While in London a couple weeks ago I annoyed my fellow travelers to no end by repeating the title to this post over, and over, and over again.

More to the point of the post, though, I think our culture for tipping bigger than most European countries may help our image abroad.

I spent roughly a month over in Europe for a travel study course and nobody ever hassled me or my friends. Well, except for this one drunken German in Munich but I hardly think that counts, plus I had a great discussion on the train ride to Italy with another German so it evens out.

Most people can separate human beings from whoever is leading their government at the time or what it is doing or the stereotypes of their nation, and simply judge people for who they are and how they act. Sure there are plenty of assholes out there, but they're hated for the right reasons.

I just got back from my honeymoon along the Danube, and I can confirm both those points. The other Americans I observed (including those in my tour groups) were well-behaved, but often poorly-dressed in comparison to the locals.

For anyone thinking of traveling to Europe who doesn't want their appearance to scream "tourist," leave your shorts, sneakers, and printed T-shirts at home. My wife and I did this, and I think we blended in quite well...until we tried to speak to someone, of course.