Many years ago that was the perception of Americans who travelled around the world.
Somewhere over the decades the image may have stayed but the reality changed. In my opinion Americans are some of the most pleasant tourists travelling these days.
Sure there are vestiges of the past, but few and far between, and no worse than from any other touring nation.
Now a recent survey in Russia has found that Germans are the worst of the worst, followed by Ukrainians and the British.
I am Ukrainian…mind you a third generation Canadian Ukrainian, but it still hurts to think ‘my people’ are abrupt and rude.
I guess the truth hurts more often than we like to think.
I haven’f found that to be true overall of Germans when they travel but I can’t say I have encountered that many on my Journeys.
But the biggest problem I have is the source of the survey.
I have seen so many rude Russian travellers. It’s like new wealth has suddenly made them think they are the superpower, individual by individual.
So perhaps all countries have their share of asses, and at the same time a majority of nice people.
I would love your comments and I will post my own survey results on Twitter and Facebook, as well as this blog.
Please comment.
Hi Ron,
My reaction to these types of surveys is always mixed. For example, I never found Vancouver people very friendly but they were voted by an Air Canada survey as the friendliest in Canada – go figure.
However, in my experiences, Americans have always been amazing when traveling, the only thing I have ever really encountered was that they often know little or nothing about anything outside of the USA.
I am not really surprised to find Germans on that list… having traveled in and around Germany often (my parents used to spend the winters in Austria), they are not overly friendly and are known for not being overly friendly. I was once told a few theories why when I was in Austria, but I don't think it is fair to guess or perpetuate theories on a whole group of people like that.
In fact, I should say that in my experience, Germans can be really friendly and great to be around… I think they are just a little "standoffish" at first. Having traveled extensively in South East Asia and of course Thailand, I have seen how certain groups have bad reputations in certain destinations based on what they go to the destination country for (like drinking).
I think you are right. There are rude travelers from every country. Funny thing is, most of them don't even know they are being rude.
I always TRY to look past the rudeness when possible. Sometimes, you just can't.