👀 Criticism abroad? How to travel when your country isn't popular
Inspiration Postcard #11: Traveling during uncertain political times
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This is a special Inspiration Postcard edition! Let’s get to it. ✈️
🕰 Reading time: 7ish minutes
It’s an unpaid job you didn’t know you signed up for.
It’s like the fine print of one of your favorite cereal boxes.
What am I talking about?
Welcome friend, and let me explain:
Whether you like it or not, the moment you leave home on a trip, you suddenly put on a new pair of pants:
🎖You’re an unofficial ambassador for where you’re from
Unofficial ambassadors can represent numerous aspects of your home life:
the city you were born
the state you live in
your nationality
the company you work for
the sports teams you root for
Sure, your uniform often won’t look very official.
It might be a pair of Converse All-Stars or a bucket hat from a thrift shop.
Yes, it’s wonderful meeting folks from different parts of the world.
But a flip side is sometimes people judge you based on where you’re from.
Suddenly, you are the face of your country. You’re the president, the military, and press secretary (aka unofficial ambassador).
In case you missed it, here’s last week’s post!
Naturally, people will want to talk to you.
While abroad, people would ask me:
Did you vote for that guy?
Do you think the president is doing a good job?
What do you think will happen after XYZ?
At first, these questions would drive me crazy.
Inside, I’d want to reply,
Why don’t I send the big guy a text since I know him SO darn well?
However, over the years, I began accepting that this curiosity is normal.
🔔 Locals and travelers will ask you questions
People will want to know more about you regardless of where you come from.
However, it's almost certain people will ask you questions if you come from the United States (based on my experience).
Questions can test your patience, but remember this: 👇
You may be this person’s only link to that part of the world.
Also, you may be the only person they’ve ever met from your country.
🛑 A harsh reality for Americans traveling right now
In 2025, I’m reading news headlines like these:
The US just froze aid to Ukraine
We’ve put tariffs on our two closest geographical allies
A trade war with China
No matter your opinion of our current president, his policies are impacting the world’s view of our country.
(📍 Please note: This newsletter is not driven by politics, nor do I have a hidden agenda. I’m just sharing based on my experiences.)
Many families, communities, governments, and travelers are impacted.
So, be aware that traveling American might face backlash for what our government does.
People will want to understand why our country does what it does.
If you’re the only link to the US, then they’ll turn to you for answers.
🤲 There’s a silver lining
Being an unofficial ambassador can sound unpleasant, but there’s actually a lot of positive.
In fact, having these interactions can be a golden opportunity in disguise.
For example, in my early travel days abroad, some locals and other foreign travelers thought I was a jerk for being American.
Why? Because they disagreed with my country’s international policies.
US troops were fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most people I met didn’t like George Bush. Some opinions went deeper into my country’s foreign policy.
Rather than fight or argue, I tried to understand and be kind.
Instead of talking, I listened as much as possible.
I tried to show them not all Americans were the same.
Just like I wanted them to give me a chance, I also did my best to not judge them for their beliefs or nationality.
Most of these interactions were positive. At the very least, we found common ground and could be at peace with each other.
🤝 11 ways to reduce tension while traveling
If you ever find yourself traveling abroad and someone harasses you because of your nationality, then follow the steps below. (This can work for any nationality).
These tips have worked for me so far.
#1: Remain calm, always.
#2: Don’t be sarcastic, sassy, or exasperated if someone asks you questions.
#3: Remember they’re (probably) genuinely curious even if their questions seem silly.
#4: Show empathy if they’re upset about your country’s actions.
#5: Ask for more details. Maybe they know more than you do. We never know the true ripple effects our countries have on other nations.
#6: Read the room and consider correcting them with kindness.
#7: Be sensitive to their culture and worldview.
#8: Avoid defensiveness, arguments, and violence. Walk away if needed.
#9: Don’t reciprocate by generalizing them.
#10: Offer to build bridges.
#11: Let respect be your guide.
✌️ Eight things to say when if you face an altercation
Here are some scripts of what to say to ease any tense travel moment:
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