The Undeniable Signs of an American Tourist
First, a little background of why I'm posting this.
Why Write about Tourists, and Why Now?
Because I want to write more often and share more stories.
Because I was inspired by BuzzFeed articles but annoyed by Odyssey articles.
Because I miss European adventures, the intricate architecture, and the authentic food.
Because it's been 9 months since we flew home from Spain, and I'm still working on my blog posts from the second half of our trip.
Because I'm dreaming of my next international trip and am learning to be a better tourist.
NOTE: All thoughts and stories are my own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of any organizations or companies with which I am associated.
HOW TO SPOT AN AMERICAN TOURIST ABROAD.
___________________
GEAR
___________________
Backpacker Backpack
Because we think this is a trendy item to carry... even if we look like two-legged turtles with giant shells.
But mostly, it's convenient for packing up and moving from place to place.
Left, from me. Right, from Buzzfeed.
From @nalgeneusa and @camelbak Instagram pages.
___________________
CLOTHING
___________________
Nike Shorts or Cropped Leggings
Because we understand the value of comfort. We hold in high regard the ability to be extra comfy while everybody else wears jeans or khakis on a plane ride.
Newsflash to every European I know—you have not lived until you've worn a t-shirt to a bar or your stretchy pants to brunch.
I think I did a good job of blending in and avoiding the typical t-shirt/leggings combo... most of the time.
Because we understand the value of comfort. We hold in high regard the ability to be extra comfy while everybody else wears jeans or khakis on a plane ride.
Newsflash to every European I know—you have not lived until you've worn a t-shirt to a bar or your stretchy pants to brunch.
I think I did a good job of blending in and avoiding the typical t-shirt/leggings combo... most of the time.
Chacos or Tevas
Because tourists generally need to walk a lot.
Because summer is prime tan line season.
Because, most of the time, comfortable footwear outweighs cute footwear while traveling.
Left, from me. Right, from @chacofootwear Instagram.
Frat T-shirts & College Apparel
(includes t-shirts with a front pocket tee or other t-shirt of the comfort colors or Vineyard Vines variety)
It's absolutely beneficial to wear neutral clothes while traveling, not only for the ease in packing and mix-and-matching your outfits but also for the comfort of blending in a looking like a local (or, at least trying to look less like a foreigner).
However, it doesn't hurt to pack one sports team t-shirt and one college baseball cap to represent your home/college town. You might just run into a friendly Cardinals fan repping their gear or hear someone yell "Go Cocks!" across the sidewalk. (Well, maybe a hat that says COCKS in reference to the Carolina Gamecocks isn't the best thing to wear anywhere outside of the South, but you get the idea).
Well played, USC students. Bold outfit choice and great use of flag.
From @USCstudyabroad Instagram.
_________________
DEMEANOR
_________________
American Accent
Europeans often say that American tourists are most recognizable for their loudness. We do like to constantly point things out as we walk along. And let's face it, the American next to you on your visit to the Sistine Chapel probably wasn't the best at staying silent during the tour. However, after living in Australia for 4 months, I beg to differ that Americans are not always the loudest people in the group.I think locals are quick to recognize our accents because of the immense influence American movies and TV have on the rest of the world. Also, our attempted pronunciations of street names/landmarks in a foreign language are usually terrible.
Note: Whether you like it or not, your American accent sounds even stronger if you're from the South. or Boston. Embrace it, and hope that the locals and other tourists around you appreciate Americans. But please, try not to be too obnoxious.
From Knowyourmeme.com
Photo Fanatics
Compared to tourists from Asia, American tourists aren't generally known for taking the most intricate photos or striking obnoxious poses.
However, you can bet that for every handful of Asian tourists you see in Paris, there is 1 American trying a little too hard to take that perfect "touch the pointy roof" photo in front of the Louvre.
Call us obnoxious if you must... I'll just be at home, proudly framing the photo of me perfectly positioned next to the Leaning the Tower of Pisa.
Exaggerated Reactions & Facial Expressions
Because we get lost a lot, and we are truly confused about which way to turn.
Because there is so much to see and so little time. Of course we have to look up at everything we pass.
Because we need to appreciate the sheer age and antiquity of these countries that were around long before our country even had a president.
Because, for the first, we're encountering many historical sites that tie to our country's very existence.
Because we pause to Google "How tall is the Eiffel Tower?" only to realize we don't have internet connection on our cell phone.
Because we're very thrown off by the concept of paying for public restrooms.
Because the fresh bread we just tried or the fancy wine we just sipped is too great for us to fathom.
Because we just realized that American cheese will never be the same—it will never taste as good as Pecorino in Italy. And that WonderBread sandwich we had for lunch at home will never stack up to fresh focaccia.
If you are or have been an unfortunate representation of an American tourist, don't worry. I have, too (even though I hate to admit it).
If you have given people a much more positive reputation of Americans while traveling abroad, I applaud you and I will continue to try my best to do the same.
See you next time.
Be Excellent.xoxo
Jo Jo
“Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.”
— Henry David Thoreau
Comments
Post a Comment