9 Ways to Avoid Being an 'Annoying American' When Vacationing This Summer to Europe

Author image for Jesse Kessenheimer
Jesse Kessenheimer • Writer and Editor
Jun 15, 2023 9:00 PM EDT

American tourists are notorious in other countries. We're boisterous, we wear athleisure clothing for every occasion, and we just don't get the social cues of any other Western country. In fact, Americans are such terrible nuisances in European countries that most locals will gladly accept our tips then go talking trash with their coworkers about how much water we ordered for the table. Sorry, but us Americans like to stay hydrated! 

So for those of us that hope to be the least annoying versions of our Yankee selves, here are a few useful tips on how to avoid being super irritating to the locals. One girl, who has been summering in Italy for her whole life (booshie, we know), has compiled a locally approved list of simple ways that Americans can avoid being too overtly American. Don't worry guys, we're not here to colonize, we're here for delicious pizzas, a new pair of strappy sandals, and a nice golden tan. 

Keep scrolling for the best ways to seem like you fit in with the illustrious local Europeans at the real life White Lotus.

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    Forehead - Nine Tips to Not Be an "Annoying American" on Your Summer Trip to Italy
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    1. Use your inside voices

    Forehead - ONE: Use your inside voices While you might not think that you're yelling by the pool or at lunch or at dinner, you probably are.
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    Forehead - Culturally, us Americans, we talk pretty loud. You could say we project. And yes, you might hear Italians speaking loudly. But it's their place, it's their home.
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    2. Say hello before you ask for something

    Forehead - TWO: Say hello before you ask for something Should be common courtesy but it's not really in our culture. Before you ask for something, say hello.
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    Forehead - It comes down to the Italian and European way of living. That is, not living so fast paced, not being in such a rush. SHAS
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    3. Only wear workout clothes if you're working out

    Forehead - THREE: No workout clothes for not working out 121 Don't wear workout clothes if you're not working out. Leggings are not an outfit in Italy. SECTORY! REPR
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    Forehead - Italians pride themselves on how they look and having good style and being put together like you do you.
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    Forehead - But also, if you wear leggings to dinner, someone's probably going to say something in the back about it.
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    4. NO FLIP FLOPS FOR MEN

    Forehead - FOUR: No flip flops for men besides to the beach Men, please don't wear flip flops to the beach. Of course, yes. Like anywhere else. No, we don't want to see those.
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    Forehead - Rainbow sandals are definitely not cool in Italy, in case you're wondering.
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    5. Acknowledge the table next to you

    Forehead - FIVE: Acknowledge the table next to you When you sit down or get up from a table at a restaurant, nod and acknowledge the people at the table next to you.
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    6. NO CHEESE on clam spaghetti

    Forehead - SIX: No cheese on spaghetti with clams This is a very important one, do not put cheese on spaghetti with clams. Spaghetti ale Bongole. TWE
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    Forehead - That, my people, is a sin.
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    7. Don't ask for tap water

    Forehead - SEVEN: Don't ask for tap water As Americans, we think water should be free. But in Italy, it is customary for them to ask you sparkling or still. LEBERETE! REAVING
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    Forehead - And no, it's not going to be free.
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    8. Cover your shoulders in a church

    Forehead - EIGHT: Cover your shoulders if you go into a church If want to pop into, see a church. It is a Catholic country. You need to cover your shoulders to enter a church.
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    Hair - 9 Oh, a little shirt like this, or a button down or a scarf is key.
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    Forehead - Plan in advance. Don't try to just walk in with your hands over your shoulders. Traveling is about respecting the cultures. B
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    9. Carry cash

    Forehead - NINE: Carry cash Tipping culture is entirely different in Italy and needs to be done with cash.
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    Forehead - Also, don't use a credit card for like a five euro charge. They don't love that. 1 SHEE
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    Forehead - Again, culture is just different than it is here in America. So really, if it's something under $20, €20 cash, okay?
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    Forehead - And that can concludes our etiquette session
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Tags

europe vaycay italian tips vacationing european Italy americana annoying summer tourists italians european history tourism travel-tips america Travel traveling american vacation
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