Traveling the world can be quite an adventure, and it’s something I’ve always had a deep passion for. But there’s a fascinating phenomenon I’ve noticed over the years: Some of my fellow Americans, when they find themselves overseas, suddenly become Canadians.

It’s not that they’re pulling out a second passport or anything like that, but they’ll tell people they’re from Canada when asked where they’re from.

It’s an interesting quirk, isn’t it?

Now, I’m not here to point fingers or judge. But as someone who spends a good deal of time analyzing human behavior and its effects on interactions, this trend has piqued my curiosity.

I’ve found myself wondering: What are the common behaviors that these ‘pseudo-Canadians’ display when they’re globetrotting? Is there a psychology behind this switch in nationality?

Well, after some extensive research and observation, I have identified 7 specific behaviors that Americans who say they’re Canadian when they travel overseas usually display.

1) They are generally more cautious when discussing politics

Being a traveler, you know how important it is to be mindful of the conversations you engage in. It’s like proofreading a document; you need to be careful with your choice of words and topics.

One behavior I’ve noticed in Americans who claim to be Canadians when they’re overseas is their cautious approach, especially when it comes to discussing politics. It’s a topic that can be as complex and sensitive as any intricate text needing editing.

These pseudo-Canadians tend to steer clear of political discussions, or if they find themselves in one, they typically tread lightly. They avoid revealing their true political opinions, especially if they suspect those views might not be well received.

It’s an interesting behavior, one that seems to stem from a desire to avoid conflict or negative perceptions.

Just like choosing the right words to effectively communicate a message in a text, these travelers seem to be carefully curating their interactions to ensure a positive experience during their travels.

2) They are often more polite in their interactions

So, after noticing the cautious approach to political discussions, another behavior that became apparent is the politeness displayed by these Americans-posing-as-Canadians.

It’s almost as if they’ve taken a page out of the quintessential Canadian politeness playbook. They say ‘sorry’ more often, thank people more frequently, and generally display a higher level of courtesy in their interactions.

I remember this one time when I was traveling in Europe. I bumped into a fellow traveler at a local café. We started chatting and he mentioned he was from Canada. Now, having seen this trend before, I was intrigued and decided to observe his behavior a little bit more.

Throughout our interaction, he was incredibly polite. He apologized profusely when his foot lightly brushed against mine under the table. He thanked the waiter multiple times for minor things like refilling his water glass or bringing extra napkins.

And while this behavior could be genuinely Canadian, I later found out that he was actually from Wisconsin!

It was a clear example of this increased politeness I’ve been talking about. Just like how editing requires a keen eye for detail and precision, these travelers seem to be meticulously presenting themselves as polite Canadians.

3) They strive to blend in with the local culture

There’s a quote that goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” This essentially means that when you’re in a new place, it’s respectful to follow the customs and behaviors of that place.

This is a behavior that I’ve noticed is clearly evident in Americans who say they’re Canadian when they travel overseas. They’re not just saying they’re Canadian, but they’re also trying their best to blend in with the local culture.

Think about it as editing a document written in British English when you’re used to American English. It’s not just about the spelling differences, but also the nuances in phrases, idioms, and even punctuation. You adjust your editing style to match that of the document.

Similarly, these travelers adjust their behaviors, showing an eagerness to learn about and respect local customs, traditions, and etiquette.

Whether it’s attempting to speak the local language, dressing more like the locals or engaging in local traditions, these pseudo-Canadians are always striving to blend in.

4) They often use Canadian slang

Eh, toque, loonie, double-double – these are a few Canadian slang words that are quite distinct. Now, here’s where the behavior of our American travelers pretending to be Canadians takes an interesting turn.

Just like when editing a document, where you’d incorporate the appropriate jargon or terminology to match the subject matter, these travelers often sprinkle their conversations with Canadian slang.

It’s almost as if they’ve studied a cheat sheet of Canadianisms and are eager to use them in their interactions.

I’ve heard stories of Americans overseas enthusiastically ending their sentences with a hearty ‘eh’, or casually mentioning they could do with a ‘double-double’ in the morning. It’s like they’re trying to create a more authentic Canadian persona by using these uniquely Canadian words and phrases.

This usage of Canadian slang seems to be part of their strategy to blend in and avoid any potential negative reactions associated with being American abroad. It’s all about presenting themselves in a way that’s most likely to ensure a positive experience during their travels.

5) They emphasize their love for hockey

Following the trend of blending in with the Canadian identity, many Americans who claim to be from Canada while traveling overseas also develop a sudden passion for hockey.

Hockey is like a second language in Canada – it’s an integral part of their culture and national identity.

And just like how understanding the language and culture of a text is crucial when editing, understanding and demonstrating a knowledge of hockey seems to be a way for these travelers to further build their Canadian persona.

Whether it’s discussing the latest NHL game, showing admiration for Wayne Gretzky, or just casually dropping hockey-related comments into conversations, they seem to use this as another tool to distance themselves from their American identity and appear more Canadian.

It’s like they’ve internalized the idea that love for hockey equals being Canadian, and they use that to their advantage during their travels. It’s another fascinating behavior that adds depth to this intriguing phenomenon.

6) They showcase a deep appreciation for nature

Canada is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to the beautiful lakes and forests. It’s no surprise then that another behavior common among Americans who say they’re Canadian is a marked appreciation for nature.

It’s like when you’re editing a document, and you’re appreciating the beauty of well-written sentences and the flow of ideas. These travelers seem to show a heightened interest in the natural beauty of their travel destinations, almost as if they’re channeling the Canadian love for the great outdoors.

They might express an interest in outdoor activities, such as hiking or camping, or spend more time appreciating natural landmarks. This behavior seems to be another way they align themselves with the stereotypical Canadian image.

It’s a fascinating strategy that adds another layer to their overseas persona.

7) They deliberately avoid American fast food chains

Just as an editor would steer clear of clichés and unnecessary jargon, I’ve noticed that Americans claiming to be Canadians while traveling tend to avoid American fast food chains.

You won’t catch them in the local McDonald’s or KFC. It’s as if they’re making a conscious effort to distance themselves from anything overtly American, especially things that are globally recognized symbols of America.

They prefer to dine at local restaurants or try out street food, embracing the culinary culture of the country they’re visiting. It’s another way they subtly blend in with the local crowd, and another piece of the puzzle in their quest to present themselves as Canadians.

This avoidance of American fast food chains seems to be a part of their strategy to not stand out as Americans, but rather blend in with the global crowd. Yet another fascinating behavior adding to this intriguing trend.

The takeaway

As we wrap up this exploration into the behaviors of Americans posing as Canadians when they travel overseas, what stands out is not just the behaviors themselves, but the underlying motivation behind them – the desire for a positive travel experience, free from potential negative stereotypes.

Much like editing a document, where the aim is to produce a polished, effective piece that communicates its message clearly and resonantly, these travelers are striving to present themselves in a way that facilitates positive interactions and experiences.

They’re adjusting their ‘text’, or behavior, to fit into the ‘document’, or environment, they find themselves in.

And isn’t that what we all do to some extent when we travel? We adapt to new cultures, respect local customs, and try to blend in. It’s part of the beauty of travel – the opportunity it gives us to broaden our horizons, learn about different ways of life, and challenge our preconceived notions.

After all, in the words of Mark Twain, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…”. And isn’t that a lesson worth learning?