[NoMo50]

Originally Posted by RedFoxRick

However, a bit of a history lesson, it actually was the Russians at the Battle of Stalingrad that “saved their butts”, as the Battle of Stalingrad was truly the turning point for the war in the European theatre.

I must respectfully disagree. True...Hitler's obsession with pressing the eastern front was a huge strategic error, and eventually diminished Germany's ability to prosecute the war. However, the Soviet's eventual push into Germany and Poland had little to do with saving anyone. Not Sure? Ask anyone who spent decades under the iron boot in USSR satellite states.

In contrast, the western allies truly liberated France and the Low Countries following the D-Day invasion, and did so without an eye toward territorial acquisition. Even today in France (anywhere except Paris), you will find people who still very much appreciate the fact they are not speaking German.

[kendi]

Originally Posted by Pugchief

Europeans have never been fond of Americans (except when we were saving their butts during WW2). This is just an escalation of global unrest that is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. If you want to go to Europe, you should go now before it gets even crazier.

IMO/YMMV

We have always been warmly welcomed by the Europeans

[Regorp]

Originally Posted by Ecuadog

Have the recent anti-tourism protests made you rethink your travel plans?

ABCnews... click here.

No. Still not planning to travel.

[airstreamingypsy]

I suspect Europeans feel the same way about tourists, as we do about snowbirds. During tourist season, their roads, restaurants, sidewalks and shops are all overcrowded. I went to Europe in the 70s, the summer of the youth fares. 1,000s of us, in our early 20s went. You could fly into any city, and fly out of any city for 199.00 from NYC. By August, it seems Londoners had had enough. They are so rude, and ugly, I called the airline and said get me out of here. That said, people in France, Italy and Switzerland couldn't have been nicer.

[dtennent]

Having traveled overseas for both business and pleasure for 40 years, I have found people everywhere to be warm and welcoming as long as you avoid the major tourist areas. For example, if you are in Paris and visit the Champs-Elysees, you will find abrupt and rather rude behavior. (Not too different from parts of NYC.) However, if you go to a small restaurant off the beaten track, you will be rewarded with great service and excellent food. We will continue to travel as long as we are able, obviously avoiding active war zones.

[Spartan86]

No change to our plans. I travel extensively for work and my wife and I have been traveling much more the last few years. Like just about anywhere, going in with a friendly, unassuming demeanor, smiling and saying please takes you a long way. I cannot say we have been treated poorly anywhere based on being obviously American.

[Packer Fan]

You have never been to Europe for any length of time have you? I have spent a lot of time in Europe and as far as I have seen, they love Americans. Have literally never had a negative experience with a European past them smoking in restaurants which drives me crazy but is their way. Btw, have been in Spain and Portugal for the past 2 weeks, writing this from Madrid. Have felt nothing but love here. Helps I speak some Spanish and always try to learn the common words in any language I visit.

[Packer Fan]

Nothing in Lisbon, Porto Pinhao, A Caruna, Santiago de Compostela, or Madrid so far. Saville, Granada, Barcelona, and Valencia coming up, will let you know. Its a thing called fake news and why I don't watch ABC or any of them. Actually there have been some water spraying going on on Myorka, but our news media is just looking to for clicks and to spread lies. Just ignore it and plan your trip.

[Runway48]

Originally Posted by Packer Fan

Nothing in Lisbon, Porto Pinhao, A Caruna, Santiago de Compostela, or Madrid so far. Saville, Granada, Barcelona, and Valencia coming up, will let you know. Its a thing called fake news and why I don't watch ABC or any of them. Actually there have been some water spraying going on on Myorka, but our news media is just looking to for clicks and to spread lies. Just ignore it and plan your trip.

We've done a fair amount of cruising and all of our interactions with Europeans have been positive (though the crowds in Rome are ridiculous and zippered pockets are recommended). We find Europeans are rightfully proud of their countries and appreciate it when you make the effort to respect and understand their cultures. The problem with cruising is that touring is largely limited to port cities. We've done land tours of Ireland and just recently returned from one in the west covering the major sites from Rapid City SD to Jackson Hole WY. We would like to do another land tour in Europe. From your description, it sounds like you are on a tour. Is this a self-constructed tour or are you traveling with a tour company? If you are using a company, is it one you would recommend?

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Pugchief

Europeans have never been fond of Americans (except when we were saving their butts during WW2). This is just an escalation of global unrest that is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. If you want to go to Europe, you should go now before it gets even crazier.

IMO/YMMV

Merely one of the downsides of the world population increase in the last 15 years. NY City has a vehicle problem in its downtown area that it TRIED to solve by charging vehicles a fee (congestion pricing). Florida has situations in the winter where they have more people than the current roads can handle. Those protests in Europe about foreign tourists are basically about OVERCROWDING.

[JoMar]

Just returned from three weeks in the UK and France, no bad experiences, friendly and respectful people and a great time.