23 Shocking Travel Disasters That Reveal What Happens When Tourists Disrespect Other Cultures
Ever noticed how, in Europe, there’s that cheeky joke: you hear the American tourists before you actually see them? It’s like they come with their own soundtrack—loud, proud, and maybe a little misplaced. Now, don’t get me wrong, Americans are known for being friendly and open-hearted, but when it comes to traveling abroad, the reputation? Well, it’s, uh, complicated. Redditors around the globe have been spilling the tea on the most cringeworthy, downright disrespectful moments they’ve witnessed from American visitors. And while not every American fits this mold (promise!), this collection might just make you pause before unleashing your inner tourist abroad. Ready to cringe, chuckle, and maybe learn a thing or two about being a better global guest? LEARN MORE.
There’s a common joke in Europe about how to know that tourists are Americans: you’ll hear them before you see them. And while people from the United States are generally known for being friendly, accommodating, and open-minded, they don’t exactly have the best reputation as travelers.
Redditors from all over the world have been discussing the most obnoxious and disrespectful things they’ve seen Americans do while visiting their countries, so we’ve gathered a list of their replies below. Now, we hope it goes without saying that not all American tourists are like this. But perhaps this list will remind travelers to be a bit more conscious of their behavior while abroad!
It’s not something that keeps me up at night or anything, but it is slightly annoying when they try to claim some level of European heritage by saying “I’m German!” or whatever, when it turns out the last antecedent to even be born in Germany was 200 years ago.
You aren’t German. You’re American. Sure, you’ve got German ancestry, but that doesn’t make you German. You’re American. Own it.
If you just said “my family are originally from Germany, that’s why we’re here” or whatever, brilliant. Let’s help you find where they lived, if you’ve got any relatives here etc.
According to the Pew Research Center, 76% of Americans have visited at least one other country. Meanwhile, over a quarter of the nation has traveled to at least five other countries. So the stories on this list probably aren’t about the people who are used to jetsetting every year. It’s likely that these tales target those who had never stepped foot outside of their state until they bought a flight to Paris, Rome, or Mexico City.
Scotland.
Littering the shite out if everything.
Driving on country lanes in big camper vans with zero rural experience, causing mayhem.
Calling it England.
I’ve been asked about the ferry to Canada once.
It might be frowned upon to speak loudly in public, wear sandals or shorts in religious monuments, and to smile at strangers. It’s also always a good idea to learn at least a few words in the local language to show that you respect their culture. Saying “hello” and “thank you” in a shopkeeper’s native tongue can go a long way. Plus, you can’t expect everyone to speak English if you’re in a country that speaks something else. Be patient, and be kind.
Last year I heard some Americans mocking an Icelandic tour guide because she pronounced “biscuits” as “beesqueets”.
Not “oh that’s so cute” type gentle mocking, but like “Oh my god, she can’t say biscuits, what an idiot”. They were openly laughing at her a little while later when she slightly mispronounced another word.
Completely ignorant of the fact that this lady spoke fluent Icelandic, English, French, German and Danish.
Thinking everything is super-amazing, super-beautiful, super-great, and not being afraid to say it repeatedly. It’s way too much and it sounds fake.
Or, the exact opposite, but the effect is the same : it sounds fake.
I overheard an American woman exclaiming really loudly; “Oh my Gawd! This is delicious!! You gotta try it we don’t have ANYTHING like this back at home!” – the lady was with her friends in a very quiet pub talking about pork scratchings and trying to catch the eye of everyone else in the pub. – Dont get me wrong im realy pleased she enjoyed them, but the americans tend to be louder and more exuberant then us Brits.
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