Travel

The 10 worst things Americans say on vacation

When we travel, we are, by definition, out of place.

But the things Americans say when we travel (especially overseas) sometimes highlight just how out of place we are — and not in a good way.

The natural biases we’ve formed at home can come out in the worst, although unintentional, ways.

So to help you prevent an international outbreak of foot-in-mouth disease, here are the Worst Things Americans Say on Vacation:

 

 

 

‘Do you speak English?!?’

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Let’s say right off the bat that there’s nothing wrong, when traveling abroad, with politely asking natives of the country you’re visiting if they speak English.

Anything that promotes easy communication between strangers is a good thing. What we’re talking about is shouting your inquiry — “DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?!?” — as if the language barrier can be shattered by volume.

It’s natural to speak louder if you feel as if you’re being misunderstood. But to the outside observer, it appears obnoxious. So remember: “ Inside voice…”

Using double negatives

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If you’re lucky enough to find someone who does speak English during your travels, watch your language.

We’re not saying don’t curse; no matter what nationality we may be, we all appreciate the chance to learn new naughty words in different languages. We’re saying to watch your use of language.

People for whom English is a second language may not be familiar with how we Americans like to intentionally butcher our native tongue. Saying double negatives like “I don’t need no raincoat,” or any sort of slang, can be very confusing to someone who only learned how to speak the language, you know, correctly.

So make things easy for your new foreign friends: If they’re nice enough to speak English to you, do them the courtesy of speaking it yourself.

‘How big is the village you come from?’

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There are parts of the world many of us know only from the movies or TV. So it’s only natural for us to form preconceived notions about a new place we’re visiting; such as, “Everyone’s from a small village.”

Still, try not to let this affect what you say to the locals when you get there, lest you inadvertently insult your hosts. By that same token…

‘This place is nicer/cleaner/more sophisticated/more modern than I expected.’

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You may be thinking this. But, seriously: Don’t say it. Imagine if someone were to walk into your house and say, “This is much cleaner than I’d expected.” Your first impulse would be to say, “Thank you.” But then you’d think, “Does that mean that at one time they thought it was going to be dirty?”

A retroactive insult is still an insult. So even if you really are pleasantly surprised by what you encounter on your visit, just tell the locals how much you’re enjoying their country and save your previous expectations for your Trip Advisor review.

‘Where can I check my gun?’

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Most Americans know not to take their guns overseas, but this tip applies to Americans traveling within the U.S.

There have been a pair of high-profile cases in which tourists who were licensed to carry concealed weapons in their home states came to New York, which doesn’t recognize out-of-state permits, asked a security guard where they could stow their pistols, and were promptly arrested. The cases became flash points for debates on gun control laws, but seriously: No one goes on vacation hoping to make national news (or get a misdemeanor on their record, as ended up happening with those two tourists).

If you’re carrying your weapon across state lines, be sure you know what the concealed carry laws are. Because asking for a gun check in the wrong place can turn into a very expensive question.

‘I love your accent.’

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Newsflash: When you’re overseas, you’re the one with the accent.

‘I once knew a guy from [fill in country/city/village name]. Do you know him?’

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No, they don’t. Tip: Asking a question in which the answer is almost certain to be “no” is a sure conversation killer. Spare everyone the awkwardness.

‘Do you take American dollars?’

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This may be a question you should have looked into before you went abroad. See #7, the part about “Asking a question in which the answer is almost certain to be ‘no.’”

Calling everyone “man,” “bro,” “chief.”

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Here, it kinda makes you look like a tool. Overseas, people probably won’t know what you’re talking about. Either way, don ’t do this. Anywhere.

‘Can I have some ketchup?’

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There’s absolutely nothing wrong with ketchup. But you’re traveling overseas, and part of the point is experiencing new things — and new foods.

Drowning international cuisine in the wrong condiment defeats the purpose, and it confirms the worst stereotypes about Americans. So unless the locals are also using ketchup, try to go without. By the way, this also goes for ranch dressing.