Hi from Rick: Are Americans Welcome in Europe?
I just flew from Greece to Germany, where I'm about to begin the second leg of my 50-day trip to Europe.
Before I left home, nervous travelers were asking me how I thought Europeans would respond to American tourists right now. It's no secret that our country has been taking an aggressive, America-first approach to foreign policy — and our European friends have often been caught in the middle of it (just ask the Danes about Greenland). As all this goes on, travelers are understandably wondering — are Americans still welcome in Europe?
Well, I've just spent a month in Italy and island-hopping in Greece, and the answer is a big fat YES. And the Americans I've met over here are loving it.
In fact, from a European perspective, American travelers are more interesting than ever. Everywhere I've gone, I've been met with warm welcomes, big smiles, and genuine curiosity. Sure, people are confused about what the heck's going on right now, but most of Europe has, at some point, faced similar situations with their own governments. None of the locals, guides, hoteliers, restaurant staff, or taxi drivers I've spoken with have given an ounce of judgment. Instead, they want to talk about today's crazy headlines — because they're interested in connecting, learning, and sharing experiences with a visitor from the other side of the globe.
I was just on Paros, a Greek island of 15,000 residents — plus all the tourists that come to enjoy the beaches and souvlaki — that could be totally powered by a dozen modern wind turbines. Excited about their green marvel, locals are confused why anyone would be hell-bent on stopping that industry. We talk.
With the war in Iran making the cost of gas in Greece about $8 a gallon — roughly double what Americans are paying — people here are rationing basic energy needs, and frequently asking questions like, "Do I need to drive today?" We talk.
Restaurateurs and local guides remark on how the country's beaches are busy as usual with Germans, Brits, and Aussies…but this year, Americans are scarce — and missed. We talk.
Connecting with locals and understanding different worldviews is one reason why I travel. As Americans, the best thing we can do right now is to get out there, understand our place in our ever-smaller world, and listen to what others have to say — so we can be good ambassadors for our country, and do our part to be great global citizens.
In this month's Travel News, I'll share my advice for how to choose the best travel bag for your European vacation, tips on when splurging in Europe adds value to your trip, and a sneak peek at my newest TV show, Best of London, premiering on public television stations across the US on July 1. And Cameron Hewitt writes about finding things to love in "unlovable" cities.
I'm excited to continue my 50 days of research here in Germany, and then on to Switzerland. And you bet I'll continue chatting with everyone I meet. But my hunch is, no matter where I go, this will remain fundamentally the same: We Americans are just as welcome as ever…more interesting than ever…and, in many ways, more missed than ever.
Keep on travelin',
Rick