About 20 miles from the Canada-U.S. border, Paula Opdam stocks her two gift shops with Canadian products. Last week, she placed a large order for one of this year’s most popular statement pieces: T-shirts, hats and hoodies that read “Canada Is Not for Sale.”
“They are going to be huge,” said Opdam, who owns Grant’s Gifts and the Picket Fence in Port Colborne, Ontario, a short drive from the Buffalo crossing.
The merchandise is not intended to offend her south-of-the-border shoppers, Opdam said by phone between customers. They are a cheeky rebuttal to President Donald Trump’s bid to absorb Canada as the 51st state.
“We love our American customers,” Opdam said.
Since taking office last month, the new administration has released a flurry of foreign-policy plans that could erode good will with allies. International relations experts caution that anti-American sentiment could bubble up, straining interactions between American tourists and residents of the places they visit.
“If there are bilateral problems between governments, then you may see some pushback in the streets,” said Tara Sonenshine, a professor at Tufts University’s Fletcher School who served as President Barack Obama’s undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs.
Trump’s vow to reclaim the Panama Canal has sparked impassioned protests in the Central American nation, including burning U.S. flags. Travelers in Canada, Mexico and China could catch grief from nationals unhappy about tariffs (real and proposed). Trump’s repeated desire to acquire Greenland could dampen the anticipated arrival of the first nonstop flight from Newark to Nuuk, which will debut in June.
Diplomacy and travel safety experts have not noticed a spike in animosity toward Americans in Trump’s second term. But it’s still early, said Tyler Hosford, a regional security manager for International SOS, a risk assessment firm.
“It takes time for these things to really shake out,” Hosford said. “We could get to the other side of the summer and it might not be the same landscape.”
Despite the relative calm, Hosford has been hearing from concerned travelers about whether they will be greeted with open — or crossed — arms. His advice to them is to blend in, keep a low profile and don’t wear your citizenry on your sleeve.
Violent anti-American demonstrations are rare. In general, travelers will face a more benign strain of dissent.
“There will be people who are certainly not pleased with the American government and with the president in particular,” said Barbara Bodine, director of the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University. “It doesn’t mean they are necessarily hostile to you or to Americans writ large.”
Pamela Eyring, president and owner of the Protocol School of Washington, said locals could express their displeasure through their body language, such as avoiding your glance, frowning or walking away. On the extreme end, Eyring said, they could call you names or toss empty bottles, trash or food in your direction.
When out exploring, tourists might notice anti-American graffiti, outdoor murals or posters, or attire with salty slogans.
“Don’t take it personally or judge one person’s hostile thinking or actions to represent all of their people,” Eyring said.
You can never be too cautious, however.
Bodine, a former ambassador of Yemen, advises travelers to check resources listed by the U.S. Embassy in their destination for advisories and alerts. “They will have the best feel,” she said. Sonenshine recommends gauging the pulse through social media, Reddit and local news outlets.
A general rule of thumb is to stay clear of large gatherings or marches, even if you identify with the cause. Your foreignness could draw unwanted attention or scrutiny.
For locals and tourists, the question can be an icebreaker. But your answer can lead to more probing topics.
“They may ask you what is going on, or ‘why is your government doing this to us,’” Bodine said. “I certainly get those questions when I travel abroad.”
Bodine said she does not see any advantage to confronting, defending or trying to explain U.S. affairs, regardless of your political views or affiliation. Her advice is to politely extricate yourself from the situation by telling the interlocutor that you are on holiday and detoxing from the news.
If the person persists, she recommends this sample script: “I’m a tourist. I’m not here as a government representative. I don’t speak for my government. Can I just please enjoy my hamburger?”
Eyring will pair a smile with an equanimous response, such as “It’s a little chaotic right now, and I’m delighted to be in your country for vacation.” Or, “Every country has its challenges, including the U.S.”
If that doesn’t work, try redirecting the conversation toward noncontroversial topics like the weather, local attractions or restaurant recommendations. Or ask them about their connection to the destination. Reciprocate the “where are you from?” question.
If the exchange turns heated, excuse yourself and leave the premises.
“Safety supersedes etiquette,” said Daniel Post Senning, great-great grandson of Emily Post and author of several etiquette books.
To avoid a potential conflict, you might be tempted to assume another nationality. Experts advise against falsely claiming another identity, a practice that traces back to the Vietnam War era, when U.S. travelers sewed Canadian patches onto their backpacks.
“It’s hard to cover up your Americanness in this world,” Senning said. “Rather than try to mask it, make an effort to be a good guest.”
Etiquette specialists such as Senning and Eyring say basic manners, common courtesy and cultural sensitivity can act as a balm.
For example, learn a few key phrases in the country’s language, especially polite words like “please” and “thank you.” Practice greeting customs. Dress neutrally, not patriotically. Skip the garments with offensive or incendiary slogans. Avoid loud behaviors, such as video calls in public places. Respect the traditional meal and prayer times.
In other words, be an exemplary visitor, above reproach.
“The things that make you a bad traveler, to use a term from the 1970s, an ‘Ugly American,’ are remarkably consistent,” Hosford said. “But the stakes are higher in environments where there’s more tension, more stress and more pressure.”
