The goodwill garnered by Americans in Post WWII Europe is a faded thing of the past. Everywhere, the view of America, in light of its foreign policy decisions, has for decades been growing less favorable. For a brief moment after September 11, 2001, European governments took a stance supportive of the US in its hour of loss. Since then, however, Europe and the world have developed an opinion of America dramatically more negative ever before, and such opinion is in no way confined to political votes amongst the United Nations.

American tourists oversees, more and more, are encountering instances of hostility in their travels – finding themselves openly insulted in the street, and even spat upon. And regardless of how the American traveler might feel about Bush and his worldview, the traveler will inevitably discover in conversation with Europeans and locals the world over, that anti-American sentiment is not merely a phenomenon of the Muslim world.

Despite the tendencies, fear of being treated like an ugly American should never deter the humble, honest traveler. Acknowledging that the capacity for ugliness, irrational worldviews, and ethnocentric behavior most certainly does not lie with Americans alone, here below is a concise and mostly intuitive guide for the progressive traveler – wherever he or she may be from.

Facilitate world peace

• A show of goodwill requires not only that you acknowledge your host’s values and practices, but also that you respect them. Failure to do so will be taken as offense, and can have a great negative impact, one which could just as easily be avoided. Criticizing the local culture out loud and in English is so obviously a misstep it seems almost silly to mention it. But it happens. Should you get the urge to pass judgment, choose instead to accept and try to understand cultural differences.

An attitude of respect

• In muslim countries, it is not at all respectful to show a lot of skin. But even in Europe, an outfit consisting of shorts and a tank-top or wrinkled t-shirt is seen on the same level as pajamas, and simply not worn outside the house. In most places throughout the world, respect is to show patience, understanding, and a willingness to learn. But a show of respect can also mean being appropriately dressed. Smart and modest dress is a wise idea when traveling. The impression you make will depend on it, and on your attitude as well, so be sure to pack a positive one.

The quiet American

• Chances are good that as an American, you will encounter people who wish to let you know how the rest of the world sees your country and the people who live in it. In some instances, they may be interested in actually knowing you, and in hearing your personal opinions. But then again, they may not. Take your cue from the many immigrants around the globe who have crossed land and sea to arrive in lands where their greatest asset was by necessity their humility. In all cases, you are better off doing more listening and understanding than speaking. A firsthand point of view is right up there with the most valuable of travel experiences.

Diplomacy, not defensiveness

• As an American in Europe you may feel a push in conversations with Europeans. The reasons for it are more than can be detailed here, and are perhaps better uncovered on your own. Suffice to say, shoving back with a counter-argument centered around the “Marshall Plan” (or some argument like it) in an attempt to get Europe to say, “oh, but of course, how silly of us to forget, and please accept out apologies for any misunderstandings,” is not going to win you any points. If your intention is to experience a new culture and enjoy your travel experience, your best play is to speak only for yourself, not for your government.

Diplomacy is always wiser and more attractive than defensiveness. No matter which end of the political spectrum you think you speak for, don’t argue politics. Instead, talk (and learn) culture – the one you are visiting. If you are asking about (European) football, one can hardly reply with an invective about Bush.

The Universal Soul

• Stereotype behaviors are the subconscious negative aspects of a national psyche. All cultures have them, but not all travelers need necessarily be judged by them. Know the stereotypes, but don’t be – or see – the stereotypes. Instead, see people and situations as they are, and not how you think they ought to be. Keep an open mind by not drawing conclusions before you have done the research, and you may find that those you meet will do the same. Hearts and minds warm when you treat people as equals.