Americans Need To Stop These 15 Annoying Stereotypes While Traveling Abroad

Spot the American.

As a long-term digital nomad, I point out and explain stereotypical American tourist traits.

Here's a list of some common characteristics you can spot a mile away.

1. They make direct eye contact and smile at everybody.

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In America population density is a lot more spread out than other countries, so we're a lot friendlier to strangers (except in high-density urban areas like New York). Almost everywhere else in the world it's strange or rude to make direct eye contact or smile at somebody you don't know well. 

2. They hang around restaurants waiting to be seated.

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Americans wait around the front door to be seated in restaurants- in most informal establishments around the world, you just grab a seat. 

3. They're impatient.

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Thanks to conglomeration and capitalism optimizing customer service six-sigma style (and also erasing uniqueness), Americans are used to fast-paced service at restaurants, in lines, everywhere.

4. They ask where the restroom is.

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Canadians say washroom, the British say toilet or loo. 

5. They ask for diet drinks.

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Diet culture has permeated the globe, but Americans especially try to cut calories in beers and sodas instead of enjoying a treat in moderation (because what is less patriotic for an American than moderation??).

6. They're wearing sneakers, shorts, and t-shirts

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To be fair, Americans dress a lot more casually than other countries in general, so this isn't just a tourist thing. It's more acceptable in America to run around in hideous frat uniforms like old greek letter shirts and wear sweatpants in restaurants. 

7. They're loud.

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As an American, I'll attest to this — we're very loud. 

8. They're disrespectful (or confused, very loudly, by) different foods.

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This is more of a White American thing, but if you hear somebody being grossed out by bone marrow or exclaiming about intestines, they're probably American. And probably from the Midwest. 

9. They try to tip everywhere.

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I'm very guilty of this one; it's instinctual. Tipping large amounts in most countries is considered rude and can make the person providing you with a service uncomfortable. 

10. They put ice in everything.

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I'm not quite sure why this is true, except that all my foreign friends agree and again goes to Americans needing to optimize everything (faster colder more!)? 

11. They ask for ketchup

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Same goes for ranch.

12. They're impressed by "old" things.

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Everything is old compared to America. A 100 year-old building in America is worthy of a plaque and maybe even a tour, while my old building in Scotland, which is smack in the middle of council estates and heavily populated by junkies, was the neighborhood average of150 years old. 

13. They compare everything to the U.S.

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People from larger countries who aren't forced to experience other countries or travel have the tendency to think the world is that country. 

14. They overpack.

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Everybody overpacks, but Americans especially; again to the moderation thing. 

15. They may create their own tourist stereotypes.

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I've just painted an unflattering portrait of a loud, brash, underdressed hick, but perhaps the people who perpetuate these stereotypes are Americans ourselves. The Atlantic discusses how people from other countries don't necessarily hold the same views (some of the time).