The Rudest Things You Can Do When Visiting Another Country

"The experience of COVID lockdowns and border closures over the past couple of years has given many Americans a newfound appreciation for the privilege of international travel. This summer, the tourism industry saw a huge rebound in the form of "revenge travel" to far-off places. Unfortunately, Americans don't have the best reputation as tourists abroad. But that doesn't mean you have to add to the "ugly American" stereotype as you reenter the international travel game."

""It is imperative to avoid an egocentric view of the world while traveling," travel blogger Rocky Trifari told HuffPost. "You should always mind your manners abroad because etiquette can differ from one country to the next. Though the intricacies and nuances of every culture may feel intimidating, there are some fundamental etiquette principles that can guide each trip. An easy way to approach etiquette abroad is to think about what not to do.""

"With that in mind, we asked etiquette experts and travel professionals to share some common rude behaviors they've observed from tourists in foreign countries and lend their advice for avoiding these faux pas. "While specific etiquette rules may differ around the world, good manners is universal," said Nick Leighton, an etiquette expert and co-host of the "Were You Raised by Wolves?" podcast. "Treating people with kindness and respect translates into every language.""

After COVID lockdowns and border closures, Americans embraced international "revenge travel," producing a strong tourism rebound. Many Americans carry a poor tourist reputation, but adopting respectful behavior can prevent reinforcing the "ugly American" stereotype. Travelers should avoid egocentric perspectives, learn local customs, and mind manners because etiquette varies by country. Practical steps include learning basic local language phrases, not assuming English proficiency, avoiding speaking louder to be understood, and using polite words like "please" and "thank you." Universal kindness and respect improve interactions and travel experiences across cultures.

Read at HuffPost