I've traveled to 24 countries - here are the American stereotypes I heard all over the world

For many non-Americans, the only exposure they get to the United States is through Hollywood cinema.

That often leads to a warped perception of American life in which young people are wholly devoted to drinking, partying, and having sex.

I must have let them down when I told them most young Americans I know are focused on work, paying rent, and getting enough sleep.

We can thank the scores of American tourists who flout local cultural norms for giving us a bad rap in many countries.

By simply being respectful of other cultures and remembering to follow local customs, you can help defy this stereotype many people hold of Americans.

Americans are perhaps the most notoriously monolingual people on the planet.

In reality, the stereotype doesn't hold up: Americans, and especially young ones, are becoming increasingly able to communicate in languages besides English. (Part of the reason Americans are known as monolingual is because the government isn't asking the right questions about our language use.)

But even if you don't speak the local language where you're traveling, learning a few basic phrases can go a long way to building relationships and gaining trust.

For whatever reason, the iconic image of visor-wearing, fanny pack-wielding, socks-and-sandals-combining American tourist will never die.