Who Will You Meet?

Why do people make jokes about American tourists … and German tourists … and British tourists? Well, it’s because there are so many! The sheer presence of people from these countries abroad is a testament to how much they travel. The infographic above offers the reason why. Germans travel outside their home country the most, with 72.3 million international departures in 2009, according to data from the World Bank. The United States was next, with 61.4 million, followed by the United Kingdom with 58.6 million.

Interestingly, China has moved into the #4 slot. In 2002, which really isn’t all that long ago, there were only 16.6 million international departures. Since then, however, the number has effectively tripled!

Whether you’re running into other travelers when you’re on vacation or are seeing visitors in your home town, the odds favor Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom and China.

So, what can you do with this? Here are a few ideas:

1. Learn some expressions in German and Chinese, as well as some of the local British lingo, so you can make your new friends feel at home.

2. Be helpful, especially if you’re on your home turf – someone always needs directions, or suggestions for a great off-the-beaten-path attraction.

3. Be hospitable: would it kill you to buy a round of drinks?

Who have you run into on vacation – do you have a cool story about drinks with a German tourist or getting lost with a new friend from the UK? Share your stories below!

And dorn't forget to 'Like us' on Facebook for exclusive travel deals!