Perhaps. And I have certainly encountered the type of traveller who seemingly tells you stories of their journeys so that they may one-up you on the social scale. I tend to forgive this, though, because underneath it all we are simply simians with shoes, jockeying for social status and sex.

I have travelled some in my life. Not extensively, but enough to have a few stories of my own. My guidelines around traveling are:

1) Be humble. Related: be prepared to apologize if you do something unintentionally rude. I had to do this frequently in Asia because me, being American, was not used to taking off my shoes whenever I entered a home or restaurant. I quickly learned, but there were times at the beginning where I forgot. Apologies helped. Exception: Australia.

2) Be reserved. If someone is interested in you or your country they will ask. If not, don't bore them with something they may or may not care about. Exception: Ireland.

3) Do not portray competitiveness. This can easily come across as arrogant and provincial. Exception: Ireland.

4) Be inquisitive. Ask questions about the country you are visiting, and be genuine about it, not judgmental. Exception: North Korea.

5) When you return home, tell your tales to interested friends or coworkers, but be aware that not everyone will care. Exception: Finland.