Millions of Americans travel abroad annually, making international tourism a massive part of our national character. Yet despite our enthusiasm for exploring the world, many surveyed travelers believe US tourists may be perceived more negatively abroad. The truth is many Americans unknowingly commit cultural blunders that brand them as ignorant or obnoxious travelers.
Travel expert Meena Thiruvengadam, who has visited 70 countries across all seven continents, founded the travel site TravelwithMeena.com and contributes to publications including Travel+Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, The Wall Street Journal, and Lonely Planet. Her extensive experience has taught her which American phrases can completely derail positive interactions abroad.
Let’s dive into the seven expressions that can turn you into “that” American tourist.
Expressing Shock at Language Skills
It should never surprise anyone to encounter impeccable English in predominantly English-speaking countries, yet Americans frequently express shock at others’ language abilities. Saying things like “Wow, your English is so good!” in countries like Ireland, England, or even non-English speaking nations where multilingualism is common comes across as patronizing.
This phrase reveals American assumptions about global education and cultural awareness. Most of the world studies multiple languages from childhood, making English proficiency quite normal rather than exceptional.
Using Outdated “Third-World” Terminology
Calling a country a “third-world” country, especially one you’re visiting, can come off as judgmental, with “developing country” being a more appropriate phrase that doesn’t carry the same negative connotations. It doesn’t feel right to judge a place whose people you hope will welcome you.
The term “third-world” originated during the Cold War and has evolved into an often condescending label. Many countries labeled this way actually have rich cultures, advanced technologies in specific areas, or higher quality of life indicators than some American cities.
Making Demands Like American Fast Food
At a Michelin-star restaurant near Paris, an American interrupted a tasting menu to request a green salad like he normally eats at home, mortifying the waiter, and the chef never complied with the request. This type of behavior shows complete disregard for local culinary traditions and cultural experiences.
Food represents one of the most intimate aspects of culture. Demanding familiar American dishes in foreign settings suggests you’re not truly interested in experiencing the destination authentically.
Criticizing Local Customs and Traditions
Etiquette expert Nick Leighton explains that it’s not your place to comment on someone’s culture or traditions, warning against phrases like “Oh, I can’t believe they still do that here,” whether referring to plastic straws or specific cultural practices. The broader theme involves assuming your way of doing things is the only or best way, which often gets travelers into trouble.
You should treat visits to other countries like visits to friends’ houses, meaning you wouldn’t spend time criticizing their cooking or traditions. Cultural practices often have deep historical, religious, or practical significance that visitors don’t immediately understand.
Imposing American Customer Service Expectations
In London, Leighton witnessed an American arguing with hotel staff saying “the customer is always right,” which represents a very American approach to customer service that isn’t globally shared, with many businesses worldwide happy to push back on that concept. Different cultures have varying approaches to service relationships and business interactions.
American customer service culture emphasizes consumer supremacy, while many other cultures view business relationships as more mutual. Understanding these differences prevents embarrassing confrontations and helps build respectful interactions with service providers.
Using Colonial Language to Describe Travel
Words like “conquer,” “explore,” and “discover” carry colonial undertones that may not be welcome in countries still recovering from colonization impacts, while calling a place “unspoiled” can erase its indigenous history. This language unconsciously perpetuates harmful historical narratives about Western superiority and indigenous peoples’ invisibility.
These seemingly innocent travel terms actually carry heavy historical baggage. Places weren’t “discovered” by Western explorers when indigenous populations had lived there for millennia. Choosing more respectful language shows cultural awareness and historical sensitivity.
Making Inappropriate Cultural Comparisons
Constantly comparing foreign destinations to American cities or landmarks diminishes the unique value of places you’re visiting. Saying “This reminds me of [any American location]” or “We do it better back home” suggests you’re not fully engaging with the destination on its own terms.
Each place offers distinct experiences, perspectives, and approaches to life that deserve appreciation without constant American reference points. These comparisons can also offend locals who take pride in their homeland’s distinctive character and contributions to world culture.
The Road to Respectful Travel
Travel experts advise Americans to stay culturally aware, demonstrating respect for local customs and traditions while learning basic greetings and etiquette in local languages to foster goodwill. The key lies in approaching international travel with genuine curiosity rather than American-centric expectations.
Remember that despite concerns about American perception abroad, most international travel remains safe when travelers take proper precautions and respect local norms. Being a thoughtful traveler means recognizing that your way isn’t the only way, and often isn’t even the best way for the place you’re visiting.
<p>The post Travel Expert Who’s Visited 70 Countries Shares 7 Phrases Americans Should Never Say Abroad first appeared on Travelbinger.</p>