Why do us Brits have a bad reputation abroad
By Darren Cronian on Monday, October 16th, 2006

On Friday, I received an email from Dave, an English backpacker, currently travelling around Europe, who wanted me to blog about his experience whilst in out in Zagreb, with his friends on Wednesday night.

Why do us Brits have a bad reputation abroad

He had just finished eating dinner, and wanted to visit a cash machine, when he got talking to a group of English football fans stood outside the restaurant, having a quiet drink – minutes later, three Croatian police officers came up to the group and started to push them around, and escorted them into the police van.

The group were put in jail cells and later told after being released that the police had arrested a large number of England football fans because they were worried that they would start fights after the game – this has ruined Dave’s Croatia experiences and it made me think back to my travels.

I remember in Spain, whilst shopping in Torrevieja, me and my brother were walking around a duty free shop looking for aftershave, minding our own business, when a burly security guard came up to me, started shouting in Spanish and pushed us out of the shop.

Believe me, neither of us look like dodgy characters, but it ruined my experience, and we never shopped again during that holiday – maybe the security guard was having a bad day, or maybe he has had a bad experience with English shoppers – who knows.

Whilst on a night out with friends in Sydney, we had just come out of a superb Italian restaurant on Darling Harbour, and during my previous four nights in Sydney I had not seen any fighting or police (not like a typical night out in Leeds) but on this night we witnessed a bouncer being attacked by a drunken individual – yes, he was English.

Unfortunately, it only takes one incident, be it a riot, fight or argument in the street, and your tarnished with the same brush. I have no idea why this is the case, but it seems that in some countries, you have to work especially hard at proving that your not some raving lunatic out for a fight.


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6 responses to “Why do us Brits have a bad reputation abroad”

Lee Harrison | 16 October, 2006 at 8:57 am

I hope your going to behave yourself in Kos, darren, I wouldn’t mention that you support Leeds, at worst they might just Laugh !!! No seriosly, Brits abroad can ( not tarring everyone with the same brush) be a huge Embarrasement.
Don’t forget to see ilios Saragias at Mastichari Travel and Maria and Adonis( Tony) at Kali Kardia Taverna, ( they also own Angela Thalia studios, Angela and Thalia are the names of their daughters) when your on Holiday.
Have a good one mate ( Off to Kalkan in Turkey myself on 23rd, back on 31st, so hope to hear all about your Kos adventure)

Darren Cronian | 16 October, 2006 at 11:13 am

Lee, thanks, I’ll make sure I drop by the travel agencies and Taverna! I’m really excited about this holiday! I’ll be in touch for my next trip in February - a weeks break again, fancy Egypt!

Jon | 25 October, 2006 at 6:13 pm

Fun site!
And I thought it was the classic “ugly American” that was so infamous abroad!

I sometimes think that Americans (and perhaps citizens of all countries) should be required to take a class before getting a passport on how to behave when guests in a foreign country.

My thought was to teach Americans to first read up on the country they visit so they understand the customs and appropriate behavior. And to also try to speak quietly, never fight with a waiter who can’t speak “our” language, and leave behind their ripped blue jeans, $200 tennis shoes, baseball caps and bling jewelry.

Sometimes, it’s the just their appearance and an “I’m proud to be an American” attitude that seems to get them in trouble, not necessarily their direct actions.

Frank | 25 October, 2006 at 7:36 pm

I’m in the hospitality industry here in Orlando, Florida and I find that Brits are rather cheerful individuals. Maybe it’s because they’re on holiday or absorbing more sunshine than usual? I always have great conversation and experiences with those from the UK. Everyone is allowed to have a bad day now and then, but Brits seem AOK to me!

Sandy | 25 October, 2006 at 11:25 pm

It’s really very simple.

When in a foreign country, remember that you are a guest, and respect the customs of the place.

Don’t poke fun at or belittle the locals, and don’t expect the food to be ‘like mother used to make’.

I’ve travelled extensively over the years, and have often been embarrassed by my fellow travellers (whatever nationality they are).

Some years ago, my husband and I had the great fortune to be the only two people on a wonderful tour of China, so in each place we visited we had a tour guide to ourselves. On one occasion when lunch was provided in a smart hotel, we asked our guide and driver to join us. Finally relaxing and being off duty they told us some pretty awful stories of the attitude of many visitors towards the local residents, and the disrespect they showed for the temples and other religious buildings.

Again while in Florida we took an airboat ride on the Everglades and while on the open water the driver did the ‘James Bond’ bit of revving up and bouncing across the water, ending up with the equivalent of a handbrake turn. We asked him not to bother with this bit, we really wanted to see the wildlife, and for him to tell us more about the ecology of the area. He was delighted, and said he hated having to do the racy tourist bit because it was detrimental to the wildlife - but nearly everyone complained if they didn’t get the thrill ride.

These are just two examples, but why travel if you don’t want to find out about the culture of other countries.

Darren Cronian | 29 October, 2006 at 1:31 pm

Well its good to know that Brits aren’t as bad as people (or the press) make them out to be.

I think alot of the bad press comes from Brits in Europe, i.e. Spainish holiday resorts etc. I don’t mind a drink, but going on holiday just because the beer is cheap and its warm is not my idea of an holiday.

Great points everyone!

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