Ten ways to know if you're an 'ugly American'

Josh Roberts believes the best trips involve long hikes and muddy boots. His life goals haven't changed much since he was a kid: He still wants to be Indiana Jones when he grows up.

Follow him on Twitter (@joshwhowrites) and Instagram (@joshwhowrites), and visit his website (joshrobertsbooks.com) or Goodreads page to learn more about his forthcoming novel.

Josh joined SmarterTravel in 2001, and is an active member in both the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

In addition to SmarterTravel, he has written for USA Today, The Boston Globe, Yahoo! Travel, The Huffington Post, Airfarewatchdog, TripAdvisor, Jetsetter, ABC News, Oyster, and Business Insider. His travel photography can be seen in Britain and Ireland's Best Wild Places, published by Penguin UK.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A lacrosse ball. It's small, lightweight, and works wonders on loosening up tight muscles."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Being the first to discover an ancient lost city. Failing that, visiting as many of the already-discovered ancient ruins as possible."

Travel Motto: "Not all those who wander are lost." -J.R.R. Tolkien

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle."

See recent posts by Josh Roberts

The October issue of Budget Travel notes the 10 most egregious mistakes many Americans make that contribute to the “Ugly American” stereotype overseas.

Among the faux pas: being ignorant of “local rhythms” (i.e. rushing the waitstaff in a country where dinners usually take three hours), making “careless judgments” (out loud!) about another culture, and not dressing respectfully. That last one always reminds me of a flight to Switzerland in which I noticed a couple waiting for their luggage while decked out, head to toe, in red, white, and blue, with star-spangled bandanas to boot. (Seriously, I can’t make this stuff up.)

Of course, sometimes our “ugly” reputation precedes us. When it seems as if nothing you can do will win over the local crowd, there’s always the old fallback plan—tell them you’re Canadian.

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