"Where are you from?"
It's a common question travelers get, one that some Americans prefer wouldn't be asked at all, as they'd like to keep their nationality a secret when abroad.
In a Feb. 2026 survey by the worldwide shipping company Send My Bag, 44% of the 1,000 U.S. adult respondents aged 18 to 45 said they have lied about being American while outside the country. Of those, 28% said they do it occasionally, while 16% admit to lying regularly.
You're not alone. Many travelers feel 'uneasy' about going abroad.
"It's not uncommon to tell small lies to avoid awkward conversations, and what we're seeing here is young Americans choosing to blend in while traveling, opting to focus on their experience rather than being asked for their opinion on the administration's policies," Adam Ewart, founder and CEO of Send My Bag, told USA TODAY in an email. "Europe is a top destination for Americans. They go for the food, culture, and history, not to have a conversation about whether Greenland is about to be annexed."
