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Most likely his good manners (not being sarcastic). I genuinely find Americans to be more polite and friendly than any other nationality, generally speaking.

This goes against popular opinion, I know, but it has been my experience.

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I think this depends greatly on where you go, as more invested travelers tend to handle themselves more responsibly. For example, this might be more noticeable in many parts of southern Europe dominated by other European tourists (thanks to cheaper flights). Less traveled Americans tend not to visit these places, so the Americans that do visit are more considerate and polite.

That's a good point and certainly I've not encountered that many Americans in Spain, where I live at the moment. Those I have met tend to be 19 - 25 year age group, studying the language rather than your average tourist.

However, I have visited the States once and was very much impressed by how approachable and friendly people are - much more so than anywhere else I have been (border control staff excepted, of course).

I know a few people who say they hate Americans but, when pressed, they usually admit not having much of a reason that's based in any sort of reality. In other words, they have never been there and haven't met that many in real life.

>>> This goes against popular opinion,

Indeed, just from my experience.

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