How to Travel Abroad as the World's Most Toxic Brand: American

[IrishBubbaLiberal]

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/04/travel-abroad-american-trump-tariffs/

How to Travel Abroad as the World’s Most Toxic Brand: American


President Donald Trump’s convulsive tariff policy, which all but reversed course Wednesday with the caveat that the same pain would return in 90 days, continues to scramble the world’s economic order. But against the upheaval of broken alliances and global supply chains, a small anxiety is emerging among Americans with wanderlust: how to travel with the world’s most toxic passport.

Because who wants to host visitors who, if electorally judged, voted for this tumult? Even the Brits seem over us. In some ways, the question is an extension of the long-held stereotype that American travelers can be obnoxious. That they are loud and generally indifferent to local cultures. But under Trump, the stereotype feels rife for explosion.

So ahead of summer travel, I wondered: Will an American accent get your ass kicked? Should I pack a bunch of Resistance era clothing? What should I know about unlawful detentions? I called Amy Tara Koch, a travel reporter and lecturer at Northwestern University, for some quick answers on how to think about global travel during these strange times.

So first, let me get your impression, as someone who enjoys travel on a personal level, of Trump’s tariffs.

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[synni]

1. Wear statement T-shirts

Trump sucks

F**k Trump

Don't blame me, I voted for Kamala

[Tickle]

2. Leave the country!

Hell, I'm afraid to leave my state

[FakeNoose]

3. I'm not going to Europe this year, but if I were

... you can be sure I'd be telling everyone I'm from Canada! I can even do the Canadian accent a little.

[WarGamer]

4. For a chunk of Shrub's time in office... I was living/working in China. Traveling a lot everywhere...

Was constantly having to explain myself and say I have no fking idea what's wrong with Shrub.

[Johnny2X2X]

8. I traveled a lot then too

Found the rest of the world to be pretty understanding and they seemed to understand that most Americans who travel are on the more liberal side.

In Canada during 45's term, I actually had a Canadian approach me and tell me they love Trump, I put them in tehir place quickly.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

5. If I go, I will not be coming back. I have relatives in the Netherlands.

[pansypoo53219]

6. i don't travel much. but i guess my barefeet made me canadian. or don't wear fancy sneakers.

[RobinA]

7. I've Been To Europe

every year since Trump was elected the first time, and I don't see the big deal. Sure, they think that, as a country, we're nuts, but they mostly live in countries that vote, so they know people can't be held to their voted-in leader. Most of them realize that their own countries have quite a House of Horrors when it comes to their history of leaders. Far worse than anything we've yet come up with. Not that we aren't trying pretty hard lately.

I've also never been a big fan of the obnoxious American tourist myth. I've tourested all over the US and a good part of Europe, and I have never found the obnoxious American to be a thing. Are there obnoxious tourists? Sure. And they come in all shapes, sizes and colors from all over the world. As do obnoxious locals, who aren't hard to find either. Looking at you, Danish guy on the bike who I watched nearly run down an old man who didn't get out of the way fast enough of the bike speeding across the driveway of a tourist attraction crawling with foot traffic. And you, young Icelandic employee who ran ahead of me to get to a visitor center bathroom so he could lock me out saying they were closed. Rude people are every where.