How The Capitol Siege Will Affect Americans Traveling Abroad

American Travelers To Experience Scrutiny From Foreigners 

Published 01/06/2010. Capitol siege, travel, travel blog, Americans traveling abroad

By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Editor

It was an embarrassing moment for America, criticized by leaders across the world, and as a result it will have a negative affect on Americans traveling abroad this spring, summer and into the fall.

Here’s now the capitol siege in which supporters of President Donald Trump stormed Washington, D.C.,  will affect Americans traveling abroad.

Americans will experience scrutiny from foreigners in talking with them at hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, tourist attractions and especially at and pubs and clubs.

This is based on my experience traveling through Europe after President Bush (the son) attacked Iraq in an invasion based on lies, unproven accusations and a salivating media that fanned the flames looking for readers and viewers. (Sound familiar?)

First of all, Americans – easily identifiable to foreigners and other travelers – will have to be on the defensive. We will be forced to defend our country, our policies and the actions of the soon-to-be-former president and his supporters.

Granted, much of this will be ribbing rather than rebelling, but it’s something we will have to deal with when encountering people from different countries.

Secondly, we will kind of have to hide the fact we are Americans. Normally, we very proudly ay we are from the United States. We may even do a “USA, USA” chant in a lively bar every now and then.

As a result of the capitol siege, it is frankly embarrassing for many Americans to stick out their chest proudly say “I am an American.”

Now of course with the COVID situation and travel restrictions, it will be several months before we are able to travel abroad again. By then the situation will fade. But it will come up at some point so it’s important to be prepared to hear and respond to any remarks.