Forget the Headlines – This Is What Europe Really Thinks of American Travelers

If you’re a traveler from the U.S. and have been reading the headlines recently, you may have some uncertainty about traveling to Europe and how you might be received once you’re there. But rather than speculate, we thought it was only fair for American travelers to hear what’s really being said by Europeans themselves – so we asked them.

We reached out to our network of European Travel Directors, travel hosts and staff across our business, as well as real recent and current U.S. guests. We think it’s fair to say that the responses we received should reassure anyone thinking about booking a vacation to Europe this year. But don’t just take our word for it – read them for yourself. 

Discover how to your trip to Europe with confidence when you travel with Insight Vacations.

Trust in over 100 years of experience 

“We have guests traveling with us from all across the world,” says Ulla Hefel Böhler, COO of TTC Tour Brands. “The beauty of guided touring is making friends with and learning from people from a diverse range of destinations, and with different cultural backgrounds. At Insight Vacations, many of our guests are from the USA – they have always been – and always will be – welcomed with open arms on our tours, by both our local hosts and by European locals.”  

With over 100 years of experience under our belt, we’ve witnessed world events big and small – and made it through to the other side. What have we learned? Major events come and go and political climates shift, but this doesn’t affect the daily interactions our Travel Directors or Local Experts have with our guests.

Make your own impression 

“One of the stops we made on our tour of the UK was in a community center – people who were volunteers from the local community came and made fresh scones and tea for us that day”, Insight Vacations past guest Karen tells us. “Everyone was lovely. Little moments like that just make it very special.”

Are you curious about visiting Europe to learn about its customs, history and people? Then you’ll be more than welcome. Chances are, if you’re traveling to Europe with an open mind then you’ll be met with the same. You won’t be prejudged, but you’ll get to make your own impression when you travel and meet local people, and if you’re respectful and curious then you’ll have an amazing time. 

Adity Craufurd, a Scottish travel host with our sister brand Trafalgar agrees: “European people won’t judge a whole country by what’s happening politically. I don’t think anybody coming from America should be worried about coming to Europe.”

Don’t be afraid to acknowledge current events 

“As a European touring in Europe as well as the U.S., I meet people from all walks of life with different backgrounds and beliefs”, says Travel Director Judith. “I’ve always cherished connecting with my guests and everyone is welcomed with open arms. Politics and the media don’t define who we are as people and traveling with others from around the world breaks any of that disillusionment. We’re all human and this is our world to explore.” 

World events can’t be ignored, so be aware that when you’re traveling through Europe, local people may bring them up – but know that it’s often out of intrigue, not hostility. When traveling in Europe, you’re much more likely to bond with someone over your similarities rather than your differences. 

You won’t stand out as much as you might think

“This April our mix of U.S., Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and South African guests has been a joy”, says Travel Director Anna Targett. “Enthusiasm for travel, discovering the culture of Italy and seeing beautiful sights has brought us all together. It’s such a happy group. Everyone is welcome.” 

Europe is – and has always been – a multicultural region, as many people have migrated both within the continent and from afar. Mingling with other cultures is commonplace, particularly on mainland Europe, which means you won’t stand out as much as you might think. Europeans are used to interacting with people with religious and cultural differences on a daily basis, and there isn’t an outsider mindset. 

Scottish travel host Simon agrees. “In Scotland we have a strong tradition of welcoming everybody. We’re always been a very hospitable nation. I think (the rest of) Europe’s the same. We’ve traveled so much for so long that it’s kind of part of our tradition. If you trace the DNA of anybody in Europe, you’ll find that we’ve probably got links to all the other countries within Europe – so we’re all just kind of welcoming family.”

U.S. and European cultural relations go way back 

“Fortunately I’m old enough that the period of Europe’s close and cordial relations with the U.S. doesn’t feel very long ago”, explains Insight Vacations past guest Ian. “How I, and I know many others my age feel, is that today’s current state of affairs is a blip on the timeline. There’s a lot of water under the bridge between Europe and the U.S., and the amount of positive sentiment in the bank far outweighs anything else.” – Past guest Ian, UK 

The USA and Europe have deep historical ties that give Americans a form of social credit in Europe – particularly when it comes to allied countries such as the UK and France. This history has laid a groundwork of familiarity and fondness between Europe and the USA, which runs deep. This shared cultural affinity for the U.S. will outlast current political events, as a lot of the cultural ties between Europe and American are still deeply held. 

Europe will always welcome American travelers, something Travel Director Sophie Peacock has seen firsthand. “No matter what is happening around the world in the moment, the spirit of Europe remains open and welcoming — travellers are embraced not for where they come from, but for their curiosity, kindness, and the shared joy of discovery,” she says. “We are always happy to share our beautiful countries with anyone who is open minded and willing to experience new sights, sounds and cultures. I have recently travelled through Switzerland with US, Canadian and Australian guests and we were greeted not by where we were from, but by the smiles we shared. I can truly say that the American guests I have travelled with have been the warmest, kindest and most fun-loving people. It is my great pleasure to meet so many people from every part of the USA.”