This is a courtesy message for American travelers...

Fellow Americans, as much as I encourage and applaud you in your decision to travel around Europe I would also like to take a moment to reflect on how to make the transition a pleasant experience for all from the great U-S of A to European countries..

The following are advised against:
1. Fanny packs (honestly, no one wears them.. unless you're at Disney World and over the age of 60.)
2. The American staple of tennis shoes with every outfit. That may include khakis, jean shorts, or a dress. Unless you're planning on going for a leisurely run, we don't need to see them on your feet. We've advanced enough as a culture to find fashionable and comfortable shoes to wear while trekking around Amsterdam. Nike, Asics, or any other white tennis shoe are unacceptable when paired with a dressy outfit or anything other than athletic clothing.
3. The camera on the hip.. honestly? Do you really need it put it in plain sight so that you can whip it out out at a moments notice? Don't you realize that it's out in the open and therefore much easier to be stolen right off your body? There is nothing that you will see that will need to be captured in 15 seconds or less, I promise, therefore don't wear it like a revolver in a holster.
4. DENIM I never knew there were so many ways to wear it.. and although I speak to other nationalities as well, it's not okay to wear it as a jacket, vest, and for males, shorts all together (jorts)- at the same time, or even in separate pieces. I'm talking white wash, ripped denim, dark denim, light denim or any other variation of denim. For a moment I felt like Bubba in "Forest Gump" discussing shrimp. Just don't do it.
5. Workout clothing while you're not working out. This is the land of fashion, designers such as Versace, Gucci, Prada and Chanel all began their lines in Europe. Can you at least dress like you didn't roll out of bed in the morning, reach to the ground and pull whatever you could find just to go tour the Anne Frank House? Put a little thought into what you pack, pictures last forever. Sweatpants are not our friends. You don't have to wear designer, god knows I don't, but at least look like you didn't just leave the gym.
6. Do not, and I repeat, do not discuss politics in bars, cafes, pubs, trams, metros, trains or restaurants. It's not necessary. Everyone knows whats going on with our government and our country. Let the ever so attractive (yet gay, damn.) Anderson Cooper handle it.
7. If you're going to get high in Amsterdam, act like you have some sense. Don't throw your fries on the floor at Burger King, or run up and down the streets with your shirt off..
8. If I can hear you when I walk in the door, and you're in the back of the bar.. we have a problem. There is a volume button somewhere inside of you. Let's not be the loud Americans everyone thinks we already are.
9. Europeans tend to be private people, therefore, if I see you out crying at the bar, talking about your broken relationship you left behind and how "Todd never appreciated me for who I am and that's why he slept with Hilary.." and whimpering on the shoulder of every person you can find.. I'm going to be embarrassed for you. You're in Europe. Get a grip. Keep your business to yourself. It's only appropriate to talk about personal things when you've known someone for longer than two drinks.
10. Europe is expensive. We know this. And you probably knew this too when you booked your trip- therefore, don't loudly discuss how expensive your coffee is and then include the converted USD amount and your credit card fee for using your card. This is a once in a lifetime trip, you can have your 7-11 coffee when you get home for $1.

Traveling in Europe is completely different than America. I hope it's the difference that made you want to travel in the first place... As much as I love being able to spot you across the street, your legacy as "that" American lives on way after your three week trip. So fellow Americans- book your ticket, if you need a tour guide, I'd love to show you around- but leave your brand new white tennis shoes at home.