National Stereotypes

Canadians Are Polite

The Canucks have a worldwide reputation for being extremely freaken nice, and it’s warranted. They talk to strangers on public transport. They apologise even if they’ve done nothing wrong. They’ll help you out the minute you look lost or confused. It’s a pleasure travelling through Canada because you’re never alone. And – outside of Whistler at least – they love an Australian accent.

Argentinians Love Steak. And Diego Maradona

The Argentine passion for a well-cooked slab of beef is matched only by their love for a nuggety little cocaine freak who also happens to be one of the greatest footballers of all time. Steak – the cooking and the eating – is a national obsession in Argentina. And it’s extremely good. Maradona, meanwhile, is an icon who is above all criticism and should only be praised if you want to make any Argentinean friends, particularly in the “La Boca” area of Buenos Aires.

Jamaicans Like To Smoke Pot

They like it so much, in fact, that it actually is a religion. Or at least part of a religion. Even for non-Rastafarians though, the happy herb is a popular one in Jamaica. You’ve probably seen the clichéd photos of dread-locked guys standing around puffing on joints the size of baseball bats, and that’s something that, should you go to Jamaica, you’ll probably come across in real life as well.

Swedish People Are Hot

There’s no two ways about it. The girls are hot, and the guys are hot. They’re all blonde-haired, high-cheek-boned, slim and suave, immaculately dressed and staggeringly attractive. It almost doesn’t seem fair, and you are guaranteed to feel like a bumbling slob in their presence. Maybe it’s something in the water. Maybe it’s just good genes. But all the ideas you have about Swedes being hot are true. 

Australians Like To Drink

That’s our reputation: hardcore boozers who will do anything to get their hands on one sip of sweet, cold beer. And when you travel with other Australians for a while you pretty quickly realise that it’s totally true. We do like to drink. We do it to celebrate, and we do it to commiserate. We do it out of habit. We also do it for fun, which makes most groups of Aussie travellers pretty good people to be around.