Tips for american travellers in EuropeBelow is a short list that I wrote up last summer and just recently uncovered. I had been thinking about the first time I arrived here in Europe and how confused and lost I was for much of the time. Perhaps this is not you but this list is for the kind of traveler that likes to blend in and be more a part of the local community. That's how I like to travel anyway.
In my opinion there is nothing as embarrassing or dangerous as the loud, obnoxious American taking up all the space and attention and absolutely oblivious to what's going on around them. It might seem like a character but there are thousands of them over here! It is true though that no matter what you do the local population will generally know you're an American before you even open your mouth. Your just different and they know. Maybe it's something as simple as your facial structure or combination of clothes or the toothpick hanging out of the corner of your mouth. Hell, maybe it's even how you use your toothpick! No matter.
There's not much you can do about it a certain level. There is a way to act and be that will make your stay here more pleasant and even give you the chance to make friends..
The first thing to NOT forget is that you are a guest here. It is not your "right" to be here and your should mind your manners and be sensitive to the "vibe" around you. Generally speaking Europeans are nice. They are used to strangers traveling in their countries and more often then not respond openly to a smile, honesty, politeness and your questions. Perhaps this short little list will help you if you should decide to travel over here. But if, for example, your visiting Paris and your sitting in the middle of 200 other Americans directly in front of "BBQ Willies Texas Rib Joint"and paying 9 Euro's for a beer (about $8) you deserve the kinda vacation I can almost assure you that your gonna have.
For the rest of you enjoy, take care and good travels!
Tips For Americans Traveling in Europe (a.k.a. the Good Neighbor List).
1. Leave your baseball hats, American flag t-shirts and such like home.
Europeans are not impressed and believe me - you might as well carry a neon sign that says "American" and hold if over your head.
2. Turn your voices down by half. Americans are always way too loud in public. You can hear them a mile away and it's just plain rude to take up so much space.
3. Eat and drink local. It's a very rare place in Europe where the local food and drink is not better prepared and cheaper than the rest. When I'm in Italy I eat pizza. When I'm in Germany I love the bratwurst. I don't eat pizza there but nor do I eat the bratwurst in Italy. Get it?
4 Count on being frustrated, stymied, confused, lost, flummoxed, mad, overheated, underfed, overcharged, misdirected and often mistaken! Learn to count to ten and figure that the simplest explanation is probably the correct one. Also know that different countries often don't have words (and thus Americanized emotions!) in their vocabulary that English is full of and visa versa. . (A simple example is the polite form of address that most European languages use when speaking with their elders or strangers verses the 'you' that is used with friends. English just use a more egalitarian "you"). Most difficulties arise in communication because of the gross differences in culture. As the guest though it is your responsibility to be cool and figure a way to get your needs met and your point across!
Remember: politeness goes a long, long way over here!!5. Take the time to figure out the currency and then always count your change! I don't think there is a country in Europe that I have not been short changed in! It's a little easier with the Euro now but you still gotta figure it out. Take your time no matter how rushed you feel and count, count, count! PS- it's always OK to ask for a bill or ticket and they are obliged to give one to you! Do so if your in any doubt.
6. If you don't speak the local language and just expect to speak English all the time then slow your delivery down, drop all the slang from your vocabulary and enunciate. The majority of people in Europe speak or at least understand some English. The trick for you is making them feel safe and comfortable enough to risk trying to use what they do know. SLOW DOWN! Speak simply and clearly. Look in their eyes to see if they are following what your saying. It works! I always try and learn the correct
way in the local language to say 'please', 'thank-you', 'good-day', 'good-by', 'excuse me' and just little words like that. Folks really appreciate you making the effort and it is (once again) polite. It think it also makes it a bit easier for them to share their English with you!
7. If you can't stand cigarette smoke stay home. Folks smoke here and that's a fact of life. I just read that 60% of Italy smokes and the other countries are not much better. France now has a law that says that restaurants must offer a non-smoking section. That can mean one table by the door. No joke.
8. Do buy phone cards, bottled water, ear plugs, country and city maps, the Herald-Tribune, day Metro passes, 2nd class train tickets, local cheese, shop in the outdoor markets and don't forget postcards!
9. Do not buy Macdonald's (and the like), USA Today, Eurail Passes, Mexican food, Budweiser ect, drugs offered on the street and Starbucks coffee.
10. Bring with you a first aid kit, books, a small knife, ear plugs, a suitcase with rollers (although a luggage cart with large wheels is best!), a small phrase book (Rick Steves stuff is the best I've found. "Europe Through The Back Door"is a great resource). A small "day" pack, a door jam (to keep hotel mails from walking in on you!) and a lock for your suitcase for when your out of the room. Travel as lite as you can! I've seen so many people miserable because they are hauling heavy, huge suitcases around. Aisles and hallways are narrow , hotel rooms are generally small as are taxicabs, storage facilities ect ect ect.PS: After September 11 things have changed here as everywhere else. I have never felt once threatened or nervous about where I was or who was around me. It is prudent though that you keep your eyes open and pay attention to what's happening around you. There are people over here that don't like Americans and you better get used to it. Some of them have good reasons and others don't but nevertheless it only takes one crazy person to ruin your day! By paying attention to the above list you will minimalise whatever risk factor exists. Have fun though and don't forget to laugh!
