Pick your destination carefully, Dress wisely, Read the room, Prepare a script, Be an ambassador

Visitors explore Barcelona, one of the southern European cities where protests against tourism have occurred.

Americans gearing up for overseas travel this summer have a suitcase worth of worries to contend with.Tensions in the Middle East. Antitourism protests in Spain and Italy. Anti-American sentiment in response to U.S. domestic and foreign policy. These issues and more have caused travel agents to face a barrage of questions on what to do, how to behave and what to wear to blend in better.

Such concerns were front of mind for 53-year-old Kim Osbourne as she prepared for a trip to the U.K. with her daughter to attend rock band Black Sabbath’s final concert on July 5.

The two have debated how to be less identifiable as an American. “My Southern accent is very noticeable,” said Osbourne, who lives in Huntsville, Ala. “I’m definitely staying more quiet than usual.” She added that she will focus on not looking too interested in her surroundings.

After recent U.S. strikes in Iran, the State Department issued a travel alert that advised of “the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad.” Over half of Americans reported they felt that U.S. travelers would be less welcome in other countries as a result of the Trump administration’s trade policies, according to a survey conducted in April by travel marketing firm MMGY Global.

“They are aware America doesn’t look the best on the world stage right now with threats of tariffs and visas being denied,” said Heather Grodin, a travel planner associated with MEI-Travel. A State Department representative didn’t respond to a request for further comment.

Texas resident Abby Drake, in gray sweater, made a stop in Lisbon as part of a trip to Europe this year.

Many American tourists remain undeterred. Airline executives have pointed to healthy demand for overseas trips among more-affluent travelers, despite economic headwinds.

Abby Drake, a 32-year-old from Frisco, Texas, visited Spain and Portugal with her mother in March. During the trip, Drake said she didn’t face any negativity from people she met. Drake’s bigger concern was the potential risk of being pickpocketed or scammed.

“We weren’t really trying to hide that we were tourists, but we didn’t want to make ourselves a target,” Drake said.

Here is how travel agents and tour operators are advising their clients who have coming trips abroad:

Pick your destination carefully

Some of the animosity Americans could encounter traveling this summer might be a reflection of attitudes toward overtourism than specific anti-U.S. sentiment.

In certain destinations across southern Europe, including Barcelona and Lisbon, residents have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest the tourism industry. Travel agents recommend checking local news sources during any trips to know of places to avoid in the case of future demonstrations.

Charlie Neville, marketing director at JayWay Travel, said his company plans trips that feature “less obvious destinations where tourists aren’t just welcomed but actively embraced.” Examples he cites include countries in the Balkan and Baltic regions of Europe, such as Albania or Estonia.

Tourists gather near the London Eye Ferris wheel.

Dress wisely

Americans have long been advised to dress differently for travel overseas. Some of that advice might be outdated: Americans aren’t the only ones who wear sneakers. But athleisure wear such as sweatpants and leggings can make you stand out.

American brands and logos often have international appeal, said Leigh Barnes, president of the Americas at Intrepid Travel, a small-group tour operator. “It’s quite common to see Australians and Brits with a Harvard hoodie on or a New York Yankees hat,” he said.

When in doubt, Barnes said to err on the side of dressing more conservatively. Aim for darker, less flashy garments. And be sure to follow local customs, especially if visiting places of worship.

Read the room

Stereotypes around Americans’ behavior will precede you. Taking cues from those around you can help you to not stand out as a traveler abroad.

One key example: Watch your volume on public transportation, especially in places where the quieter subway or bus rides are the norm. Talking loudly will make you stick out.

Similarly, eating on the go isn’t as commonplace in other countries.

Trains in Stockholm. Noisy conversations on public transportation can make a traveler stand out.

Prepare a script

Locals in other countries naturally might be curious about your stance on American politics. Having some talking points prepared can help to avoid potentially uncomfortable conversations.

When Dorothy Zemach traveled to Scotland in April, she found herself preoccupied with how she would come across as an American overseas. The 62-year-old educational consultant from Eugene, Ore., would pre-empt people by openly offering her views regarding her home country’s foreign policy. The strategy proved effective, she said.

“I could feel a general relaxation and loosening, if I brought it up and apologized in advance,” she said.

Be an ambassador

Ultimately, most people are going to be noticeable as a tourist. And that isn’t a bad thing.

Taking the approach of being a good representative of the U.S. can help alleviate any possible awkwardness. “Knowing a few key phrases in the local language goes a long way,” Grodin said.

“Greet shopkeepers when you enter, and help support those small businesses by bringing home an extra bottle of wine, olive oil, etcetera,” she added.