When I think of anti-American sentiment and travel, I’m reminded of the guy who visited İzmir, Turkey — and suddenly found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

He’d taken a casual stroll through the streets of the coastal city on a Saturday morning, but when he turned a corner, he was confronted by a group of young men who looked like they were up to no good.

“American!” one of them exclaimed.

Another one shouted, “Donald Trump!”

He backed away, and they started following him. He walked faster; they walked faster. Then, he made a break toward a crowd and disappeared to safety.

How do I know this story? Because I was the guy. And, say experts, if you’re not careful, it could happen to you.

Anti-American sentiment is a growing concern in 2025

Tourists are growing increasingly worried that they’ll receive a less-than-enthusiastic welcome when they cross the border. Even the professionals—the platinum-card-carrying corporate travellers—are hitting the panic button.

“They’re expecting a drastic increase in anti-American sentiment this year,” says etiquette expert Sharon-Frances Moore.

Although my would-be assailants made references to my nationality, that wasn’t the real problem. I didn’t know where to go and ended up in the wrong part of town. So let’s start with a small disclaimer: Many, if not most, incidents of anti-American behaviour are the result of ignorance. There are places foreign visitors should avoid, and knowing where those places are is more important than ever.

With a new U.S. administration in office and more Americans venturing abroad, many travellers are concerned about increasing anti-American sentiment. Are these concerns warranted? How can you avoid such confrontations? And what do you do if you are criticized or attacked for being American?

Is the world becoming more hostile toward Americans?

It’s challenging to measure anti-American sentiment systematically.

It’s more of a feeling — the stares, the hostile reception, and perhaps more confrontations about U.S. foreign policy.

It’s talking to your travel companion in English at the airport lounge and seeing someone glaring at you. It’s the icy reception when you check into a hotel abroad and hand them a U.S. passport.

Sometimes, it’s more overt. When Edward Zelinsky and his family got off a tour bus in Buenos Aires recently, a man walking on the street glared at them. “Then he made an obscene gesture,” recalls Zelinsky, a government worker from Guilford, Conn.

According to John Gobbels, the chief operating officer of Medjet, a travel security and medical transport membership program, a “significant” number of travellers are factoring in the political climate of their chosen destination. And if they do go abroad, they’re prepared.

“Corporations are increasingly requesting cultural awareness and etiquette training for employees traveling internationally,” he notes.

How can you avoid a confrontation for being American?

Confrontations are avoidable. In my case, asking at my hotel where I should walk and what parts of town to avoid would have been a good first step.

“Educate yourself,” says Frank Harrison, regional security director of the Americas for World Travel Protection. “Having an understanding of the country’s current view of U.S. politics is a critical enabler for personal safety – and also possibly a red flag.”

Experts say the best way to avoid profiling is to stay alert and discreet.

“First, engage in zero conversations that discuss politics, governments, policies or the U.S. in general,” advises John Rose, the chief risk and security officer for the global travel management company Altour.

Avoid flashy clothing and jewellery. Be mindful of your behaviour in public, and try not to fit the stereotype of a loud and boisterous American tourist.

How do you blend in? Constance Scharff, a researcher who specializes in global mental health issues, offers a few suggestions.

• Lower your volume when speaking.
• Choose tailored clothing over casual wear and sneakers.
• Avoid carrying a fanny pack or backpack that marks you as a tourist.
• Don’t eat, drink, or talk on the phone while walking.

I can see where I went wrong when I visited İzmir. I violated a few of those rules. I looked like an American and spoke English with my son, who was walking with me. Maybe the locals were just being friendly, although I can tell you that I look nothing like Donald Trump.

So, what do you do if someone confronts you for being American?

If someone angrily confronts you because you’re American, you have a couple of choices.

First, don’t stick around to find out what happens next. That’s why I fled when I encountered the young Turks. Their intentions may have been harmless, but why find out?

That’s also true for verbal confrontations.

“If you’re being respectful and someone is looking for a fight, the only thing to do is tell them that they are right,” says Scharff. “Get away as fast as you can.”

Don’t immediately return to your hotel if you are being followed. Instead, go to a public place, like a restaurant or a mall. It’s not likely anyone with bad intentions will follow you into a place like that, mainly if there are many people there.

“Most of all, be kind,” she adds. “People are likely to come to your aid if you have been respectful. If you’re being an ugly American, they’re less likely to help.”

Mike Aguirre, a blues guitarist from the Caribbean, has a favourite strategy: “When in doubt, pretend to be Canadian.”

I’ve never claimed to be Canadian, but I might if my life depended on it. Sorry, Canadian readers, but your reputation for politeness might save someone’s life.

I’ve spoken with Canadians about this trick. They say it’s OK as long as you behave like you’re Canadian.

What should you do if you’re attacked for being American?

But what if you can’t run away? Here are a few expert tips for avoiding an uncomfortable situation.

• Stay calm and avoid responding defensively. Acknowledge the complexity of international relations without getting drawn into an argument.
• Recognise that criticism is often directed at policies, not individuals. Engage respectfully and listen attentively to diffuse tension potentially.
• If you feel genuinely uncomfortable, politely excuse yourself from the conversation and leave. Don’t try to win any arguments.

Some experienced travellers say they prefer standing their ground. Make eye contact with the guy giving you the dirty look. And then explain that you are not a representative of your government (unless, of course, you are — and if so, this column will not save you). Most intelligent people know that individuals don’t set foreign policy. And if they don’t — get out!

One more pro tip: Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program from the U.S. State Department. They’ll send you alerts when you’re on the ground, warning you of possible trouble spots. Let the U.S. embassy know if there’s been trouble, especially if it’s severe enough to call the police.

Of course, the only way to eliminate this problem is to eliminate the cause of all this anti-American sentiment. But that’s another story.

Written by: Christopher Elliott

BIO:

Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. His latest book is The Unauthorized Travel Manual. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him through his nonprofit site or email him at chris@elliott.org.

=====================================