In a recent article, travel personality Samantha Brown wrote about habits that “Mark you as an american tourist immediately.” She emphasized that this was not about “shaming,” it was about cultural tells that say we are from the USA. Samantha calls them “cultural fingerprints” and says “most locals find them more amusing than offensive.”
Here they are, with no explanation, what are your thoughts and observations.
- Talking louder than everyone else in the room.
- Expecting free water, free refills, and ice in everything.
- Tipping on everything, including where it isn’t expected.
- Wearing athletic shoes and gym clothes as everyday travel wear.
- Smiling at strangers on the street or in the metro.
- Asking for substitutions and customizing the menu order.
- Filling every silence with small talk.
- Expecting air conditioning and ice-cold drinks everywhere.
- Over-relying on credit cards and expecting contactless everywhere.
Here is the link to the full story. (It was in Apple news so I know it may not work for everyone.) I would love to hear your thoughts since so many followers are from other countries.
theTravelsketcher 
I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) not to do all but smile at strangers. I just can’t help that. I’ve been slightly surprised that most people smile back. I don’t expect it but more often than not, people smile. 😊
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If you read the article she doesn’t say we have to stop, but like you i have worked to tone these down.
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The comment above was from Terri in Seattle. I guess I need to create a profile!
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Thanks, Terri from Seattle.
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Number 6 – you can always tell that the person wanting to change everything on a menu is from the US, even in a wee cafe that has no options.
I don’t think number 5 is something only people from the US do. Voices? Yes…but not sure why that should be.
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The changing thing is a big one. Are you from the US?
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Unfortunately a lot of this is true, and I’ve seen it in my travels. For me sometimes the tipping thing is something I have to remind myself of. In the US we are so used to feeling stingy if we don’t tip, that we have to reacquaint ourselves with the idea that it’s different overseas. And I do need my comfy shoes, but they are at least are dark-colored! :). Terri (from Seattle)
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These are just so built in. Thankfully i have shoes that are comfortable, but then i have never worn gym shoes for regular wear anyway.
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*smile* You make me think and perchance quietly nod. Perhaps we do not always note the points made here in Australia (altho’ we do recognize anyone from the US within half-a-minute) but the differing lifestyle habits are very noticeable in parts of Europe! To each their own 🙂 !
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Number three is especially maddening. I’ve seen firsthand the downriver consequences of that in Lisbon: restaurants (in the touristy areas) realize you’re from the US and are rather pushy about tips. Our hotel recommended a restaurant where this happened and when we returned to the hotel after dinner we asked them if THEY ever get pressured for tipping when they go there, they said absolutely not. This happened several times in Lisbon. I’m sick of Americans pushing their way of life on other cultures.
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Yes, i agree. In paris i was taken aback when a server asked if i wanted to tip, i said no. Or the other countries are just taking advantage of our culture ignornce
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I agree with the list, especially the loudness, although the Spanish are pretty loud too. The tipping culture that Americans have spread around the world is annoying, especially when others don’t rely on tips for their income, but have latched on to this idea. Thankfully they don’t usually assume we are from the US, so I’ve never been pressured. My other tell is needing a straw in every drink. Maggie
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Yes to the straw thing, i just dont get it. Why can’t Americans accept being in a different country?? I was in Canada and some Americans got mad because the bar did not have Bud. Good grief Canada has great beers.
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Especially now, no one will buy it 😊
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Neither do I😉
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I recognise all of these from my time living in Europe. Another one I would add is the expectation that everyone everywhere understands English. Certainly English is understood to a great degree in tourist areas but may not be otherwise. I’ve noticed now that in some heavy tourist areas a there’s sometimes a tip expectation, too. I always say no.
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So true about the English thing. My current recommendation is if you are going to a place with totally different language then do one Duolingo lesson a day for a month. You will pick up at least hello and thank you. I know there are other ways, but Duo is better than memorizing a phrase book.
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