Why US tourists have a reputation for being stupid and how you can avoid falling into common stereotypes
A trip abroad that could be a dream come true for U.S. tourists may actually be a nightmare for locals given the ever-perpetuated cliché of the loud American.
CNN and BBC reporter Kim Davis revealed that as an American, she has made unamusing mistakes after moving to London, and that US natives are often referred to as 'stupid Americans' in her July 1 piece published by CNN.
Despite the seemingly offensive term, Davis believed the reputation surrounding certain travelers from the states is completely understandable.
Some American travelers abroad tend to be disrespectful or embarrassing, with some of their actions leading to injury, arrest, or the victim of a crime.
These 10 tips can help a U.S. tourist go from being a problematic 'stupid American' to an inoffensive 'smart American.'
An American who relocated to London revealed how U.S. tourists can avoid being 'stupid Americans' while traveling abroad
Pay attention to social cues
European locals are often polite to U.S. tourists during an unfriendly conversation and will either change the subject, walk away, or ghost the converser afterward
The politeness residents of other countries show toward U.S. tourists is not always a good thing.
Some locals will smile and nod during an uncomfortable conversation with an American traveler who may or may not have intentionally offended them.
Instead of speaking up, they will politely go along with the conversation before changing the subject, walking away or - in some cases - ghosting someone.
Davis admitted that, as a New York native, she had difficulty understanding social cues when she first moved to England.
Her best advice to American vacationers who are looking to avoid making the same mistake is to pay attention to who is genuinely interested in having a conversation.
If a native is interested in a conversation with an American, they'd likely ask follow-up questions and make eye contact.
Quiet down
Train rides in Europe are often completely silent and U.S. tourists should take the hint to follow suit by not being loud
It's easy to talk or yell when excited, but in some foreign places, individuals consider these actions to be rude.
Davis noted that this is why individuals are completely silent when traveling by train or talking quietly in public places.
She also admitted that, on several occasions, she was asked, 'Why are you shouting?'
It may be hard to do, but a 'stupid American' can avoid this problem simply by watching their voice volume while having a conversation.
It can be difficult for some, but Davis said developing this skill positively impacted her business, romance and personal relationships.
Fit in with your surroundings
American tourists looking to blend in can do so by not wearing dead giveaway wardrobe items, including khakis, baseball hats and white socks
The famous quote 'Why fit in when you were born to stand out' doesn't apply to traveling U.S. tourists.
In fact, standing out can be more dangerous and give locals a reason to try to take advantage of tourists.
Davis emphasized the importance of blending in and not drawing attention toward oneself.
American jetsetters looking to blend in can do so by not wearing dead giveaway wardrobe items, including khakis, baseball hats and white socks.
Not only will a 'stupid American' have a better chance of not being the victim of pickpockets or grifters, but they will also be safer.
Let your curiosity shine
Easy ways for American tourists to express their interest to locals is to make their curiosity known and be interested in listening to conversations
Being curious and absorbing knowledge while doing so will lower the chances of a U.S. tourist being socially shunned.
Locals consider it a sign of respect when a American traveler is truly interested in learning about their country and its culture.
According to Davis, easy ways for American tourists to express their interest are avoiding showing off facts they read in a book and actually listening to a conversation without feeling the need to explain how things are done back home.
She added Americans will have a better chance of getting to know locals and being socially accepted if they ask questions.
Pay attention to street surroundings
There are various issues to watch out for in Europe like fake police, counterfeit tourist attraction tickets and taxi scams
Before U.S. tourists travel abroad, they must conduct research on scams or other kinds of petty crimes in the country they're visiting.
There are various issues to watch out for in Europe like fake police, counterfeit tourist attraction tickets and taxi scams.
Davis recalled her taxi scam horror story to CNN during her first trip to Rome.
A cab driver told her that it would cost 80 euros for him to drive her to the hotel, to which she took her bags and exited the car immediately.
She called her hotel, and her street smarts were confirmed when an employee told her the cab trip would only cost five euros.
Research prior to the trip is the key to gaining awareness of what to look out for on the street and avoid getting ripped off.
However, one should also keep excitement from getting the best of them and be cautious when meeting locals, especially through dating apps.
Keep up with the news
It's best for American jetsetters to keep up with international news so that they will be prepared for events or know quick facts about the country they're traveling to
It's important for a American jetsetters to keep up with international news rather than just the events happening in America.
Keeping up with the news will help a 'stupid American' be more aware of what to expect when they travel.
This can also help them learn quick facts about the country such as the name of its president, national sports and any other major events.
All American tourists need to do is pick up a newspaper or research news outlets on their phone if they have cell reception.
Begin learning a new language
Essential words in a country's native language like hello, goodbye, please, and thank you would come in handy for a variety of activities and emergencies
A U.S. tourist isn't expected to be bilingual right away, but knowing the basics of a country's native language will help them communicate more efficiently with locals.
Most tourist cities do have English speakers, but there are cases where travelers will have to communicate using the native language.
Essential words in a country's native tongue - like hello, goodbye, please, and thank you - will definitely come in handy.
Translation apps are available for anyone who needs them, but Davis recommends that American tourists memorize phrases in the country's official language before going on their trip.
She noted that locals would appreciate the memorization and that it could lead tourists to new experiences.
Be on your best behavior
To avoid the possibility of making reckless decisions, US travelers should imagine themselves as sports fans who are attending an away game
U.S. tourists, in a way, represent all citizens of the United States, and they must remember that when they are in another country.
A trip can spark an excitement in American travelers that can sometimes lead to them making dangerous or reckless decisions.
To avoid this potential problem, Davis advises American tourists to imagine themselves as sports fans who are attending an away game.
This will help the tourist remember that they are a guest and can't expect certain things like food and entertainment to be the same in different places.
Leave some underwear at home
Several European countries have more advanced technology, appliances, or transportation methods than the United States, which is why it's not necessary to bring too much underwear
Not every pair of underwear is essential for a trip abroad since touristy countries that have household appliances.
Davis remembered a friend of hers was left flabbergasted after his American roommate brought over 50 pairs of underwear for a two-week tour.
Once the American man was asked about the underwear, he said: 'I wasn't sure if you had washing machines in Europe.'
Not only do European countries with tourist attractions have washing machines, but many of them are also advanced in things like transportation and payment methods.
Show off your comedic charm
Joking about the 'stupid American' insult can help in putting on a good first impression in front of a local, who may insist on assisting them to navigate through the area
Davis called her secret weapon to avoid being called a 'stupid American' was beating European locals to the punch.
She would call herself a 'stupid American' first in asking a question that might sound like a typical tourist query.
Joking about this can put on a good first impression in front of a local, who help them to navigate the area.
According to Davis, doing this reverse psychology method will help with the possibility of a local saying they are 'not stupid' and that they are 'happy to help.'
