Making An Impression

Updated April 28, 2025

If you’ve been reading the news lately, you might have seen some headlines about Europe that are enough to make any would-be U.S. traveler wonder: Am I really welcome in Europe right now?

We hear these concerns all the time from our American guests — and we’re here to tell you: yes, you are welcome. In fact, with a little thoughtfulness (and a little guidance from experts like us), American travelers can have some of the most rewarding, warmly received experiences in Europe today.

At Grand European Travel, we specialize in creating guided European vacations that help you travel smart, savor every moment, and leave a great impression. So let's talk about what Europeans really think of American travelers — and how you can enjoy every step of your journey with confidence.

The good news is that Americans are often seen as some of the friendliest and most enthusiastic visitors in Europe. Locals appreciate how Americans tend to dive into new experiences with genuine excitement, whether it’s learning to make pasta in Italy or joining a flamenco class in Spain.

“As a European touring in Europe as well as the U.S., I meet people from all walks of life with different backgrounds and beliefs”, says Travel Director Judith. “I’ve always cherished connecting with my guests and everyone is welcomed with open arms. Politics and the media don’t define who we are as people and traveling with others from around the world breaks any of that disillusionment. We’re all human and this is our world to explore.”

“The beauty of guided touring is making friends with and learning from people from a diverse range of destinations, and with different cultural backgrounds,” says Ulla Hefel Böhler, COO of TTC Tour Brands. “Many of our guests are from the USA – they have always been – and always will be – welcomed with open arms on our tours, by both our local hosts and by European locals.” 

American travelers are also known for their generosity and openness. Even small gestures — like saying a heartfelt “thank you” or showing real curiosity about a local tradition — leave lasting impressions. It's this sense of openness that continues to make Americans beloved guests across the continent.

“One of the stops we made on our tour of the UK was in a community center – people who were volunteers from the local community came and made fresh scones and tea for us that day”, past guest Karen tells us. “Everyone was lovely. Little moments like that just make it very special.” When you travel thoughtfully, locals notice — and welcome you even more warmly.

Adity Craufurd, a Scottish travel host with our sister brand Trafalgar agrees: “European people won’t judge a whole country by what’s happening politically. I don’t think anybody coming from America should be worried about coming to Europe.”

Scottish travel host Simon agrees. “In Scotland we have a strong tradition of welcoming everybody. We’re always been a very hospitable nation. I think (the rest of) Europe’s the same. We’ve traveled so much for so long that it’s kind of part of our tradition. If you trace the DNA of anybody in Europe, you’ll find that we’ve probably got links to all the other countries within Europe – so we’re all just kind of welcoming family.”

“This April our mix of U.S., Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and South African guests has been a joy”, says Travel Director Anna Targett.” Enthusiasm for travel, discovering the culture of Italy and seeing beautiful sights has brought us all together. It’s such a happy group. Everyone is welcome.”

Traveling with GET means you don’t have to guess how to navigate these cultural nuances — we've already thought it through for you.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Expert Local Guides: Our guides not only know the history and highlights — they know the heart of the culture, and they help you experience it authentically.

• Balanced Itineraries: We design trips that mix iconic sights with genuine free time, so you can sip coffee in a hidden piazza and marvel at world-famous landmarks — without feeling rushed.

• Cultural Tips and Support: Before and during your trip, we share easy, respectful ways to engage with local customs so you feel confident and connected wherever you go.

• Access to Local Experiences: We connect you with real communities — not just tourist spots — through cooking classes, artisan visits, private tours, and more.

In short: we help you travel like a guest, not a tourist — and Europe loves that.

Yes, Europe is busier these days, and yes, travelers are being asked to be more mindful — but that's not a bad thing. In fact, it’s leading to richer, more authentic experiences for travelers who want to really connect with the places they visit.

“Fortunately I’m old enough that the period of Europe’s close and cordial relations with the U.S. doesn’t feel very long ago”, explains past guest Ian. “How I, and I know many others my age feel, is that today’s current state of affairs is a blip on the timeline. There’s a lot of water under the bridge between Europe and the U.S., and the amount of positive sentiment in the bank far outweighs anything else.”

With the right approach (and the right partner in planning), Americans are warmly welcomed across Europe. A friendly smile, a little cultural curiosity, and a slower pace are all you need to create unforgettable memories — and leave a wonderful impression behind.

Ready to explore Europe the right way? Let’s start planning your adventure today!