A recent survey found that the French are viewed as the world’s worst tourists. Why? Little things like being impolite, demanding and tight-fisted.
This got me to thinking about how we Americans are viewed when we go abroad. To be honest, with the exception of being good tippers, I’m sure we’re not all that well thought of. We tend to be loud, we don’t dress very well, and we don’t usually speak the local language (every one around the world understands English, right?)
So, before your next trip, why not take a minute and think about how you want to present yourself (and represent your country) to the locals. Bring along a smile, some patience, your “Sunday best”, and at least a few key phrases in the local language (please, thank you and good morning are often enough.)
Let’s let the French stay at the top of this particular list!
