Well-Traveled Americans Reveal Classic Americanisms That Don't Jibe Well Outside the 50 States

Jesse Kessenheimer • Writer and Editor

Sep 16, 2023 8:00 PM EDT

American tourists can be spotted from a mile away. We're loud, we're carrying 1gal water bottles, and we reek of Costco memberships. Perhaps our uncouth nature is what startles locals, but with the promise of tips for every server, American tourists are tolerated in other countries (barely). However, folks from other countries think that we're huge weirdos. Obviously, there are major cultural differences like tipping and our willingness to talk to every stranger like they're our new bestie, but what are some of the things that Americans have noticed abroad that are unaccepted? Are there Americanisms that could possibly be MORE offensive than your dad wearing cargo shorts, a t-shirt, and socks with sandals on your Italian family vacation? Yes. Yes, absolutely.

Scroll onward to read what some well-traveled Americans have to say about the discrepancies they were most surprised by when traveling abroad. Hint: Every other country hates root beer and won't automatically serve you water at a restaurant.