Travels as a Brit Abroad

I am very British. I am awkward. I am easily embarrassed. I am sickeningly polite. This continues on my travels as a Brit abroad.

Travels as a Brit Abroad

We have all felt that smugness when we see the rain-filled weather forecast from home, and then innocently posted pictures of the contrasting weather forecast while away. When leaving the UK not only do I bring my own tea bags, I also bring a travel kettle. It’s just better to be safe than sorry.

Walking around abroad I am the obvious tourist, reading from my guidebook with my days fully planned out. Attempting to speak the language and ultimately just embarrassing myself. In Paris, I asked for “deux baguettes s’il vous plaît” pointing at the baguettes whilst hold up two fingers. Unconfident, but knowing it was a safe bet to start putting my GCSE French to good use. My Yorkshire accent left the baker and other customers looking puzzled, and, in the end, I was asked, in English, if I were looking for a toilet.

Restaurants can always be tricky. When ordering, if it is something I cannot pronounce, (this also applies in the UK) I just end up randomly pointing at something vegetarian on the menu in the hope that it will be edible. I know I’m not alone in being given the wrong meal and quietly eating it anyway, hoping no one on my table notices either. Tipping abroad can present as somewhat of an issue. What is the protocol? Can 10% ever be wrong? According to a study by Voucherbox, Brits tip more for a cute waiter! –  but I couldn’t possibly comment on this.

There are always fun travel traditions for Brits. Coming home horrifically sunburnt after rinsing duty-free. Tutting at queuing etiquette and going, unnecessarily shiftily, through the metal detector. Please tell me I am not alone?

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