Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul, Republic of KoreaLet me be frank, fellow Americans. We don't have a good reputation abroad and while international relations does play a part in how we are perceived as a nation, I have a sneaking suspicion that this negative view of Americans abroad has come from interactions will ill-informed and obnoxious American travelers. The fact of the matter at certain points while traveling abroad, I decided it was in my best interest to intentionally not speak English if possible and try to pass for being a Polish national (It worked in Italy!) or say I'm from Canada. Having to deny where you're from because the other people from your home nation around you are so painfully embarrassing is not something I'd like to do again in the future and it can be easily avoided if people used common sense and were a bit more culturally prepared for their trip. So here are my tips to inspire better foreign relations through better manners!
Italian graffiti love note, Florence, Italy
1. Learn The Language (as best as you can) Nothing is more annoying than expecting everyone to speak the language you speak. You are the visitor, you should be making some effort! While most destinations around the world are full of multi-lingual people who speak English, the gesture of making an effort to greet people in their native tongue is always appreciated. In Italy, many shop keepers were much more pleasant and conversational just because we entered the store with a "Salve!" rather than a "Hello!". I've received amazing restaurant recommendations from locals by merely acknowledging that English is not the only language spoken in the world. It's a cultural sensitivity that far too many forgo in this day and age, and it's really unfortunate that more people don't take their time to learn even the most basic of words and phrases before they go abroad. With the bevy of language education on YouTube and iTunes, it's easy to pick up a few key phrases before you depart. Just this minute amount of effort will improve your interaction with locals as well as demonstrate that you're different from the rest of the obnoxious tourists pouring through whatever locale you're visiting.
The North-South Korean Border as viewed from North Korea, The DMZ
2. History isn't always a thing of the past I've visited Spain, South Korea, and Italy in my international journies. A common theme between these three nations is that historical events that Americans often write off as irrelevant relics of the the past are still highly relevant within these countries. The effects of WWII are still influencing the stability of the Italian government, The Korean War hasn't officially ended and tensions between South Korea and North Korea are constantly in flux, and the Spanish Civil War still echoes through Spanish politics as well. The truth of the matter is most Americans don't even acknowledge the longstanding effects of these conflicts, let alone know the details of what occured specifically in these countries during these troubled times. Basic prior knowledge from reading an article on Wikipedia or keeping up with national news for the nation you're planning on visiting will help you a lot, especially if political issues are brought up. Being sensitive to these issues can prevent heated arguments from occuring, but also will help you have a better understanding of the day to day experiences of the people who live in the nation you are visiting.
Italian graffiti love note, Florence, Italy1. Learn The Language (as best as you can) Nothing is more annoying than expecting everyone to speak the language you speak. You are the visitor, you should be making some effort! While most destinations around the world are full of multi-lingual people who speak English, the gesture of making an effort to greet people in their native tongue is always appreciated. In Italy, many shop keepers were much more pleasant and conversational just because we entered the store with a "Salve!" rather than a "Hello!". I've received amazing restaurant recommendations from locals by merely acknowledging that English is not the only language spoken in the world. It's a cultural sensitivity that far too many forgo in this day and age, and it's really unfortunate that more people don't take their time to learn even the most basic of words and phrases before they go abroad. With the bevy of language education on YouTube and iTunes, it's easy to pick up a few key phrases before you depart. Just this minute amount of effort will improve your interaction with locals as well as demonstrate that you're different from the rest of the obnoxious tourists pouring through whatever locale you're visiting.
The North-South Korean Border as viewed from North Korea, The DMZ
Graffiti in London by Banksy, London, The United Kingdom
3. Traveling isn't a spectator sport I've know many people who've "traveled abroad" and all their supposed enriching experiences tend to be based upon drinking a ton, taking pictures from famous landmarks to show off where they went, and never interacting with anyone local. If this is your attitude toward traveling abroad, save your money and go buy something tacky to show off to your friends that way. Far too many Americans treat sacred sites like the Vatican like it's part of Disney World, forgetting that it is both a historical site and a place of religious reverance. Instead, the Vatican becomes the place to take obnoxious pictures. Not cool. Traveling should be an enriching experience, not one in which you demonstrate your inability to have respect for anything that isn't your own. The best way to avoid this is to go to these sites and attend a events there that are a part of the reason why they are famous - attend mass in the Duomo or go to a performance at the Sydney Opera house.
My attempt not to look like a tourist, Venice, Italy
4. Rethink what "casual" means Effective packing is a major component of making a trip a success - you want to bring things that you need and nothing that you don't. For a lot of Americans, foreign travel results in either two types of dressing style: being obnoxiously flamboyant by wearing everything and anything logo ridden or wearing clothes that you would normally wear to the gym because "they're comfortable!". Both are major missteps. I think the best place to start when packing is finding comfortable and attractive shoes that aren't sneakers or God forbid- Crocs. It may take some searching to find adequate shoes, but it will be worth it in the long run when you're able to look fashionable and still be comfortable walking around all day. I personally like a lot of the shoes Merrell, they aren't always super fashionable but they do have more fashion-conscious styles that don't compromise comfort. Another key element is to bring pieces that can easily be mixed and matched or layered. Picking pieces that reside in a similar color family makes it more straight forward to pack and can make deciding what accessories to bring a lot easier. Bring clothes that are in good shape, aren't wrinkle-prone, and are more classic in detailing than overly trendy. It's also a bad idea to bring or wear clothes that are logo-ridden or obviously expensive, it makes you a target for pickpocketing. I think the best style philosophy to have when traveling is understated elegance and simplicity that is also functional.
Bulgogi and other Korean dishes, Seoul, Republic of Korea