Reply #17: I agree - our advantage in terms of relative worth has made

[DrDan]

truly arrogant international travelers. I have heard on more than one occassion where an American would nearly demand someone in another country speak English - a shop owner, a hotel employee or the like. Then walk away shaking their head not believing the ignorance of that person not being able to speak English. Truly disgusting.

Or food - not enjoying the food of another country. Or worse, looking "down" at the restaurant selections as if they were beneath them. It is not exactly like our chili-dogs, twinkies, fried twinkies, and the like is haute cuisine.

The worst part is that it always needs to be done so loudly. Ever hear a soft-spoken Texas traveler? I know - that is a horrible generalization - but you get the point.

My wife and I refuse to group-travel or even travel where Americans are likely to group. It is just too embarrasssing to be seen as a part of our own.