Tourist restrictions
 

We're going to Europe on a bus tour next month. I do not want to offend anyone or add to the "ugly American" sterotype. What things do I need to keep in mind?<BR>(Rome, Florence, Paris, Lucerne, London)<BR><BR>For example: I know that in Pompeii, I can't take my bookbag, and that in Rome, knees and shoulders must be covered to go in to the churches.

Holly -- You will get answers that will hurt you feelings and you will be called a troll. It happens to everyone who asks this question. I'll answer, because I do believe (or want to believe) that there are new travelers out there who want to "do the right thing".<BR><BR>Here goes:<BR><BR>You're on a bus tour, therefore you're already stereotyped. You can't help it. There will be people there who will enforce the stereotypes you're trying to avoid. <BR><BR>Don't wear shorts unless they're walking shorts (as clean and as wrinkle free as they can be after being in a suitcase for a week) worn with a nice light cotton top will be fine (it's gonna be hot). If you really want to avoid shorts, wear capris (cotton or linen, not stretchy) or dresses or skirts. Sneakers are ok (better with capris or walking shorts -- but dresses/skirts? nah). <BR><BR>You are a tourist! You are in a sea of tourists! You just want to avoid being the one who is talked about for years after (surely you've heard stories about that "rude Frenchman", that "groping Italian", etc. from people who haven't been to France or Italy in 5 years. Same deal with "ugly Americans".) <BR><BR>And for those who will say it doesn't matter, it does -- you're making an impression for the next American that person meets, just as the American before you did for you, etc. <BR><BR>Speak in a softer voice than you would in the states. It's not whispering, it's just talking a little more softly. <BR><BR>You can go with a backpack. Just be careful! They're easily "picked" (you think you're bumping into someone and they've actually bumped into your camera, wallet, etc).<BR><BR>But most of all, have fun! And you will do things that are "ugly", you will do things that are "American" and things that are offensive. It's a culture thing. Don't get all caught up in it, everyone allows tourists a little leeway as long as you are sincere when you say "look at that, it's so pretty" in your really loud American voice. Hey, it happens, we just get carried away.<BR><BR>It's a great agenda, you'll see a lot!

Firstly, as the previous poster said, you will stand out as being a tourist, however hard you try. <BR><BR>As far as not offending anyone goes, though, remember always to be respectful - both of people and the places they hold dear. Pay attention to how the locals behave and try, if not actually to do the same, then at least not to do anything too differently.<BR><BR>Definitely keep the volume down - Americans do seem loud to Europeans. That isn't a criticism, it's just the way it is, and loudness can be irritating to those who aren't used to it.<BR><BR>Finally, and this is the most important point, never, and I mean NEVER use the word "quaint" (in Britain, anyway, you might get away with it in other countires). I still cringe at the memory from about 15 years ago of an American at Anne Hathaway's cottage near Stratford actually saying "isn't it quaint". Until then, I'd always thought it was a myth that Americans said such things. Since then, I've heard the word used occasionally and it never goes down well. You don't actually seem like the kind of person who would use such a word, but just in case, I thought I'd better warn you.

Avoid like the plague any establishment that puts 'Ye Olde...' in front of it's name !

You can wear shorts and tennies. Wear whatever you're comfortable in but you do have to cover your arms in legs in many churches. How you act is 100% more important than how you dress. Be polite and don't talk too loud. Realize that every city you go to is someone's hometown and treat it respectfully. Don't demand ice in your drinks. Learn 'please' and 'thank you' in the local languages. Don't worry and have fun!<BR>By the way, telling someone not to wear shorts in Europe in the summer is ridiculous. I live in Europe and trust me, people of all nationalities and ages wear shorts. The Americans that wear khaki pants stand out like a sore thumb!

Holly:<BR>As soon as you open your mouth and they see your camera, you'll be exposed as an American tourist. Relax and enjoy yourself. Europe is a lot more sophisticated than some folks give it credit for. Europeans are not stupid. Contrary to popular belief, they do like and appreciate Americans. They just have their own way of showing it. Tourism is big business there. Just do the golden rule. Works every time.<BR>John

'In Pompeii I can't take my bookbag'.<BR>Would someone like to expand on this statement please ???

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful responses. I've been lurking on this board for over a year, and it never ceases to amaze me at the wonderful inisghts that people will give each other. (With that said, it also never ceases to amaze me at how inconsiderate some posters can be to other peoples' feelings, but that's a different story.)<BR><BR>In reference to the Pompeii bookbags thing- in the ruins, several people have told me that tourists cannot take bags into the area, maybe due to vandalism or looting? I don't know. More than one person who visited told me that we won't be able to carry our bags in with us.

ohnonot and AnnaC explained it very well. I am always fighting this battle w/ folks whose trips I help plan. I say we talk too loud, or talk down ("quaint"), or demand ice when there isn't any, or coffee before the meal (horrors!). <BR><BR>But can be a losing battle - Most Americans have no idea how loud and over-confident we can be. Because Americans talk so loud and fast - other nationalities may say "dumb" things but it is usually only the American you will hear.<BR><BR>I remember being on the tube in London a couple of years ago - the car was full, there were some private conversations going on, AND at the very opposite end of the crowded car the only voices one could hear were 2 valley girl types loudly discussing the most INTIMATE details of their adventure at a club the previous night. Everyone was raising their eyebrows and quietly smiling about the "entertainment and the girls had absolutely no clue.<BR><BR>But that being said - most Americans are fine - you will have a great time.

Anon -- "Ridiculous" is not how I would describe my advice not to wear shorts. <BR><BR>I live in Europe too (three years now in France) and where I am, I find that shorts wearers (even children) are few and far between -- however not as sparse as they were last year. I mostly see the shorts on men (walking shorts) and they're not as popular as they are in the US. Women stick with dresses and skirts or light pants. <BR><BR>Holly, it looks like it just depends where you are.

I think what people sometimes forget - and not just Americans, but Europeans too, is that Europe is actually made up of a lot of different countries with very different cultures.<BR><BR>In the UK, wearing shorts is very common, by men and women alike. However, in many other European countries this is not the case. In France, women like to be chic - and this doesn't include wearing shorts. <BR><BR>It just comes back to what I said in my earlier post - pay attention to what the locals do, and that includes what they wear, and don't do anything too different. You're not likely to be condemned as a terrible human being if you do things different, but you will certainly stand out a mile.

Assume everyone around you can speak English well enough to eavesdrop.<BR><BR>Assume that if someone doesn't speak English, raising your voice won't help.<BR><BR>Learn a few words of the language, and go for it. No need to be shy. I got pretty good treatment on my last visit in Paris because I gave it a go in French, although I don't speak a word of it.<BR><BR>Try to squeeze in at least one "non-bus" adventure of your own.<BR><BR>Have fun!

Dear Holly,<BR>The very fact that you are sensitive enough to ask this questions means that you will probably do fine! Just pay attention to your surroundings - including the people, and how they behave. Take your cues from them, and conduct yourself accordingly.<BR>I have a hunch you will be great.

Rome, Paris and London are big cities, dress like you would for New York. Florence and Lucerne: you will only see tourists so you can do whatever you like. We are always amused, because the Americans wear shorts and sneakers and are terribly fat....