I have gone on a number of solo backpacking trips over the past several years and I have had wonderful experiences along with meeting amazing people from all over the world. Traveling is one of the best things you can do as an individual. It really opens up your mind and puts a great perspective of the world into your own ideologies. It can challenge you and change you. However, there is still annoying shit you have to go through as a US citizen and here they are.
EDM Music
The majority of the world's population loves this stuff and craves it in the clubs. I don't get it. It's only good when you are tweaked out of your mind. When sober, it's shit. As a citizen from a country who was at the forefront in creating this type of music, there is a reason why this didn't catch on here.
Gun Topic
I feel that every time I travel the gun topic is brought up by non-US citizens. I started trying to explain my liberal position on gun control but once I saw even that wasn't good enough, I pretty much said screw it and do not engage.
US citizens apologizing for the election of Trump and being afraid of letting their nationality known
This one drives me nuts. It feels like some US travelers want to fit in so much with Europeans that they feel they have to bad mouth our country and apologize. It looks ridiculous. If you haven't researched lately, many countries are heading right wing. We are technically the second surprise. Brexit was the first. If another country's citizens can't separate the US government from their citizens then they don't need your attention. If you try to hide your nationality while traveling, please grow a backbone.
Other US travelers seeming to only be from the west coast and NYC
I have noticed this a lot and I am sure this has to do with our lack of travel culture so more progressive areas are more represented. Maybe this is why I see so many people apologizing. I hope the culture develops with a more diverse population of Americans represented. I was so happy when I met someone from Montana one night. It definitely looked like he was from Montana and he got a big high five from me. My British friend always told me my personality was much different from other Americans he met backpacking which was enjoyable for him. There are plenty of people like me out there but they don't travel as much.
Soccer
This one is a little more personal for me since I could care less about soccer. I'm sorry. I just don't think it is that exciting of a game. While traveling, I am always surrounded by discussions of soccer. I never can add my perspective because I don't know shit about it. I do enjoy seeing the craziness from watching this sport live in other countries but I still can't connect with it being American. It is growing in our country but far from becoming prominent. But I do love calling it soccer just so I can piss of the Brits. One time I flew from South America to the Dominican Republic just so I could escape everything soccer. Probably the best destination for that.
Ugly American Tourist
This actually wasn't annoying at all but very refreshing. I am sure this type of tourist or traveler still exists but I have come across plenty more examples of asshole tourists from other countries while witnessing very respectful US tourists in comparison. I will keep with the newly established respectful US tourist image and not release the observations I saw.