Why Some Travelers Choose to Conceal Their Identity
We’ve all been there—you’re exploring a new country, overhearing conversations in English, and you instinctively say “Hi, where are you from?” The response? A nervous glance between the travelers, a hesitant smile, and then, “Oh, we’re from Canada.”
But then you notice the small hesitation, the way they avoid eye contact for just a second too long. And sure enough, after a bit of friendly chatter, they admit: “Actually, we’re from the U.S., but we don’t like advertising it too much right now.”
It’s a phenomenon that has become increasingly common. Some travelers avoid revealing their nationality out of fear of judgment, political tensions, or simply bad experiences. But is it really necessary? Is the world truly so polarized that your passport determines how you’ll be treated abroad?
As a dual citizen of Australia and the United States, I’ve traveled extensively with my family and encountered people from all walks of life. And here’s what I’ve learned: It’s not where you’re from that matters—it’s how you engage with the world around you.
The “Canadian Trick” and Why Some Americans Use It
If you’ve traveled internationally, you’ve probably seen it before: a maple leaf patch sewn onto a backpack, a “We ❤️ Canada” sticker slapped onto a suitcase. For decades, some American travelers have pretended to be Canadian—a strategy meant to avoid political backlash, hostility, or awkward conversations about U.S. foreign policy.
But does it really make a difference?
Many Americans assume that identifying as Canadian makes them more “neutral” and avoids conflict, but in reality, most locals don’t care where you’re from—they care about how you act.
During recent trips to Egypt, Morocco, and Israel, we braced ourselves for potentially tense encounters, wondering if we’d be met with suspicion or hostility. Instead? We were welcomed with open arms. Strangers invited us into their homes, excited to share their culture, their food, and their stories. No one asked for our political stance. No one judged us based on nationality alone.
The takeaway? Most people around the world are just as curious about you as you are about them.
When National Identity Becomes a Concern
That’s not to say nationality is never an issue. Some regions do have strong political opinions about certain countries, and in rare cases, tourists might feel uncomfortable identifying as American, British, or even Australian.
Here are a few reasons why some travelers feel the need to downplay their nationality:
- Political tensions: Countries with ongoing diplomatic disputes may have strong opinions about certain nationalities.
- Stereotypes: Some travelers fear being associated with negative stereotypes from their home country.
- Safety concerns: In extreme cases, political unrest or local conflicts can make it risky to be identified as a certain nationality.
But in reality, these concerns are often overblown. For every horror story about an unpleasant travel experience, there are a hundred examples of people being treated with warmth and kindness, even in politically tense regions.
For example, when we visited Argentina during the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War, we expected some resentment towards British travelers. Instead? We were met with hospitality and genuine curiosity about our lives back home.
Respect Goes Both Ways: How to Be a Good Traveler
The best way to avoid tension while traveling isn’t to pretend to be from another country—it’s to be a respectful, considerate guest wherever you go.
✔ Learn basic greetings and customs. A little effort in the local language goes a long way.
✔ Be aware of cultural sensitivities. Just because something is normal in Sydney or Miami doesn’t mean it’s appropriate elsewhere.
✔ Listen more than you speak. Ask questions about people’s lives instead of making assumptions about their views.
✔ Avoid political debates. No one wants a history lesson or a heated argument while trying to enjoy their day.
Time and again, people around the world respond to kindness, curiosity, and respect—not the flag on your passport.
What We’ve Learned as Dual Citizens
As an American and Australian family, we’ve had the unique experience of traveling under two different national identities. Sometimes, we’re asked about our origins, and we can choose which one to mention first.
But over the years, we’ve realized that our nationality is just a small part of who we are. What truly defines us as travelers is how we treat people, how we respect their cultures, and how we engage with the world.
When we visited Syria years ago, our driver shared a conversation that stuck with me:
“Do you have many American visitors?” I asked.
He shook his head. “No, they don’t like Syrians. I don’t know why.”
That moment reinforced what we had seen time and time again—so much of the world’s fear and division comes from misunderstanding, not actual experience.
For travelers hesitant to visit certain countries because of political tensions, stereotypes, or fear, here’s our advice: Talk to people who have actually been there. You’ll likely find that most of your concerns are unfounded—and that instead of hostility, you’ll be met with hospitality.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Travel with Openness and Respect
The world isn’t as divided as it sometimes seems. Yes, people have strong opinions about governments, politics, and history. But at the end of the day, a traveler isn’t a government representative—they’re a guest.
So, should you hide your nationality while traveling? Probably not. Instead, focus on being a respectful, open-minded traveler who listens more than they speak, respects the customs of the places they visit, and treats others with kindness.
In return, you might just find that the world is far more welcoming than you ever imagined.
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