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American in Europe in today's climate?

I typically like to mark my luggage with patches etc. to make it more recognizable as mine while travelling. I purchased some patches with US/Ukraine flag, a Czech flag. Considering present politics could I be flagged for trouble and confrontation, with other travelers, travel employees, and locals by carrying such obvious political & social "statements"? Should I find some more neutral patches? Thanks.

Posted by
158 posts

You are likely to see a lot of Ukranian flags/ribbons throughout Europe (with the possible exception of Hungary).
You have to make your own decision.

Posted by
1098 posts

I avoid putting any tags or stickers on my travel gear that is political, identifies me as American, or reflects anything that could be deemed controversial. I also don't put political signs in my yard, and have never put a bumper sticker on my car...

I do mark my bags to make them easier to spot from a distance - colorful pompoms, ribbons - that distinguish my bags from all of the other "black" bags on the conveyor belt.

Posted by
9210 posts

I sometimes mark my plain bags with swaths of duct tape. It makes them look like they're damaged and undesirable. I save my statements for conversations, regardless of the current climate.