30 Folks Online Share Things That No Tourist In America Should Under Any Circumstances Do
Not too long ago, we have covered the issue of tourists not really understanding the limits and restrictions of the place they are visiting, i.e. Hawai’i, and then causing a lot of trouble along the way, leading to all of the reasons why Hawai’ians don’t really want visitors any more.
So, why not get ahead of things and nail down some of the actions, behaviors and… things to not do while visiting the U.S., as shared by folks on AskReddit, particularly in this modest thread.
Bored Panda has crafted a curated list with some of the best responses to the now viral question, if visiting America, what is something that [people] should NEVER do?, which you can check out below. And don’t forget to give us those upvotes if you genuinely agree or like the submissions, because we love you, and comment some of your don’ts in the U.S. in the comment section below.
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Don’t talk about how you think a holiday or American custom is stupid if you are invited to someone’s home. We had a guest from Germany once, who was invited to my parents house for Thanksgiving . The whole day she talked about how it wasn’t a real holiday and it was just an excuse for fat Americans to eat more. It was extremely insulting and made the day unpleasant for everyone. If you are invited to someone’s home, at least try to to be polite.
If you find yourself in Florida, absolutely do not swim in the lakes, ditches, or channels. Any standing body of water can (and does) have alligators in it. Also possibly water moccasins. And maybe even diseases.
Do NOT go into the wilderness unprepared. If a trail says 2 miles and 2000' of elevation gain, that's not a nature walk.
Do NOT approach wild Animals. Yea, the moose looks big and stupid, but he'll kill you. So will the bears, mountain lions, alligators, snakes.
Have a cousin lives in anchorage Alaska. He sent me a pic of a moose laying in the yard across the street. I said oh, it's like on northern exposure (a television show on at the time.). He said no. His was a city moose. The moose on NE was a country moose. I asked what's the difference. He said city moose are somewhat used to people around and tend to be not aggressive. The country moose will just flat out kill you.
Don't underestimate the size of the U.S. We get a lot of international visitors who think they can hit Disneyworld and the Grand Canyon in one or two days. America is huge. We've got 50 states for a reason.
Also, don't expect things to be extremely walkable, or assume a decent public transportation system will be available to you. Urban areas usually have good public transport but truthfully, America is built around having a car. We have drive thru everything - banks, pharmacies, fast food, and in some states, liquor stores.
Don't get weirded out if Americans wave and randomly want to chat you up. We're a pretty talkative bunch, but do watch out for hot-button topics (for example, politics...we're a hot mess right now).
Also don't assume that because of where you are people aren't friendly. Us New Yorkers are assumed to be assholes but really we're not all bad.
Underestimate distances. When I was a tour guide, far too many customers asked how many HOURS the train to New York was [in seattle] and I had to put their jaw back in when I said 5 days.
I think Europeans are just unaware of how massive the US as a single country really is. I have a friend in the UK whose mind was blown when he realized that Paris is a hundred miles closer to him in Manchester than I am in northern Arizona to Bakersfield, CA where my kid's best friend lives.
Whether you agree with it or not (and the Redditland consensus is not), but please do not leave a restaurant without tipping (unless you've had really bad service). Again, the debate on this can be had another day, but right now, IRL, these servers depend upon these tips.
Punishing your server will not cause his employer to suddenly begin paying a living wage.
Wear clothing that has any imagery associated with Hells Angels. I was once at the convention centre in San Francisco during the setup of an event, and happened to be wearing a t shirt that had a variation of the “death head” logo on it (I had no idea - it was a cheap t shirt bought in the U.K. that I liked the look of). There was a guy riding round on a fork lift that kept staring at me and talking to his buddies. Eventually he came over and asked if I was associated at all with the Hells Angels. When I said no, he basically told me that if I was spotted outside wearing that t shirt by a member of the gang, I’d be in a whole heap of trouble. He was so insistent that he virtually escorted me back to my hotel to change it. At the time I couldn’t believe it, I was like “mate it’s just a t shirt I bought for 10 quid from TK Maxx” but in hindsight he probably did me a favour.
If pulled over by the cops, do not exit the vehicle unless they ask you to. The cops might sit in their vehicle for a while, & then they will approach the window & expect you to talk to them while sitting in the car.
If locals tell you not to go to a certain part of town, listen to them. Similarly, don't go touring drug or gang territory.
I'm going to restore that car so I can take my children on a great adventure in it. Then I will marry the daughter of the owner of the local candy factory.
Don’t talk about GRAPE
Guns
Religion
Abortion
Politics
Economics
Legoboy514 said:
Raccoons are cute… but from a distance.
seapancaketouchr replied:
I had two f*ckers break into my condo and steal my dogs food. And as they went over the wall of my patio it was like watching a fat middle aged man do an obstacle course.
Don't go to the hospital unless absolutely necessary. The memes don't lie, they'll charge you $2,100 for a s***ty Walgreens splint and an x-ray.
Aw that's how much my broken finger cost in 1999. Nice little clean break, go to hospital, get an xray, get a little $4 splint and a bill for $2100. I was a teen and learned that sometimes, if you think it's broken just wrap it up and don't do anything to worsen it. Hospitals are only for major health issues
That's why I took an additional insurance before visiting the US in 2016....
That's $2100 without health insurance. If you have insurance, the hospital will usually take $500 from the insurance company and call it even. What's the extra $1600 for? It's a service fee for gouging the helpless.
This is awful. With this and all the homelessness, riots etc the US may be rich but it's not yet as developed as much of the Western World..
That's okay, cause my virtually free health insurance actually covers healthcare abroad.
Or better, never ever travel to America without a travel insurance. A few hundred Euros a year can save you from a life's dept.
Most American Children are raised under the guise of "But did you die; then you'll live." ...and "Walk it off!"
So thankful I live in a country with free health care...the US system is so bad
I used to get really sick every winter as a kid. My parents would try to take me to a hospital when it got too bad (105+ fever, chills, horrible vomiting every half hour, not being able to estimate how much time has past, momentarily forgetting who I was, etc) but I would beg them not to because I felt guilty seeing my family struggle.
do not ride in an ambulance if you can be safely driven to the emergency room. The bill for a short ambulance ride can be $2800. Only use the ambulance if you are having a heart attack or some other emergency where you will pass out if you drive yourself. Also, someone have a heart attack, stroke, or bleeding profusely really does need the services of the EMTs. Otherwise, it is just an expensive cab ride. If you call for a cab ride and tell them you need to go to the hospital in an emergency, they will not take you as a passenger due to the extreme liabilities they have to take on. They will call an ambulance for you. Ouch$$$.
Don't be quick at all to jump in an ambulance unless you're in danger of dying from your illness or injuries. If you are NOT Admitted as an InPatient, you will be charged for the ambulance ride. Your insurance will pay Only if you are admitted. Their assumption is that since you were not admitted, you were not really I'll & you could have went in a car or taxi.
What if we ...means us people...build an hospital free every 25 KMs and slowly equip using donations with all lab equipment and provide outpatient support using doctors who are willing..sure we all may have some Dr. Friends or relatives or retired Drs who can be persuaded for few hours probably on rotation basis.. If someone can start a movement I am sure this will succeed...and each can have a pharmacy with low cost generic drugs and pharmacist can prepare some there itself.... This may look preposterous but when there is will then there is a way.... Only identified serious cases need to go to hospital and insurance
Urgent care clinics are more affordable cuz truth is I never got an x-ray at Walgreen's.
If you see the bone, can't stop the bleeding or feel like hurting yourself or others, please go to your nearest Emergency Department!!
Ooooh only $2,100??? Where is this affordable care at (HEAVY SARCASM).
WITH insurance and needed stitches - $50 per stitch and that’s without the sitting fee, admission fee, medical equip fees, etc. $3900 vs $7 medical grade “adhesive” aka super glue…. Get yourself some at a medical supply store and have a friend help.
Don't even get started on US medical costs!. I'm a (recently retired) doc. There is a medication (Prolia) for osteoporosis that costs $1500 (just for the medication, not giving the shot!), given every 6 months. If an MD gives the shot, Medicare pays $78 for the injection. But only if the doctor does "Buy & Bill" - meaning the doc buys the medication for $1500 or so, and then gets reimbursed. But reimbursement is given at the lowest level available in the US, so sometimes it's a few hundred $ less than the doc paid, but you do get $78. If a hospital does it, over and above the $1500 cost of the medicine is a charge of about $6300. They charge for a time-limited "admission" to a "private room" (multiple beds & chairs, but they do pull a curtain, just like CVS), an "examination" (BP check) and "labs" (a fingertip pulse oximeter you can buy for $35 at Amazon, but pay a couple of hundred bucks for this unnecessary measurement, irrelevant to getting a shot), then "observation"
i always feel like some kind of foreigner for these, and also exceptionally lucky. i have insurance, pretty basic medicaid, and i don't have to pay for anything except a couple of bucks here and there on my prescription meds. i've been to the ER multiple times in the last few years for UTIs, never had to worry about cost. and if i have a new health problem (i have several chronic conditions), i find a specialist who's covered (sometimes a bit of a chore, the insurance website isn't always current) and i go see them, no big deal.
I have spent the majority of my life without health insurance in the US. Superglue, rubbing alcohol, fish antibiotics, pharmacy bandages, sharp clean scissors, good tweezers, and kitchen utensils (big bendable metal spoons make decent splints) have got me through more situations than I can count. Not a sport I would suggest for amateurs. Get travel insurance if you can.
Def get travel insurance. Best to be prepared. Though I did get my hospital bill on a trip back home to the US completely written off. There are ways I think most 'citizens' are not readily aware of. I had forgotten to get travel ins and told the hospital I couldn't afford it. You better believe these ppl actually PAID weekly to send the bill BY MAIL all the way to Europe. I finally filled all their paperwork and they will request tax returns to prove you are below the income bracket (I am not in the country I am in but in US it is considered low income.. cost of living and all that) so I sent them my returns in the native language here and did not have them translated. They approved it and dropped the entire cost. It's a lot of hoops to jump through but I think most Americans are not even AWARE they are there to jump through to begin with.
And if you have to go, make sure you ask for an itemized list! You would not believe how much money you can save and how they try to shadily slid all these unnecessary expenses past you.
And if you have to go, ask for an itemized list of expenses! You would not believe how much can be argued or deducted because of that.
Here in Canada, we wouldn't go to the ER for a broken toe (for example); we'd go to a walk-in clinic for that. Most can do X-Rays now. And everything would be free. We go to the hospital ER for heart attacks, severe allergies, symptoms for something that's going around (like the scarlet fever in my case), car accidents, etc.
Gosh in the UK they rush their kids with a splinter in their finger or a graze on their knee these days. Of course children are seen first as well.
That's because we aren't terrified of medical debt in the UK. Of course, if you're worrying about the triage order, you probably shouldn't be in A&E in the first place.
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Visiting south west USA? Cali. Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, ect. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE HEAT, all to often people try a hike in 113° and end up needing rescue. And that's no good for anyone.
And don't UNDERESTIMATE it either! Northern Arizona is quite a bit cooler than southern Arizona, but it's just as dry and the sun is just as intense. HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE and either cover up or slather on that sunscreen or you'll end up rounding out your trip with a very expensive hospital bill.
Do not attempt bribe a police officer. It's common in some countries, but it will land you in a world of s**t here.
You can in many South American countries and Mexico. My dad has bribed himself out of many speeding tickets 😁
Don’t assume that the price shown on an item for sale is your price for said item.
There are almost always taxes that are added to the price when you go to pay.
If you’re in a New York City subway, try not to make too much eye contact or look too long at people around you. Old guy lighting up a crack pipe near the door between cars? Just ignore the smell. Woman near you screaming at the top of her lungs at her silent child? Keep listening to your music. Someone digging through their bag, muttering to themselves, and throwing rose petals on the floor like they’re preparing for a seance? Just keep staring blankly at your phone. Trust me.
This is the kind of post that reminds me why I want to leave society.
Give retail employees a hard time about paying sales tax. We know you don't live here—the register and the government don't care.
Don't think the laws are the same everywhere. You can walk with an open alcohol container in Vegas but not many other places. Alcohol laws, pot laws, firearms laws, smoking - lots of very different laws depending on the state and city where you are.
Always check first! And don't just ask a local... they might think they know but could be wrong. Google it and search that state's (and sometimes local) laws.
Don’t forget to put eggs and milk in the fridge. We do stuff to them that makes them require refrigeration.
Edited; it’s not homogenization. Just know that the way we process them makes them, much like Americans, spoiled without Air conditioning.
541mya said:
Don't take pictures with the people dressed up in costumes in LA/ NYC.
nsci2ece replied:
They'll immediately expect payment for it.
This only applies to photos where you pose directly with them. Taking photos of them from a distance is fine.
Also Vegas! I made a ton of money and I was on vacation. People just took pictures with me in my costume (nun outside but fishnets and leather & fishnet gloves, spiky heels) and was just passing me money I didn't know what was going on. Then realized that that was people's actual jobs!
If you are coming to the Midwest or northeast during winter be prepared and don’t think sunshine means warm weather. It can be deceptively cold. :)
Objective-Dingo6603 said:
Do not take anything from national parks.
floorwantshugs replied:
Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints*.
*on the designated trails. Do not under any circumstances step on the cryptobiotic soil.
Themasterofcomedy209 replied:
Unless you want to become another missing 411 case where people speculate if you were abducted by Bigfoot.
Staying on the designated path isn't just to protect the environment. It's also for your own safety. Our national parks still have plenty of apex predators like bears and mountain lions.
Do not take pictures of the Amish. It's really rude to them.
Ok but like literally, just don't take pictures of people without permission. Not just people with specific religious views, but literally any strangers. Just because yes it is fully legal to take photos of people in public, it doesn't mean it isn't creepy, weird, and/or rude.
macaronsforeveryone said:
Don’t cut in line. We hate that.
EnchantedPancake replied:
About a year ago I had a dumb [woman] drive in front of me at the Starbucks drive thru. I was so happy she did too. As soon as it was her turn to order, I layed into my horn for as long as it took for her to become frustrated and leave because her order could not be heard LMAO. No one deserves to get walked on like that.
When visiting tourist places, if there are signs instructing you to “stay on the path” or “please do **not** touch” or “**no** flash photography” or a guide at the place asks you to please refrain from doing something….
DO AS THEY (or the sign) ASK! It’s no different than when the tourism is in reverse.
If you're driving through a neighbourhood where people have their shirts off, do not stop for anyone. You have reached the bad part of town and want to leave it as soon as possible.
Maybe not true for all places but in the land of limitless guns and crazy people it's not a bad rule of thumb.
probably right - move like you know where you are going and keep your chin up. literally.
If you're visiting Las Vegas, do *not* engage with anyone that asks if you'll be in town tomorrow night. They're trying to rope you into a timeshare presentation and even though they'll offer free show tickets, meal vouchers, and even cash, it's not worth it! The tour and "short" presentation will be way longer (and obnoxiously higher pressure) than you'd expect and they know damn well after you've invested a few hours you're not going to leave without the promised reward that they only give you at the very end.
These people are most often found at the entrances to malls or casinos at what can be easily mistaken for information booths. Either just say "no" no matter how long you're actually still going to be there or flat-out ignore them.
Also don't accept the cards being handed out by people in brightly colored shirts on the strip unless you want a promo for strippers.
The rewards the timeshare guys promise always turn out to be cheap garbage also
[Do not] haggle. There are times it’s appropriate to haggle in the US, but none of them are going to come up on your tourist trip. In the US, haggling is basically reserved for high-ticket items and certain services. You can’t haggle for things in a store or at a restaurant. The people you’re talking to usually don’t have the power to change the price, and if they do, they still won’t want to. The exceptions would be of the thing in the store is damaged (and they might not reduce the price, they might just take the broken one from you and find you a decent one), or if the person you’re dealing with is a criminal (ex; the guys who sell stolen purses, fake sunglasses, and bootleg DVDs in the street in some cities). Goods in stores or at kiosks have a set price based on pretty specific metrics, and everyone pays the same. No one’s going to cry or try and convince you if you walk away.
Haggling is ok if you're at a flea market, lawn sale, or something like that. It's expected. Regular stores... no.
Don’t get in someone’s personal space. Stand at *least* 3 feet and preferably 6+ feet away from everyone. It is very uncomfortable for Americans when you stand too close and it can even be threatening. Plenty of countries are the same way but specifically Americans.
Leave your car with your purse sitting on the front seat. Thieves will smash the window and steal it.
Note: this post originally had 46 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
I feel like we as an American culture tend to be more tolerant to those that are only visiting here than we are to our own citizens. That being said don't be a jerk, research the laws on the individual states you will be visiting, and be sure to wear your seat belt and you'll be fine. Most of us are actually very kind and don't mind helping lost visitors find their way and will even smile at you while we do it (I do all the time I guess I look approachable to foreigners)
As with every country I’ve visited it’s easy to be liked in the U.S. if you are polite, thoughtful and think ahead. I’ve been lost one way or another in pretty much every country I’ve visited (I kinda enjoy wandering and being temporarily misplaced doesn’t bother me) and I’ve always found that polite requests are met with smiles and help, on one occasion in NJ I ended up in an awesome bar with a great bunch of people. I’ve been pulled over by the Police, followed the rules and I spent more time talking about where I’m from in England than explaining why my sorry a*s was sat at a green light. BP is a bit harsh on the U.S., you have a beautiful country and friendly folk. So much to like!
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Many of these rules seem like they’d be applicable anywhere. I understand the ones about tipping and storage of milk/eggs, but many just fall under the “Be a decent human being”. Also, I would think one shouldn’t approach the wildlife no matter where you are.
Yeah but in some countries wildlife is pretty tame compared to say ,warmer climates like Australia.
Load More Replies... This isn't as necessary anymore. We are not interested in a gun crazy nation that overturns human rights and let's KKK become cops. It's not hyperbole, many of my colleagues and one friend have canceled their trips to U.S. destinations. It's just become too intolerable, we're good.
Hell a fair number of us want to leave as it is, but due to income issues can't.
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Just take your trash with you. And no one cares if you were there so don't write your name places. Take only pictures and leave only memories.
I just wanted to tell you your username is great :-)
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Wear plenty of sunscreen if you come here in the summer. When I was in college, I worked at a theme park that got a lot of international visitors, and I saw so many lobster-red Europeans who weren't used to that much sun.
the author left out the dangers of ROAD-RAGE. Do not curse, flip off, yell at, or challenge someone for their rude, inconsiderate, or even dangerous driving habits. A certain percentage of the time, this justifies vigilante action with firearms so to teach you proper manners. Where I live in Houston, there are at least two road-rage killings every month. Do not even drive fast and aggressively. This justifies a bout of road-rage with some people. So beware. Drive gently & practice the ethic of forgiveness. Just smile and politely wave if some idiot is after you. That will be enough satisfaction for all but the insane.
Don't assume because we're Americans we don't speak foreign languages. I was working in a SoCal restaurant in the 70's, couple from France came in & started talking garbage about how stupid Americans were. Having taken French for four years I bit my tongue until their order came up, "accidentally" knocked the guys beverage into his lap apologizing in perfect French that not only are we stupid we're extremely uncoordinated...No tip for me...C'est la vie...😈
I would add try not to be put off by the friendliness. We are happy to meet you and many will do anything to help you and make your trip pleasant. Traveling outside of North America is expensive and we are generally curious about you and your culture and welcoming.
I feel like this should be on the list; DON'T WEAR EXPOSED BANDANAS. Certain colors, like black, white, red, and blue will literally get you jumped no questions asked. I like in a small innocent non-affiliated suburban town, but when family comes to visit, and that family is in hells angels or a Crip, THEY WILL straight up HATE CRIME YOU. My mom knows a guy who ok got beat up for having a red bandana in his back pocket.
A lot of these are also appropriate for Canada except in Canada don't refer to them as American they prefer to be calling Canadian
Why would you visit a school if you aren't visiting one of your children?
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Do NOT A*S-U-ME because we're American we don't speak foreign languages. Was a SoCal waitress in the 70's, French couple came in talking garbage about how stupid Americans were etc...I bit my tongue having taken four years of French, waited til their order came "accidentally" knocked the guys soda in his lap while apologizing in perfect French that not only are we stupid...we're REALLY Uncoordinated. 😈 C'est la vie...
Oh and last but not least, if you decide to move to this great place - don't try and make it like what ever country you came from. We have had our limit already.
1. DO NOT GO ON SCHOOL PROPERTY. EVER. FOR ANY REASON. Yes, yellow school buses are a real thing. DO NOT GO ON SCHOOL PROPERTY TO TAKE PICTURES OF THEM. A Dutch couple on vacation in rural New York State saw the busses parked at my kid's school and waltzed up to take pictures. They got to spend the rest of the day in the Sheriff's office answering lots of questions about their intent. 2. The laws in one state are not binding in another and my be totally different! Just cuz it's legal (or illegal) in NYS does not mean you can or can't do it in Pennsylvania, or Vermont, or Ohio, or Connecticut or Massachusetts or any other state for that matter. 3. Most americans do not own guns. They are mostly owned by a smaller population that owns MANY guns. 4. We do not use the Metric System. Deal with it. A mile is 1600 meters. The speedometers are graduated in both miles per hour and kilometers per hour. Need to estimate a distance? Look at the speedometer or use your calculator on your phone.
No. By all means, you should visit. There's loads to see and do here. It's a more accurate summation to say, "Don't assume that the rules, laws, and customs of your country are universal." Which is good advice for a tourist in literally every country.
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Yeah I'd love to visit florida ,texas and georgia..the home cooking looks amazing there..that being said nothing else appeals.
This bias a*s article shows you how white racist pieces of s**t think. Some of this is ok but most of the view of a piece of s**t who doesn't understand anything but his own bias
this is an entertainment blog. If you are not happy here, please find some other place to amuse yourself. There are three billion websites online. Surely one of them will be what you are looking for. And please stop playing the race card about everything.
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Yeah, my determination to never visit the country has not been swayed by this article.
Don't mess with Texas. We have a speed row for the death penalty. We also have lots of prisons. Enjoy your stay
I once had an idea of visiting my dad's uncle in Chicago... But the more i know about America the less i want to end up there...
I’ll put it plainly: don’t. Don’t visit the US. It’s pretty shitty here. We have no culture to immerse yourself in, and any semblance of it is trite, or stolen and poorly imitated. The natural beauty you can find elsewhere in much more civilized countries, and for much less hassle. Plus, while most any worthwhile travel is costly, it is extremely overpriced here, as is most anything else.
I feel like we as an American culture tend to be more tolerant to those that are only visiting here than we are to our own citizens. That being said don't be a jerk, research the laws on the individual states you will be visiting, and be sure to wear your seat belt and you'll be fine. Most of us are actually very kind and don't mind helping lost visitors find their way and will even smile at you while we do it (I do all the time I guess I look approachable to foreigners)
As with every country I’ve visited it’s easy to be liked in the U.S. if you are polite, thoughtful and think ahead. I’ve been lost one way or another in pretty much every country I’ve visited (I kinda enjoy wandering and being temporarily misplaced doesn’t bother me) and I’ve always found that polite requests are met with smiles and help, on one occasion in NJ I ended up in an awesome bar with a great bunch of people. I’ve been pulled over by the Police, followed the rules and I spent more time talking about where I’m from in England than explaining why my sorry a*s was sat at a green light. BP is a bit harsh on the U.S., you have a beautiful country and friendly folk. So much to like!
Load More Replies... Many of these rules seem like they’d be applicable anywhere. I understand the ones about tipping and storage of milk/eggs, but many just fall under the “Be a decent human being”. Also, I would think one shouldn’t approach the wildlife no matter where you are.
Yeah but in some countries wildlife is pretty tame compared to say ,warmer climates like Australia.
Load More Replies... This isn't as necessary anymore. We are not interested in a gun crazy nation that overturns human rights and let's KKK become cops. It's not hyperbole, many of my colleagues and one friend have canceled their trips to U.S. destinations. It's just become too intolerable, we're good.
Hell a fair number of us want to leave as it is, but due to income issues can't.
Load More Replies... Just take your trash with you. And no one cares if you were there so don't write your name places. Take only pictures and leave only memories.
I just wanted to tell you your username is great :-)
Load More Replies... Wear plenty of sunscreen if you come here in the summer. When I was in college, I worked at a theme park that got a lot of international visitors, and I saw so many lobster-red Europeans who weren't used to that much sun.
the author left out the dangers of ROAD-RAGE. Do not curse, flip off, yell at, or challenge someone for their rude, inconsiderate, or even dangerous driving habits. A certain percentage of the time, this justifies vigilante action with firearms so to teach you proper manners. Where I live in Houston, there are at least two road-rage killings every month. Do not even drive fast and aggressively. This justifies a bout of road-rage with some people. So beware. Drive gently & practice the ethic of forgiveness. Just smile and politely wave if some idiot is after you. That will be enough satisfaction for all but the insane.
Don't assume because we're Americans we don't speak foreign languages. I was working in a SoCal restaurant in the 70's, couple from France came in & started talking garbage about how stupid Americans were. Having taken French for four years I bit my tongue until their order came up, "accidentally" knocked the guys beverage into his lap apologizing in perfect French that not only are we stupid we're extremely uncoordinated...No tip for me...C'est la vie...😈
I would add try not to be put off by the friendliness. We are happy to meet you and many will do anything to help you and make your trip pleasant. Traveling outside of North America is expensive and we are generally curious about you and your culture and welcoming.
I feel like this should be on the list; DON'T WEAR EXPOSED BANDANAS. Certain colors, like black, white, red, and blue will literally get you jumped no questions asked. I like in a small innocent non-affiliated suburban town, but when family comes to visit, and that family is in hells angels or a Crip, THEY WILL straight up HATE CRIME YOU. My mom knows a guy who ok got beat up for having a red bandana in his back pocket.
A lot of these are also appropriate for Canada except in Canada don't refer to them as American they prefer to be calling Canadian
Why would you visit a school if you aren't visiting one of your children?
Load More Replies... Do NOT A*S-U-ME because we're American we don't speak foreign languages. Was a SoCal waitress in the 70's, French couple came in talking garbage about how stupid Americans were etc...I bit my tongue having taken four years of French, waited til their order came "accidentally" knocked the guys soda in his lap while apologizing in perfect French that not only are we stupid...we're REALLY Uncoordinated. 😈 C'est la vie...
Oh and last but not least, if you decide to move to this great place - don't try and make it like what ever country you came from. We have had our limit already.
1. DO NOT GO ON SCHOOL PROPERTY. EVER. FOR ANY REASON. Yes, yellow school buses are a real thing. DO NOT GO ON SCHOOL PROPERTY TO TAKE PICTURES OF THEM. A Dutch couple on vacation in rural New York State saw the busses parked at my kid's school and waltzed up to take pictures. They got to spend the rest of the day in the Sheriff's office answering lots of questions about their intent. 2. The laws in one state are not binding in another and my be totally different! Just cuz it's legal (or illegal) in NYS does not mean you can or can't do it in Pennsylvania, or Vermont, or Ohio, or Connecticut or Massachusetts or any other state for that matter. 3. Most americans do not own guns. They are mostly owned by a smaller population that owns MANY guns. 4. We do not use the Metric System. Deal with it. A mile is 1600 meters. The speedometers are graduated in both miles per hour and kilometers per hour. Need to estimate a distance? Look at the speedometer or use your calculator on your phone.
No. By all means, you should visit. There's loads to see and do here. It's a more accurate summation to say, "Don't assume that the rules, laws, and customs of your country are universal." Which is good advice for a tourist in literally every country.
Load More Replies... Yeah I'd love to visit florida ,texas and georgia..the home cooking looks amazing there..that being said nothing else appeals.
This bias a*s article shows you how white racist pieces of s**t think. Some of this is ok but most of the view of a piece of s**t who doesn't understand anything but his own bias
this is an entertainment blog. If you are not happy here, please find some other place to amuse yourself. There are three billion websites online. Surely one of them will be what you are looking for. And please stop playing the race card about everything.
Load More Replies... Yeah, my determination to never visit the country has not been swayed by this article.
Don't mess with Texas. We have a speed row for the death penalty. We also have lots of prisons. Enjoy your stay
I once had an idea of visiting my dad's uncle in Chicago... But the more i know about America the less i want to end up there...
I’ll put it plainly: don’t. Don’t visit the US. It’s pretty shitty here. We have no culture to immerse yourself in, and any semblance of it is trite, or stolen and poorly imitated. The natural beauty you can find elsewhere in much more civilized countries, and for much less hassle. Plus, while most any worthwhile travel is costly, it is extremely overpriced here, as is most anything else.
