7 Ways to Avoid Looking Like an American Tourist, per Fodor's Travel

Fodor's Travel is the most highly ranked, most highly successful travel company in the world. They write highly informative travel books that are a must read for anyone hoping to travel. They have compiled a list of things to do to avoid looking like a typical American tourist.

Now, there's nothing wrong with being an American tourist. Anytime you go on vacation, depending on where it is, you are bound to encounter at least one or two American tourists. The thing to keep in mind is that you don't want to be the "ugly American tourist", who is loud, refuses to speak another language, is rude, with poor manners. That reflects badly on other American tourists who are incredibly self-aware of the local customs and is trying to appear respectful of the local culture. In other words, if you act like a bad tourist, that will negatively impact other tourists from your home country

Rethink the Maple Leaf

-Normally associated with Canada, Americans seem to think it was a good idea to sew a maple leaf patch on to their possessions. Normally, the only people who actually do that are actual Canadians. They might do this to differentiate themselves from French Canadians, who hail from areas like Montreal or Quebec. Americans who sew on the maple leaf patch might know less about Canada than they actually think. And, unless you've spent significant amounts of time in Canada, leave the maple leaf patch alone

Turn down the volume

-Americans have a reputation for being loud and almost obnoxious. Outside the US, people speak in lower volumes. Not everyone prefers a loud conversation. And unless you grew up with someone who was hard of hearing and required loud speaking, that's fine. But still turn down the volume on your speaking. Use what some people call your "indoor voice"

Understatement is key

-Americans tend to overstate things. Using words like "amazing", "fabulous", getting excited over small things. Remember that outside of the US, people tend to understate things. They don't get overly excited over small things

Dress codes

-Some countries are conservative in their dress codes. It's a very common thing anymore to see American sports team jerseys on people outside of the US, or other American brands on people outside of the US. Dress for what you plan on doing. If you are doing hiking, wear the appropriate gear. Avoid clothing with American logos or or English-languages slogans / sayings. These items, ironically, are not uncommon in countries that sell resale clothing (lots of thrift store clothing from the US sold at deep discounts overseas). Compartmentalize your clothes. Spandex pants, running / basketball shorts, t-shirts / tank tops and sports bras are for the gym. Simply put, don't stick out. Dress casually if you're out and about in a major capital city. Dress up nice if you plan on going to a fancy restaurant or a night bar hopping. For example, in England baseball hats are not a common sight. Wearing a baseball hat might bring attention to you.

Small Talk opportunities are available

-Americans love to start off conversations with "What do you do?", meaning what type of work do you do? In the rest of the world, this may not fly. This could be considered inquiring about someone's social or status, which is a big no no in some countries. Let them bring it up. For example, in France it's common to acknowledge strangers, but not to start conversations. In Germany and other similar cultures, it's a common sight to see debates about topics that would even shock Americans. Do research prior to your trip to avoid any errors

No eating and walking

-Some cultures consider eating and walking around poor manners. Japan, for example, is one country that frowns upon eating and walking around. It's far less common outside the US to see people eating and walking, riding in vehicles or on public transportation. In other countries, food is meant to be purchased and consumed while seated. Eating and walking around is considered rude in Europe, East Asia and in many Muslim countries

Smile smartly

-While in the US, smiling is considered a warm expression. Outside the US, it could be a minefield waiting to detonate. In some countries, smiling is only reserved for friends or family while in other countries, it could be taken as a sign of romantic interest. Countries like Australia or Canada are similar to the US only in the sense that locals will smile as a way of a polite greeting.

The Takeaway

-The big thing is simply do research on what is good and not good in the country you plan on travelling to. The whole point of travelling is to see new sights, including meeting new people. When you meet new people and learn about them, you provide opportunities for them to learn about you. Simply be self-aware and everything will go smoothly. And, when in doubt, ask a local what to do to avoid making errors. They will deeply appreciate your efforts because it will show them that you are making a genuine effort to be respectful