Every country has its own societal norms, some of which may seem strange to outsiders. Americans are used to their own unwritten rules of etiquette, but those they encounter in other countries can be surprising. Here are 10 common habits that can be considered rude to keep in mind next time you travel abroad.

Giving the Peace Sign – Turkey

In America and many other countries, raising the index and middle fingers in a “V” shape, with the palms facing outward, is the peace sign. However, in other parts of the world, the “V sign” is associated with victory instead of peace. And in Turkey, it has a more unfortunate connotation: terrorism. 

Many people learned that in the summer of 2025 due to a viral video of a South Korean tourist being gently reprimanded by security guards after flashing the peace sign in Istanbul. “In your culture, it means peace, but unfortunately in Turkey, it is raised about terrorism,” one of the guards told her. The hand gesture has been used in the past by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has been designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, the European Union, Japan, and Australia.

Gifting Certain Kinds of Flowers – France

Chrysanthemums have funeral connotations in France, where they’re associated with mourning and loss. So, while they’re the right kind of flower to leave at a gravesite, they’re the wrong kind for most other occasions. Also best left at the florist are red carnations, which suggest ill will; all-yellow bouquets, which imply infidelity; and an even number of flowers in a bouquet. Additionally, flowers in general are considered a bit of a no-no if you’re trying to thank someone for hosting you — especially if they aren’t already in a vase, as you just gave your host work to do when you were trying to give them a gift.

Pouring Your Own Drink – Japan and South Korea

Drinking is a social activity, and every country has its own rituals and rules. In Japan and South Korea, one of the most important is not filling your own glass when out with friends. Rather, you should wait for your tablemates to do it for you — and fill theirs for them in return. This makes drinking sake or soju more polite and interactive. It even has its own term in Japan: shaku suru or kumu.

Making Impromptu Plans – The Netherlands

If you’re a spur-of-the-moment kind of person, the Netherlands might not be for you. In addition to being extremely punctual, the Dutch are known for making plans long in advance. Those who try to arrange an impromptu get-together may find that their spontaneity doesn’t go over well with locals, who aren’t likely to have time in their schedule that day — or even that week.

Making Light of the Lore – Iceland

Iceland’s folklore is admittedly eccentric, but that doesn’t mean they don’t take it seriously. Is the idea of Jólakötturinn, the Yule Cat who eats children and adults alike if they don’t wear the clothes they receive for Christmas, inherently funny? To some, yes, but it isn’t really a traveler’s place to mock it or other mythical creatures when visiting the remote Scandinavian country. According to a 2022 poll, 31% of Icelanders believe in elves. Rather than make fun of them during your next trip to Reykjavík, consider asking them what they know that the rest of us don’t.

Eating With Your Left Hand – India

Before you sit down for a meal in India, you should be aware that everyone eats with their right hand. The left hand is considered unclean and therefore unfit for eating, shaking hands, or presenting gifts. The same is true in parts of Africa (including Ethiopia), the Middle East, and Southeast Asia (Indonesia).

Standing Too Far From People – Brazil

The concept of personal space is a bit different in Brazil, where close talkers abound and social interaction is more up close and personal. This isn’t altogether surprising, given that Brazil is the home of Carnaval and other huge gatherings, but it can still result in culture shock for anyone who isn’t expecting it. When traveling to Brazil, be prepared for people you meet to stand a bit closer than you’re used to, and don’t be surprised if conversations involve some physical contact as well. 

Wishing Happy Birthday Early – Germany

Unless it’s someone’s actual birthday, don’t wish them a happy birthday in Germany — doing so early is considered bad luck. The superstition is deeply ingrained, so be careful not to say “Alles Gute zum Geburtstag” until the actual day.

Touching People’s Heads – Thailand

The head is considered the most sacred part of the body in Thailand, which means it isn’t to be touched. According to no less an authority than the Thai embassy, doing so is “rarely appropriate” and “can come across as intrusive or disrespectful,” including as a friendly gesture toward children. Similarly, don’t point your feet at sacred objects or even other people — they’re considered the “lowest and least clean” part of the body, so pointing them at Buddha statues or people “may result in uncomfortable situations or, at worst, offense.”

Giving a Thumps Up – Iran and Iraq

There’s a reason why the thumbs-up sign is one of the most widely used emoji: It’s a near-universal sign of agreement and approval. That’s not true everywhere, however, as giving the thumbs up is considered extremely rude in countries like Iran and Iraq, where it’s more akin to giving a middle finger in America. Historically, we’re the oddity — despite what Gladiator would have you believe, a thumbs up in the Colosseum meant to kill a downed opponent, not let them live.

When planning a city getaway, culture often tops the list. This broad category encompasses everything from museums to music venues, theaters, galleries, and cultural landmarks — all of which help define a destination’s appeal for travelers. To identify America’s cultural hot spots, the team at Holafly — a digital travel company specializing in eSIMs (virtual SIM cards) — analyzed the 100 most biggest U.S. cities to create the U.S. Culture Index based on cultural points of interest per capita. Below are five U.S. cities where you’ll never run out of places to explore.

5. Honolulu, Hawaii

Culture score: 60.47 (points of interest per 100,000 people)

Hawaii’s capital city is known for its sand and surf, including one of the world’s most famous beaches: Waikiki. More than 4 million annual visitors flock to Waikiki Beach to enjoy the waves, Hawaiian cuisine, luxury shopping, and endless sunshine on the southern shore of Oahu. On the eastern side of town, Diamond Head State Monument offers miles of trails to the summit of a volcanic cone for a bird’s-eye view of downtown.

But Honolulu is surprisingly rich in cultural and historical sites, too, such as Iolani Palace, which was home to the last reigning monarchs until the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. Today, it’s the only royal palace in the United States. Across the street, the statue of Kamehameha I honors the founder of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Nearby, Pearl Harbor and the surrounding area are home to World War II-era remnants, including the sunken USS Arizona, now a memorial.

4. St. Louis, Missouri

Culture score: 60.54

St. Louis is the only city on the list that boasts a national park within city limits. Gateway Arch National Park is the city’s most recognizable symbol, a 630-foot-tall stainless steel arch representing westward expansion. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top, or enjoy time on the ground while exploring the park’s 91 acres of trails and parkland.

While the arch might be the symbol of the city, blues music is its soundtrack. St. Louis is home to the National Blues Museum, exploring the history and impact of the genre, along with blues clubs and annual blues festivals such as the Gateway Blues Festival. Other cultural points of interest include the flagship brewery of Budweiser (dating to the 1850s) and the World Chess Hall of Fame.

3. Nashville, Tennessee

Culture score: 63.95

Nashville lives up to its “Music City” moniker with some of the country’s most famous musical establishments, including the Grand Ole Opry, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025. The iconic music venue is home to the country’s longest-running radio show. It also hosts many live events, where up-and-coming country artists have the opportunity to sing on the same stage that superstars like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson have graced. Nearby, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is among the most-visited museums in the country and houses some 2.5 million artifacts. 

But Nashville is more than its music. It’s home to several professional sports teams, including the Tennessee Titans (NFL) and the Nashville Predators (NHL), both of which play in downtown venues. The city also boasts fascinating landmarks such as the Nashville Parthenon, the only exact-size replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece.

2. San Francisco, California

Culture score: 116.93

San Francisco is chock-full of cultural experiences, from cruising the city’s sloped streets on historic cable cars to taking the perfect picture in front of the Golden Gate Bridge or embarking on a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island. The city boasts 42 landmarks per 100,000 people, the most of any destination on the list. It’s little wonder, then, that San Francisco is California’s most popular city for international tourists.

The “City by the Bay” is also home to more concert venues per capita than any other city on the list (even Nashville). Among the most popular venues is the War Memorial Opera House, a monument to World War I veterans. It hosted the drafting of the United Nations Charter in 1945 and the ceremony in which the U.S. restored Japanese sovereignty in 1951. Today, it is home to the San Francisco Ballet, the oldest ballet company in the country.

1. New Orleans, Louisiana

Culture score: 126.07

The “Big Easy” ranks as the top U.S. city for cultural activities, according to the Holafly study. With a combined score of more than 126 points of interest per 100,000 people, there is no shortage of things to do and see in this historic city. From the Creole cuisine and architecture of the French Quarter to the live jazz performances of Frenchman Street, visitors and locals alike can find entertainment around every corner. Among the most-visited landmarks are the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, a famous above-ground cemetery, and the New Orleans Voodoo Museum.

New Orleans boasts more art galleries than any other city on the list — around 43 per 100,000 people. Galleries are spread throughout the city, most prominently on Julia Street and in the Warehouse District. Here, you can enjoy reflections of New Orleans’ rich cultural heritage, including African American, Creole, French, Spanish, and Indigenous influences. The city’s oldest fine arts institution, the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), also houses some 40,000 objects.

Top 10 Most Cultured Cities in the U.S.

Here’s the rest of the top 10 most cultured cities in the U.S., according to Holafly.

• New Orleans, Louisiana (culture score: 126.07)
• San Francisco, California (116.93)
• Nashville, Tennessee (63.95)
• St. Louis, Missouri (60.54)
• Honolulu, Hawaii (60.47)
• Boston, Massachusetts (60.21)
• Arlington, Virginia (59.70)
• Miami, Florida (56.60)
• Washington, D.C. (56. 25)
• Richmond, Virginia (54.60)

About the methodology: The Holafly Culture Index assigned a “culture score” reflecting each city’s total cultural offerings in five key categories — museums, music venues, landmarks/points of interest, art galleries, and theaters. This score was calculated based on the number of such offerings per 100,000 residents. You can view the full report here. 

Many countries around the world have a national dish (or two, or three) — whether they’re officially declared or unofficially recognized as a symbol of a nation’s culinary identity. For travelers, sampling a country’s national dish is a surefire way to discover what makes a destination special. From hearty soups and stews to giant sandwiches, bright seafood dishes, and others you may have never heard of, here are 12 national staples we think you should try.

Adobo – The Philippines

The Philippines consists of over 7,000 islands, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that each island follows a slightly different recipe for the country’s unofficial dish — adobo. A perennial favorite, adobo most often features pork or chicken and is almost always served with white rice. The dish is famously saucy, salty, and slightly piquant — thanks to the vinegar that is a cornerstone of the dish.

Many credit the diverse flavors of Filipino cuisine to Chinese, American, and Spanish influence. The name “adobo” comes from the Spanish word for sauce. And indeed, adobo’s secret is in the sauce. Depending on the chef, the generous amount of sauce in adobo can include various oils, soy sauce, coconut milk, ginger, chili peppers, garlic, black pepper, and bay leaves. Make sure you try it often, because each variation is fantastic.

Haggis – Scotland

Scotland’s national dish, haggis, is a savory pudding made out of sheep’s offal, vegetables, and spices. On special occasions like Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) and Burns Night (January 25), haggis is traditionally accompanied by a tasty and filling side known as “neeps and tatties.” The dish consists of mashed rutabaga or turnips (“neeps”) and potatoes (“tatties”). They can be eaten mixed together, or separate, depending on your preference. The dish is also a staple in cozy Scottish pubs, or you can even make it at home yourself, as it only has four basic ingredients. 

Doro Wat – Ethiopia

Spicy, rich, and oniony, doro wat is an Ethiopian chicken stew that’s considered the country’s national dish. Like many Ethiopian dishes, the star ingredient is a spice blend called berbere, made up of dried chilies and toasted aromatic spices such as cardamom. Doro wat is typically served with hard-boiled eggs and tangy injera (a type of flatbread made with teff flour) which is used to mop up the spicy red sauce. If you visit any Ethiopian restaurant, you’ll likely find doro wat at the top of the menu, but it is also much-loved in neighboring East African nations, such as Djibouti, Somalia, and Eritrea. 

Ceviche – Peru

Ceviche and Peru have a long history — records suggest that Indigenous Chincha fishermen were eating some form of this refreshing seafood dish as far back as 2,000 to 3,000 years ago. Made from pieces of raw fish and tossed in a marinade of citrus juices and typically onion, jalapeño, or fruit, ceviche is then left to sit. The acid in the marinade cold-cooks the fish similarly to how heat would.

Traditional Peruvian ceviche is made with sea bass, but there are many variations across Latin America made with shellfish or squid. It’s usually served cold and eaten with chips or crackers. The leftover marinade is known as leche de tigre, meaning “tiger’s milk,” and Peruvians are known to mix it with pisco (a type of brandy) to make a spicy, briny cocktail.

Chivito Sandwich – Uruguay

Often considered the national dish of Uruguay, the chivito sandwich isn’t for the faint of heart. There are many variations around the country, but traditionally, the giant sandwich is made with steak, ham, cheese, and toppings that include lettuce, tomato, a fried egg, and chimichurri sauce. While “chivito” translates to “little goat” in English, there is no goat meat in the sandwich.

According to legend, the sandwich was invented in 1944 in Punta del Este by chef Antonio Carbonaro, when an Argentine guest asked for a sandwich made with goat meat. Not wanting to lose the customer, the chef created a sandwich with steak and ham instead and called the “chivito” — and soon it became one of the country’s favorite dishes.

Feijoada – Brazil

Brazil’s national dish is a hearty bean stew called feijoada. The dish is named after the Portuguese word for beans, feijão. The type of beans used in feijoada differs from region to region — for example, black beans are most common in Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais, while red or brown beans are used in Bahia. The stew also traditionally includes diced beef, spiced sausage, and pig trimmings, which are simmered for hours before being served alongside rice and orange slices (to aid in digestion).

Cheese Fondue – Switzerland

Love melted cheese? You can thank the Swiss for that. (After all, it is their national dish for a reason.) The first recipe for cheese fondue dates back to 1699, when Alpine farmers in western Switzerland melted hardened cheese with wine and garlic, then dipped stale bread into the mix. The dish gained popularity in the 18th century and took on several variations; the modern recipe we’re accustomed to originated in 1875 right across the border in the French Rhône-Alpes.

Gruyere is the cheese most commonly used in fondue, but Emmentaler, Comté, and Fontina are also popular. There are many regional variations, sometimes adding truffles, mushrooms, tomatoes, or cream. Swiss Chef Konrad Egli is credited with inventing chocolate fondue when he was working in a New York City restaurant called Chalet Suisse in the 1960s.

Khachapuri – Georgia

Meet the cheesy bread you never knew you needed in your life. Georgia’s favorite national dish, khachapuri, is a pizza-like, extra-buttery bread boat filled with cheese and egg. It’s traditionally eaten by tearing off pieces of the crust and dipping them into the gooey center, which is filled with a sour-and-salty Georgian cheese called sulguni (sometimes nicknamed “pickle cheese”).

In the U.S., a combination of goat cheese, feta, and mozzarella is a common stand-in. But there are many regional variations throughout Georgia, with some using different cheeses, some adding potatoes, and some folding them up like calzone. Any one of them is must-try if you do visit this country in the Caucasus region at the intersection of Europe and Asia.

Goulash – Hungary

There’s one distinctive aroma that wafts through the air in any Hungarian town or city — meat stewing in a broth laced with spicy paprika. Goulash, a hearty and warming cross between a soup and a stew, is the official national dish of Hungary. The key ingredient in goulash is paprika — dried and ground hot peppers.

Paprika became Hungary’s favorite spice after the Ottomans imported chilies from the New World. Cattle herders working on the Hungarian plains discovered that adding paprika to their meat and vegetable stews warmed their hearts and stomachs — a remedy for the harsh winters in Eastern Europe. Travelers began to sing praises of the dish and before long, goulash was crowned as Hungary’s finest culinary offering.

Bibimbap – South Korea

Two dishes are often considered the national emblems of South Korea: kimchi and bibimbap. The former, kimchi, is certainly ubiquitous, but the fermented vegetables are typically served as a side dish. Bibimbap, however, is an entire meal in a bowl. The name translates literally to “mixed rice” — and that mixture frequently includes various vegetables, kimchi, beef, a fried egg, and a generous helping of gochujang (chili pepper paste). 

The traditional rice dish has been popular in Korea for centuries — the first written records date back at least to the Josean Dynasty of the 15th century, when it was referred to as goldongban. The name bibimbap came into use in the 1800s, and its popularity has extended overseas since then.

Mole – Mexico

Enchiladas, burritos, chalupas — Mexico has many iconic dishes, but for many, mole is considered its true national dish. And if you’ve never tried it, you’re missing out: Mole is a traditional sauce and marinade which comes in a variety of colors and flavors — all of them richly layered together. In general, the labor-intensive sauce is made of spices including cinnamon, cumin, and black pepper, mixed in with nuts, chili pepper, and fruit.

Mole was an old word for “mix,” and the origins of the dish are still a bit of a mystery. Some say that, in a panic, nuns threw the mix together for a visiting archbishop who loved it; others say that a monk invented it. Whoever was the mastermind behind the dish, it certainly caught on and can be found in many varieties, including black, red, yellow, and green to huaxmole, de Lola, pipián, guacamole, and almendrado.

Pho – Vietnam

Phở truly is Vietnam’s national dish — a staple of street vendors and home cooks, this soup is often eaten for breakfast. The base of phở is its deeply aromatic and slow-cooked beef broth. The broth is then poured over thinly sliced meat and rice noodles before a bright garnish is added — usually some combination of hoisin sauce, bean sprouts, herbs, lime juice, and chili peppers. The combination is warming and hearty, and has become the country’s most popular culinary export.

Phở dates back to the late 1800s, when the French occupied Vietnam. The French had a taste for beef and they introduced and expanded beef production in Vietnam, which led to not only more meat but also a surplus of bones. These bones enriched and flavored the traditional broths prepared by both Chinese and Vietnamese vendors and they soon became a staple ingredient. The popularity of the dish spread from the northern provinces to the south, and in the process, the flavors and garnishes evolved. Phở cooked in southern Vietnam is a bit sweeter, but almost all variations include charred onion and ginger, star anise, cloves, coriander, cinnamon, and cardamom

More than 15 million Americans visit Europe each year, and it’s easy to see why. The continent is home to fascinating culture, centuries of history, and some of the most famous tourist attractions in the world, from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Colosseum in Rome, the Acropolis of Athens, and the canals of Venice. While many in Europe welcome American visitors (not to mention their tourist dollars) with open arms, others may not be as happy, considering Americans don’t have the best reputation abroad. Indeed, we’ve long been known for speaking loudly and expecting everyone to speak English. But how accurate are these stereotypes? And perhaps more importantly, do our friends on the other side of the Atlantic even believe them? We have new data to answer these questions, thanks to a recent study.

Methodology

The website Upgraded Points, which offers travel, points, and miles advice, conducted a survey in July 2025 to find out how American travelers are perceived when visiting Europe. “European countries are hotter than ever as destinations for American travelers, but popularity doesn’t always equal praise,” said Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points. “We wanted to see if Europeans still see the stereotypical loud, overly patriotic American tourist, or if that’s just part of a common misconception.”

More than 2,200 residents of 22 countries in Europe were asked to share their thoughts on tourists from the other side of the Atlantic, with questions drawing on general impressions and the current political climate alike. The survey also included more than 1,000 Americans who travel abroad frequently to see how they believe they’re thought of by Europeans — and how closely the two groups’ responses align. 

The conclusions might not be what you’d expect. Interestingly, 54% of American respondents worry about their reputation during international travel “at least a little,” and 73% believe they have a bad reputation overseas. On the other hand, 27% of Europeans surveyed said they do indeed hold a generally negative view of American travelers, and 36% believe Americans behave worse than tourists from other countries — as do 40% of apparently self-aware Americans.

Perception vs. Reality

As for which states produce the most annoying tourists, according to the Europeans surveyed, Texas landed in first with 33% of the vote, followed by Florida (21%) and California (14%). Americans answering the same question had similar results: 23% felt that Florida was responsible for the worst tourists, with Texas close behind at 21%, New York garnering 19% of the vote, and California getting 15%. 

The reasons are unlikely to surprise: 64% of European respondents say Americans are too loud, 61% believe we expect everyone to speak English, 33% call us overly friendly, and 30% feel we have an unfortunate habit of ignoring local customs.

Certain spots (dis)like Americans more than others. In the survey, France stood out with 15% of respondents saying they believed their country was unwelcoming to Americans. Following France were Hungary (8.7% said their country was unwelcoming), Norway (8%), Denmark (7.5%), and Spain (6.9%). 

On the other end of the spectrum are Belgium and Italy, which consider themselves quite welcoming to visitors from the U.S., with Estonia, the Netherlands, Finland, and Poland close behind. Then, there were the countries that feel mostly neutral about it all: Respondents from Poland, Spain , the U.K., Greece, and Latvia were all “relatively unbothered” by tourists from the U.S.

So while anti-American sentiment is less common than you were probably expecting, there are certainly ways to make a good impression on locals when you visit Europe — perhaps by using your inside voice and attempting to learn at least a little of your host country’s native tongue, for starters. 

Featured image credit: LordHenriVoton/ E+ via Getty Images