugly American tourist stereotypes that don’t make the best ambassadors for the nation.
1. Every American Has an Opinion and They Are Not Afraid to Share It. Loudly.
It may be a gross generalization, but Americans have the reputation of being a loud, outspoken, boisterous bunch. Don’t we all have a bellowing uncle or frat buddy who fits the bill? For better or worse, many other cultures are more soft-spoken and reserved, so vociferous American travelers just trying to be friendly sometimes come across as a tad obnoxious. Turn down the volume, get off the soap box, and you’ll promote a more positive image of Americans around the world.
2. Hey, You Know What’s Better Than This? The Stuff Back in America
American’s also have the reputation of whining and complaining when things aren’t to their liking or don’t go their way. Some may think of this as a strength, as they’re no shrinking violets when service standards don’t meet expectations. Others may perceive this as arrogance, intolerance and insensitivity to cultural differences. Yes, the food might taste different, service can be slow and schedules aren’t always clockwork, but that’s part of the adventure of traveling. Pick your battles wisely and bite your tongue occasionally for the good of international relations.
3. The Worst Part About Traveling Abroad Is Leaving My Beautiful Gun at Home
For the record, not all Americans are NRA supporters and less than half of households own a firearm. However, the US does have the highest number of guns per capita on the planet, and this hot-button issue is often debated in the world media. Proverbial “gun toting rednecks” are a proud and vocal group, so the stereotype seems to follow every American who travels to other countries. This issue bewilders many foreigners who can’t fathom why that “right to bear arms” bit in the constitution is such a big deal, especially considering all the violent crime statistics that seem to make stricter gun-control a no-brainer policy. Most of the pro-gun viewpoints stand in stark contrast to many other “civilized” countries where a gun culture isn’t enmeshed. There’s a cloud of fear and violence in America, and much of the world looks on aghast.
4. You Know, English Is the Best Language in the World; It’s a Shame You Weren’t Blessed with Knowledge of It
When you grow up in a world-dominating superpower like America, you tend to think that your way is “the” way. Sorry to burst your bubble, but it’s a diverse world out there and English is not universally spoken. There is a subset of American tourists who go abroad and are dumbfounded when they encounter non-English speakers. You’ll hear them upping the volume, repeating themselves and speaking slowly in a condescending effort to be understood. The foreigner is not an imbecile for failing to comprehend English. The ugly American tourist is the idiot for assuming they should.
5. I’m Wearing My Guns N’ Roses T-Shirt, I Don’t Care How Many Stars Your Restaurant Has
The tacky tourist is such an established cliche, it has even become a humorous Halloween costume. Sure, it’s an over-the-top mock of the concept for comic purposes, but it isn’t that far-fetched. Haven’t you seen Americans in get-ups like these when traveling? Knee socks and sandals, loud Hawaiian shirts, goofy hats, zinc covered noses, camera around the neck, map in hand. Nothing screams “tourist” like this ensemble. Consider it a fashion don’t.
6. I Need Thieves to Know Exactly Where All of My Valuables Are Located
Perhaps the ultimate fashion offense in the traveler circuit is the nerdy fanny pack that the typical American tourist tends to sport. Bonus points if it’s decorated in a flag motif. It’s not that these mid-section pouches aren’t practical. Admittedly, its a handy and relatively secure place to keep money, a smart phone and other items front and center. Just know that its cringeworthy. Call it a fanny pack, belly bag, hip sack or waist wallet, don’t wear these things or you’re asking to be mocked, somewhat ironically, by the travel hipsters.
7. How Much Is That in Real Money?
Similar to the “can’t you speak English” type, some Americans abroad seem to be shocked that there’s a world of different currencies beyond their borders. They look at the unfamiliar bills and coins as Monopoly money, and are quite affronted that they can’t just pay in “real money”, meaning US dollars. It’s wise to mentally convert the amount of your purchases to keep a tally of your spending, but don’t expect the foreign shopkeeper to work this out for you.
8. You Guys Could Really Benefit from Doing It Like We Do It Back Home
Bottomless cups of coffee, free soda refills, ketchup on the tables, ranch dressing, root beer… There are a lot of little luxuries Americans take for granted. Only when you leave the familiarity of home do you realize that some of these comforts aren’t universal. It can be a bit jarring when things aren’t quite like you expect. But some differences are worth opening your mind to and, shockingly, some things might even be better than back home. Or not. You’ll never know unless you get out there and experience things for yourself.
9. No Food For Me, Thanks, I Have Spaghettios Back in the Room
There is a breed of close-minded, unadventurous ugly American tourist that doesn’t even try to go local when visiting new places. Convinced that they won’t like any foreign food, they pack a jar of peanut butter or a few boxes of Kraft Dinner to tide them over on their trip. Food is such an integral part of a culture, isn’t it a shame not to sample some of the local fare? Travel is an opportunity to get out of your box and comfort zone. Expand your culinary horizons and leave the Skippy at home.
10. What’s the Point of Traveling Somewhere That Doesn’t Have a McDonalds?
On a similar (clogged) vein, there’s that cringeworthy American traveler who chooses to eat at familiar fast food chains even when venturing to culinary hotspots like France, Italy or Japan. What a waste to eat familiar burgers and fries when you could be sampling some local specialties. Go once to please the kids, if you must. But if the staff starts to know you by name, you are helping to propagate some ugly American tourist stereotypes.
11. History Is Only Worthwhile If There’s Someone There to Explain It to You
Perhaps this is an offshoot of the paranoia point, but the typical American tourist tends to stick to package tours and guided groups rather than risk going it alone. For those who don’t like planning and coordinating details, these tours can be convenient, comfortable and comprehensive. However, they leave little room for the spontaneity and serendipity that can really enhance the travel experience. These structured tours tell you when to stop, when to take pictures, when to eat and when to leave. You follow the guide like herded sheep, and have little authentic interaction with the locals. You stick to the standard sites, eat at tourist restaurants and shop at mass-produced souvenir stands. Try exploring independently once in a while if you really want to embrace the wonders of the world.
12. Yeah, We Wanted to Slum It This Vacation, So We Left Perfection to Visit Your Crappy Country
One of the stereotypical American traits that often rubs foreigners the wrong way is the air of arrogance that some (not all) exude. In terms of history, size, geography, resources and culture, there is a lot to love about America. But its no utopia – no place is – and its not the only nation on the planet worthy of high praise. American flag-waving bravado can come across as pompous and patronizing to an outsider who wasn’t bred to boast. Citizens of other countries might be more tolerant of “ugly American tourists” if they didn’t continually make the audacious assumption that America is the most envied place on the planet. If more Americans got out there and traveled, they’d see that there are plenty of other democratic countries with high living standards, good education, universal health care, upward mobility, scenic landscapes and more. So if you happen to be a guest in a foreign land, tone down that insufferable “USA #1” attitude and you might just help foster better world relations.
13. Who Actually ‘Learns’ When They’re On Vacation? What Is This, School?
One of the more pervasive stereotypes that Americans are hit with is the assertion that they’ve traveled abroad with no intention of learning anything of the culture beyond what’s on the wine list. Though several Americans do (obviously) travel with the hope of learning a little something, or being exposed to a new culture, there’s a prominent theory that we’re all troglodytes in search of our next meal.
14. What, You’ve Never Heard of Springfield?
For some reason, several Americans actually do travel abroad operating under the implicit assumption that more foreigners have intimate knowledge of the United States. When asked where you’re from, most people haven’t actually heard of more cities than the biggies like New York and Los Angeles. Hey, have you heard of Ashdod, Israel? Yeah, then why would you expect someone from Europe to know where Duluth, Minnesota is?
