Discussion: Which nationality is better for travelers?

5/28/2013

I’ve ran into countless Americans who travel under the faux nationality of Canadian or Australian – due to America’s obvious bad-PR around the world. I’ve also heard from other nationalities that have had some troubles in certain parts of the world – these people are typically from once-strong empires that have earned their bad rep from colonization. While this may not help the PR of a country, it’s an interesting insight into the experience that travelers have on the road. I’ve had no problems telling everyone that I’m an American – because even if someone scoffs at the name, they soon see that not all Americans are (to quote a fellow international traveler) “hillbilly, racists, who can’t sleep a wink without their rifle, loaded and under their pillow.” While I’ve mainly traveled around North America, Northern Africa, Europe and the Caribbean, I’ve had no problems with my nationality – whatsoever. However, circumstances could have smiled upon me, and other travelers could have suffered through nightmares – it’s also extremely probable that certain nationalities are loved and hated more, in different parts of the world.

SO, what I’m interested in is the point of view of other travelers from all around the world. If you would, in this discussion, comment below and talk about your nationality and what parts of traveling have been good and bad for you.

BUT what I’m NOT interested in are judgmental comments or self-righteous point of views. I want personal experiences, in an open discussion... With that said: Ready, set, GO!

(Photo by ~vladstudio via Deviant Art)

23 Comments

NullnFull link

5/27/2013 05:51:36 pm

This is an intriguing issue, however, what I have found while travelling was that more than formal citizenship the experience of the country matters. I had been living in Italy for a long time and it became very important part of my identity. I'm not a plain Italian either. People find it interesting. They remember you and are more eager to talk to.

I met a guy once- he was Swiss- and he was telling me that his citizenship is probably the best thing that has ever happened to him. He traveled the world with his Swiss passport and told me that the white cross on the red flag opens many door. He felt this was unearned privilege. Therefore, I would say that perhaps Swiss nationality or citizenship- however you call it- is most preferred.

Brandon Elijah Scott link

1/4/2014 07:13:22 am

I really like your take on Swiss nationality being most preferred. I have heard a few things that really make me think the same thing too.

CulturalAffair

5/28/2013 12:15:35 am

I am Canadian and never had anyone mistreat or treat me better because of my citizenship, however I find in customs and immigration my passport definitely makes life easier for me. My husband is Mexican and has to obtain visas for some countries while I do not. In my personal experience, I find that if you show gratitude, learn how to
Greet and say thank you in their language or cultural norms, then they are willing to reach out to you because you took the first step even though they know you're a tourist and can't speak their language.

Brandon Elijah Scott link

1/4/2014 07:15:21 am

I think that having the passport does make a big difference in regards to how customs decides to treat an individual. I know a young woman who is married to a Mexican and he doesn't have a passport. Therefore, he is unable to travel out of the US

XprimeViajes link

5/28/2013 06:05:00 am

I'm spanish and I've never felt any kind of discrimination for my citizenship. I gotta say that for example, south american travelers are usually mistreated in Europe for their origins, which makes me feel embarrassed.
On the other hand side, I think americans who travel and have seen the world and really open minded, while some other who only go to beach resorts to get drunk don't have a clue of what life is about. But not just americans, almost any citizenship works like that.

Brandon Elijah Scott link

1/4/2014 07:18:17 am

Believe it or not, you are not the first person to inform me that South American travelers are typically mistreated in Europe due to their origins. People who travel a decent amount do indeed tend to have more of an open mind. I encourage everyone...travel! :)

Ian Phillips

5/28/2013 07:04:30 am

So Brandon how is your Aussie accent coming? I am Canadian but don't parade my nationality. I want to blend in but of course when I butcher the local language they will ask where I am from.
Unfortunately our govt pro Israel stance has cost us some influence in the Middle East amongst Arabs and our mining cos have some issues in Latin America.
So I don't wear a maple leaf pin, like a lot of Canadians, we know who we are but we want to make a difference in the larger world

Brandon Elijah Scott link

1/4/2014 07:29:23 am

My Aussie accent is a work in progress, haha. Perhaps when I return it will be perfected.

Krista link

5/28/2013 11:05:38 pm

As far as coming into Italy, an American passport is usually an easy ticket in and out without any questions. They see so many Americans that sometimes they're not even looking at the passport when they stamp and wave you through. I have lots of tiny corners of stamps in mine if you want proof.

An American passport is limited in the sense that we require lots of countries to obtain visas just to visit, so they do it back to us - Brazil, for example. A European passport can be easier in those cases, and I get the sense that its generally more welcome in South America. Anyone else have thoughts on this?

Apart from border control, I think that for a good social experience as a traveler, you should be yourself and interact with locals respectfully. Don't wear your country on your sleeve, but be honest when asked and don't try to be anyone you're not. The kind of tourists that get a bad reputation here are the ones that don't interact with locals at all (large group travel) or that are disrespectful and not willing to adjust expectations.

Brandon Elijah Scott link

1/5/2014 02:02:45 am

I completely agree with you. I think that American passports are the better option. Tends to be less of a hassle.

Digital Nomads link

5/31/2013 12:15:05 am

My wife and I are French & Syrian. I don't remember we had any problem due to my wife's nationality in any country we have visited but for me as Syrian it's quite challenging in most of the countries. The challenging part is due to visas and in very few cases it was racism actions.

We always hear that Canadian and UK are the strongest passport and that is for their consulates abroad.

Brandon Elijah Scott link

1/5/2014 02:04:33 am

I am sorry to hear about that. I would imagine that something like that would get old real quick. It's really good however, that it hasn't stopped you from enjoying travels.

Gayla link

6/1/2013 04:53:08 am

Making an effort to communicate with people in their own language and to show respect for and interest in their culture has been the best door opener for me. I don't think the fact that I travel with an American passport has anything to with how I'm treated. My experiences have been mostly good, though I have only traveled through North and Central America, the Caribbean and Europe (maybe that has something to do with it). I have seen, though, how some travelers from other nations are treated differently in Europe. Sometimes it's noticeable that it's due to country of origin and other times it's personality issues.
BTW, this is a great topic for discussion.

Brandon Elijah Scott link

1/5/2014 02:07:00 am

Yes, sometimes I think that it can be interpreted more on the racist side of things. Perhaps even a hint of jealousy because of the flexibility that we have to travel.

Ben W

6/2/2013 02:20:42 pm

I have been to Europe one time, and traveled to London, Amsterdam, and Rome. I spent about 3 days in each city, and I have to admit that in the last minute planning of the trip, I didn't have time to become as culturally acquainted as I would have liked. London was an easy first stop, because of a low language barrier, and Amsterdam was not far behind because of the massive amount of American and English speaking tourists. Navigating and mingling in the city was a since, as long as you stayed on your own path. Our final stop in Rome was a different story. From the moment we arrived at our hotel in Rome, there was this ubiquitous distaste towards us. The majority of staff was unwilling to help us, and seemed to have lost any interest in relations and our experience. It was very difficult to ask anyone for directions or tips, including the hotel staff, cab drivers, and passersby. That experience definitely shaped my view of Italy, and set the low benchmark for hospitality and social norms towards Americans while traveling.

Brandon Elijah Scott link

1/5/2014 02:09:32 am

There are indeed many places where I have seen this kind of thing happen. It's a shame when it does because it leaves a bad taste in one's mouth, and makes people feel like they don't want to return.

Tiana Kai link

6/14/2013 12:02:03 am

When I say I'm American people always ask 'from where?' and I say 'Miami'. Everyone seems to love Miami... at least the idea of it: beaches, clubs, women, sun... I haven't had any issues being American, especially an American from Miami.

Brandon Elijah Scott link

1/5/2014 02:17:34 am

That is great that you haven't had any travel issues. I think that everyone certainly loves the idea of Miami. Who wouldn't! :P

Paula

12/26/2013 08:51:59 am

A great subject for discussion and insights. I've travelled wide and enjoyed meeting people from everywhere. There's good and bad, regardless of the country, but I find you find a deeper cultural penetration the further you travel from home - a mutual discovery if new findings alongside your own developing diversity. I've always admired the Nordic countries, however, such tenacity to adapting new languages and exploring new places, and greatly hospitable and friendly as they do. Travel grows you, everyone can learn more about themselves, even in their own country.

Brandon Elijah Scott link

1/5/2014 02:19:11 am

I agree. There will always be positive and negative aspects with anything. The important thing to do is try to remain seeking the positive.

Kelly

12/26/2013 02:55:49 pm

Hi!
I'm a New Zealander and I think we have one of the cheapest passports to travel on as we don't require many visas. Never really had a bad experience with immigration officials, they are normally more interested in talking about the All Blacks (rugby)

Brandon Elijah Scott link

1/5/2014 02:20:18 am

What is the price of your passports?

mitsubishi klima link

9/22/2015 03:22:26 pm

Such an awesome giveaway! Excited and fingers crossed!

Discussion: Which nationality is better for travelers?

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