Pro Tips from a London local on traveling to London

London is one of the more popular destinations to travel to in Europe. Whether it's the rich history, the interesting architecture, something music-related or other, tons of people from all over the world make this one of their travel bucket list destinations. According to TheTravel site on MSN.com and writer Sharon Kong-Perring, who split time between the UK and California, here are 8 things she learned from a local about visiting London, 8 things that she believes tourists need to know.

-Some of the recommended tips she received include:

• Use the tap and go technology for easier access of traveling throughout London. Don't use the Oyster cards and skip the paper tickets
• Don't accept "free" items from strangers on the street. This prevents you from being hassled for payment
• Choose the more affordable viewpoints such as the Sky Garden or Monument instead of the pricier options like the London Eye

1. Oyster Cards / paper tickets are relics of the past

-Tap to pay or digital wallets increase ease of travel

-This was once the way to travel all throughout London. Using a prepaid card called an Oyster Card or paper tickets allowed access to the Underground, the underground subway system London uses. Now you can use technology to guide you along. Simply use tap-enabled credit cards or digital wallets to tap in / out of the Tube stations. Now you don't have to worry about losing your Oyster Card or paper tickets, putting the card / ticket in incorrectly at the turnstiles or making sure you have enough money to get in and get rejected. This system reduces confusion and traffic holdups at the Tube stations, especially during Rush Hour, which makes the stations incredibly crowded. There are also other options to get around London from Heathrow besides the Tube

2. Don't accept anything free from people on the street

-You'll be harassed for payment

-Despite not being an issue in recent years, it's still an everyday con job of some nomadic communities. It will often be an older woman offering those who pass by a "free" bouquet of flowers or a colorful string bracelet. Before you take them, heed this warning: when you leave, that woman will hold on you, preventing you from leaving until she gets payment

3. You don't have to pay for water

-Nothing is more irritating that seeing tourists waste money

-When you visit a restaurant in London, and the server asks what you would like to drink, and you specify water, you need to be specific. You need to say tap water rather than bottled. It tastes just fine, it's still healthy water and, above all, it's free

4. The London Eye is not the only option for getting a good view of London

-There are plenty of photogenic locations to get a good view of London from other than the London Eye

-While many who go to London want to, at least once during their stay, ride the London Eye, that's fine. Go for that. But, if you're looking for a prime opportunity to see the fantastic London skyline, there are additional options for seeing it, options that are more cost-effective and still provide those same opportunities to see the skyline. The Sky Garden is one of them. While it is free, you do need to book a slot of time prior to your visit. The Monument is another option. This is for those adventurous tourists who don't mind walking 300 steps to the top and fear of heights are not an issue. While it does have a safety net around the platform, still exercise caution as it is open to the elements

-Here is the breakdown of money and what locations cost

The London Eye. Located at the Riverside Building County Hall on Westminster Bridge Road. It's £30+ per adult.

Sky Garden. Located at 1 Sky Garden Walk. Free, but must reserve time slot prior to going there

The Monument. Located at Fish Streer Hill. It's £6 per person, £3 per child ages 5-15, £4.50 per school student with school ID and seniors

5. While Big Ben is exciting, don't dawdle on the walkways

-People are out and about on a journey to get somewhere, don't stop them from doing so

-One thing to know is that the actual proper name of the clock tower is the Clock Tower at the Palace of Westminster. "Big Ben" is actually the name of the bell in the tower. This is one of the most truly iconic landmarks in all of London. When you hear London, you automatically think of the iconic clock tower. But, the only downside is that tourists will often stop dead in the middle of the sidewalk on Westminster Bridge to snap a pic or two. If you want to get a great photo, without causing a delay on traffic on Westminster Bridge, snap those pics from the South Bank, right at the foot of the Westminster Bridge, or go to Parliament Square Garden just west of Big Ben and next to a statue of Winston Churchill. That way, even if people figure you're a tourist, they'll love that you are not stopping them from getting to where they need to

6. Stand on the right, pass on the left

-There is such a thing as transportation etiquette

-When riding the Tube, there is a certain etiquette that must be adhered to, especially on the escalators. There is a cardinal rule amongst Londoners that must be adhered to: stand on the right, pass on the left. If you don't want to walk down the moving escalator, keep to the right. This allows room for those who intend to walk down the moving escalator to pass on the left. The same goes for if you are trying to pass. You will notice people keep to the right so you can pass on the left

7. Walk on the left

-Just like driving on the opposite side of the road, keep left

-While this can be confusing, it's not impossible to understand. But when walking down the sidewalk (or pavement in British English), you walk on the left side. This mirrors how people drive in the UK. This will help you avoid those awkward dances of trying to move out of other people's way. There will be times, however, that indicate when to keep right, such as on the Tube or other walking areas. Pay attention to those signs and your surroundings

8. Train etiquette is important

-Nothing says "poor manners" or tourist more than poor train etiquette

-If you want to go outside the London city center and see sights outside of the city, most likely you'll need to take a train. These overground trains will take you almost anywhere. First and foremost, pay attention to whether you have an assigned seat. Don't sit in any seat. Don't argue with someone over a seat. Be polite. Move to the side if you are accidentally sitting in someone's seat. Second, don't be loud on the train. Don't be like the episode of British television program Mr. Bean where he had to share a train compartment with a man laughing too loud. It's important to not be too loud on the train. While you will hear the occasional phone call, don't join in on that call. If you're going to listen to music, utilize earbuds / headphones, reduce loud talking and respect your fellow riders. If you do plan on talking, use a soft, "indoor voice". There's also a "quiet car" if you want stone dead silence, apart from the rattle of the train cars on the rails

-Trainline is the go to app for train ticket purchases. This is good if you don't want to wait until the last minute. Be aware that train companies do change their schedules frequently, so it's good to know that purchasing a ticket too early means that the schedule is subject to change. The sweet spot to buy tickets is 24-48 hours prior to your trip

Questions and Answers for Those Contemplating Their First Trip to Hawaii Pt. II

Hawaii is one of those destinations that seems to be most people's travel bucket list. Unlike the "all inclusive" resorts commonly found in the tropics, where the only money you bring is for tips and souvenirs, Hawaii is somewhere that you pay for everything. According to Hawaii Travel for Kids, here are 36 questions asked to them when traveling to the Aloha state where palm trees sway

19. Will I need to rent a car?

-Unless Waikiki is one of the destinations you're staying in, renting a car would be advisable just so you can get from place to place. Rideshare programs such as Uber and Lyft are not common here, mostly on the mainland. The public transportation, usually buses, are reliable but not incredibly time-efficient. The recommended place would be Discount Hawaii Car Rental. They get deep discounts from places like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, Payless

20. Are things expensive in Hawaii?

-YES! Because everything has to be shipped in from the mainland or elsewhere, such as food, gas and everyday essentials, the cost of items here is significantly higher. Instead of paying $3 to $4 for a gallon of milk, here you'll be paying closer to $6 to $8. Another reason for the high cost is that people often book pricey excursions while here. If you choose to do an excursion, such as a helicopter ride, snorkeling or boat tour, swim with dolphins or a luau, it's going to cost you. The most recommended way to cut costs is to shop at the local farmer's markets and roadside fruit stands. Not only will you save money, but you'll also be supporting local businesses

21. Is tipping in Hawaii necessary?

-The answer is yes! It's customary to tip in Hawaii. This shows that you appreciate the hard work of people. You can tip hotel staff, restaurant staff, tour guides, photographers, etc

22. Are there restrictions to buying alcohol?

-In Hawaii, you must be at least 21 years of age to buy alcoholic drinks. You also must be this age to consume alcoholic drinks legally. There are some "dry" towns, towns that don't sell liquor at all, such as Laie. And in other cases, some retail liquor stores stop selling at 11:00 pm. And locations that serve liquor stop serving at 2 am

23. Is there a currency for Hawaii?

-No. Since Hawaii is part of the United States, the US Dollar is also the currency in Hawaii. There are currency exchanges located throughout the islands if you are from another country and need to exchange your currency for US dollars. You can also head to the Bank of Hawaii to exchange out your currency for US dollars

24. What is the average temperature in Hawaii?

-Year-round, Hawaii is in the 70s-80s. During the winter months, the temperatures can go to about 60s, especially during the evening hours. During the summer, it can shoot up to the high 80s during the day. The summer months see a lot of dry weather while the winter months it gets a bit rainy. There are also tropical storm or hurricane watches as well

25. How long is the flight to Hawaii?

-It all comes down to where you are coming from. Most flights from the West Coast are only about 5-6 hours long. But, if you are coming from Chicago, it's 11 hours and if you're coming from the East Coast, it's 14-15 hours

26. Are there sharks in Hawaii?

-Yes. You can bet there are sharks in Hawaii. There is said to be at least 40 different species of sharks living in Hawaii. These can include whitetip reef sharks, great white sharks, sandbar sharks, scalloped hammerhead sharks, and sometimes even tiger sharks. If you're feeling particularly brave, you can book an excursion on Oahu to go swimming with sharks! You can get an up close nose to nose dive with sharks!

27. Are shark attacks common in Hawaii?

-While it might be common to be fearful of shark attacks in Hawaii, there are not as many shark attacks in Hawaii as people think. The Division of Aquatic Resources states that in the years of 1980-2020, there have only been an estimated 164 shark attacks, with only 10 of those resulting in fatalities. Some useful tips for avoiding encounters with these watery predators include: don't swim at night (night time is their hunting time. They can see well in low light), don't swim in murky water (again, their vision far outstrips human vision), don't urinate in the water (strangely, just like blood, urine attracts sharks. That tells them prey is nearby)

28. Are there snakes in Hawaii?

-The answer is technically yes. Although there are no snakes native to Hawaii. It's completely illegal to own them as pets. Hawaii does have 4 brown tree snakes that can assist in training dogs to detect snakes that enter Hawaii. The reason it's illegal to bring snakes into Hawaii is because they have no natural predators and they can cause a lot of issues for the environment. In 2013, two species of snakes were found in Hawaii: the Island Blind Snake and Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake. The Island Blind Snake is a harmless species the size of an earthworm. The Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake is rare, but highly poisonous

29. What language is spoken in Hawaii?

-There are two official languages spoken here: English and Hawaiian. There are language immersion schools where people can learn the language of Hawaiian. Many locals also speak "pidgin", which is Hawaiian Creole language. It originated on the pineapple plantations and uses words from the languages of Korean, Portugese, Japanese, Cantonese and Hawaiian. There are also other foreign languages spoken here. They include: Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Tagalog. Japanese is especially common here since Hawaii is so close to Japan

30. Where is Pearl Harbor?

-This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii. The Pearl Harbor Monument is located on the island of Oahu, just a few miles from the Honolulu International Airport. Here, you can find the USS Arizona, the USS Battleship Missouri, the USS Bowfin Submarine and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. When people go to Pearl Harbor, it's to not only see the monument, but also pay their respects. If you want to see everything Pearl Harbor has to offer, you'll need at least a full day to do that

31. Am I allowed to take fruit home?

-To an extent. You are only allowed to bring back packaged fruit that has gone through an inspection by agriculture and is approved for transport. That means boxed pineapple. You can find this at the grocery stores or airport. And, as long as they have been agriculturally inspected and approved, you can bring home coconuts. But don't think about bringing home fresh Hawaiian fruits, such as mango, lychee, papaya, lilikoi or guava. These might contain disease and pests that can do damage to the delicate agriculture of the mainland. TSA will tell you when you arrive that damage can be done to the agriculture because of the possible pests or disease

32. Can I bring pets to Hawaii?

-It's legal to bring cats and dogs to Hawaii, but there's a catch. They must do an extensive quarantine of 30 days minimum. It's also costly. The only logical conclusion would be that if you are moving to Hawaii, then you can bring your pets or visiting there for some time. If you are craving some time with a furry friend and you just so happen to be visiting Kauai, head to the local Humane Society and borrow a shelter dog for the day. Not only will you get some time with a cuddly dog, this helps the community and helps bring sunshine into a dog's day

33. Can you still get leis at the airport?

-The answer is no. It's been years since people danced the hula and offered leis at the airport for arriving tourists. You can pre-arrange a lei greeting party ahead of time for you. It'll need to be paid for ahead of time

34. Does Hawaii have all-inclusive resorts?

-To an extent. The Hana-Maui Resort offers dining packages to make vacations all inclusive. Unfortunately, other than that, there are no all-inclusive resorts here in Hawaii. The resorts in Hawaii are just as stunning as the all-inclusive places, with plenty of activities to keep everyone occupied and happy. You'll just need to pay separately

35. Is it legal to take a lava rock home?

-The answer is NO! NO! NO! NO! It cannot be emphasized more strongly enough that it's completely illegal to take lava rock home. It's not only disrespectful to the Hawaiian culture, but it would make you an irresponsible tourist. If everyone who visited the Hawaiian Islands took home lava rock, there would be none left. This "do not take home" rule also applies to coral, sea glass, shells and sand and all other natural elements in Hawaii. Simply leave them there so other people can enjoy them

36. Is there a royal palace in Hawaii?

-Absolutely!!! The famous and iconic Iolani Palace in Honolulu is where King Kalakua once resided. He built the famous palace in 1882 and lived there until 1893. It once used to throw fancy parties and even had electricity before the White House! In 1959, when Hawaii became a US state, Iolani Palace was used as a capitol building. It was 1978 when the palace became a museum highlighting Hawaiian culture and history. During a trip to Oahu, make it a point to visit Iolani Palace. They offer guided tours and it's a perfect way to learn about Hawaiian culture in such a way that school never did. Not only that, but those familiar with the newly remade television show Hawaii Five-O will recognize the building as being the headquarters for the Five-O task force

Questions and Answers for Those Contemplating Their First Trip to Hawaii Pt. I

Hawaii is one of those destinations that seems to be most people's travel bucket list. Unlike the "all inclusive" resorts commonly found in the tropics, where the only money you bring is for tips and souvenirs, Hawaii is somewhere that you pay for everything. According to Hawaii Travel for Kids, here are 36 questions asked to them when traveling to the Aloha state where palm trees sway

1. How far in advance should you buy airfare to Hawaii?

-Sign up for Google Flight Alerts to get specific information on this. Sign up for their email list and it will provide useful information. Unfortunately, since 2021, the price can go up and down like the stock market. So, unfortunately, there is no specific time frame to buy airfare

2. What is the difference between the time zone on the Mainland and the time zone in Hawaii?

-There is the unique Hawaiian Standard Time. It does not do daylight savings time. Hawaii is 2-3 hours behind the West Coast of the Mainland, 3-4 hours behind Mountain Time, 4-5 hours behind Central Time, and 5-6 hours behind the East Coast of the Mainland

3. Is a passport required to visit Hawaii?

-Since Hawaii is part of the United States, you won't need a passport. However, if you are planning on going outside the US, you will need a passport. That goes for everyone in your family, including babies if you are taking them

4. What should / can you wear in Hawaii?

-It can vary from one person to the next. Hawaii is a casual place where the ever popular "Hawaiian Shirt" is frequently seen. It's warm here, so warm weather clothing, such as t-shirts, tank tops, flip flops and shorts can be worn anywhere. If you plan on going to do any excursions, like ATV riding or horseback riding, bring the appropriate clothing, such as long pants and closed-toe shoes. And if you are planning on hiking, bring good walking shoes and light, breathable clothing. Since the sun is strong, bring good sunscreen. Make sure that if you go in to the ocean, your sunscreen is mineral-based rather than chemical-based because the chemical-based stuff can damage the reef and delicate ecosystem

5. Is there a main airport in Hawaii?

-Each island has its own airport. Most flights will bring tourists into Honolulu International Airport on the island of Oahu. Depending on traffic, it's about 20 minutes from Waikiki. Honolulu International Airport is also the airport that handles international flights as well

6. What island is Honolulu on?

-It's located on the island of Oahu. Waikiki is a neighborhood of Honolulu. This is one of the most populated islands out of all of the Hawaiian islands

7. How long should I stay in Hawaii?

-You can stay as long as you want. It usually depends on what all you want to see.7-10 business days are a good range for a start. This will give you time to get over jet lag, do some tours or excursions, find some nice beaches, eat great food and still have time to take in the breathtaking beauty. If you plan on visiting all of the islands, 5-7 days per island would be recommended

8. What is the best method of transportation between the islands?

-Inter-island flights are the answer. Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines are the two that do these. Like any airport, you'll need to go through security after arriving at the airport early. There's also a ferry that takes people from Maui to Lanai, but its run schedule is limited

9. What shouldn't I do in Hawaii?

-Don't be that tourist who thinks they are entitled to something. Be a good tourist. Say Aloha to people, treat them with respect. Obey the local laws and customs. Because if you break the law, the local Honolulu Police Department will want to talk to you. And it won't be like the older office Duke and the other police officers from the new television show Hawaii Five-O. Be patient. Not everyone is on vacation. You'll be interacting with people from various industries. Remember to tip. This shows gratitude for their hard work

10. What is the biggest problem in Hawaii?

-It might be shocking to those who have never been here, but there are homeless people in Hawaii. Homelessness here is such a problem because the cost of living is so high. Nearly everything has to be imported into the islands and the housing costs are so high

11. Where can I see an active volcano?

-The Big Island is the only place to see active volcanoes. Make Hawaii Volcanoes National Park your destination to see these living, breathing works of nature. Here you can see Kilauea

12. Can I take a ferry between islands?

-The answer is no. You cannot take a ferry between the islands. If you want to go to different islands, you must take an inter-island flight from either Southwest Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines

13. Can I drive between the islands?

-It's not even realistic. The answer is no. This is not the Florida Keys. To move between islands, once again you must take an inter-island flight from either Southwest Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines

14. What's the best island for a honeymoon?

-It all comes down to what you are hoping to do with your time here. If relaxation is your goal along with some fun excursions, Maui would be recommended. Snorkeling at Molokini Crater and road trips such as the Road to Hana are fun things to do. If this is your first trip to Hawaii, head to Oahu. This is where many of the iconic tourist places are. There, you'll find the Pearl Harbor Monument, Diamond Head, Kualoa Ranch and the iconic North Shore, where you can see surfers. For a slower pace of life, head to Kauai. Their food scene is top quality, with beautiful beaches and hidden resorts. To completely disconnect from city life, go to the Big Island. They have options fitting all price ranges for honeymoons. They also have volcanoes and waterfalls for nature lovers

15. If you have kids, what is the best island to start with?

-The answer can vary from family to family. Any of the islands will provide a breathtaking trip for kids. 

Oahu with kids

-This is the most popular option. It's home to the Disney Aulani Resort. You can see Pearl Harbor, the Dole Pineapple Plantation, the Waikiki Submarine and the Polynesian Culture Center

Maui with kids

-There are kid-friendly resorts with plenty of activities to keep the kids busy. There's the I'ao Needle, the Surfing Goat Dairy, the Maui Ocean Center, boat tours and more to do

Kauai with kids

-Laid-back is the rule of thumb here. Here, you can partake in snorkeling, ziplining, watching a fire dance show and even explore Waimea Canyon

Big Island with kids

-This provides families with kids an "authentic" Hawaiian experience. The Big Island is perfect for the outdoorsy types who love nature-related activities, such as snorkeling with manta rays, exploring active volcanoes, such as Kilauea at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or checking out a Hawaii Chocolate farm

16. Where are the big waves in Hawaii?

-You'll need to head to the North Shore on Oahu. Go during the winter months of November-February. This is where you can see surfers of every skill level tackling the so-called "Hawaiian Roller Coaster."

17. What is the best time to visit Hawaii?

-There's no really bad time to visit Hawaii. In terms of weather, the winter months prove to be a bit rainy, but it never lasts long. During the summer months, from July-August, it can get hot and humid

18. When is the high season in Hawaii?

-It's mostly during school breaks when you'll see a lot more people in Hawaii than normal. It can be incredibly busy (and expensive) during the summer, with so many people going on vacation due to school breaks. Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays also prove to be a busy season. Spring break is also a popular time to go to Hawaii. The best times to go would be mid-April-June and September to mid-November. These tend to be the calmer times, when people are back in school and it's not as hectic

Now You See Me 2 (2016)

The Four Horsemen are back. Now with a new "Horseman" in tow, the crew is taking on a heist request issued to them from a tech giant with a connection to their past

Summary

-The Four Horsemen are asked by a tech giant, thought to be dead and with an obsession with magic, to pull off their most daring heist yet- steal back a computer chip with the power to unencrypt anything and expose information on anyone

Cast

-Jesse Eisenberg: J. Daniel Atlas

-Mark Ruffalo; Dylan Rhodes

-Woody Harrelson: Merritt McKinney / Chase McKinney

-Dave Franco: Jack Wilder

-Daniel Radcliffe: Walter Mabry

-Lizzy Caplan: Lula

-Jay Chou: Li

-Sanaa Lathan: Deputy Director Natalie Austin

-Morgan Freeman: Thaddeus Bradley

-Michael Caine: Arthur Tressler

-Tsai Chin: Bu Bu

Did You Know?

-The only reason that Isla Fisher did not appear in this film is because she was pregnant at the time. There was a storyline stating that it didn't work out between Jesse Eisenberg's character and Isla Fisher's character. To replace Fisher, Lizzy Caplan was brought in and announced as the full time replacement in September 2016

-Over a year before this movie was even released, it was announced that there will be a Now You See Me 3. This new film is still in developmental limbo until everything can be worked out, including a storyline

-Walter Mabry (Daniel Radcliffe) says that, while at school, he messed around with magic. This is a reference to his role as the Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter. In all eight films, he played Harry Potter, who learned and used magic while at school

-In the scene where Lulu makes the bird fly out of a man's pants at the magic show in London, that man was Irish magician Keith Barry

-In the scene where Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo) enters the jail cell of Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman), music can be heard playing. The music fits the themes of revenge and vendettas, as the music is "The Revenge of Hell Boils in My Heart", from the Mozart opera The Magic Flute

-There is a specific reason why in the first film J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg) had long hair and in this film he has short hair. Eisenberg had appeared in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016). At the end of the movie, Lex Luthor's hair is shaved off, rendering him completely bald, when being transferred to prison

-This is the seventh film in which Morgan Freeman and Sir Michael Caine have worked together. They appeared in 2003's Freedom: A History of US, 2005's Batman Begins, 2008's The Dark Knight, 2012's The Dark Knight Rises, 2013's Now You See Me and 2017's Going in Style

-When the Horseman are discussing what to do for their final acts, they decide to meet up in Greenwich. Their acts do actually take place in that region of London. Greenwich Market is modeled to look like Covent Garden. The Cutty Sark is only a two minute walk from where Lizzy Caplan is doing her streetside act. The Old Royal Naval College is only a few minutes away from the area where the rain act is taking place. In the background of the rain act is the Royal Observatory, where the film ends

-When Lula mentions her early career, she frequently mentions pulling a rabbit out of a hat. This is a reference to Isla Fisher's character in the first film, 2013's Now You See Me

-One of the biggest plot points of this movie is The Eye, a secret society to which the Four Horsemen are proving themselves. The scenes showing the London skyline were important, as they prominently featured the large Ferris Wheel, known as the London Eye, which sits alongside the River Thames

-In the scene when the Horsemen are in Macau, and they walk into the magic shop, Atlas plays with a water trick using anti-gravity. This is foreshadowing his grand rain illusion later

-In 2013's Now You See me, the photos of Lionel Shrike were done by an uncredited Elias Koteas. Koteas is best known for playing Det. Alvin Olinsky on the television program Chicago P.D. Here, he was recast and portrayed by Richard Laing

-In the Macau magic shop, Li introduces himself as "not Bruce Lee". This is a reference to the film version of the TV show The Green Hornet. In the film, Jay Chou played Kato, the role originally played by Bruce Lee

-On the flight to Macau, the type of plane used is a Embraer Legacy 600. In the final scenes, the type of plane used is an Embraer Legacy 650

-In the scene where Atlas breaks into the security room and slaps a fake identification bracelet on the engineer, the name reads "Mark D. Stooge." "Mark" is someone who is the victim or target. "D" being another way of saying "the" and "Stooge" being the one who takes the fall. The initial "D" could also stand for Dupe, a word meaning someone who is easily deceived into serving a purpose for someone else

Now You See Me (2013)

This film stars Jesse Eisenberg as the leader of a group of magicians / illusionists trying to elude the law

Summary

-The FBI and Interpol work together to catch a group of magicians and illusionists calling themselves the Four Horsemen who pull off heists during their shows and put that money into the accounts of their audience members

Cast

-Jesse Eisenberg: J. Daniel Atlas

-Mark Ruffalo: Dylan Rhodes

-Woody Harrelson: Merritt McKinney

-Isla Fisher: Henley Reeves

-Dave Franco: Jack Wilder

-Melanie Laurent: Alma Dray

-Morgan Freeman: Thaddeus Bradley

-Michael Caine: Arthur Tressler

-Michael Kelly: FBI Agent Fuller

-Common: Evans

-Jose Garcia: Etienne Forcier

-Caitronia Balfe: Jasmine Tressler

Did You Know?

-The initial card trick in the beginning is real. No editing was done. It's known as a "card force". This is done when a magician makes the unsuspecting audience member pick a prechosen card. The audience member thinks they have picked a random card, and is reinforced by the magician re-shuffling the deck several times. Only this is just misdirection

-Isla Fisher is seen wearing gloves throughout the whole film. This is because Isla Fisher explained in interviews that her character Henley Reeves is germaphobic

-The final scene was at the Pont des Arts in Paris, France. This is said to have an estimated one million "love locks" attached to it. Following years of complaints from locals, city council workmen have been ordered to start removing the locks

-Near the beginning of the film, the hands of Dan or Dave Buck are seen, but the face of Jesse Eisenberg is digitally composited. Dan and Dave Buck are twin magicians known for their expert skill in sleight of hand tricks in addition to cardistry. One of the most difficult moves in cardistry is called "Pandora" and it is the series of moves seen in this film

-In J. Daniel Atlas' apartment, there is a poster showing magician Lionel Shrike

-In the final scene, where Interpol officer Alma Dray is reading the French newspaper, she reads an old article about magician Lionel Shrike passing away sometime in the 1970s. The photo used is of actor Elias Koteas, best known for playing Det. Alvin Olinsky on the television program Chicago P.D.

-Jake Gyllenhaal was a possible consideration for the role of Dylan Rhodes, before the role went to Mark Ruffalo

-In the scene where Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) is introduced, he is said to be a master pickpocket. In the 1968 film Oliver!, Jack Wild played The Artful Dodger, who was also a pickpocket

-There is another movie, from 2006 called The Prestige, which starred Sir Michael Caine and also involved magic

-Sir Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Jesse Eisenberg seem to have appeared in films based on comic characters from the DC Universe while Mark Ruffalo appeared in films based on Marvel Universe characters

-During the fight scene between Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) and Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo), both actors have confirmed that Franco actually did cut Ruffalo's face with the cards he threw

-The Tarot cards prove to be an essential plot point here. J. Daniel Atlas' (Jesse Eisenberg) gets the  "Lovers" card, which coincides with his prowess with the ladies. Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson) gets "Hermit", which refers to his brother destroying him and leaving him alone with nothing. Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher) gets "High Priestess", a reference to her trick with the piranha-filled bloody tank, a sort of blood sacrifice. Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) gets "Death", foreshadowing his own death later on

-When the Four Horsemen are arrested, Merritt McKinney says "There's no shame for a man to wear a dress." This is a reference to former FBI director J. Edgar Hoover. It was revealed, after his death, that he was a cross-dresser

-In New Orleans, when Arthur Tressler threatens Thaddeus Bradley with financial ruin, Morgan Freeman, in return, states that, when Tressler is holding the voodoo doll "You shouldn't have done that. According to the superstition, one who uses a doll to enact one's own wrath is likely to bring that very wrath unto himself." At the end of the New Orleans show for the Four Horsemen, that very same financial ruin occurs on Tressler

40 Ways to Spot a Tourist from the US, according to European locals Pt. II

Whenever someone from the United States goes to Europe, they immediately stand out unless they know what to do to blend in. According to MSN.com writer Sarah Barber, here are 40 ways of how one from the United States stands out to European locals

I'm from the United States and I try very hard not to be like all the other people from the United States. When people hear me talk, yes, they will find out that I am from the United States. I have a bad habit of talking loud only because my late grandmother was hard of hearing in one ear and deaf in the other. My family had to talk loud for her to hear us. The loud talking is a habit I'm thankfully getting better at reducing.

Also, you might see me put my opinion in on each one. Especially if I have seen it or accidentally done it myself when traveling abroad. I already know I will stick out as a US tourist because of my accent. At least with these in mind, I'll stick out less

21. Give me food

-Smaller portions of food are the norm in many parts of the world. It is a rude shock to many from the US who travel abroad that the portions of food are smaller. That is because many countries do not think "more is better". The United States is most likely the only country where portions of food are quite large. Which leads to the idea of obesity being such a massive problem in the US. When those from the US travel abroad, they are expecting large portions of food. They will be in for a rude awakening when they find the portions are less than what they expected. Some countries put a high priority on small portions to focus on flavor and quality

-I have no problems with smaller portions. I actually enjoy smaller portions because I am trying to lose weight. And it does give me a chance to really enjoy the food

22. 'Sup?

-This is basically a lazy way of saying "what's up?" Instead of saying a more polite version of "How are you?", people in the United States say "sup?" This shows that there is a serious lack of formality in the United States and showcase a relaxed mood. Thankfully, not everyone from the US shows this lack of formality. Just remember, when you travel outside the US, you need to make your greetings and conversations a bit more formal, just to show respect and overall be respectful

-Thankfully, anytime I've ever gone on vacation with my family, I have not met or heard too many people from the US. If I do, they usually say greetings like "Hello", "How are you?" or they introduce themselves. Most of the time, when I am on vacation, I tend to hear / see more British tourists or other tourists from Europe than US tourists

23. Sharing opinions that were not asked for

-Outspoken and forthright, sharing unsolicited opinions are two things that people in the United States are known for. There's a fine line between sharing an opinion when asked for and sharing an unsolicited opinion. Without realizing it, some people share their opinions openly. It's important to be mindful of differences in culture when traveling outside the US. Not every country is going to follow the same rules and customs as the United States

-I only give my opinion if it is asked for. Other than that, I try to be nice and considerate of everyone. I try to empathize and / or be considerate of the fact that everyone believes different things

24. Comfort over style

-One thing that shocks a lot of people from the US when they travel abroad is the vast change in fashion. Comfort over style is a concept strongly adopted in the US. It's better to be comfortable than stylish. Some European countries place a higher value on being elegant or fashionable rather than comfortable. Some European locals can easily spot those from the US in their relaxed or informal comfortable clothes. Clothing is incredibly important in showcasing the differences in fashion trends all over the world. When traveling abroad, do some research into what the local fashion trends are to avoid standing out as a tourist from the US.

-I'm sure jeans are popular in terms of clothing abroad. If that's the case, then I am fine. I will have to do research into what constitutes fashion trends in the countries I would love to visit. I suspect I'll already stand out if I wear rock / metal band shirts

25. A side of fries

-Sometimes, it's common for people in the US to order just fries from a restaurant because they are so good. Whether they are seasoned, dipped in sauces or enjoyed plain, there's something good about a well-prepared batch of French fries. In some countries, fries are part of a larger meal. Or they are referred to as "chips" in England or Australia. There seems to be a widespread appreciation for this deep-fried potato stick

-While I do love fries, I don't eat them all the time. I'm trying to lose weight. I will admit to saying that certain restaurants have better fries than others. If I get the chance to go to England, I definitely will enjoy eating the food like the locals. That will only heighten and improve my memories of going to this historically rich and interesting country

26. Too much enthusiasm?

-Europeans can easily spot a tourist from the United States by their holding a camcorder or exclaiming in surprise. This enthusiastic behavior of holding a camcorder and showing overenthusiasm or a sense of wonder, is a stereotype of US tourists. Some countries tend to be reserved in their reactions and would not react so much. Tourists from the US tend to want to take pictures to create memories, but also make them humorous cultural markers in foreign destinations

-The only item you'll see me holding is a camera. A digital camera. So, I fully admit I would stick out. And yes, I would be mind boggled by the surroundings. I'm also trying to work on reducing the habit of wanting to say "amazing", "awesome", etc. Bad habit of mine. It's a hard habit to break that I am, thankfully, working on

27. Perfect teeth

-People from the US are known for having exceptionally perfect teeth, whether they be as white as snow or as perfect as ever. This shows a strong dedication to good oral hygiene. Dental health is a highly important aspect of good overall health. Regular dental checkups are a common occurrence. There seems to be a strong emphasis placed on having a white tooth smile in the US, leading to people buying teeth-whitening treatments and maintaining meticulous dental hygiene. While many cultures of the world value white teeth, the commitment to good dental health will create obvious differences elsewhere

-My teeth are not perfect. I had to have them fixed over the years. I used to have a rather large gap in my front teeth that was similar to the gap that model Georgia May Jagger has in her teeth. I've since had it fixed. Other than that, my teeth are not perfect. They are slightly crooked. And while I keep my dental hygiene in top condition because good dental health does play a part in good overall health, I can't have white teeth unless I use the teeth whitening treatments. I drink coffee every day for breakfast and take tea with me to work

28. Overenthusiasm about common animals

-It's a common sight that when people from the US go overseas, and they see common animals, they get overenthusiastic because they think of these animals as "exotic". This comes from the diversity of wildlife and animals and cultural differences all over the world. This leads to an excitement of seeing animals that are not native to the people witnessing them. Overseas, animals as common as sheep, pigs, cows or horses are considered "exotic" by some people from the US but are considered completely common to people of those countries, especially if those same people work on farms

-I will admit that I am guilty as charged if I ever saw cows in Europe. I do love cows, but I would not consider them "exotic". I love cows because they are my favorite animal. I would get excited by seeing cows because where I live, it's suburban. There are no farms nearby. When I go out into the country, anyone in the car starts laughing when I see cows and start saying "aww, I see cows". And anytime another person in a car with me sees cows, I quite literally hear them say "wait for it" and then I see the cows out and about and that other person says "there it is. She saw cows." And it's usually my sister uttering these phrases about "wait for it", "there it is. She saw cows."

29. A bit patriotic?

-It's no shock that most people from the US are incredibly patriotic. They'll be touting the Red, White and Blue stars and stripes. This also extends to using North American-made brands. This makes those from the US stand out. It's all too easy to spot a tourist from the US if they are sporting clothing from a North American company, like Nike, Under Armor, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Levi's, etc. This can make a tourist from the US stand out

-While I'm proud to be from the US, I don't tend to wear a lot of US-based brands. They're too expensive. The only time I can afford Levi's jeans is when they are on sale. Other than that, I'm not much of a name brand person. The off brands work just as well and are more affordable. And the only place I can actually find name brand stuff like Ralph Lauren, Gap or American Eagle Outfitters are places like TJ Maxx, where name brand stuff is usually on sale. For example, I found a black London Fog raincoat for only $80, when, according to the tag, it was normally $200.

-As for the red, white and blue, and stars and stripes, I tend to avoid wearing that. It's not that I am not patriotic, or not proud to be from the US; I just don't want to wear that because if I am in a foreign country, I'd rather blend in with the locals and not advertise the fact I am from the US. Let my accent when I am speaking do that. I sometimes wonder if we would better off with a Queen. Queen Elizabeth seems to have made things work. She got things done quite successfully, may she rest in peace.

30. "Oooh, old buildings"

-When traveling abroad, it's not surprising to find that tourists from the US are awed by the old, but unique architecture of buildings. They are awed by the impressive architecture or iconic landmarks. This fascination is directly linked to the short history of the US. It's less than 250 years old. When comparing the US to countries like China or Britain, whose history goes back further, the US is relatively young. It's often interesting to see old buildings. It fills one with a sense of awe that these buildings are still standing the test of time and reminds those of the rich, but ancient cultures that have left their mark on the world. Showcasing a unique point of view and enduring through time

-I find it incredibly amusing that some people from the US consider buildings from the 1800s in the US to be old. When you think about countries like England, China, Japan, etc., those countries have been around for longer. England has buildings from the medieval era, possibly further back, such as 8th or 9th centuries or even further. They have castles that are still standing the test of time. I would admit to being awed by the impressive architecture of buildings in England. I would not say "Oooo, old buildings." I would be awed by the fact they are still standing and going strong. Unique architecture of buildings has always interested me. I especially love hearing the history behind the building, what inspired its creation, its uses and more.

31. Non-weather appropriate

-One thing that certainly makes tourists from the US stand out is wearing clothing not appropriate for certain types of weather. In the US, there will always be that one person who is wearing summer weather clothing. In the middle of winter. There will be a foot of snow on the ground and that person will be wearing shorts, gym shoes and a winter coat. Climates and weather can vary vastly depending on the part of the world you're in. Who knows, maybe that person is used to cold weather. Cold weather usually prompts people to wear insulated clothing in other parts of the world. Outside the US, you can easily spot a US tourist if they are wearing shorts in cold weather

-I have witnessed the person in shorts in cold weather. I get cold just looking at those people. I already make sure to check the weather prior to going on vacation so I know what to pack. So, thankfully, I'm already taking steps in the right direction

32. Look me in the eye

-Direct eye contact is often a thing done in the US. It shows the other person that you are giving them your full attention. This practice can vary widely, depending on what part of the world you're in. In Japan, looking someone directly in the eye is seen as spiteful and rude. It's considered respectful to avoid long eye contact. It shows humility and deference. This helps show the importance of knowing nonverbal  communication when engaging with those from other countries

-Someone is going to have to instruct me how to communicate in Japan by avoiding full eye contact. I've read that in Japan it's considered spiteful and rude to look someone directly in the eye. I'm going to need to a lot of research or have someone instruct me how to communicate in Japan to avoid making the other person feel I am being rude or spiteful

33. Is all of that really necessary?

-In the US, you can usually spot a road trip car if they have tons of luggage strapped to the top of the car. Overpacking is a common habit that some in the US do every time they go away on vacation. The idea of having everything you need and being prepared in case of emergency is just something people in the US do. This can also lead to taking excess luggage. Just ask yourself when packing "Is this really necessary?" to avoid overpacking

-I am guilty of this only one time. The only time I ever overpacked is when I first went on vacation to the Dominican Republic. I was unsure what the weather was like, so I overpacked a bit. Luckily, I put most of my belongings in my carry on, which is a blue and green tie dyed backpack. I've since learned not to overpack. My stepdad, however, he continues to overpack each year we go on vacation. We, as in my mother, sister and I, tell him not to pack so many pairs of clothing And yet, he insists on packing so much clothing each year. He's usually the last one to be completed on packing while me, my mother and sister are already done, have our checklist completed and are ready to go

34. Too peppy happy cheerful

-There is nothing wrong with being cheerful or friendly. But there does seem to be a distinctly US-based habit of being overly friendly or cheerful. Other cultures might not know how to react when seeing someone so overly friendly. Other countries might see this as artificial or just insincere. Just remember to tone down the cheeriness when traveling overseas

-I'm definitely working on this. I tend to try and be cheerful, which is no problem. But I know sometimes I come across as a hyper person. I am working on toning down the hyper part of my personality. My sister jokingly says it's because I have too much caffeine in my system from coffee. I am working on toning down the overly peppy part of my personality

35. State pride

-When people from the US are on vacation, and they are asked where they are from, they will often name the state they call home. Responses could include "I'm from Western New York" or "I'm from Chicago". This can seem rather specific to those who may not be familiar with US geography. This kind of answer can confuse those from outside the US. Being too specific is a trait that is all too common in people from the US. It's often better to be straightforward and answer "I'm from the US". The US, with all of its 50 states, has unique regional identities unique to each and every state

-If someone from outside the US asks where I am from, I will state "The US" only because I am unsure if they are familiar with all 50 US states. I try to avoid being too specific. If they ask specifically where, I'll gladly answer. I don't want to say "America" because that makes it seem like those who are from South America don't get the same chance to call themselves American. It makes it seem like South America is not worthy of the title of being part of America. So I just use the more respectful title of "US" or "United States" if someone asks where I am from. Just to avoid confusing the person with whom I am speaking

36. No shoes

-When you are going through security at the airport, it's required to take off your shoes. This increase in security has heightened after the 9/11 attacks. This strong need for meticulous security ensures that nothing suspicious is going out / coming into the United States. The removal of shoes and inspection of them can detect hidden threats, such as narcotics being hidden in shoes. While it is used in some countries to various extents, it's firmly linked with the US. This is now a recognizable aspect of traveling, whether it be domestically or internationally

-I have no problem with this. It's all down to security. After watching enough of these To Catch a Smuggler shows where people are shown to be smuggling in narcotics through their shoes, it's understandable to check shoes. If anything, I can giggle when I look down to see what goofy socks I have on. I have no problem with this. If it makes the job of airport security easier, I am doing it

37. What's the holdup?

-Impatience is a character trait often exhibited by many people in the US. They want something right then, right there, right now. Waiting is not necessary. The fast-paced rhythm of life has led to people wanting efficiency and prompt service. It's a sort of "go go go" attitude. When confronted with long lines and long wait times, some people from the US seem to have issues processing this. In some cultures, patience and queuing etiquette will get you further and garner you more respect than being impatient, trying to rush things

-Patience is a virtue. A virtue which some need to learn as soon as possible. I have no problem waiting in line because I know that being patient will be better for my peace of mind and it will look better on me

38. Being prepared

-There's this idea that women always carry hair straighteners or curling irons or large cans of hairspray in their bags, which are usually large enough to knock someone unconscious. While this stereotype doesn't always hold water, it doesn't help that the media and other cultural influences showcase this idea. It's not exclusive to women from the US, but there is an idea that being well-groomed with styled hair is a common beauty standard in popular culture from the US. Women of various ethnic and diverse backgrounds put high priority on hair care and styling. The idea that women from the US are obsessed with hair styling and constantly carry their tools with them seems to come from the strong emphasis placed on personal grooming and appearance

-I do not carry hair styling tools with me. I put my hair into a ponytail and move on. I'm practical and I don't need my hair styled. When I'm at work, I need my hair be at least off my neck to keep from getting sweaty. That's why I ponytail my hair and move on. The only major things I do for my personal appearance is use acne medicine because I still get acne. And I use pore strips to get rid of blackheads on my cheeks. Sometimes I will even use a mud mask on my face. Other than that, I don't worry about styling my hair. I'm at work to work, not impress people. As long as my appearance is professional and keeping in with the dress code, I'm fine

39. Smiles all around

-While there is nothing at all wrong with smiling at strangers, it's seen as a uniquely US-based trait. It seems that strong emphasis is placed on being friendly and courteous in social situations. People from the US are encouraged to be sociable, to make eye contact and offer warm smiles and kind gestures. This can work out well when engaging with some cultures. But do some research into what the social norms and communication techniques are in other countries, so as to avoid offending that person

-I admit to smiling when I see someone. Sometimes it brightens a person's day to see a smile. I'll have to do research if I travel abroad to avoid sticking out like a tourist, which technically, I would be

40. Cargo shorts all around

-In Europe, it's definitely fashion over anything else. In the US, the commonly seen cargo shorts are common fashion. These shorts are practical, versatile, offer plenty of pockets for storage. This comes down to the US-based idea of wearing casual clothing, putting functionality over fashion. This type of short seems to be popular among men. And it's not just men from the US who opt for this type of short. This type of short can be seen on men from most parts of the world because it provides convenience and a laid-back appearance which works with their lifestyle

-I don't have to worry about this. I don't wear cargo shorts or cargo pants. I have a pair of cargo capris, but I cannot wear them to where I work. They're entirely work appropriate, but the reason I cannot wear them to where I work is because I have very large tattoos on my legs. I work in an ophthalmology practice here in Cincinnati, Ohio and it's quite conservative in terms of appearance. The doctors prefer that tattoos not be shown only to keep a professional appearance. Not only that, a lot of the patients are older and may not like seeing tattoos. They may be uncomfortable seeing them

40 Ways to Spot a Tourist from the US, according to European locals Pt. I

Whenever someone from the United States goes to Europe, they immediately stand out unless they know what to do to blend in. According to MSN.com writer Sarah Barber, here are 40 ways of how one from the United States stands out to European locals

I'm from the United States and I try very hard not to be like all the other people from the United States. When people hear me talk, yes, they will find out that I am from the United States. I have a bad habit of talking loud only because my late grandmother was hard of hearing in one ear and deaf in the other. My family had to talk loud for her to hear us. The loud talking is a habit I'm thankfully getting better at reducing.

Also, you might see me put my opinion in on each one. Especially if I have seen it or accidentally done it myself when traveling abroad. I already know I will stick out as a US tourist because of my accent. At least with these in mind, I'll stick out less

1. "How you doin'?"

-This phrase is immediately associated with the popular sitcom Friends. It's usually uttered by Joey Tribbiani, played by Matt LeBlanc. Anyone who utters this, there's probably going to be a high chance they are from the United States. This kind of greeting is used infrequently in other parts of the world, as formality and proper manners are important. Using this phrase will all but tell someone that you are not a local

-I have not witnessed this, thank goodness. Whenever I talk to someone from a foreign country, I try to be polite and formal, by asking / saying "Hello", "How are you?"

2. Fanny packs

-These interesting clothing items are essentially small backpacks worn around the waist. These are most commonly worn by parents when they are going somewhere with small children in tow. They have everything they need in that bag without having to carry a purse or backpack. In many parts of the world, these "fanny packs" are considered outdated fashion or considered a stereotypical tourist item. To avoid drawing attention to yourself as a tourist, read up on what local fashion norms are so you can blend in

-The only time these are appropriate is when you have small kids in tow with you. That's when these become handy. Instead of lugging a purse with you, just put all of your essentials in a fanny pack and be on the go

3. Just can't get enough

-For some reason, it's a common practice in the United States to add tons of condiments to food, such as ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, cheese, spices, etc. This is simply not done in other parts of the world. And adding all of this can actually be seen as an insult to the chef. It essentially tells them that you are not willing to try the food as it was presented. Simply put, eat the food as it was presented. If the condiment you are searching for is not at the table, don't ask for it

-I'm going to have to refrain from doing this if I ever go to England. I have a habit of adding ketchup to eggs (gross, I know. It's the only way my mother ever got me to eat them). I will stick out so badly if I ever do this. I may as well have "US tourist" tattooed on my forehead if I even contemplate adding ketchup to eggs. I don't eat eggs too much because they affect me in a way that is better left unsaid

4. Littering

-While not everyone in the US litters, there is that small percentage of the population that are litter bugs. It's not only rude to litter, but it harms the environment. If you have trash, dispose of it properly. Keep things clean and tidy. This will endear you to the locals and show you respect their wishes for a clean and tidy world

-I would never do this. I am not going to pollute the beautiful city I am in with trash

5. Being loud

-It's been said (and certainly heard) that people from the US can be loud, almost to the point of obnoxious. Thankfully, not everyone is like that. Some people from the US are loud because that is their personality or maybe they knew someone who was hard of hearing. In the last one, people usually explain why they talk loud and it makes sense. While being loud can be seen as sometimes positive, it's seen as obnoxious elsewhere. In Japan, being loud is frowned upon, especially on public transportation. It's completely okay to be enthusiastic about something, but just remember that not everyone is like that. Remember to take cues from locals to blend in. They'll see that you are trying to do what they do and respect the local culture

-As I stated above, the only reason I am a loud talker is because of years of being around my grandmother, who was hard of hearing in one ear and completely deaf in the other. The only way to communicate with her was to look directly at her and speak loudly but slowly, so she could read lips. I am getting better at the softer talking. And if I do accidentally talk loud, I will explain why, just so people understand. I will also tell them that I offer my deepest apologies for it.

6. Fashion taking a backseat to comfort

-It's commonly known that fashion trends differ all over the world. But in the US, it's been seen and known that fashion will take a backseat to comfort. People from the US are known for wearing gym shoes and other comfortable footwear, especially when traveling abroad. They may not always go according to local fashion trends. In order to blend in, try adopting some of the local fashion trends for yourself

-The only reason I wear gym shoes is because I walk a lot. I'm going to have to do some research if I ever get the chance to go to England. I already know I'll stick out because of my US accent. Or the fact that I have a massive amount of tattoos. I was talking to a woman from England on vacation one year and she told me that it's not too common to see women with a lot of tattoos in England. I'm making sure to do research so I don't stick out, even though I probably will with my accent

7. No such thing as too much ice

-One thing those from the US are shocked to discover is that outside the US, you won't get too much ice in drinks. In the US, you get the equivalent of a small iceberg in your drink. In other parts of the world, it's not common to find a lot of ice in drinks. It can be seen as excessive and bad for the drink, as it dilutes the flavor

-I'm definitely good here. I never ask for too much ice. I hate having practically a small iceberg in my drink. It gets diluted

8. Waiting to be seated

-Normally, in most places, especially certain eating establishments, you must wait to be seated. It's the proper thing to do and it keeps order from descending into chaos. In the US, it's common to see a sign saying "Please wait to be seated". Adhering to this sign is respectful and keeps things in order. Then a member of the wait staff will find a table for you or booth for you after asking how many in your party. In many parts of Europe, restaurants are casual, customers will find their own table with out the need to be seated by wait staff. Make sure you understand this before going abroad

-Ooooooooooo, I could get used to that. That would be lovely. That's certainly a good way to get to know new people. The hardest part will be to decide which table or booth I would like

9. Bragging doesn't look good on anyone

-There's a fine line between arrogance and being self-assured. Many people from the US fall into the arrogant bragger category. This concept of overconfidence can be linked to emphasis being placed on self-reliance, being a unique individual and the "can do" attitude. While there's nothing wrong with the "can do" attitude because it drives ambition and innovation, abroad it can be seen as arrogance and inflated sense of superiority. It's good to get the right balance of humility and self-confidence

-While I have the "can do" attitude that keeps my positive thinking going, I would never brag. Despite not being devoutly religious, I've always considered those who brag constantly to be suffering from one of the seven deadly sins, Pride or Arrogance

10. Go Team!

-It's not surprising to hear that people from the US love supporting their sports teams. It's a uniquely "American" thing to wear a jersey with your favorite team on it or a hat sporting the logo of your favorite team. And it's not always football or baseball gear that people will be seen wearing. It could even be soccer gear, hockey gear, even auto racing such as IMSA, Formula 1 or NASCAR as well

-If I ever wore a sports-related item, it would most likely be a hat with the Mercedes or Aston Martin logo on it. It would be a jersey of the Mercedes F1 team or Aston Martin F1 team. It would be a t-shirt showing the logo of the Arsenal Gunners football (soccer) team on it or the Cincinnati, Ohio-based hockey team the Cincinnati Cyclones. But, honestly, I'd be a bit worried wearing a sports hat for Mercedes / Aston Martin Formula 1 on vacation only because I don't know what effect chlorinated pool water will have on the hats

11. Diet soda is a thing

-People think that by drinking diet soda that they are saving on sugar and calories. The cold, hard truth is that they are not. Diet soda is actually worse for you. It makes you crave sugar. It might be low on calories, but it's not necessarily low on sugar. This all comes down to the health-conscious idea that is common in the United States. People want to be health-conscious, and if they crave a soda, a diet option sounds reasonable. That by consuming diet soda, they are avoiding conditions like diabetes or obesity. The truth is no. Diet sodas are actually worse than regular soda

-Just don't. Don't bother drinking this. You're not doing yourself any favors. You might be saving yourself calories, but you're not saving yourself on sugar. Diet soda is actually worse for you. I don't have to worry about soda too much because I don't drink it all that often. I prefer juice, tea, water or coffee. What can I say? I'm trying to lose weight, not gain it

12. Tipping is a bit excessive

-The United States is often the only country that tips for service. You can usually spot a US tourist on vacation. How? They tip. This is a sign that you are grateful for good service. It's very common in the US to tip because wages for wait staff is so low and they work off tips. In other countries, tipping can be seen as offensive because the staff are already being paid good enough or by tipping, that is seen as a sign that staff need to work harder. In China or Japan, tipping is considered both insincere and disrespectful

-Guilty as charged. I stick out to European tourists while on vacation (holiday to people from Europe) in Mexico or the Dominican Republic. It's because I tip to show my gratitude for good service. Some people don't seem to like that I get served ahead of them. It's because I tip. It's something I've noticed over the years of going to Mexico or the D.R. When you tip, you get served ahead of others.

13. High Roller

-A term used to describe someone with a fat wad of cash. There seems to be a wide availability for credit and strong sense of consumerism in the United States. This can lead to overspending. Spending more than what is necessary. Unlike some other countries, when some from the US go on vacation, they tend to want to spend a little more, to take in experiences that they never have before. Travelers must find the right balance of being frugal with their money and enjoying their journey. Because if you run out of money, then you are in trouble unless you find an ATM that can partner with your bank back home or find a bank that can do currency exchange

-Self control is the operation of the day for me. I'm going to have to exercise quite a great deal of self-control if I get the chance to go to England. There's so much I want to do. So much to plan on seeing and taking in. I will need to plan out what I plan on doing to make sure my funds cover that

14. The More The Merrier

-It's not surprising to find that some people from the United States have a penchant for multiple accessories. Such as multiple pairs of earrings in one ear or both ears. Multiple bracelets. Multiple necklaces, etc. This can be attributed to the idea of prioritizing self-expression and personal style. It's considered completely normal to show one's individual personality in the US, to show their uniqueness or use accessories to make a bold statement. The United States is so diverse and unique that it does allow room for inspiration from other cultures. And some take that advice and use it to stand out

-The only accessories I often wear are earrings, maybe a necklace and a watch. Sometimes a ring, but not all of the time. I tend to avoid all the accessories only because it's more you have to take off at the end of the day

15. Obsession with peanut butter

-It seems like many in the United States have an obsession with this peanut-based paste. There is the creamy variety, which lacks peanut bits or the crunchy variety, which includes peanut bits. It can be used in almost any dish, from the classic peanut butter and jelly to peanut sauce or peanut butter cookies. It's considered "comfort food" and is high in protein and just tastes good. Other countries might find this to be repulsive

-I don't blame some for finding this repulsive. Even though I am guilty as charged for loving peanut butter, each country and culture has foods that some might find repulsive. I love peanut butter because it tastes good. I say each country has their own unique foods that might be repulsive to some or good to some. It is what makes this world unique. There are even arguments amongst people in the US about what brand is better, such as Peter Pan, Jif, Skippy or the local grocery store-based brand

16. Quit dawdling

-While it's completely okay to stop and snap a few pics at a historical location, don't dawdle. That might cause a traffic jam of people. This excitement of being in a new place fills one with wonder. It's easy to spot a tourist from the US. Those from the US, not all of them, but some stop completely to snap a few pics. This dawdling can lead to the bemusement of locals and cause traffic jams, even if the person causing it is doing it unintentionally because they are caught up in the excitement and wonder of a new place

-I am definitely going to have to avoid doing this. If I want to stop and snap a few pics, I'm moving out of the way. I know for a fact if I ever get the chance to go to England, I'm going to be mind boggled by the rich history, the unique architecture of the buildings, the thought of being in a historic country and just hearing the unique accent all around me. I'll be in a perpetual state of excitement. Hopefully I don't dawdle and not realize I am doing it. I don't want to be a stereotypical US tourist

17. "Next round is on me"

-There is a strong concept of sociability and generosity deeply rooted in the culture of the US. This leads to the idea of "next round is on me" at bars, people buying rounds of drinks. This is by no reason at all only limited to those from the United States. The "next round is on me" concept is not universally practiced by everyone, but it does help prove the idea that those from the US are eager to get to know new people and be outgoing. This helps reflect a sense of positive social interaction

-I'm not one to really drink heavy. Maybe a drink or two. But in between, I'd prefer tea, water or coffee. On vacation, I tend to want to try different drinks offered, but I always add water in between them, especially in hot climates. It's best to stay hydrated

18. Closing time

-Every restaurant and business has a closing time. Even bars. Most bars close between 2:00 am-2:30 am. In urban areas of the United States, there is a strong expectation that businesses will stay open until 10:00 pm or later. It's deeply ingrained in the culture of the United States. This can be a rude shock to those traveling outside the US. For example, in the UK, stores can close as early as 6:00 pm. Shopping hours can vary widely across the world. That's why it's incredibly important to check store opening / closing times to make sure you visit in those specified hours to avoid the shock of finding the store you wanted to visit has closed for the evening

-I'm sure I will probably forget this rule for a short time if I ever visit England. I will have to remember this rule. And if a store I would like to visit is closed, no bother. I'll simply come back the next day, simple as that

19. Water closet or bathroom?

-In the US, "restroom" is the term used to describe the room where one relieves themselves or freshens up. This reflects the United States idea of being reserved and avoiding any mention of bodily functions. In other parts of the world, this reservation about mentioning anything related directly to bodily functions is out there in the open. Most people from Europe prefer the term "toilet" or any variation on it. Each culture has different sensibilities about certain things

-Typically, if I need to address something, I'll ask "Where is the ladies room?" Only because I prefer to exhibit the good manners I was taught

20. Flip flops

-This is a universal shoe often seen in the warmer months in the US or in warm destinations all over the world. When traveling abroad, those from the United States can be easily spotted because of their fondness for the flip flop or sandals. They are seen as comfortable and sensible, but not sensible for long walking. They are most often seen at beach locations and warm weather locations. These shoes do not always go hand in hand with the fashion norms of other countries. This can make tourists from the United States stand out. Other countries might prefer more sensible footwear, such as gym shoes and leave the flip flops for beach / poolside time

-The only time I wear flip flops is on vacation because I tend to go to tropical destinations with pools with my family. At home, if it's warm weather out, I'll wear flip flops around. But if I am doing a lot of walking, I'll be wearing gym shoes because they are more sensible for walking. Again, I'll have to do research on what the fashion trends dictate is appropriate fashion