Overseas travel warnings about USA mount

Yup . . . when in Rome etc...etc...

And in addition . . . If you are travelling abroad, learn the language of where you are going. I am not talking fluent here or even bad high school level linguistics here, but rather enough for basic necessities. I have found that wherever you travel, if you at least attempt to communicate in their language, they will usually be accommodating (and a lot more friendly). I find it disturbing how many Americans automatically assume people in other countries (especially in Europe) are rude just because they will not speak English. Whereas I have found that when I at least put forth the effort of being interested in and at least attempting the language, the people are quite friendly and very helpful (and we either end up speaking English or broken dialect between the two languages and hand signals). This also can be applied to the portions of the mid-east where I ended up as well.

On the flip side, in America we speak English (or at least a broken version of it). Therefore don't come here and assume we speak your language either. At the same time, if you try at our language (and we don't mind you butchering it any more than we already do) we will also work with you. . . Well most of us. . . Sometimes. . . Yeah some Americans can be some @Holes.

originally posted by: seagull

Traveling safely is pretty much the same any where. Before you go, learn all you can about the country. If you're staying at a hotel, talk to the concierge or even the wait staff...they'll seldom steer you wrong. ...above all else, eyes open, ears, too, and generally keeping ones mouth shut helps, too. Few people anywhere like noisy tourists who think they know which direction is up...

THIS. All day.
Seen me right all round the globe.

Another big thing is respect is respect - and everyone should be respected as an equal.
Don't phase me if you're cleaning the bathrooms of that flash hotel or if you're the owner of it.
Gonna smile and say a warm genuine hello, acknowledge and gratefully thank you...treat you with the respect you certainly deserve.

Sad how many times I've seen people/tourists treat cleaners, attendees, wait-staff etc like something on the bottom of their shoe...barely even noticing them and usually only to order them around...


Best advice, tips, welcomes and what-to-do-and-not-to-do's I've ever gotten have been from the oft' considered *invisibles*


...and one more time for The Redneck: Respect the Locals

a reply to: alien

Very very true. But I wouldn't limit that to traveling be thankful to all those around you doing the things that make your life simpler / better. It is worth it every time. Not only can they help you, but you may be helping them through a bad day as well.

a reply to: JDeLattre89

Too true.
S'all common decency and basic human relationships.

Act like a prick then hey, don't be indignant if people treat you bad.

Yeah i heard the Muslim hoards had left their camp in Calais and are slowly making their way to the U.S ....since Muslims take over everywhere they go implementing sharia law there is no way i would ever go to the U.S it is far to dangerous

We should all know that this is a domino effect caused by civil unrest, terrorism and a rather scary election.

Things do not look so Rosy over THERE, as well, and I will certainly not be travel anywhere across the pond for a great while.

Perhaps those that can, should all stay home and take care of family and personal business until at least some of this turmoil abates. We all need a break.

Tourism is a great thing , something to be encouraged. Well, I say that, if I were Spanish and living in Majorca, witnessing a whole Summers worth of British 18-24 year olds, I guess I might be holding my head in despair ...

I'm fortunate to live in a Scottish tourist destination. Sure the visitors can be a pain in the butt sometimes, it's like living in a goldfish bowl.

You do notice national trends. Americans tend to be very quiet, overawed by the age of the buildings, keen to learn more. They tend to be older too ... I wonder why younger Americans don't come see us quite so much ? I spoke to an older US guy recently, he was wearing a USS North Carolina skip cap, a navy veteran. His ship had cross operated with a RN ship my Dad served on. He and his wife had wondered if anyone still lived in these 300 y/o buildings (yes, me) so we brought them into our home for a look ... they seemed surprised we had flatscreen tv's, Internet etc ... and they were so kind, not mentioning our cat loudly puking up a furball in the hallway lol. We enjoyed talking to them, a really decent couple and a privilege to see them.

As to the travel warnings, I guess it's sensible advice plus a bit of nanny statism on the part of European governments, covering their own asses in the unlikely event something goes wrong.

Despite recent events, the chances of being involved in a terrorist type event either side of the pond has the same odds as being struck by lightning three times in quick succession. We shouldn't let such things put us off visiting other countries. I've got friends who are just back from Turkey and they said the folk there couldn't have been any more pleasant, despite the recent turmoil over there.

So. Don't be put off travelling. It broadens your own horizons.

It's nothing more than globalist propaganda. If you had any clue about what is really going on you would know that USA and Israel are to be painted as evil and enemies of the world, so the elites can bring about their world government.

originally posted by: BuzzyWigs
a reply to: enlightenedservant

Thanks for your important post. Needs to be here.

People just don't think it through.

No problem.

Though I won't lie, sometimes it's hard to talk about the details on here.

originally posted by: peck420

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus
Exactly, have you ever seen the mosquitos in Canadaland? They're like friggin' F-18's.

If you are comparing our mosquitoes to F-18's, you've already lost!

The Canadian mosquito is far more advanced, has a greater range, is significantly faster, and more maneuverable.

They also have the ability to swarm without emitting and form of EM radiation.

Thankfully, they only carry extremely close range ordnance.

That was seriously Shatner level Canadien right there. Awesome and spendid work you do.

a reply to: BuzzyWigs

What world do you live in where everyone is bigoted and gay hating?? Sounds like a bad part of the country, you should move.

Canadian skeeters will swarm around you like a black fog, pick you up and carry you off to their vampiric den of death.

Most Canucks have a permanent layer of skeeter spray burned onto their skin... but tourists haven't a hope in hell.

a reply to: Bluntone22

originally posted by: Bluntone22
As an American I don't feel that Germany and France are the safest places to visit right now.
The way the news is reported though can you blame me?
Europeans are likely the victims of the same news media.

^This.

Apart from the fact that travelwarnings (atleast here in Germany) are mostly about actuarial matters, the recent media coverage regarding news from the U.S. was nothing but shootings, shootings, shootings & the Trump/Clinton-madness.

The U.S. looks like a madhouse when you observe it via tabloid press.


That being said - there were several threads on ATS alone in recent weeks, that showed how wrong U.S. media is about current news from over here.

But when we point that out to you guys, the usual response is "but your media lies"... well look whose talking.

originally posted by: intrptr

Willfully blind.

Pathetically predictable.

Some of the best evidence on the internet has been right here. You been here almost twice as long as I.

Well in that case it should not be too difficult for you to round some up and post evidence. Perhaps you can fit this simple task in between a few of your other hyperbolic drive by posts.

But I don't expect Romans to see anything UN Roman wherever they travel.

I am not Roman but nice try. You should really fire your joke writer and leave funny to the people who are good at it.

originally posted by: Atsbhct
But they don't carry Zika... according to the Zika Virus Map.

Good catch. I knew that thing would come in handy at some point.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

Like I said, good Romans think all roads lead to Rome.

What? I don't see any evidence of US Imperialism, military conquest, occupation or subjugation of nations, either.

The worst behavior?
Quebec cashiers

The most racist?
Hamilton news casts about 6 nations issues

US & Canadian Border guards?
Neither have a sense of humor anymore.

US police?
Have been stopped a few times and honesty goes a LONG way to making the "meet'n greet" go smoothly.

Southern US?
um...yeah....Olaru is right. My experiences were slightly different because I never pretended to be anything less than a northern idiot. I was treated well, yet pitied. Cracked me up!
People lightened up once it was discovered I'd never had a "decent" biscuit-with chicken, sweet tea or Okra "fried right" with cornmeal. Gump was fantastic!!! ( chicken & rice dish)

Of course once it was established I didn't go to church, some of the welcome's got downright frosty.
Still, I was warned plenty about the cops, using 4-letter words, and oddly needing my nails & hair done if I was to be taken seriously?

Still....If I could tow a "biscuitville" home I would!!!
Or the gas bar outside of Maxton across from the Cambell's soup factory, SWEET JESUS that food was GREAT!!!

To the mod squad here - YES. Exactly.

I have worked in the urban core and in the "ghettos" and never had a problem. Don't look like a victim, and behave like a respectful visitor. Ask questions if you need to - be polite and genuine...I have never, ever felt threatened in any of the schools, homes, neighborhoods, or areas that I've been in....and I'm a small white woman.

Being able to speak Spanish (or whatever languages are prevalent where you're going) also helped a great deal.
But yeah - if you don't look threatening OR scared, you should be fine. Don't mouth off to people or act like a snob, either. Been to Mexico, Canada, England, Scotland, Norway - never had a problem and to Mexico and Norway I was traveling alone (meeting people on arrival).



So, USAToday - hype rag. Got it.
Of course, I've also checked before leaving what "warnings" or tips are available for my destinations and mode of transport. Used to take the train to Chicago and back by myself - love train travel! Meet some great folks that way....used the train in the UK, also -

airplanes - I was taking the bus from Mazatlan to their little airstrip/airport, but the bus line stopped two miles away! So we had to literally hitch-hike the rest of the way to the airport - some people in a pickup gave us a lift....I was late - they had held the plane! When I arrived, the guy said my name as I walked in - I said yes, how'd you know?

He said, "You're the only passenger not here yet. Come with me" (all this in spanish) and hustled me like a VIP to luggage check in and then escorted me up the stairs to the front of the line and onto the tarmac and then up the stairs to the plane.

VERY courteous, friendly people. I was with a Mexican person while there (met at the airport), but we were both strangers in Mazatlan and didn't know any of these people. Muy amables. Fabulous trip. Anybody needs a referral for a hotel, I've got one for you - in the older part of the town right on the beach. I usually avoid the "touristy" areas, if I want to stay at a Hyatt, I don't have to go all the way to Mexico! No, I want local flavor.

One more anecdote just for story-telling and kicks -

first time I took the train from Evanston to the loop, had to walk a few blocks from the Metro terminal to Chicago's Union Station (middle of the loop) Amtrak hub. First I asked a UPS driver which way to go, and he pointed me the right direction. Headed that way until I had to stop again to look around - gazing at street signs. This nice black gentleman in a sports jacket, blue jeans, etc, asked if I needed directions.

I told him yes, I was going to Union Station. He said, "here, I'll take you there....and he walked with me until I could see the marquee outside the station. I thanked him kindly, then he hinted at wanting a tip. I gave him a couple of dollars (that's all I had on me - I was LEAVING town, not arriving!)...and went on my way.

The next time I took that same route, I not only knew my way, but I had made a quick overnight run and didn't even have any baggage - so I looked like I knew what I was doing. A lady with bags was on the same trek, and she looked lost. That SAME GUY saw her and stopped to ask if she needed help. I just smiled and kept going.

The THIRD time, I acted like a seasoned traveler (with bag), and helped another commuter find it. I had fun.
Don't be afraid of Chicago - it's charming! Just stay in the business areas and don't go wandering around in residential 'hoods.
People are very friendly in Chicago....a world class city by all means. Take the El, take Amtrak, have a blast...