ADVERTISEMENT

The obvious needs to be said: other places around the world aren’t like where you grew up! Heck, your neighboring country or even the next town over might be very different in terms of culture, cuisine, and communication. That’s why we travel—to broaden our horizons, learn about how vast the world is, and discover new depths about ourselves as individuals… at least in theory.

Some people, however, use travel as an excuse to continue being exactly who they are, take selfies, behave like they never left home, and order cups of (non)coffee in historical European cities. Quelle horreur!

New York comedian Andy Haynes fired up a roaringly good thread over on Twitter about the experiences people from all over the world had while traveling. And a ton of the stories that social media users shared revolve around the one thing we all love best—food! The culture shock trying to order what they wanted was, well, shocking.

Scroll down for the funniest stories, upvote your fave ones, and be sure to drop by the comments to share your own tantalizing travel tales, dear Pandas! And, be honest, which of you ordered coffee with oat milk on your Eurotrip?

Andy, who's been a comedian for around 18 years, was kind enough to answer Bored Panda's questions about traveling abroad, standing out online with our wit, and his career in stand-up. Read on for our interview with him.

More info: Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | imandyhaynes.com

Image credits: imandyhaynes

Meanwhile, also scroll down for Bored Panda's chat about coffee culture and authentic food in Italy with travel expert, best-selling author, and investor Rick Orford. He revealed to us what to say if you want a latte and what reaction you're bound to get if you order a cappuccino after lunch!

"I've been to Europe a few times. I actually split my time between London and New York now, but that's less of an adjustment than the Continent," stand-up comedian Andy told Bored Panda.

"In England, I just know that if I want a cold brew or some other caffeinated American indulgence, I have to go to Starbucks, or maybe a hip coffee shop. But everything is pretty much available," he said.

"For instance, Tesco has plant-based milk and meats, etc. In France, or Italy where I am now, it's pretty unlikely that I get something like that, unless I go to a specific restaurant or cafe, so I just kind of give up and go with the flow. That Oat Milk latte was a long shot, and clearly a miss."

ADVERTISEMENT

Consistency, according to Andy, is the secret to standing out on social media. "I will say that Twitter is my weakest link. I've never had a tweet explode like that, but on other visual mediums, it's just about putting out content on a regular basis and trying to make sure it's of decent to better quality," he said.

"I think social media is all about feeding the beast. I mean most influencers aren't very deep, it's more like look at my body, or money, with a hit song to accompany it. Disclaimer: I'm not very deep either," he quipped.

Andy started doing comedy right out of college, about 18 years ago. It started out as a hobby. But once he got more work, he turned it into a full-time job.

"I love it, and I feel extremely grateful for the life it's given me, but I also don't have the traditional career trajectory. Where most comics get a little momentum and either build their fanbase and go on tour, write for television, or act, I've kind of done a million parts of the job and keep on going," he opened up to Bored Panda.

ADVERTISEMENT
#5

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

soniat71 Report

Add photo comments
POST
LilliVB
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't be sure for the whole Italy, but you can't find almond milk in Italian bars, practically none of them has it (our bar aren't the same as the Usa, it's a place where you can go to get breakfast, they doesn't serve mainly alcohol). All the kinds of milk that aren't cow's are pretty rare in our bars

Aboredpanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't have any issues getting oatmilk, soy, etc, in Bolognia. And they have many vegan or vegetarian dishes so I didn't go hungry either. Almond milk maybe isn't as normal as oat milk though, not everyone has that.

Load More Replies...
Krisz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not very funny. Loads of people suffer from lactose intolerance and similar food allergies, the fact that some countries make this into a joke and they are actually proud they don't accommodate other dietary needs only tells me they don't respect others.

Nicky T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually I just make sure I'm aware of where I am. Food allergies, even dairy, run through just about everyone in our home. As a chef, Im well aware of how many countries are about their food. It is a history, and they dont take to people changing it up well in many places. Remember, whole skirmishes have been started over food and wine. Plan accordingly always.

Load More Replies...
Jaya
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What assholes. Just say 'sorry, we don't offer that'. Asking someone to leave because they ask for an ingredient you don't have, is ridiculous.

Sarah SH
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just feel like embarrassing people and making them feel stupid is unnecessarily mean.

rahb1
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NOT unreasonable! Not all countries have the same unbelievably & ridiculous range of options as the US. I found ordering a cup of tea in the US to be tedious beyond belief, only to end up with a cup of tepid water and a tea bag! I get it; you (ie the USA) *love* your coffee, and in six million different ways; but a decent cup of tea is NOT a difficult concept for the rest of us! Ironically, a *decent* cup of coffee (ie NOT out of a stewed pot) is also an alien concept to you.

Shyla Bouche
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm American. Yes, I love coffee. I brew it at home. I've never been to a coffee bar, and I drink mine black. I also enjoy tea. In America, tea is usually served cold. There aren't a lot of Americans (in general) that order hot tea in restaurants to make it worth the restaurant's worthwhile to supply more than the bare minimum. In fact, a restaurant isn't going to have a lot of options for hot coffee, either. Cream and/or sugar is pretty much it. Now, if I were in your country, complaining about the lack of coffees, you would say to embrace the local culture, and to eat/drink the local selections. Why does that not go the other way? Why shouldn't a visitor to the US not try the local selections?

Load More Replies...
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

..what about people who are intolerant or allergic tho? Thats very rude

Erla Zwingle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in Venice and more and more bars are offering soy milk for lactose-intolerant customers. It's not a big deal here. Don't know about the other types.

Lacia Lew
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A barista running a cafe here. I know there are ppl with lactose intolerant since my brother is one. Thankfully I have no allergies, but I still provide lactose-free options. My brother said he would always check the restaurant options, but mostly he'd avoid any milk at all. Maybe the customer should try to look for their options first before condemning the providers.

Cathrine Simone
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The fact they were thrown out for asking that, I am sure you can agree, is the problem.

Load More Replies...
A Jones
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it's not an option on the menu, it's very likely it's not provided.

Cathrine Simone
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pay attention to a menu next time you are out. Most places say to ask about dietary requirements right at the bottom of their menu. They don't list in the menu all the substitutes, cause it could be everywhere and clouding up the menu with stuff most people are not concerned with. If there is not a detailed outline of GF, Gluten free, dairy free, or what not, then most places leave it up to the customer to ask if they have gluten free bread for celiac disease or milk alternatives for lactose intolerant.

Load More Replies...
Alanna Booplesnoot
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If milk alternatives aren't listed on the menu, then milk alternatives aren't offered.

Aisling Raye
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tried to foam soy milk a while ago. It didn't work so my guess is that almond milk wouldn't work either. I'm definitely not an expert though so there is always a chance I f*d it up in some other way lol.

Load More Replies...
Angela B
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Probably not a great idea to ask for decaffeinated either?

Fembot
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No problem, you can get a decaf anywhere in Europe (but service is dependent on being friendly and respectful instead of demanding, and I know for a fact that many people are not, when abroad)

Load More Replies...
Cathrine Simone
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Freggin stunads. For those not familiar with NJ speak that means freggin idiots. I would have thrown a lawsuit at these boneheads for discrimination based on very real dietary intolerances. So again people have minimized the real burden of what would this time be lactose intolerance. When I took a flight out once, forget which airline, and came to realize everything on the menu was about vegans or vegetarians, or pork free. I had no choice but to choose Vegan. On the plane they were befuddled when I said I very much wanted meat but no dairy. They were like Vegan? I said no, I very much want the meat, but I cannot have the dairy. Well this they could not do, so I had to have an unsatisfying vegan meal, which could have made a problem as well, because my body isn't a fan of too much roughage like veggies and beans. It beyond irking that people who have a preference based on morals, or religion, get catered to, but the real issues like Gluten or Lactose are often ignored.

Mónica Elisabeth Sacco
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe your friend should go to Venice, California. Or the Venetian at Las Vegas and leave Italian Venice in peace.

Huddo's sister
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was in Canada, I couldn't get lactose free milk anywhere, or even other alternatives. No one even knew what I was talking about and asked if I meant 2% milk. So different to Melbourne, where they always have lactose free, almond, soy, and oat milk! I ended up having many sad cups of black tea :(

Des
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What do you mean exactly.... They said: "please leave our Cafe" , or they said: "we don't have almond milk, you are free to look elsewhere if they serve coffee with almond milk " ? There's a difference...

Margie Nicely
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We the people think that what we got at home is nothing but the best, but if you go to other countries with an open mind you may find that what they serve is much better, and better for you. As far as your plant base culinary products are a sham....it is a lot of BS propaganda....

Ann M Clinkscales
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They also don't use hormones on their cows to make them produce more milk! France. Italy...neither!

EmotionalJam
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Italians ...we are too entitled because we believe our food culture is perfect and we don't let anything new get into our habits. Really disappointing. I'm glad I travel a lot and I opened up my mind to the idea that we aren't the best at all!!

Monosyllabic girl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As it should be. American asininity hopefully won't carry to other countries

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

LEBassett Report

Add photo comments
POST
Roman Hans
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of a joke I love: every time I go to a coffee shop I think about the time last summer when I asked for a latte with oat milk and the poor lad behind the counter somehow managed to say with a straight face "sir am sorry a cannae make a latte withoot milk"

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

"I mainly perform around the cities I'm in, and then make my money doing consulting work or the random gig that comes up. Ideally, I'd like to be successful enough to keep on jumping between continents and selling tickets to shows," he said.

As for his passion for comedy, Andy noted that it "ebbs and flows."

"It's like a marriage, you've got to be kind and patient, and sometimes you have to remind yourself why you married it in the first place. Don't show this to my wife," he joked.

#7

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

FmaCorp Report

Add photo comments
POST
LongCoolWomanInABlackDress
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

well, yes. That makes finding a dessert very difficult and I still don't understand how ppl expect every restaurant to have options ready.. my lactose intolerant kid knows he has to take his pills with him or chances will be high he's not getting dessert

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

devarashida Report

Add photo comments
POST
Laura Ketteridge
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm confused. There is no chicken in a Caesar Salad. It's romaine lettuce and croutons dressed with lemon juice, olive oil, egg, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, garlic, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

rfreemandedios Report

Add photo comments
POST
Cuppa tea?
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like when people drink coffee with skimmed milk. Like how much of it is there? 0.5 ml?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

Travel expert, investor, and best-selling author Rick shared his insights about coffee culture and the best dishes he'd recommend while you're visiting Italy.

"Italy is very different from the US when it comes to food and drinks. And coffee is no different. For example, coffee in Italy is usually served in a small cup—similar to what you'd expect an 'espresso' to be in the States. But in Italy, it's known as a 'Caffè.' Now, if you ask for a latte, you'll probably get a glass of milk because 'Latte" means milk in Italian. You'd be better off asking for a 'Caffè Latte' instead," he said.

"And last, never order a cappuccino after lunch. Many Italian restaurants will frown or downright deny the request."

ADVERTISEMENT

When it comes to travel, Rick suggests that anyone who's scared of taking the first step ought to see themselves as an explorer, who is ready to learn about other cultures.

"Sit back, relax, enjoy the scenery and the food, and try not to do too much... after all, you're on holiday!" he said.

Authentic food in Italy is regional, Rick told Bored Panda. "This means each region has a food or dish that they are specialized in. Here are a few of my favorite things to eat in the most famous cities:

  • Rome: Pasta Carbonara (Nothing beats authentic carbonara!)
  • Naples: Pizza (Pizza in Naples is something else. It's out of this world!)
  • Florence: Fiorentina (The most delicious T-Bone steak you've ever had.)
  • Venice: Cicchetti (The Italian version of tapas.)
  • Sicily: Cannoli (Probably one of the best deserts around.)"

Then for dessert (and for those lovers of all things sweet like yours truly) is gelato. Rick said that you can find it "no matter where you are in Italy."

"People eat gelato in Italy year-round, and for a good reason—it's the best!"

#13

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

supertanskiii Report

Add photo comments
POST
John Dwyer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In her head: "can I have a vegetarian menu:. In actual French "my grandmother eats monkeys"

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#14

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

MaretJaks Report

Add photo comments
POST
Valentina Cupido
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Try ordering a steak "well done" in Tuscany (where "bistecca alla Fiorentina" is basically a religion)! I used to work in a restaurant and this one time a pregnant lady ordered it well done and the cook was so furious! She sent it back three times because she found it too rear, in the end it was basically a shoe sole!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

jenniferscully1 Report

Stand-up comedian Andy’s thread got a jaw-dropping amount of attention online. He got over 203k likes. But the true beauty of his tweet about asking for an oat milk coffee in Paris was how much he inspired other travelers to open up about their own gastronomic and other experiences while abroad.

Andy focuses on doing stand-up professionally. He also has a podcast with his wife, called Find Your Beach.

Us, personally? We live for travel. There is nothing like the thought of having a trip waiting for you in the near future to energize and motivate you. It doesn’t necessarily even have to be a flight to Paris, New York, or Tokyo, either. Sometimes even hopping on a train or driving for a couple of hours is enough to give you a completely different perspective on life.

Life’s an adventure. Or, well, it’s supposed to be. But how many of us live it to the fullest? Or anything even close to resembling that? It takes quite a bit of energy and courage to step out of your comfort zone. Leaving your 9-5 and pile of unwashed dishes for a few days or weeks can be daunting. However, the result is very much worth it, we feel. Travel is good for the soul.

ADVERTISEMENT
#17

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

thesteveduke Report

Add photo comments
POST
Ace
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well no, it doesn't. It's either medium or well-done, can't be both.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Taking the first step can be incredibly frightening. You don’t know what’s waiting for you on the other side! So it’s no surprise that some people cling to everything and anything that’s familiar: the language, behavior, food, and drinks that they’re used to. However, if you open yourself up to new experiences and go with the local flow, you’ll end up enriching yourself beyond taking a few selfies at popular tourist spots.

By being open to exploring the unfamiliar and unexpected, at the end of your trip you might find that you’ve made a ton of new friends with people whom you would otherwise never would have considered talking to. You’ll have visited places that might not even be in the tourist guides. And you’ll have tasted things that help you develop your palate. It’s fine to set aside your love of latte for a week and live like a local.

ADVERTISEMENT

The mindset with which you head out on your journey matters a lot. Taking the time to learn a bit of the local language and customs can help improve your entire trip. Besides, the locals will probably be far friendlier when they realize that you’re not just any other tourist.

#19

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

binarythis Report

Add photo comments
POST
DuchessDegu
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Uh, no. I got upgraded to business on Air France and I got the vegetarian meal I've ordered when I booked economy, plus the most delicious bread rolls I even eaten, extra dessert, a cocktail and a small bottle of champagne to make up for the economy meal!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

LenoxLaney Report

Add photo comments
POST
Ritchat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh please, in Germany we have Starbucks, World Coffee, Double Coffee, Espresso House, Tchibo, and who knows how many other places that have oat milk or other kinds of milk substitutes on the menu.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Previously, Professor Christine Vogt, the Director of the Center for Sustainable Tourism at Arizona State University, told Bored Panda that the more we prepare for the journey in terms of knowledge, the more of a positive impression we’ll leave with the locals.

ADVERTISEMENT

“More than likely that [the local language and customs] is what draws a person to visit a certain place. The more local knowledge a traveler has, the more a traveler can feel like a local and fit in," she told us some time ago.

#23

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

work_doodles Report

Add photo comments
POST
Ace
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lost in translation. Presume the first one was out of stock and the second was his suggestion of the best alternative to it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda

"Local customs can include how a traveler dresses, eats, uses a cell phone, etc. When a traveler is out in a community such as walking in a downtown area or eating in a restaurant, these local customs can come into play,” she explained.

#25

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

huskybill2611 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jaguarundi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you mean Mrs.Bucket? Hyacinth "It's pronounced BU-KAY!" wife of poor, sweet Richard Bucket?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#26

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

WillTullett Report

Add photo comments
POST
rahb1
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes; vegetarian is not a big thing in France. They assume it means you don't eat RED meat.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

slsandpet Report

Add photo comments
POST
LilliVB
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is because in Italian "Latte" means literally milk. So if you ask for latte, we assume you want a glass of milk (in Italian "un bicchiere di latte). If you want hot milk with a splash of coffee, you have to ask for a "latte macchiato"

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

“For example, in Buddhist countries, a woman who has not covered her shoulders or legs may not be allowed into temples or even a restaurant. Learn as many local customs as you can and a few keywords to enhance your experience.”

#28

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

1_Lost_Traveler Report

Add photo comments
POST
Amused panda
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is one thing to suggest "no, I believe you will find this wine will complement the meal best" but another thing to be entitled enough to force your choice of alcohol on another. Of course, it could be they had a stock issue, were out white (unlikely I know) and didn't explain. Or he was just rude.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

rogerdan5 Report

Add photo comments
POST
Iampenny
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A doggy bag is definitely not uncommon in England.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

mattym000 Report

Tell us your funniest food ordering stories while you were traveling abroad, Pandas! Have you ever been in a situation like the people in this thread? Do you enjoy lattes and oat milk in your coffee? What city or country do you hope to visit soon? Share your thoughts, experiences, and future plans in the comments.

ADVERTISEMENT
#33

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

dapburt Report

Add photo comments
POST
Laugh or not
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope, bread is always served for free in French restaurant. Same for water (not the bottled water).

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#34

Funny-Ordering-Abroad-Travel-Stories

alissathing Report

Add photo comments
POST
Mason Kronol
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do these places not have menus or are these people just picking a food they want and expecting the restaurant to accommodate any request? Are these type of stories why people hate American tourists? If so I can see why.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda