In listening to other people’s experiences traveling abroad (said “other people” shan’t be named here)…

…it comes as no surprise to me that most people think that Americans are spoiled, overindulged, self-entitled jerks.

I understand that it can be a little daunting to be in a country where you don’t speak the language, but still - you have to actually read up on the culture you’re visiting and respect their norms.  Language barrier isn’t so difficult if you just know who and what you’re dealing with, and then behave in a manner appropriate to the culture.

Even in a country where most people DO speak your language, it’s important to know a little bit about where you’re going to so you don’t end up looking like a smacked ass.  For example - when my ex-husband and I went to Bermuda, we purchased a travel book on Bermuda and learned about what to expect from the folks there, how they lived life and what they expect from each other there.  As it turns out, good manners isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s a cultural norm there, and if, for example, you are riding a bus somewhere and want to ask the driver a question, the prescribed protocol is that you’ll first greet the bus driver, exchange pleasantries, and THEN ask your question.  It’s a very “people-first” driven way of living… which, being on an island (or, I guess, an archipelago?), I guess that makes sense.  Let’s face it, if you live on a small island, you can’t afford to piss someone off there.  I wouldn’t have thought of that, as an American living in this vast land… and I’m glad we had that knowledge before going over.

Please, fellow Americans - know the territory before you go anywhere NOT in the United States so that you don’t go there and risk doing something embarassing, offensive, or potentially illegal.  Please stop making us look like idiots.