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Mark Twain said, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." And in most cases, perhaps it is. Few experiences are more potentially mind-altering than breathing the air of other cultures. But some people, alas, are strangely unaffected by being guests in other countries. You know the type: Tourists from the States who compensate for their inability to speak something other than English...by speaking it louder. As though increasing one's volume inexplicably increases comprehension. Imperious, ignorant people often demand to be treated differently, if not deferentially, as though having a U.S. passport confers god-like status.

A few weeks ago we asked you to call in with your stories of Ugly Americans encountered while on the road. What we heard wasn't pretty.

Next Week:

One reason we travel is to experience the world's beauty and mystery. But does traveling alone limit your capacity to value what you see and feel on your journey? When you encounter something extraordinary, something transformative, do you long to see it with someone close to you, someone able appreciate the moment and share their feelings?

We'd like to hear about the times you've traveled alone. Was going solo good or bad? How did being by yourself affect the way you communicated with others...or how you viewed the world?

Call or email us and share your story. The number is 888-SAV-TRAV. That's 888-728-8728.