How obnoxious are you?
When you travel to a different country do you take the time to research local customs, like tipping suggestions, beforehand? Do you try to learn a couple phrases in the local language? Do look for and enjoy the opportunity to learn about a new city and culture, or complain that it’s not “like home?” A recent survey by the French travel website, Expedia.fr, found that the Ugly American may have been surpassed by the Foul French.
More than 4,000 hotel employees in six different countries were asked questions like which tourists, by nationality, were interested in trying local dishes, speaking the local language and their tendency to complain. They were also asked to rank the nationalities in terms of cleanliness, generosity and general attitude.
Out of the 21 nations worldwide, France placed 19th, above only Indians and Chinese. Other European travelers seem to be more well-liked with Germans in second and British in third. Canadians came in fourth, while Americans came in 11th. The Japanese were rated the best tourists. Other interesting results were that Americans were the most likely to spend money and the best tippers; with Germans and the French pinching their pennies. Americans were also the most likely to attempt to speak the local language while the French and Italians were least likely.
Officials at Expedia.fr say some of the results can be reflected on the natural surroundings of the home countries. Americans typically get 14 days of holiday a year, while the French enjoy 37. That means folks from the US are more willing to blow their wad on a one or two week holiday, while the French need to make their holiday Euros stretch a little farther.
If you are interested in reading more, Time.com has an article.
2 opinions for How obnoxious are you?
Jackie Dishner
Aug 13, 2008 at 1:18 am
I’m not so sure those numbers reflect that Americans are willing to “blow their wad,” as you say, on one or two weeks. I think we spend our money on lots of smaller vacations on the weekends. We might still take the long vacation, but we also splurge on those long weekends, too.
I’m glad to hear we’re more inclined to learn, or attempt to speak, another country’s language. It’s nice to know we’re open-minded. I’d like to think I am.
Jackie
Jacy Meyer
Aug 13, 2008 at 8:25 am
It is interesting to learn how different countries view basic things, like holiday time. Americans to Europeans to Asians all have differing ideas of what a holiday, and traveling in general should be.
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