I was really shocked to read in the comments on Monday’s post that some Americans, when traveling internationally, said they were Canadian because otherwise people would be rude to them and attack them with questions and accusations about their country.
I didn’t know that.
I have to admit, I did grow up hearing a lot of American stereotypes: rude, arrogant, demanding etc. But, after “meeting” so many Americans through blogs - some who I now consider my close friends - I have to say those stereotypes don’t ring true to me at all.
You can’t judge an entire country by the attitudes of a few. Trust me, there are some REAL rude Canadians out there. I’ve met them.
Now that I think of it, when we were in Germany people were always kind of leery of us at first and then our hosts would say that we are from Canada and they warmed up to us right away.
It’s really unfortunate that it has come to that, though. I’m super proud to be Canadian and I could never imagine how it would feel to hide where I’m from because people would judge me because of that.
On that note, speaking of backpacks, should me and Eric take backpacks to Europe or suitcases? We are flying on Easyjet 3-4 times and taking a train all throughout Italy.
My friend sent me this article about that and I think the backpack looks HUGE and I’m not sure if we need something that big since we’re only going for three weeks!
Backpack or suitcase? (And, if backpack, where can we buy them for relatively cheap?)
And, if you’re American, have you ever said you were Canadian (or wanted to) when traveling internationally? Why or why not?
{ 49 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve never claimed to be Canadian, but I haven’t traveled much internationally. I’ve certainly been advised to do so several times.
Definitely backpack!
Me and the boyf went around Europe for 3 weeks (and some of that time involved a camping festival where, with it’s terrain, would have made having a suitcase anbsolute nightmare!). It’s so much easier if you have to run for trains or trapse around a city looking for something in your guidebook. You can also stuff them into places much more easily, e.g. luggage compartments. Admittedly, they can be heavy if you have a lot of stuff in but if you don’t need that much stuff, just have a smaller bag and take less. Can’t really suggest a place for you to get good ones from as they’d all be in the UK but we ordered ours online and got a brand called Vango which are quite good.
I’ve never hidden the fact that I am an American, but I purposefully try not to fit into any stereotypes, either (like not looking really sloppy by wearing sweats and a t-shirt, trying to blend in, etc).
I would say depending on the transportation/type of ground of where you’re going you should be fine with suitcases, but if you’re going to be “roughing it” in anyway, a backpack might be better.
I have never claimed to be anything but American, but I also try my hardest to learn the basics of the language because I am in their country after all.
I agree with Becky about the suitcase/backpack debate. (That is, assuming we are talking about a carry-on suitcase. If not, then take a backpack, hands down.) Either way, take as little as you possibly can; your back will thank you for it in the end.
I have never told anyone I am Canadian, but I think it might have helped a little when we visited France two years ago. Even though I was pregnant at the time, I had a few people who were rude to me. But nothing I couldn’t just shake off. I figure, no matter your nationality, it is always a good idea to just be nice. :o)
If you are going to be taking the train/planes most of the time you should be good with a suitcase which is easier to organize. My family has stopped putting Canadian flags on our bags when we travel just because there are sooooo many Americans we come across on our travels with Canadian flags on their luggage… then you ask them where they are from they look like idiots. I have a huge pet peeve with Americans that pretend to be Canadians when they travel, and now it is becoming common knowledge that Americans where Canadian flags to the point where I am overseas and I do have a maple leaf or a flag on me people assume I am an American pretending to be Canadian.
i’ve never claimed to be canadian. but i’m also willing to bet that the canadian version of an asshole is still quite mild compared to the majority of the regular public in SC. and i can only imagine what the european version of rude is when they think of the typical american. it must be horrible.
IRL, i am a really nice and decent person (at least I think so - try to be). and i really enjoy having you as a dear sweet friend.
Do you have a MEC (mountain equipment co-op) out west? They have nice bags there, and if you are not a member, you need only pay 5$ once and you have a lifetime membership. I personally ordered mine from LL Bean about 5 years ago and its still in perfect shape…. and its not too big and it holds a lot.
I have never said I am Canadian but it sure is tempting when traveling abroad. Many Europeans have stereotyped Americans as loud, rude, and annoying - and unfortunately, while traveling, I have encountered many whose actions fuel that stereotype. I would never lie about where I am from but you won’t see me sporting a suitcase w/ an American flag on it…
When I was in France 2 years ago, I had quite a few people tell me they thought I was from France or from another European country. I learned enough French before going so I could ask all of my questions in French. I was by no means even close to fluent, but I am proud of the fact that I never had to ask questions in English. I hate how Americans expect everyone to be so accomodating to us. I know it’s not practical to learn the language of every country you visit but at a minimum each traveler should at least learn how to say hello or good morning - if you start a conversation by speaking in the native tongue, it establishes good will and the person is more likely to be helpful.
The same Americans that propogate the stereotype are the ones that are also asking if there is a swimming pool in the hotel… they want the excitement of traveling abroad with all the comforts of their local Holiday Inn!
Wow. Guess I was in a ranting mood. I have traveled quite a bit and have just encountered so many Americans that disappoint me with their actions & behavior!!
As far as the backpack v. suitcase, I would recommend a backpack… Esp if you are going to take trains around at all - you will likely have to go up & down quite a few sets of stairs and it’s so much easier to do that w/ a backpack v. a suitcase. Whatever you opt to go with, you will do just fine but a smaller backpack might be a bit easier! I got mine at REI - can’t remember how much I paid for it, but it wasn’t super cheap but it’s a one time purchase so worth the investment for me.
i only said i was canadian when I was in europe at the age of 22 — so that was 7 - 8 years ago.
last time I went — to barcelona — i didn’t have to say anything. It wasn’t an issue at all. we met all sorts of people from different countries. I say what helped this time around is that I was much more aware of cultures, and I wouldn’t draw attention to myself– particularly with the way I dressed. I just kept it simple.
as for traveling — i’d say a backpack. try REI if you have it — basically any outdoors sports store will do. TRY out a bunch of backpacks. You never know what would fit best on you! it’s like you wouldn’t dare buy a pair of jeans without trying them on. Same with backpacks!
I have never heard that about Americans traveling but I’m honestly not surprised. Sometimes I understand why people say that about Americans, and maybe that is because I work in customer service and I see how people treat each other… It’s kind of sad. I hate that I’m not defending my country, but I’m not.
As for the backpack vs. suitcase situation, I would probably go with the backpack. Then you’ll be really “backpacking” and it just looks so much more convenient!
I’d say backpack, but I have no idea where to get an inexpensive one! When I was in Spain and Morocco, we had Canadian t-shirts, flags on our backpacks, etc. - I was on a Canadian dance team so the national pride thing was probably a bit over the top. TONS of people we met saw all the Canadian flags and automatically assumed were were American, just because there was so much “Canadiana” (if that’s even a word!) - they were still nice to us, though
One thing I was told when we first moved to Canada was to pin a little Maple Leaf pin onto our bags when we were travelling, for that very reason. It’s horrible when a country is stereotyped like that. Some of my favourite people in the world are American.
I would take a suitcase - the weight on your backs will def. hinder your enjoyment!! Make sure you get a wheely one
Backpack.
With removable day pack.
MEC.
Sew a Canadian flag on it (also available at MEC).
H =)
I would say take a pack. You can always put a small bag in the bottom of your pack if you think your going to buy a lot of suveniors. Orrr you can use the space Eric doesn’t use for that lol
I have this pack and I’ve used it only a few times for camping and i love it. Steve bought it for me so that I could use it when we went to Europe but that got postponed with the baby coming. I’m sure you can fit all you need to in it. Plus its PRETTY!! Mine is purple and black.
http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=144327&storeId=207&catalogId=10201&langId=-1&from=subCat&parent_category_rn=24452&variationId=AD2
I got attacked by this gang of punk kids in Europe because they thought we were American’s. It was a school trip and before we left we were told to put a Canadian patch on our packs or wear a Canadian pin because we didn’t want to be mistaken for Americans. I thought they were just being overly causious until I got attacked. I’ve been to the US tons and my dad was born there and have lots of fam there, I don’t find people any different across the boarder then here.
I’d definitely say that Americans are stereotyped overseas. (I’m American.) But I’ve also seen immature, loud obnoxious, rude Americans who help us earn that reputation. I think that there are immature, loud, obnoxious, rude people from most countries around the world.
I used to live overseas where being American would basically get you kidnapped, simply because American=huge ransom. So there are tons of stereotypes out there. And I think it’s sad that people act in such a way to earn those stereotypes, especially when there are so many other Americans who travel who are excited to be in a new country and are very respectful and knowledgeable about other cultures.
So shame on certain Americans for acting rude, but shame on others for stereotyping… you know?
I took a packback for a 6 week trip around Australia. And a suitcase for a 2 week trip around Europe. I DEFINITELY prefer a suitcase. It’s easier to pack, and easier to find things. We would stay in a place for 3 or 4 days, so we weren’t unpacking our whole suitcase. But with a backpack, sometimes you have to unpack everything in order to get to the bottom. We took 2 flights and 2 trains within Europe, and the suitcase was fine. Except in Venice. If you take the water bus or a water taxi from the airport, it drops you off in one of the main areas of Venice. We walked to our hotel from there, and Venice has little stair cases all along the water that go over the canals. They basically take the sidewalks up in the air, so the boats can go underneath. So you have about 8 steps up and 8 steps down. We only had to cross 3 of these to get to our hotel, but they were a pain with a suitcase!
Two pieces of advice I got most often when travelling abroad: 1) Don’t wear tennis shoes (you’ll look like a tourist) and 2) Tell them you’re Candadian.
I took the first advice and ignored the second. Then again, this was before 9/11/01 and the Bush administration…..
I would suggest a backpack. No waiting at the luggage carousel! As far as where you can find a good cheap one, I have no idea. My roommate got a HUGE nice one at Coast Mountain Sport, I think, but I don’t know if it was inexpensive.
My kid sister and I are going to South Africa for two weeks this summer during the World Cup.
I couldn’t begin to quantify the number of people who have advised us to tell people that we’re Canadian. …including my Canadian coworkers, many of whom have offered to give me proper “lessons” on the finer points of acting Canadian.
I don’t know that we’ll go that route. But I’ll be bringing along my pair of those famous red mittens (it will be winter there) just in case!
Honestly, I would invest in a good pack. Two requirements would be that it has both a top and bottom zippre and as G said, has a smaller pack attached to it. Remember that a pack is an investment - if you are willing to spend the money, you could have it foe years and years and years.
I am American and have traceled extensively and lived abroad for years at a time. I have always said I was American and have never had any trouble at all. Of course political debates come up now and then buy nothing extreme. In SR Asia, they love Americans because they tip better than other tourists and most everyone lives off of tourism in popular cities.
I am going to Ireland in a week and am a bit stressed about packing too! Hope you are having so much fun!
Can’t say that I’ve ever said I was Canadian but that’s probably because two of the times I’ve traveled internationally I was in Canada and it was pretty obvious that I was an American
The other times I’ve gone out of the US it has been to English speaking countries/territories so I have a feeling they’d somehow know I was lying to them! I haven’t done an extended trip through Europe so I can’t be of much use to you when it comes to the backpack/suitcase discussion. I’m also a very indecisive packer so whatever allows for more stuff without weighing you down would be my suggestion BUT be comfortable, of course!
I’ve never gone so far as to claim another nationality while traveling, but depending on where I am, I do hesitate to admit that I live in Texas. I’m not from here originally anyway, but people believe a lot of really bad things about Texans. Sadly, in my experiences, a lot of them are true. But I agree, it’s not cool to judge an entire population for a few bad eggs. We’re all guilty of it, though.
I’ll definitely be around–I’ve written you in my book so that I don’t double book. Lunch, coffee, run, whatever–sounds like a great plan!
BTW, my friends traveled around Asia for 3 months with only a back pack that was carry-on size.
H = )
When I’ve travelled for these types of trips (as opposed to the fly to mexico for an all inclusive vacation) I’ve used a backpack with a removal day pack.
So much easier.
My suggestion also is to lay everything out that you *think* you need to take.
Then pick out the truly “must haves” (ie. toiletries etc, you’ll be surprised how little is a “must have”. hair straightener, as much as i love you, you are not a must have!), and then HALF whatever is left in your pile. We also purchased a travel sized clothing line that we would put up in our room and dry the smaller items of clothing. Oh and put toiletries in ziploc bags.
One of my travelling companions had a flag on his bag, the rest of us did not. But we were never mistaken for Americans. Apparently my love of wearing Lululemon alerted people to my country of origin (I had someone offer to buy my bright pink shape jacket at one point); and the guys NHL ball caps did so as well. Along with our “accents”, our manners and our love of the word “eh”. Which I never thought I said, until I travelled abroad, and learned, that in fact, I say it a lot.
Definitely take the backpacks!
Honestly, the accent thing doesn’t surprise me. People the world over have so many negative stereotypes about people of other nationalities, it’s terrible. I have friends who are American and they’re like family to me, but they’ve also experienced grief because of their nationality.
Personally, such negative stereotyping is a huge sensitive area for me, especially where travelling is concerned. I feel physically tense just thinking about it. Suffice to say, it’s not just nationality that can be an issue.
Yikes, I feel like I have to defend myself a bit now. When I traveled all over Europe I always said I was American and like others have said, I always learned enough of the language to get by and was always kind to everyone. I actually encountered no real negative hostility at all in Europe (though…my fiance is big and muscular which scares most people out of being rude haha). I would never EVER put Canandian flags on my luggage to pretend I was Canandian. In Australia (without big scary fiance) a lot of people would give me crap for being American, but I never did anything to promote the stereotype at all and people who were actually my friends were very nice to me (obviously). The only time I would “say I was Canadian” was when I’d be in a store and someone just asked me quickly, “are you canandian” and I’d be like yup and walk away, so as to avoid getting into a whole big discussion. In Australia, the issue wasn’t really the negative American stereotype, it was more like “WHY did you elect BUSH into office AGAIN? What are you guys THINKING?” (haha, actually didn’t vote for him, can’t help you- oh and ps. do you know your prime minister and Bush are basically BFF? haha- this was in 2004).
As for the American stereotype of the traveler who doesn’t learn the language etc etc- this is bad obviously, but I also think some people are just not confident enough to speak a language they are not familiar with. Eric and I tried to say thank you in Greek and were totally laughed at. It took us a few days of Italy before we were ready to try another language. I think when we stereotype people are “not bothering to learn our language” (which btw you are looked at as rude if you say that in America in my opinion, so why can they say that about us?) maybe they are just shy and not confident…
Okay enough of me, I vote for suitcase. The only time it will be annoying is when they are stairs and not elevators/escalators. It does happen a lot in Europe, but that’s what you hvae Eric for haha. I didn’t want to spend the money on a backpack and its easier (less heavy) to roll my suitcase around
100% backpack … it is part of the experience.
When I was living in England, people often couldn’t place my accent (Australia, Canadian, American, South African), most would say are you American, when I said no Canadian … 99% would apologize not for getting it wrong, but for calling me an American …
One thing I have found, I have 3 passports … Canadian, UK and Irish. When I cross the border to the US or travel abroad, I’ll get stopped or questioned most of the time with the UK one, occasionally with the Canadian and never ever with the Irish.
I’ve travelled a lot and although I’ve never denied where I live (I’m actually *from* Central America but haven’t lived there since I was 3) I have found a difference when I say I’m from “the US” or “the States” vs. saying I’m from California, especially if I just say I’m from San Francisco. Maybe b/c CA and SF specifically are viewed as more liberal therefore they think it’s ok? I’m not sure, but I’ve definitely noted the ‘ignorant american’ attitude some people get.
I traveled through Europe for a month a few years back (28 days) and lived out of a backpack. It wasn’t a normal-sized one, but it certainly wasn’t as big as that red one in the article you linked! I was an oversized camping backpack with lots of nice straps that made it comfortable to carry on my back. It was carry on size, b/c I did take a couple of flights to get over there and my pet peeve is checking bags. I did just fine, totally had enough clothes especially b/c I went during the warm months. Also, you can easily re-wash stuff in the sink of your hotels/hostels (I actually only did that once though.)
I would look at reviews for the bag size you like to see about comfort and then buy it second hand, off of ebay or craigslist, which is what I did. Then I re-sold it or I’d mail it to you!
Good luck, you will have an ABSOLUTE BLAST!
I’d say go with the backpack. It seems easier for me if you end up having to carry it around.
I’ve never claimed to be Canadian when abroad (although I have a Canadian cousin, so I could claim Canadian blood? maybe? Ha!) but I know my brother encountered the “rude American” stereotype when he went to a US Cycling school in Belgium. They warmed up to him when he said he was a Texan though. Apparently Texans have a better reputation. Oh and Lance Armstrong is a Texan and it WAS a cycling center. Yeahhhh…..
Ugh…I hate it when I forget to leave my info…that was me.
It drove me CRAZY when I was traveling around Europe and Americans said they were Canadian. Granted it was the Bush years, and we weren’t everyone’s favorites, but be proud of who you are!
I took a suitcase with me… It was a little annoying at times (and I’m warning you: you will HATE it in Cinque Terre - you’re going there right? And if so I need to find out which hostel I was in because it was great!) but overall I thought it was worth it!!
I would say backpack because it will be easier to carry when you have to walk around. Check at MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-Op) for the best prices. You need a membership, but it is only like $5-$10.
I would probably go with a backpack…. but i no nothing so dont listen to me! hahaha
If you’re flying and then staying in one place for a while, a suitcase is much better for organising and wheeling. But since you’re moving around a lot I’d DEFINITELY go with a backpack. Its so much easier to just throw it on and take escalators, stairs, get on trains, etc. etc. without having to manoeuvre a huge suitcase everywhere.
As to where to get them cheap? Check out Mountain Equipment Co-op for some awesome ones, but Sport Check, Coast Mountain Sport or many other “outdoorsy” stores will have some suitable ones. Make sure to get a store professional to help you ’size’ them.
You’ll probably want a female-designed pack that’s smaller, lighter and has more weight distributed on your hips as opposed to shoulders (as well as chest clips that don’t interfere with the boobs
Male packs tend to distribute more weight to the shoulders (as guys tend to not have hips, and their packs slip down) but both are feasible provided you pack them right!
Also, you definitely want a pack that has a front/side load option as opposed to “top loader” This way you can reach the stuff at the bottom without having to empty the entire pack from the top.
If you can get one with a detachable “day pack” it’s a bonus but not necessary. You can just take a small backpack and wear it on your front the few occasions you’re carrying all your luggage at once.
Anyway, expect to spend a couple hundred bucks, but you don’t need to go “top of the line” or waterproof, lined etc. as you’re not hiking mountains wearing this thing. It’ll last you forever and come in handy for many other travel adventures in future!
(Ok now that I’ve written you a novel can you tell I’ve done a lot of backpacking and/or hiking? I LOVE my backpack, but admit I took my suitcase to Canada as I wasn’t moving around much.)
I travel all the time and never claimed being Canadian. But I am 100% Portuguese, so people assume I am notAmerican. Hence, why I haven’t encountered any disrespect I guess.
Just odd to me people would judge others b/c of their native country.
Oh and new to your blog via classy in philly and love it
Living in Australia, I got accustomed to being asked if I was Canadian. Aussies have told me (repeatedly) that they ask if people are Canadian first because they don’t want to offend Canadians by calling them Yanks. That being said, when they find out I’m American I’ve rarely experienced any negative reaction, although Aussies are pretty much to laid back to care either way. Overseas in Europe is a different story, but those are just the close-minded ones who live by generalisations.
I’ve never said I was Canadian while I was traveling, but I have heard of people doing so. Although I think it might be more of an old wives tale than anything else. I’m not sure if people actually do it or just say they do
I’m bias bc we used backpacks, but I would suggest a backpack over not bc it’s always on you. If you’re trying to get through crowds you’re not worried about tripping someone or hauling your heavy suitcase over the curb.
Yes, the backpack is huge (and heavy). By the end I definitely wished I had taken less clothing (and everything), but it was a good workout!
Oh yes, and be sure you have a removable day pack or stowable purse that can hold plenty of items for the days you’re just going on short hikes, walking around town, need a place to stash a water bottle, camera, etc.
You might want to check Mec for some travel packs.
My mom and I went to get some stuff for our Korea trip. I got a wilderness backpack because I’m probably going to use it more often than a travel-specific pack, but mom got this 60L travel pack. It unzips like a suitcase for similar packing and it also has a smaller, 10L day pack that you can detach from it for day use.
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442617761&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302883912&bmUID=1267690586618
Although not quite the same, I used to not like to talk too much when I was in England, so people wouldn’t know I was Scottish. I don’t know why! I quickly got over that though.
I think it depends on where you go in America. In the south, people are much more friendly than the majority of people from the north. Then again, I’ve never really met anyone from Canada (or from any other country, for that matter! How sad.), so I can’t base it on anything.
Had I only known this trick when I was traveling to Europe during the Bush presidency. During that time, I definitely was embarrassed to be American. But, now? I think the international community has lightened up a bit on us Americans, so I think I’ll continue to stick to my true identity.
Traveling through Europe? If you don’t mind the look of a backpack, I’d say go with that. Rolling a suitcase down cobblestone streets (of which there are plenty in Europe) is difficult and downright frustrating!
We pretended to be Canadian once this summer. I feel like it was prob. in Paris where the people are really bitchy anyway.
I’d go with a suitcase!
Sorry thought you might like to know Backpacks are great for traveling but make sure it is not top entry it needs to unzip like a suitcase and have 2 separate compartments are the best (somewhere for shoes and dirty clothes). I am Australian and travel regularly. By the way I am going to France soon and I will be making sure they know I am an Aussie as they hate the English and not so great with Americans
I pick backpack. My mom is going to Texas for a week, she has a 60″ by 40″ suitcase and I want to write a list about what she should bring, what should a write to my list?
I love travaling but I don’t know what, backpack or suitcase? I’m not going for a long time so I think……………..BACKPACK!!!!!!!!!!
As usual, an imformative post that deals directly with the issues in hand