Not That A**hole American


Raise your hand is you’ve ever heard that Americans are super rude when we travel! *All hands raise* Good! That is the first step in our journey to not be dick wagons when traveling abroad! 

This post is going to be a little off brand for me, but I cannot stress enough how important it is to understand social etiquette when traveling abroad. Now, I can’t say anything about etiquette in other European countries nor can I claim to be an expert in British etiquette, but today I’m going to share a few things that I have learned during my research and trip, that way if you ever find yourself in London you aren’t completely stranded looking like a jack-ass. And I am aware plenty of this is going to sound like common sense. If it does, good for you for being a socially adept individual! If not, listen up butter cup. 

First:
It’s pretty likely that in the city you will be using public transportation like the Underground and the Bus. I don’t know who has the money to Uber or taxi everywhere but I certainly don’t. If you plan on taking the tube you definitely want to download the TubeMap app to your smart phone. It will not only alert you to when trains will be at which stations but it will help you plan your route so you don’t end up on the wrong side of the city. Which I totally didn’t do three or four times. While on the tube and bus it is expected to keep conversation at a moderate volume. You by no means are expected to be silent, but being rowdy will definitely call attention to yourself as a foreigner and make you a target for pick-pocketing.

Second:
When dinning in restaurants only tip is service is absolutely mind blowing, otherwise it is seen as rude. They actually pay their employees enough to live without tips and tipping implies that the person looks poor. Also, avoid splitting checks if you can, but if you need to let your server know when you are seated. Do not take leftovers. They will not have boxes. It can be seen as rude to chef that you won’t eat it how they prepared it and want to go home and microwave it instead.

Third: 
These aren’t really etiquette rules but a few tips to keep you happier on your trip so you aren’t a cranky dickhead. Starting with accepting that your sleep schedule is going to get messed up. It’ll make it easier later. If you have an over-night flight try to sleep as much as you can. Do not nap your first day and try not to fall asleep till at least 8:30 or else you’re going to be up at four in the morning. I repeat DO NOT NAP on the first day. Also, be nice to yourself, don’t go to sleep at 2AM if you have to up for the changing of the guard at 7:25. Be sure to pack healthy snacks for the plane. Dried fruit, nuts, Chex mix, and crackers are my go to choices 
Pack an empty water bottle to take through airport security and customs to get water later.
Drink Lots of Water!!! Eat fruits and vegetables. The fiber will help you feel better after a long flight .


But most importantly you are traveling to have new experiences. Try new things, meet new people, and make friends. It is in your best interest to ingratiate yourself in the culture you are visiting and you will have much more fun if you do. 

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