Hola.
Are you "American" at home but "Canadian" abroad? You're apparently, not alone.
There’s been a lot of media coverage lately about Americans hiding their nationality while traveling abroad. Some people claim to be Canadian or from somewhere else to avoid negative reactions.
Amelia and I have joked about saying we're Canadian a couple of times because we cringe a little about the response we might get by saying we're from the U.S.
Especially in lieu of recent events.
However, we've always been honest when asked. And in all the years we've been living and traveling abroad, we’ve never felt discriminated against for being American.
If anything, we’ve experienced the opposite.
In Cambodia, people were often excited to meet someone from the U.S. They were curious about where we were from, how far we had traveled, and what we thought of their country.
We’ve had similar experiences here in Malaysia. When locals find out we came all the way from the U.S., the reaction is usually surprise followed by genuine enthusiasm. People seem happy that we chose to visit their country.
One of the most memorable examples happened in Albania. More than once, someone stopped us on the street to ask where we were from. When we said “America,” they immediately thanked us.
Not for visiting their country, but because the role President Woodrow Wilson played in supporting Albania’s independence after World War I. It’s something most older Albanians still appreciate today.
Moments like that are a good reminder that the way Americans are perceived abroad is often very different from what we hear in the media.
Like anywhere in the world, people tend to judge travelers based on how they behave rather than where they come from. If you’re respectful, curious, and open to learning about their culture, most people respond positively.
So while some Americans may feel the need to hide their nationality, we’ve found that simply being ourselves, and being respectful guests, has led to far more welcoming experiences than awkward ones.
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News for Global Citizens
Here's what we learned about the world this week...
Expat News
Ecuador Travel Update
Ecuador has launched joint operations with U.S. forces to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. The effort is focused primarily on ports and coastal regions linked to drug transit routes. Major tourist destinations such as Cuenca, Quito, and the Galápagos Islands continue to operate normally, though travelers are encouraged to stay informed about evolving security conditions. [Source]
European Countries That Pay You to Move
Several European countries are offering financial incentives to attract new residents, particularly to rural areas facing population decline. Programs in places like Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain may include renovation grants, relocation bonuses, or reduced taxes for foreign residents. These programs usually require purchasing and restoring older homes or committing to live in smaller communities for several years. [Source]
Crossing the Atlantic With Your Pet
The Queen Mary 2 remains the only ocean liner that allows dogs and cats to travel across the Atlantic with their owners between New York and Southampton. The ship features a dedicated kennel area with outdoor play space and staff who care for the animals during the voyage. With only 24 kennel spaces available, reservations often sell out months or even years in advance. [Source]
Albania: A Budget-Friendly Retirement Destination
Albania is gaining attention as one of Europe’s most affordable retirement destinations. In smaller cities and coastal towns, a couple can reportedly live comfortably on around $1,200 per month, including housing, food, and daily expenses. With Mediterranean scenery, welcoming locals, and low costs compared to neighboring countries, Albania is becoming an appealing option for budget-conscious retirees. [Source]
Getting an EU Passport Through Ancestry
Millions of people may qualify for European citizenship through ancestry if they have parents, grandparents, or sometimes great-grandparents from certain countries. Nations such as Italy, Ireland, Poland, Hungary, and Portugal offer citizenship-by-descent programs that can grant the right to live and work across the European Union. Eligibility rules vary widely, and documentation proving lineage is required. [Source]
Canada Expands Citizenship by Descent
Canada is moving to expand its citizenship-by-descent rules, potentially allowing more people born abroad to Canadian parents to claim citizenship. Previously, citizenship was generally limited to the first generation born outside the country. The proposed change would restore eligibility for many families who were previously excluded and could affect thousands of people with Canadian ancestry. [Source]
Affordable Countries to Retire in Europe
A recent ranking highlights several European countries where retirees can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on a modest budget. Destinations such as Portugal, Greece, Albania, and parts of Spain continue to attract retirees thanks to lower living costs, pleasant climates, and accessible healthcare systems. Many of these countries also offer residency programs designed to make long-term stays easier for foreign retirees. [Source]
Italy Considers Tightening Citizenship Rules
Italy is considering changes to its citizenship laws that could make it harder for people with distant Italian ancestry to claim citizenship. Applications based on citizenship by descent have surged in recent years, especially from the Americas. The proposed reforms would limit eligibility for some applicants whose connection to Italy goes back several generations. [Source]
Travel News
Americans Sometimes Hide Their Nationality While Traveling
A recent report found that some American travelers admit to claiming a different nationality when abroad to avoid stereotypes or negative reactions. While most travelers say they are proud to be American, others say pretending to be Canadian or another nationality can sometimes lead to friendlier interactions. Travel experts note that respectful behavior and cultural awareness generally matter more than nationality when interacting with locals. [Source]
Major Flight Disruptions Across Europe
Thousands of travelers were affected by widespread flight disruptions across Europe as airlines canceled more than 300 flights and delayed thousands more in a single day. The disruptions impacted major carriers including Ryanair, KLM, and British Airways, with airports in countries such as Denmark, France, Germany, Spain, and the UK reporting significant delays. Weather conditions, airport union strikes, and operational challenges contributed to the widespread travel chaos.[Source]
How Conflicts Can Affect Air Travel
Growing geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts can quickly disrupt international air travel, forcing airlines to reroute or cancel flights through affected airspace. When conflicts escalate, airlines often avoid certain regions entirely for safety reasons, which can lead to longer flight times, higher fuel costs, and delays for passengers. Travel experts recommend monitoring airline alerts and buying flexible tickets when traveling during periods of geopolitical uncertainty. [Source]
Italian Destinations Introduce New Tourist Restrictions
Popular Italian destinations including Capri and Florence are introducing new restrictions aimed at managing overtourism. Measures include limits on large tour groups, tighter regulations on short-term rentals, and new rules intended to preserve historic areas and reduce congestion. Local officials say the goal is to protect cultural heritage and improve quality of life for residents while still welcoming visitors. [Source]
How to Find Low-Pressure Group Trips
Travelers interested in meeting people on the road are increasingly seeking small group trips that avoid rigid schedules and packed itineraries. These experiences often emphasize flexibility, shared accommodations or community spaces, and optional activities rather than mandatory daily tours. Travel experts say the key to finding the right group trip is choosing companies that prioritize social connections and personal freedom over tightly structured travel plans (like the Turtle Travel Club 😉). [Source]
That's all for this week. Safe travels.
JP (Amelia Says Hola)
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