We've had some people recommend that we put Canadian flags on our vehicle and clothing or backpacks so that we’re not recognized as Americans while abroad. I feel like this is a little ridiculous honestly. I see this opportunity as a chance to positively impact diplomacy as an American abroad. We are ambassadors for our home country, and how we behave and interact leaves an impression behind for other travelers.
Yes, chances are that there have been Americans before us (possibly even generations of them), who have left behind negative impressions, but it is our responsibility to prove that we are not all the same. I try to prove to locals that Americans can be friendly and open to leaning about the outside world. With this approach, we've had amazing luck breaking down cultural barriers and the locals tend to return the friendly attitude.
We also try to be very careful when religion or politics come up in conversation with locals. For centuries, politics and religion have had negative influence in the countries we are traveling. These scars last a long time and we try to focus on doing more learning and listening about the local religion or politics, without adding our own commentary or approval/disapproval. It helps that we are not very religious or political people.
