It’s nice to feel incognito when traveling, but sometimes, you can’t hide who you are. If you are an American, there may be a few things you didn’t even realize you’re doing that make it easy for someone to spot you as a foreigner in a crowd. And hey, there’s no shame in being a tourist. But if you’re wondering how people worldwide can spot an American person miles away, we’ve compiled a list of the unique things that give it away.
Eating Sweet Food for Breakfast
There is perhaps no other country in the world that loves a sweet breakfast quite as much as America. From donuts to pancakes to waffles, if you are in the US, the number of sweet options for breakfast is seemingly endless. In many other countries, though, things are quite different. Salads and savory dishes are often served for breakfast, something that would come as quite a shock to the American traveler.
If you see someone abroad actively searching for a sweet breakfast, chances are high that they are an American tourist looking for something that reminds them of breakfast at home.
Socks With Sandals Is a Total Giveaway That Someone’s American
One of the biggest fashion controversies is whether or not it is acceptable to wear socks with sandals. Most people would claim that the answer is no, and yet there are many people seen wearing this combination on the regular – especially American tourists. Maybe they are confused with the weather or didn’t want to pack multiple pairs of shoes, but this is a pretty telltale sign that an American is approaching.
This is a pretty clever solution to having to pack multiple pairs of shoes. Instead of bringing warm shoes and cool shoes, you can just layer on socks.
Only Americans Wear Shorts in the Cold
Ok, so it’s not only Americans who wear shorts outside even when it is cold, but it is definitely one of the most obvious signs that someone is a tourist. Of course, cold is subjective. In some countries, it may be in the upper 60s, and the locals will think it is cold, while tourists (especially from America) may think it is quite hot. That is when you’ll see the locals bundled up and the Americans in shorts.
It is pretty common to see Americans wearing shorts outside, even if it is snowing or there is snow on the ground. Aren’t their legs cold?
Thinking Everything, Including Stores, Will Be Open Conveniently Late
In the US, stores tend to be open pretty late. It is common to find stores that will be open past 10 pm, and many are also 24/7. However, in many other countries, especially in Europe, stores close at a relatively early hour. You can’t just pop out to the store to run some errands at 9 pm under normal circumstances. You have to plan your day to get it done earlier.
Some stores will close as early as 6 pm in many countries in the world. If you need to grab a few items before the evening, be sure to plan in advance.
Having Lots of Pride in Their Flag
If you are from America, you might not know that most countries are not too eager to display their flag on their clothes. They would rather keep the flags for places like above the supreme court or government buildings. However, Americans are quite the opposite. They tend to be pretty patriotic and are eager to show that to the world by putting the American flag on all sorts of clothing items.
Some countries might even consider it offensive to put their flag on articles of clothing. While the flag is something to be proud of, it is also something to honor.
Wearing Tall White Socks Shows You Are an American
Although tall white socks are no longer a very common fashion choice, there was a time when they were all the rage, especially with American tourists. While traveling abroad, this was one of the easiest ways to identify an American tourist, as no one else really tried to embody this look. It’s not really clear why this ever became popular in the US and why it became something particularly associated with tourists.
If you want to avoid one of the biggest American tourist fashion faux pas, avoid wearing very tall white socks. They can be knee length or even just mid-calf, and that is already considered too long.
Exaggerating a Bit About Their Non-American Heritage
Who doesn’t love to learn a little bit about their family history? After all, most people who live in the US do not originally come from the US (unless you have Native American heritage). As a melting pot of cultures, people are always eager to talk about their heritage and their ancestry, claiming to be Italian or Irish if they have just one person in their ancient family history that came from there.
It may come across as offensive if an American is traveling to Italy and claims to be Italian when they really just have one great great great grandparent who was born there.
Smiling at Strangers Is an American Thing
Of course, it depends on where you are coming from and where you are living. However, there is no doubt that many people think that smiling at strangers is one of the strangest things a person can do. You don’t know them, so why would you smile at them? However, this is extremely common for Americans, and if you don’t smile at a stranger, it is even considered to be rude.
If you see a stranger smiling at you in the streets of Paris or Milan, chances are very high that they are an American tourist. It is almost definitely not a local.
Thinking Everyone Will Just Understand or Speak English
Living in a country where the vast majority of the citizens speak English and a country that is so large can lead you to think that almost the whole world speaks English. Although English is certainly the most international language, you can’t expect everyone to be able to speak it well, especially in a country where that is not the official language. Many American tourists have a hard time understanding this concept.
If you are traveling to a new place, consider learning a bit of the local language. People will really appreciate it if you can say hello and ask how you are.
Baseball Is American, and so Are Baseball Hats
If you are American, this one may come as quite a surprise to you. Although fashion trends are changing rapidly to make the baseball hat much more popular, that wasn’t always the case. As baseball is a very American sport and one that is played in very few countries outside of the US, most countries also do not wear baseball hats as a result. They opt for other headware.
If you are traveling abroad and wearing a baseball hat, there is a good chance that people will assume that you are an American tourist just because of the hat.
Striking up a Random Conversation With Literally Anyone
Some things may be completely normal in the US and feel normal to do even when you are outside of the country, but you need to be aware that they might be giving away the fact that you are American. For example, starting a friendly conversation with a stranger shows that you’re most likely American. Other people from other cultures aren’t always that friendly and open; it is something very telling of US culture.
You might be surprised, as an American, if your waiter or waitress isn’t used to having small talk with you as you order your meal. In some places, it’s more straight to business.
Asking for Your Drink To-Go Is an American Habit
This might come as quite a surprise to many Americans, but the vast majority of countries do not like to have their food and drinks to go – especially coffee. In countries like Italy, it can even be considered slightly offensive and absurd to take a coffee to go. What is the rush? Don’t you want to enjoy it? If you ask for something to go, it is a pretty big giveaway that you are an American.
Coffee to go is pretty much one of the biggest backbones of American culture. It is crazy to think that other countries find this concept unacceptable.
Hawaiian Shirts Are Saved for the Americans
Who doesn’t love a good old Hawaain shirt? They are bright and colorful and full of flowers and make you easy to spot in a crowd (unless you are in a crowd of Americans). Hawaiian shirts have become more popular over the years and are very trendy lately, especially when it comes to floral prints. However, they are still a staple of the American tourist and something that makes it clear where you are from.
If this gives you away as a tourist, perhaps it is for the best. It also makes you look bright and happy, so it’s worth it.
Touching Things (and Animals) They Shouldn’t
One of the most important things to keep in mind while traveling and visiting historical sites is to keep your hands to yourself. You shouldn’t touch things that are historical, especially if there are specific signs requesting otherwise. Many tourists traveling abroad do not take these signs seriously, and they can actually cause a decent amount of damage to historic sites and museums or such as a result. Always be vigilant!
This is not something that specifically applies to Americans, however. It seems to be a general issue with tourists from all different places not following the rules.
Some Places Think That Asking to Box up Leftovers Is Weird
In the US, it is extremely common to ask for a doggy bag to take any unfinished food home with you. After all, sometimes you just can’t finish your whole meal, and there is no reason to leave it behind at the restaurant if you paid for it. You can take it home and have a snack for later. However, this is actually pretty uncommon in many countries outside of the US.
Although the restaurant probably won’t tell you no, they will be a bit surprised and maybe even assume that you are American as a result. But who cares? It’s worth having the snacks!