10 Ways to SPOT Americans Abroad

[@PedroConejo1939]

Americans wear hats indoors. That's considered bad manners in a lot of countries, perhaps less so than in the past, but it stands out a mile.

[@warrenSPQRXxl]

Old enough to remember hat etiquette which was forgotten in the 1960s when a hatless style for men developed in the U.S.

[@maxbarko8717]

And they put cloth napkins on the plate (even with food) after they finished.

[@stananderson4524]

I am an American and it was bad manners in our house. Mom would enforce it.

[@PedroConejo1939]

@@stananderson4524 Yes, it does seem to be a recent phenomenon. The whole ubiquitous baseball cap thing is. For some, it becomes an unconscious security blanket, IMO.

[@Derecq]

The traditional hat rule isn't indoor vs outdoor it's private vs public space.(except Churches). Inside somebody's private house hat off, shops, bars, public transport stations etc hat stays on and if my hat would block the view of the screen or stage again hat stays on

[@sarah-phillips]

Smiling and saying "hello" to people as you walk down the street. Our English friend, while truly loving how friendly Americans were when she visited, joked with us that when you do it in the UK, people think you're insane. And yes! The Yankees hats!

[@tessahiggins8142]

Same. I was walking in Scotland with my neice and waved to her neighbour. She asked "do you know that man? Then why are you talking to him?" Seems strange to not say hi to someone's neighbours like that do here.

[@zazubombay]

@@tessahiggins8142 Just FYI -- we don't do that in New England or NYC.

[@tessahiggins8142]

@@zazubombay You're missing out!

[@quinquiry]

Same behavior in Russia , they have a saying for it " smiling with no reason, is a sign of stupidity" in Paris , France if you do that (man-man) the guy will think you are gay and flirting 😅

[@OGLewbaby]

I made a TON of friends in the UK by doing that... and in Italy. But I was a solo female.... may have had something to do with it? 😉

[@AdamSmithYT]

I'm British and I always somehow end up sitting next to an American on flights. But I'm okay with that because she's my wife.

[@woltersworld]

Hahahaah. So at least one if us are OK 😀

[@johndittmer8488]

You made your bed on that one. BTW, I love your book on economics. (Just kidding, I know that you're 250 years too young to be that Adam Smith, LOL)

[@Patrik6920]

Phew, saved by the last 4 words 😂

[@theorderofthebees7308]

😂😂😂

[@BrokenBackMountains]

Massive water bottles clutched like a comforter.

[@amandaovercash5974]

I'm american and this is one I don't understand either. I don't carry one with me. Too heavy. :P

[@CarolineT7714]

Some people have health issues. I carried one as we were going to be out touring all day.

[@davidreichert9392]

On a visit to Europe someone told me that in Europe the difference between Canadians and Americans is that Canadians behave as though they're visiting a different country whereas Americans behave as though they're visiting a theme park.

[@ruthwolf1958]

I've run into some very rude and obnoxious Canadians in Europe, but overall this matches my experience. I'm American, but I was raised by German immigrants & near the Canadian border. I lived in the Netherlands for 13 years & I found it both funny and pleasing that most of the time I was asked what part of Canada I was from, even when travelling outside the Netherlands.

[@deadzio]

Usa is the theme park

[@zeroxlulu]

I feel like this is a very big misconception held by, primarily, Americans. As someone who has traveled pretty extensively I can tell you Canadians can definitely be rude and obnoxious tourist.

[@kowaljanowski]

Haha, so spot on!

[@roadrunner9887]

I thought Canadians were the same but without the gun 😅😅

[@nightowl356]

I worked in the tourist sector and the americans were one of my favourit tourists, yes they shared a lot, but most of the times they were REALLY friendly and exited to visit another country and I preferred this attitude

[@larry_yang]

Cargo shorts. And always carrying a water bottle.

[@sunflowerfields4409]

I don't wear cargo shorts, but I do always carry a water bottle. 😳 But I'm thirsty.

[@ariesmry]

@@sunflowerfields4409 carry a water bottle as well, particularly if I know I'm going to be out and about all day. I think it's definitely an "Americanism" that's positive, since I get to avoid buying single-use water bottles

[@davesaunders7080]

@@ariesmry You can buy and reuse "single-use" bottles too if it is more convenient. I find the light weight and advantage walking all day, just refill as needed. Got an apfelschorle in Germany and once finished used it for water after that.

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

@@davesaunders7080 I always take a bottle of frozen water with me here in Thailand (or if I have holidays in another hot country and have a fridge to freeze). Very good, slowly it is melting, and you always have cold water (if you wrap a half litre bottle in a piece of cloth it can keep some ice all the day).

[@wickedwheezel]

Swiss American here, you are spot on. Also what gives it away are all the college t shirts or walking around with portable cups - Starbucks cups ( which l also love to do 😅 ) and the white tennis shoes and white socks 🧦 pulled up. I wish, here in Switzerland, same as in Sweden we would wear bolder brighter colors the dull beige and greys get boring after a while - especially in summer ☀️

[@yaksvk]

Baseball caps. When someone is wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses and a fanny pack, you know they are either a ticket inspector or American.

[@bugsygoo]

And now, apparently, face masks. I kept seeing Americans in proper protective face masks, not just surgical masks. And they were usually just a bit too overbearing. Wtf is up with that?

[@l.sutton1392]

I am an American that lives in France and I can tell you that the baseball cap is all over France. In fact it has gotten to where so many of the French wear them that you would think you are in America

[@eaglenoimoto]

Could also be South Korean or from Singapore.

[@JasMcKenzie]

Why are there no videos telling Europeans how to dress in the United States?

[@yaksvk]

@@JasMcKenzie I don't know, I'd love to see a video showing how Europeans stand out in the US, it'd be pretty funny

[@cagaming-b1b]

-Wearing College or university gear -asking for Ice in all beverages -the iphone thing is 100% true also

[@jamesgough3938]

Or sports gear. Hat, t-shirt, backpack. In the Louvre. "Honey, where's the Mona Lisa?"

[@quinquiry]

about ice... bar tenders LOVE when they sell you ICE at the same price as MARTINI :))) Im Parisian, got an italian pizza restaurant in my street, , i ordered a Martini Bianco, i expected 2 or 3 cubes, they served it with crushed ice 😡😡 i got a Martini with 50% water , a real scam !! I will no longer eat in this restaurant.

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

Two and three: Come to Thailand. People even drink sometimes their beer with ice. And the cell phone? USA-people: Using phones everywhere.... Thai people: Don't hold my cell phone....

[@scruff520]

Im a Brit, this did make me laugh, ive always found Americans ive come across both in the US and here in England to be very charming, enthusiastic and friendly.

[@yaowsers77]

lmao omg did i run into you in london? j/k i'm pretty sure everyone i came across thought that of me. like a puppy! 🤣😂

[@bugsygoo]

Too enthusiastic and too friendly. Rein it in, Yank!

[@scruff520]

@@bugsygoo rather rude, I'd much prefer friendly and enthusiastic than rude and obnoxious

[@bugsygoo]

@@scruff520 There are places for sharing (like here) and places for quiet. If you can't work that out, then it's not me who's being rude and obnoxious.

[@scruff520]

@@bugsygoo I agree, too much sharing and kind of in your face which isn't nice, and being too loud. Generally the Americans we've encountered have been very pleasant.

[@needbettername8583]

We can spot Americans easily here in the UK because they're smiling

[@gumerzambrano]

So most people don't smile?

[@enjoystraveling]

I’m American and some years ago when I was working in a department store they told me I was not bubbly and smiling enough. Some of us are just more serious than others, not all Americans have the same personality.

[@BillGreenAZ]

@@gumerzambrano I'm an American and I find that people outside of the US are more somber, at least out in public.

[@gumerzambrano]

@@BillGreenAZ hm interesting. Costs nothing to smile . I guess it's the culture of feeling depressed

[@user-qy4ov8dp5y]

Може да си любезен и без да се хилиш на всеки срещнат непознат. Фалшиви усмивки, които нищо не означава. Неизкренността винаги се усеща.

[@taco7546]

I'm an American traveling to Europe next month, and after watching these types of videos I've decided to just be myself!

[@Katnip452]

@@taco7546 I hear ya. Going to Europe next month and although I never had issues in the past (not too chubby, wore no hat, wasn’t loud…), watching these videos makes me a bit self-conscious. I understand the reasoning- overheard a VERY loudly complaining American woman once in a beautiful Prague restaurant and just shrank in my seat- but I also know that travel is hectic and I won’t always maintain a Euro-cool persona. Good to consider, though.

[@debbylou5729]

Really? I decided not to go

[@stuartmarshall-gs5cd]

If someone is claiming to be1/16th Irish, or Italian or Scottish etc because 5 generations ago there ancestors were from a country. They are definitely American

[@woltersworld]

I have talked about that in my ireland and greece videos.

[@stananderson4524]

I usually go by that rule. They don't care.

[@user-ix3yh8yt7r]

if they didn't care, they wouldn't complain about it. Hence, they are hypocrites.

[@jojo_rose341]

that's so me 😂😂😂

[@user-ix3yh8yt7r]

@stuartmarshall-gs5cd I'm American by citizenship, not by ethnicity. People really should learn the difference.

[@nina3118]

Walking down the street while eating food is a major American tell

[@nikkibee187]

Not in Vienna. I have many Austrian friends who want to pick up something to eat like a Döner or kebab box and then want to walk and eat it. But I can't walk and eat, and I'm the American in the group. I'm always the one asking if we can sit down somewhere, or go someplace that has sit-down options.

[@Todesnuss]

Where's this come from? I'm from Vienna as well but I doubt we're special in that regard.

[@tomodomo1000]

it's literally a Japanese thing.

[@fixpacifica]

@@tomodomo1000 True. And even then it seems like every time I go to Japan, I'm noticing a few more Japanese eating on the street each trip.

[@nikkibee187]

@@Todesnuss I don't know. It's usually when I am out with Millennials and Gen Zers. Gen X and Boomers are happy to sit down and have a few beers and actually visit over food. People my age and younger are always in such a rush to get to the next place.

[@davearchbell9921]

Lol. You are spot on 40 years ago I was a tour of the Roman Collusium and an American said " we have one just like this in LA" the tour guide responded "you Americans have everything " I have never forgotten it. 🇨🇦

[@philipmcniel4908]

haha the difference is the Roman one never got used for the Olympic Games

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

USA even has the Eiffel Tower and the Pyramides in one town....

[@linedwell]

I was sat in a tiny pub in Fort Augustus in Scotland, watching the world outside drift from day to night, sipping a proper scotch.. Quiet, peaceful, gentle hum of chat.. Door suddenly opens as if it was kicked, "Wow this place is beautiful, hey there bartender, could I get a dram of your best Scottish whiskey?" He was wearing shorts with the American flag on them and a t-shirt with an eagle... There was no missing that guy. He was a laugh riot.thoigh, super friendly, super sweet, amazingly well humoured and I'll never forget him. John from just outside Dodge City Kansas who worked his entire life selling farming equipment and if I'm ever in Dodge City I should go look him up... It's been 20+ years and I still wonder if he ever made it to Torquay, which he insisted wasn't far away... "600 miles? Ain't nothin' " he said with a big ole smile.

[@jamesgough3938]

they're ok one-on-one, it's when they get together and vote Republican that all hell breaks loose.

[@JohnSmith-yf5ys]

Worse they vote Democrat. Ask any Californian.

[@gentronseven]

@@jamesgough3938 but do you actually know anything about their country's politics or do you just base that on what you see on your local media? The US media doesn't even report truthfully in any way shape or form about republicans or Trump so I doubt that they do in your country either. That's not to say that republicans are perfect but don't judge people for what you can't possibly fully appreciate without actually being there.

[@hammondeggs3356]

@@gentronseven I was going to comment but I thought better than to waste my time with someone who drank the Kool-Aid...

[@alwaystruetoblue]

​@@hammondeggs3356I'm with you. Arguing with cult members just gives you a headache.

[@NF971]

Greece here... I love American people! Always with a smile every time I cooperated with them...

[@justhere3794]

thank you for your kind words.

[@kara2162]

American living in Europe for 20 years. This is SPOT ON!!! 😂

[@UniversityOfTurmoil]

My other favourite "American Abroad" moment was at a small hotel in northern England, when asked if they would like an egg with their breakfast they replied they wanted an 'over medium' or somesuch, only to be told their options were 'Yes' or 'No'.

[@renferal5290]

LOL

[@ashleymatthews683]

Americans and Canadians have the most picky relationship with eggs...it's truly a phenomenon. Nothing will make a grown American man more icked out than runny eggs and it's embarrassing to witness

[@jaiboregio]

Mexican here: When I was little and visited Chichen Itza, you could still go up the pyramids. When we were at the top, my family was able to smell a French tour group 30 meters away. There are worse things than hearing Americans 50 meters away.

[@caterinaramirez8864]

When I’m in Europe I am on my phone a lot at meal time mostly because I’m planning the next part of my day! That’s why I love videos like yours, the more I plan my itinerary in advance, the smoother my trip goes and the more I can enjoy the moment!

[@tiborsramek]

you don't know what oversharing is until you come to Hungary, if you ask someone here "how are you?" be prepared for an exhaustive tale possibly including history lessons and X-ray shots

[@johnwilson3842]

😂😂

[@Jebbis]

That's the same in Austria. Might as well grab a coffee and pull up a chair.

[@OriginalAkivara]

That's not "oversharing" that's "honesty". Don't ask "how are you" unless you actually want to know.

[@kowaljanowski]

Because people here don't usually ask "how are you" unless they are genuinely interested in answer. I'm always do surprise, why the heck you pose a question without wanting an answer XD

[@Soundbrigade]

I made that mistake once when on our 2nd USA tour. I thought I looked exhausted and someone wanting to check if I was OK? Over here in Sweden we say Hallå (hello) or Hej (hi) when we greet eachother. But when we say Hur mår du (how are you), we are asking for a medical report.

[@Johnny-Thunder]

I expected Americans to be loud but when I went to the US (California, Arizona, Nevada & Utah) they weren't loud at all... They were all like: 'Hey... Were you're from?... You're from Germany?...Oh you're from Holland... You smoke pot?... You go to the ladies behind the windows?...' - I live in a little village in the countryside and one guy refused to believe that I have never even seen pot in my life :D

[@jocelynwoltersworld]

😂 that's hilarious.

[@RidiculousMadDancer]

I'm sorry everyone you spoke to really didn't have anything worthwhile to say. Someday I would like to visit the Netherlands.

[@linuxman7777]

Here in the Midwest people are quite quiet, the US has alot of regional variations

[@Johnny-Thunder]

@@RidiculousMadDancer Well I am caricaturizing things a bit :D I did have some fascinating conversations there. You're more than welcome to visit the Netherlands. Maybe go to the Efteling, considered by many to be the best amusement park in the world :)

[@quinquiry]

Parisian , 75 years old , i suppose "pot" is "marijuana" .. i used to smoke but i've never been attracted to smoking other stuff than tobacco . I can recognize the foul smell of it though ...

[@SteveInNEPA1]

Look at skinny you! It may be relatively easy to spot Americans when traveling, but it's getting harder to spot you since you lost weight. Nice work, Mark.

[@gnomealone-gu6kr]

👏👏👏

[@gravinvankippenbout9266]

A link to 'How to spot European tourists in the Colonies' would be appreciated 🤣😉

[@amandaovercash5974]

Other than the language or accent, I notice the hair styles on women differ enough that they stand out to me. I don't quite know how to describe it though.

[@gravinvankippenbout9266]

@@amandaovercash5974 Most women in my country (Netherlands) wear 'spicy short haircuts once they are over 30 and/ or married ;-)

[@martyscheall9626]

Your videos are very helpful and reading the comments on this particular one made me chuckle. My husband and I have recently retired and have started doing as much overseas traveling as we physically can do. We try not to make these mistakes. 😊. Keep up the great work!

[@acocarful]

also being scared of the word "fat" is mostly American thing 😅

[@georgebelmonte8522]

We’re not scared, but it seems childish to say something outright that makes other people insecure.

[@rookie4582]

Plus size lol

[@martijnkeisers5900]

Hahaha 😂

[@yaowsers77]

lol american here. i'm past that point. i own my fat-ness at this point in my life! 🤣😂

[@acocarful]

@@georgebelmonte8522 yeah but refusing the use of word "fat" and using some sparkling and colourful words to say exactly the same thing (even when you are speaking in general) is mad... Not gonna say anything about glorifying obesity and being overweight as something good.

[@ashwilliams999]

I’d add another to the baseball cap thing. I would suggest a European is more likely to take their headwear off when going into a building or on transport. Americans often don’t. I was once on a 5.5 hr flight and the two guys in front wore their baseball caps throughout

[@Norvaal3]

Not everyone that wears them is rude, but the jerks tend to wear them around town. I switched to the flat cap and haven't looked back

[@babsr8479]

As a former NYC high-school teacher I always asked students to take of their hats in class, but that seems to be an old way of thinking. Their parents don't teach them that anymore.

[@eddie-lamardavis1354]

​@@babsr8479 society has moved past pointless etiquette

[@babsr8479]

@@eddie-lamardavis1354 Not all of us consider it pointless, just manners.

[@ill-fatedgamer]

I don't wear ball caps or hats at all so I'm curious as to why you would take them off when entering a building or traveling on an airplane?

[@reneweisz9157]

You can easily spot an American by their tendency to tip 20% 😃 As for the idea that Americans are overly talkative, I don't really agree. My experience was quite the opposite, once people realized we were from the U.S., they were very curios and wouldn't stop asking us questions and sharing their life stories! It's silly to do all these comparisons, because we're all unique individuals, and what one person experiences may differ completely from someone else. Some people feel uneasy stepping out of their comfort zone, while others embrace it. Some prefer the comfort of resorts, while others enjoy mingling with the locals. Keep traveling, keep exploring and most importantly, have fun!

[@nikkibee187]

And I can't tell you exactly what it is about the clothing, but it's not just the bagginess--it's all of it together. Europeans have outfits for every occasion, right down to the shoes and the socks. Americans will wear the same outfits for everything, unless it's a wedding, a funeral, or a job interview, and I think I am only in tune to this because I'm native and I know what there is in the U.S clothing-wise.

[@STOG01]

Perhaps an American would be more muted back in the US because there's a measure of discomfort when you're out in public? Or depending on the state - afraid to draw attention of indivuals with bad intentions?

[@kowaljanowski]

Yeah, cocktail dress, Sunday dress, dress for a casual meeting in the park, outfit for a club, outfit for theatre, working smart casual, hiking clothes different from gym cloths and the list goes on XD

[@bugsygoo]

Recently spotted an American family at the airport with a five year old boy in a dress shirt and trousers, all ready for the plane. Do they want to stand out as knobs?

[@nikkibee187]

@@STOG01 I don't know, I just know that when I am back in U.S. visiting I maintain my Euro way of dressing and I'm always the one who is the most dressed up. Everyone else shows up in sweat pants and t-shirts, and flip flops--which kill my feet now.

[@nikkibee187]

@@kowaljanowski And it all looks like they did a bunch of research about what every little thing they should be wearing for each event should be and what exact brand it should be.

[@lazarossiskopoulos2591]

As a (Greek)-American expat living in Ireland, after a couple weeks I could for sure spot the Americans everywhere I went.. we definitely stand out but what's interesting is it kind of depends where in America you are from.. some Americans are much better at blending in and staying low key than others (looking at you NYers.. the easiest Americans to spot!).

[@doctorj6030]

The Swedish Chef😅😅😅😅😅

[@MikeO_35]

The language thing is very important IMO. Whenever I travel to a country where English is not the primary language I always try to learn the basics - please, thank you, two beers please, etc. To not do so not only pegs you as an American it’s just, basically, impolite. Even if you butcher the pronunciation the locals appreciate the attempt and will generally open up. The only country I couldn’t pull that off was the Netherlands. That language is absolutely impenetrable!

[@joehoe222]

Nah, it's not that. We just speak English so well, we go English to have a better quality conversation.

[@memorandom7484]

You don't need to look for them, you'll hear them from 50 feet away.

[@philbuarque]

...the surprised look on their face about size of the portions of food when they arrive at the table... LOL

[@monicaolssonkolkman4424]

Switching knife and fork is the main thing for me. I was in Venice recently and it became almost a sport to guess who was American (if you couldn't hear them speak...). If they where eating with their fork in their right hand... you knew. And, God forbid, with their other hand on their lap under the table. That last thing is, as far as I know (I am swedish/dutch), just NOT DONE in most European countries, almost a taboe... Maybe an old custom: " always show both your hands". Maybe they have a weapon under the table. Or worse: doing something undecent... So my advice to Americans who don't want to stand out; both hands on the table in the restaurant! I like your videos, the are so spot on!

[@JustMe-sh8nd]

i am Dutch and raised with this etiquette about not having your elbows on table, I actually do find it very uncomftable to eat like that, oke when you have both knife and fork it just hapens to not have your elbow on the table. But in case there is nothing more to cut (like the meat is finished and just eating some fries or anything else that is already small on your plate I do put down my knife and put fork in right hand with my left arm laying on the table in line with my body to lean on it.. it is just so more comfartable eating. The etiquette is invented in the middle ages for the rich to feel themself above the peasants. Just stupid to have an uncomfartable posture

[@gentronseven]

Do people eat with their fork in their left hand even if they aren't using a knife? If I'm using a knife I solely use the fork in my left hand and the knife in the right without switching but if I am not using the knife I will use my right hand. I am American but I didn't feel like the fork and knife thing described what I did but I've never really thought about it.

[@UniversityOfTurmoil]

A middle aged person with shiny new white trainers is normally something that screams 'Americans'. (I assume that many people buy new comfy shoes as they are expecting to do more walking than at home). Another one in the UK is spotting an American by the look of disappointment when they only get one ice cube in their drink. :)

[@babsr8479]

I prefer less ice and often ask for little or no ice. It waters down the drink.

[@gumerzambrano]

I'm assuming trainers are gym shoes

[@fixpacifica]

Why isn't my beer cold?

[@lezlier.6679]

I don’t think so. Well, maybe years ago. White trainers have been on trend for several years and aren’t going anywhere soon. And all age groups wear them. Europeans have embraced them too but probably not so much big bulky huge ones 😊

[@enjoystraveling]

@@gumerzambrano yes

[@sula1529]

The baseball caps. The white teeth. The plastic surgery on the women. They seem to have a calm demeanour and walk slowly.That's what i have noticed Also they seem genuinely interested in everything and help us to see our own places with new fresh eyes and wonder and that's really lovely IMO

[@Phiyedough]

Yes, the teeth are a definite give away!

[@carlfromtheoc1788]

I can say I do none of those things, I try to blend, but the cargo shorts give me away, but I need the pockets for stuff. I keep my water bottles (I buy a couple bottles of water and keep refilling them from the tap - unless it is someplace where you cannot/should not drink the tap water) and snacks in my packpack. The best was ordering a couple of croissants in Cannes and the nice lady behind the counter starts having a conversation with me - mainly because I looked like a friend of hers and ordered properly. I was with a friend who was born and raised in France who bailed us out. We all had a good laugh. I eat locally, go to local grocery stores, drink local beer, etc. I mean if I wanted an American experience I would stay home. The best was a kebab vendo worried that the spicy sauce would be too spicy. It was not. Damn fine kebab too.

[@matthiggins6750]

One of the style features not mentioned, at least for American men, is that American men tend to have shorter haircuts.

[@gumerzambrano]

Hm interesting. We do love out fades

[@keith96969]

It’s strange when I was Uk and Ireland i didn’t wanna interact with Americans. However, when I was in Paris I was so glad to talk with a lady from Wisconsin on the metro hear a non French accent. We gave each other tips for Paris. I am also a very loud speaking Canadian.

[@jennyoshea1958]

Mark is so funny 😂

[@fredparker7403]

Canadian here. On a trip to Dublin, I was sitting in a hotel's bar, having a beer. This guy comes in wearing a brand new Aran sweater. Before he had a chance to say anything, I looked at him and said, "Hi. What part of the States are you from?" Guy looks at me and says, "How did you know?"

[@gentronseven]

Having visited Canada I'd have an awfully hard time telling any of you apart from Americans besides that they stop you all for smuggling at the border and not the Americans 😁, although I live in an area that apparently has the same accent not far away.

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, awesome video

[@richardbradley1598]

Sports sunglasses worn over a baseball cap

[@lisac6139]

That's it!

[@thomasschumacher5362]

Sunglasses on top of the head Australian

[@shawnk9016]

Another way to spot an American in Europe is that when we are at the airport either arriving or departing we’re most likely wearing sweatpants, sweatshirts and sneakers. just very casual

[@picobello99]

And taking of their shoes at security.

[@xoseanaxo5538]

@@picobello99we have to do it here in America

[@enjoystraveling]

I never wear sweatpants sweatshirts at the airport and I’m American, I don’t dress really fancy, but I do dress casual, but not sporty.

[@toddjones1403]

Seen at Disney. A British family dressed head to toe in their favorite football club uniform. Easy to spot each other. Genius.

[@starflowers88]

So Sziget Festival just finished yesterday in Budapest, and a couple of days ago I was at a supermarket nearby (Auchan Óbuda) and walking through (hell, coz I hate to buy grociaries lol) I have encountered several people speaking in foreign languages. The only lady that was louder than all the other ones was American (based on her accent in my ears, and maybe from New York, I dunno) and at some point I was even looking at her and her group like why was she so loud. I wish I had gone to and greated her and her friends (and the others in her group were most likely not Americans coz they were not as loud as her and had different accent too) hahahha. Americans are good people and I never had bad experience with them. Love you guys from Hungary!

[@solracer66]

The NY Yankees cap thing is so true! I noticed that on my last trip to France and Spain so it's good to have confirmation of my observation.

[@ronweasley1354]

I think the phone thing is more a lack of an international phone plan in Europe. I know when I’m there I just turn airplane mode on the entire time so anywhere I can get Wi-Fi I’ll use the hell out of my phone since I’m not sure when the next time I’ll be able to use it will be.

[@lambertois11]

In Europe, several hotels have a buffet breakfast included in the price of the room. When you are looking at an empty table with plenty of left-over food in the plates, who was sitting there ? Americans ! Americans have this bad habit of wasting food ! Wasting food is a shame !

[@DawnPaschal]

Yes, many Americans are terrible when it comes to wasting food, and it annoys me greatly (American here). My parents and grandparents lived through the Depression, so taking only what will be eaten, cleaning my plate, and saving the leftovers to eat later was drummed into me as a child. And speaking of European hotel breakfasts: they are wonderful, and FAR superior to what is typically offered here in the States by our hotels (unless it's something more upscale). My husband and I always look forward to breakfast in Europe.

[@frednich9603]

Took a survey at dinner. I'm the only one in my family that doesn't swap hands when I eat. Fork starts and stays in my left hand, and the knife is in my right

[@akirak1871]

I was shocked by that one. I've never really watched how other people eat, but is that something they do? It seems incredibly odd to be. I'm left handed, so maybe it's easier for me to just have the fork on the left, knife on the right, and just shovel it in with the fork.

[@eaglenoimoto]

The random "Hello, I'm from America" is so weird (especially since we usually heard them talk and know full well they are) 😂 I always imagine being on the NY subway, turning to a random stranger and going "By the way, I'm German" 😅 Pulling into a random gas station small town America going "Hallo, I'm from Germany". Visiting the walk of fame "Hey guys, I'm from Germany" 😂 I mean, what am I supposed to do with that information (and I'm not even a grumpy German, I've been socialised in the UK and am also familiar with Latino chatiness)?!?

[@djm58sk]

In the immortal words of Dean Wormer, "Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son."

[@williammatthews4491]

english?

[@RandolphStranz]

I no longer drink and my IQ is in the 130s, two out of three ain't bad...

[@linuxman7777]

In Japan, I found that the people who wanted to hang out with me the most, generally wore flashier clothes and/or Baseball Caps. I think that these people are more inspired by America. I as an American do dress quite plainly, alot of blues and grays but I do wear baseball caps alot, not because I am balding, but because I have curly, hard to manage hair. I do get alot of my clothes from Uniqlo like the Japanese do.

[@donaldanderson6604]

I have travelled much in Europe and I'm afraid the clothes are the main giveaway. City dwellers in Europe wear black or muted colours.

[@zazubombay]

The same is true in New York City. Out-of-towners are easy to spot.

[@babsr8479]

In Paris this past June I noted bright summer colors on many woman.

[@kowaljanowski]

Colours are fine, just pump up your game a bit more out of the athletic clothes and you will be able to blend in (which has a big value: if your posture doesn't scream: I'm a tourist, you are more difficult to be sotted by scammers:) )

[@babsr8479]

@@kowaljanowski no athletic wear here

[@gumerzambrano]

I've never been to Europe but want to understand why someone wouldn't want to wear comfy clothes with Crocs for daily activities. Like who cares what people think. What matters is feeling good

[@HaMMatthews]

Hey Mark! Thanks for pointing out the accent thing - as an Aussie it's something I personally find rude and belittling. It seems to be a North American thing generally - I lived in Vancouver, Canada for years and would have random people including customers at work and waiters serving me start trying to mimic me. I hate it! I *do* love the American friendliness though! It's always a great chat when running into Americans overseas.

[@stephenclegg5163]

As an Englishman, I had the same experience in a restaurant in Austin TX. The waiter thought we were putting on a "posh" accent. When he found that were really European visitors, he apologized and gave us a free desert. For his good manners he got a good tip.

[@shawna620]

While in Botswana years ago, my sister & I were greeted with a 'Hello" we answered back with "Hi" & were immediately told we must be Americans. How did they know we asked, because we'd said "Hi". Dead giveaway-- I guess.

[@jasonkrick1614]

When you live in a very touristy city. It’s pretty easy to spot which country people are from. Not just Americans.

[@brentsummers7377]

The knife and fork thing was a surprise to me. Most of the other things I knew about.😂

[@AtheistOrphan]

Watch a meal scene in an American film, it’s quite a revelation!

[@cbfranke66]

I have 2. The first one is being unaware of the bike lanes and standing in the bike lanes while waiting for a bus. The second is one you mentioned. The loudness. I was watching a train video on KZbin and the train was approaching Gard Nord and you can hear a load conversation in the back ground and my first thought was they must be from the US.

[@Anshelm77]

0:31 I don't travel at all, but based on my home town experiences I would add China to that list. At the very least there's no risk of mistaking them for Japanese.

[@sswaffensturm664]

I agree with the loudness and complaining about small things. Need to realize that you are in a different country with its own identity, culture and ways.

[@BH6242KCh]

Travel across the ocean to experience something different and then complain that things are different.

[@Chowtime5481]

As an American, I find that traveling to Europe feels like a little piece of heaven. One of the things I appreciate is that there’s no need to greet strangers with a nod, a wave, or even a simple 'hello' when passing them on the street. It's a refreshing change from the social expectations back home, where casual greetings are more common.

[@deadzio]

And you dont have to tip everything and everyone. No need to tip at all 😋😋

[@quinquiry]

I was told , nobody greets you in NYC streets !

[@lisac6139]

We only greet when we pass each other in the evening. It's a sign we're not dangerous.

[@markantony3875]

You must not be from the Northeast US. You will not get a nod, wave, or hello in any city from PA to New England by strangers. Even in the so called "friendly" cities in the region. You might, however, get a F off...

[@quinquiry]

@@markantony3875 so when you say "hello" in the US , you may get a F off ? ?? sad country ....

[@svenlindemann5084]

As an American German living for 25 years in the State of Hawai’i, I can clearly state, that there are not much of Aloha spirit on both, American and European side ! As I was born and raised in Germany, I can’t recall, that a shop merchant ever said t”thank you” when I paid for my groceries, or even going in a shop, rudely ask : “What do you want “ 🤣 I admit, that was quite a while ago ! None tipping Europeans/Germans, they are paid full salary + health insurance, unlimited sick days and vacation days, went to at least 3 years of training ( and yes as a waiter too). They expect the same in the US too…..but, that is the big difference amongst cultures, as we say in German “Andere Laender, andere Sitten !

[@JED-v8q]

Nicht alle Kellner im Restaurant sind ausgebildete Kellner, Einkäufer sei denn man geht in ein Sternerestaurant. Wer soll denn das Gehalt bezahlen? Das war vielleicht vor 30-40 Jahren so, aber heutzutage kann man froh sein, wenn wenigstens der Koch eine abgeschlossene Ausbildung hat.

[@alyssachey8417]

😂 great list!

[@sandraconn2511]

American flag clothing, not just small emblem, but an entire shirt that is the American flag. I don't see other countries doing that.

[@jamesgough3938]

This is pretty accurate. Far too many Americans think you want to hear all about their politics etc in a restaurant. Try learning the word "demure" and applying it.

[@MissDuke2012]

The only times that politics have been thrown down by throat when traveling have always been by Europeans blaming ME. As if I’m in charge of America. Lol! The latest was by two local Viennese guys at a sandwich joint/bar. International students at Europeans Universities love to do this too.

[@joserodri1965]

Athletic Wear so ghetto lol on my last trip to Italy I saw a man wearing an Eagles hat, I asked him if he was from Philly lol, indeed!

[@radboy707]

One of the benefits of being Left handed is that we do not switch hands with our knife and fork when we eat. We Blend…lol

[@deadzio]

Im left handed and i hold fork in right hand and hold knife in left hand

[@pavelgl5926]

Americans are great people. I like your small talk and smiles :) If you are traveling on a city or bus tour with random people and meet a group of American tourists, often it will be much easier and more fun to talk to the Americans than to people from your group.

[@zoisk5718]

5 minutes after they sit on a table in a restaurant "Where is my food? I wanna speak to the manager!" Yeah Americans! 😂😂

[@enzof6489]

Dead giveaways: asking for take away coffee; hoodies; and the shock of seeing people of all income brackets using public transport instead of being enslaved to a car.

[@charlesrorke2575]

"enslaved to a car?"

[@tedsteiner]

​@@charlesrorke2575I take it you're not American 😅

[@freakishuproar1168]

You're a source of international insight, as always Wolter :D I might be stating the blinkin' obvious, but I genuinely think most interactions between tourists and locals has far more to do with the tolerance levels of the native and the common courtesy of the visitor. As inhabitants and outsiders alike we're all in the habit of doing and thinking things that we're unaware of, and I do think we all have responsibility to learn what is the norm of place we're guests in, and conversely we locals need to have an understanding that not everyone instinctively gets "our way" of doing things. I honestly think 99% of bad tourist problems could be easily resolved if some people on both sides stopped being quite so self-righteous and sheltered.

[@cketts8128]

I’m a Brit and have just got back from Sweden and Amsterdam….in Sweden I didn’t see many Americans at all. (Loved Sweden by the way…just wonderful - I watched some of your Swedish videos before which was very useful). We visited friends there and they loved ‘doing the Swedish chef’ themselves and laughed their heads off 😂 but I would never mention that with strangers. However, in Amsterdam, we went to the Anne Frank museum and there was a huge group of Americans behind us in the queue for the introduction talk and they were so noisy and clearly hadn’t stopped to see the sign that read about being quiet (in English) that some people actually ‘shhh’d’ them so the guide could speak. I just think some Americans (because they don’t travel as much as Europeans do) feel the world should be the same as the States. Got to say when some Brits go to Spain as such they are appalling also! 🙄🧡💚

[@karenb2782]

Your videos are the best!

[@joannunemaker6332]

I enjoyed this video. Very interesting topic.😊❤

[@renferal5290]

I did rather well when I was in Rome. I was walking down the street and a gentlemen in a car starting speaking to me in Italian. I assume that he was asking directions to somewhere. Told him I don't speak Italian. Made him laugh. I looked into what people wear in France and Italy before I went there so that I would blend in. No one knew where I was from until I opened my mouth LOL

[@erykszymanski9167]

As an American, I have never even contemplated putting down my knife and switching my fork to my right hand. Is this something most of us actually do? Have I just not noticed other people doing this?

[@andyinsdca]

There are videos about how this mannerism developed; the Euros did it one way, Americans another, then we effectively switched. (I eat this way, too)

[@nikkibee187]

I learned to eat with my left hand because I am left-handed. Theoretically, it should have also been hard for me to cut right handed, but I also had no issues with this and holding a fork in my right hand feels very weird and foreign to me. So although I grew up in the U.S, the European way is more comfortable for me.

[@kotor610]

I think it was an etiquette way of slowing down eating.

[@user-qy4ov8dp5y]

@@nikkibee187 Аз също си служа предимно с лявата ръка и ми беше лесно от дете да усвоя етикета за ползването на нож с дясната. Но и десняците могат да се научат, въпрос на практика. Също като свиренето на пиано, където дясната ръка е водеща, но постепенно свикнах и сега тя е по-силната. Като европейка ми е странна смяната на приборите в ръцете по време на хранене, което е типично за американците. Според мен е по-неудобно и създава известен хаос на масата в присъствието на други хора.

[@rileywhittenberger5258]

I just came back from Norway/Sweden and we tried to be good representatives of America and we succeeded by being nice, courteous, and open to conversation which once you break the ice many were open to do. Did we dress American? Yes we did in a casual way.. Sometimes we felt underdressed because they dress so nice BUT it is what it is. Proud to be American but I didn't boast that while there.

[@deadzio]

How did you feel you dont have to tip everywhere 😂😂

[@rileywhittenberger5258]

@@deadzio , that is what I was told, no tip BUT if the service was very good I still would at some spots. It's all good

[@emilykochetta119]

I was in Bordeau and noticed a French woman with a Yankee ball cap on backwards, and I thought, "Is she trying to look American?!"

[@TheMastermind729]

@@emilykochetta119 i was in France visiting my gf and the amount of yankee caps I saw was insane, I’m from NJ so the Yankees are our team and i do not see that many here. My gf didn’t even know that the Yankees were a baseball team, she just thought that it was a fashion brand or something, guarantee you that girl you saw probably thinks the same thing.

[@juliewalsh7401]

I agree with everything! As an American😅 but as for the phone thing, if the menu is not in English our phones can easily translate and help with the language!

[@Ethantreadway8483]

Ebonics is your native tongue. Lol

[@thisforestspice]

Clothing choice of Americans abroad: dad sneakers or very bright colourful sneakers (e.g. pink fluo)

[@m.m.4645]

The cutlery thing is so spot on!!!! We travel a lot on American ships and what you can see in the Main Dining Room or in a Speciality Restaurant makes you cry! Hardly anybody can use silverware with both hands. They cut all their meat into small pieces as if they want to feed toddlers, then put the knife aside, grab the fork with the hand that just put down the knife and then it starts. Shoveling all the veggies (mist be just decoration!) to the side of the plate, only concentrate on the meat/fish/seafood and potato. Poking the items with the fork, chasing it all over the plate, then bringing it to the mouth, opening as if there is no limit and shoveling, yes shoveling the food in. Topped by talking to their table companion with mouth open while chewing. Yes, I watch from the table nearby. And always in disbelief on how it is done. At least they use their cutlery "part time" - - in the buffet Restaurant the people eat often finger food like burgers and chips, because cutlery is too much work????

[@enjoystraveling]

I think you’re only noticing the Americans that never learned table manners from their parents. :)

[@truepeacenik]

I, raised in the US, had rehab from an interesting hand injury in England. So, I use cutlery in their fashion 99 percent of the time. My partner, US raised but far more traveled than I, does the standard American back and forth. Watching servers watching us was hilarious.

[@themadrose4334]

What a disdainful tone for someone not using a fork in the same manner you do. Very bizarre thing to be dismayed about

[@kristinaharper7496]

The fork and knife thing is so true!!!

[@bossillini4674]

I appreciate all of the international dishes you partake of on your trips that results in that manly American physique you are rocking. LOL

[@moonlightray8493]

If you think Americans are on their phones a lot, you should see how obssessed the Chinese are! It's completely socially acceptable to be playing a game/making a call/checking your messages when in the company of someone else, and there are literally rentable charging packs at every other restaurant/store to support the constant phone usage. Sometimes I think that my relatives have their smartphones glued to their hand or something, lol...

[@kowaljanowski]

Mark, what's the amazing food you showed after the cutlery bit? Looks so amazing I want to go to that restaurant immediately.

[@marilynsue4273]

In Hawaii the locals are speeding and the tourists drive slow. You can get a genuine smile by pulling over and letting the speedy ones go by.

[@jumbowana]

It's easy to spot me. I'm wearing the flag shirt with an exploding bald eagle on it.

[@m420-nd1if]

You are the worst 😂

[@theorderofthebees7308]

Lol

[@oldbittercraig3513]

Yankees hats ... Oh dear god. Right on the mark, uh, Mark. Did an extended trip through Europe last year, July->October and if I had a dollar for each NY lid I saw, it would have paid for each and every meal we ate in the Italian portion of our trip.

[@DawnPaschal]

I always try to learn some basic words and phrases of the local language when I travel to Europe. It really does make a difference. I once got a big smile out of a woman in a small town in the Czech Republic when I said thank you. The same happened in a shop in Ghent when I thanked a lady in Flemish. I can speak some French, so when a friend (he has also studied it) and I bought items from a ceramic artist in Chinon who did not speak English, he and I teamed up during the sales. She was delighted with our efforts.

[@kowaljanowski]

Also coffe to go. We get coffee to go if we are on a rush, for example to work, but American never seem to want to enjoy beautiful coffee places and drinking from the porcelain XD rushing with coffe to go even though they are on holidays

[@Phiyedough]

Yes, living life at a breakneck pace is another give away!

[@observer3232]

European coffee is served in such small cups it can be easily consumed in five minutes if you're in a rush.

[@MB-qx9vn]

I’ve never been more embarrassed as an American as when I saw a couple of American guys get on a train in Japan. They immediately started talking obnoxiously loud, cussing, and swinging around annoying everyone on the train. Ugh. I always remember that when traveling internationally and try to behave. We are a guest- act like it! You wouldn’t want a European coming over to America and acting poorly.

[@GeoNaumov]

TOP VIDEO! PERFECT TOPIC!

[@XaloGunner]

When we were at Stonhenge in 2019 and were getting some things from the gift shop, I did an Americanism with asking for a double bagged item and apologized to the cashier and commented to her that Americans must be the most difficult, obnoxious people to deal with as tourists. And she told me that it was actually usually (in her experience) Chinese folks...lots of them and just totally different habits/customs/social rules. Then the rest of that week in England I could start to see her point at the places we would visit. It's in the eye of the beholder, I guess is what I'd say. Just try to be excellent to everyone wherever you go and try to adopt little bits of language, customs and so on!

[@annfrancoole34]

Why do Americans wear baseball caps in doors.

[@ingemebius8493]

We came across a American lady in Porto. She was brutal, we were talking to a shop owner about the product we were buying and te American lady thought well i am important and want to behelped at once no matter what. And she stepped in front of us. And in Dublin youre fellow Americans asked me which country I am from . I answered “the Netherlands”. She did not recognized it. So i toll her “Holland”. And than she told me : so you don’t know where you are from. I found her very rude..

[@JustMe-sh8nd]

Je hebt die voordringer toch wel even goed op plaats gezet zoals een echter Nederlander behoort te doen 😉

[@nikkibee187]

I'm actually a very quiet-spoken person as an American and before I met my fiance received feedback from Europeans like, "Wow! I'm so surprised you aren't loud! Every American I have encountered was super loud! I can barely hear you." But my fiance is a foot taller than me and has a slight hearing loss issue from being a live musician, so I have to yell in public settings where there's lots of conversations going on for him to hear me, and now everyone just thinks it's because I'm an obnoxious American. :(

[@sunflowerfields4409]

:(

[@DavidNewmanDr]

Thet's why | got a hearing aid, so others didn't have to speak so loudly.

[@nikkibee187]

@@DavidNewmanDr Yeah, he has a lot of medical problems I wish he would get on top of. Men not wanting to go to the doctor seems to be a universal thing.

[@enjoystraveling]

Could you just whisper right directly into his then instead of shouting?

[@nikkibee187]

@@enjoystraveling I mean, that's the first thing I have tried, but even without background noise he can't hear when I whisper at all. We were out with his father the other day and we were having a conversation and he was yelling basically, and didn't realize it. He thought he was speaking at a normal volume. I really think it's hearing issues and not being willing to get that checked out.