I’m going to be brutally frank: Many Americans’ trips to Europe suffer because they’re treated like “ugly tourists.” But those who are treated like ugly tourists are treated that way because they are ugly tourists. They aren’t bad people, just ethnocentric (and there are plenty of tourists from other countries who also qualify as “ugly”).
Even if you believe American ways are superior, your trip will go better if you don’t compare. Enjoy doing things the European way during your trip, and you’ll experience a more welcoming Europe.
Europe sees two kinds of American travelers: Those who view Europe through air-conditioned bus windows, socializing with their noisy American friends, and those who are taking a vacation from the U.S., immersing themselves in different cultures, experiencing different people and lifestyles, and broadening their perspectives.
You’ll see plenty of ugly tourists slogging through a sour Europe, mired in a swamp of complaints. Ugly tourism is a disease, but fortunately there is a cure: a change in attitude. The best over-the-counter medicine is a mirror. Here are some symptoms.
The ugly tourist invades a country while making no effort to communicate with the “natives.” I see them a lot when I go to Tangier. They take a big bus tour from Spain to enjoy the one day in their life in Africa, and they have lunch there in the obvious “tourist-friendly” restaurant with a bunch of people from New Jersey. I see them and just shake my head. All I can think is “self-imposed hostage crisis.”
The ugly tourist measures Europe with an American yardstick. They throw a fit if the hotel air conditioning breaks down. They insist on orange juice and eggs (sunny-side up) for breakfast, long beds, English menus, punctuality in Italy, and cold beer in England.
The ugly tourist travels around Europe with a lot of gear. Why do they need so much stuff? Good travelers don’t bring everything from home. They’re ready to walk. And since much of urban Europe is pedestrianized; you can’t take taxis into the very center of town. You need to be mobile, so just get serious about packing light.
The ugly tourist lets a camera rather than people become the focus. The worst ones have selfie sticks. Let’s officially rename these crazy things “narcissi-sticks.” Watching people take selfies all over Europe — all day long, day after day — actually starts to seem a bit sad. It’s important to stow your camera, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the real thing.
The ugly tourist lets shopping trump non-material experiences. The thrill of where you bought something can fade long before the item’s usefulness does. Even thoughtful shoppers go overboard. I have several large boxes labeled “great souvenirs” in my attic.
The ugly tourist is obsessive — burdened with needless complexity. Travel more like Gandhi — with simple clothes, open eyes, and an uncluttered mind.
By developing a knack for connecting with locals and their culture, we become temporary Europeans — approaching Europe on its level, accepting and enjoying its unique ways of life. When I’m in Europe, I strive to become what I call a “cultural chameleon” — a temporary local.
Find ways to really be in the place you came to see. If you can think positively, travel smartly, adapt well, and connect with the culture, you’ll banish the ugly and have a truly beautiful European trip.
— Tribune Content Agency
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