Never mind your travel mate; they are probably staring into their phone just as much. Why is it Americans spend so much time with their phones? Is it because our wireless plans offer unlimited data? Cell phones are important to people around the world, but for some reason, Americans are a little more obsessed about using them.
We spent hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to travel to foreign countries, and what do we do when we get there? Spend our precious travel time glued to the phone while new art and culture pass us by. That seems totally logical.
You Packed the Kitchen Sink
There’s plenty of space in the bag; why not use it? Americans go big. When it comes to packing, they bring everything, just in case. Some will carry several bulging bags, while others will drag around a suitcase twice their size. It’s one of the most obvious ways to spot a Yank abroad, and if you don’t care about that, it’s much easier on your back to packing sensibly.
If you see someone in the airport that looks like they’ve packed for a month-long caravan, they’re probably an American. From multiple checked bags to backpacks that make your spine ache, we’re not great at the concept of packing lightly.
You’re Tactless
One of the traits that pigeonhole us as Americans is crass behavior while out sightseeing. In some countries, it is considered rude to wear overly casual attire to a religious monument. Americans don’t care. To them, it’s just another tourist stop. Another way Americans are rude is they joke disrespectfully about a culturally important site.
It turns out that people aren’t crazy about it when Americans make fun of their deeply held cultural customs. But we’ve never let human decency get in the way of a good punch line. If you're gonna crack jokes, at least make sure they're hilarious!
You're Obsessed With Selfies
You brought your selfie stick, you’re constantly stretching your arm out for a quick pic, or you’re posting them to social media. Selfies are a thing. At first, it would be an easy way to spot an American abroad. They take, on average, 500 selfies per year! But Europeans aren’t far behind. In Spain, they are just as obsessed, taking about 700 selfies a year. In the U.K., however, they keep it under 500.
Americans and non-Americans alike use photos to mark special occasions, and there’s nothing wrong with that! But if you’re whipping out the selfie stick nonstop, you might be an American.
You're Wealthy and You Know It
Wealthy or not, Americans are sure to flaunt it. They carry Louis Vuitton bags, wear shirts with designer labels sewn onto the front, and don sparkling jewelry. There are plenty of ways to showcase the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Not all Americans are so flashy, but it is a definite fashion trend—the glitz of Vegas and the glamour of Hollywood.
Flaunting luxury is America’s primary pastime--and it does not rest even when we go on vacation. At best, this is insulting to the people around you; at worst, you’re making yourself a magnet for pickpockets. "The White Lotus" was made for a reason.