Many Europeans on Reddit shared their observations on how to spot an American abroad, revealing the telling signs that give us away. One person noticed that Americans tend to point out and describe everything they see while walking, almost like they are narrating a scene. Another mentioned that Americans are more likely to smile and make eye contact with strangers, a habit that might be unusual in more reserved cultures such as Germany. Additionally, Americans tend to measure distances in minutes rather than physical units, and they are often seen as overly cheerful and happy compared to tourists from other countries.
Tipping was also mentioned as a clear sign of an American tourist. Respondents noted that Americans are known to tip everyone, even in places where it is not customary or expected. Other giveaways include ordering ice in their drinks, asking about someone’s well-being in random situations, showing amazement at things older than 200 years, and driving short distances instead of walking. Some people also joked that Americans often mention their various ancestral backgrounds in conversations, even when it may not be relevant.
Americans also shared their own experiences of being identified while traveling. One person recounted a cashier in Salzburg speaking to them in English based solely on how they said hello. Another was identified as American by their teeth, as many Americans are assumed to have had braces. Eating while walking, walking confidently in the wrong direction, wearing sunglasses on top of the head, and drinking coffee from to-go cups were all noted as behaviors that give away Americans while abroad. Lastly, enjoying cake for breakfast instead of as an afternoon snack was considered a very American trait by a Latvian woman.
Overall, it seems that Americans abroad can be recognized by a combination of behaviors, mannerisms, and habits that set them apart from locals. Whether it’s our tendency to be overly friendly, our unique approaches to tipping and measuring distances, or even our choice of food and drink, there are multiple clues that give us away as tourists. Despite these observations, it can be fun to embrace our American identity and share these cultural quirks with others while exploring different countries and experiencing new cultures. Ultimately, being easily identifiable as American can lead to more interesting interactions and memorable experiences while traveling abroad.
