US state department asks: sure you’re hot enough to be chatted up at a bar? – Travel Tips And Tourist Info From Around The World

Bureau of consular affairs acknowledges #springbreakingbadly tweet warning ugly Americans to be wary in bars when overseas was probably not a good look

The US state departments bureau of consular affairs has apologised for warning Americans to be aware of the limitations of their own attractiveness while travelling overseas.

The department shared the travel tip with the 510,000 followers of its official Twitter account on Thursday, as part of its series of #springbreakingbadly tweets, intended to warn students travelling outside the US for spring break to be vigilant.

The since-deleted tweet suggested that US travellers who were not attractive enough to be bought drinks in bars at home should not expect that to change while overseas, and to be on their guard should anyone try to suggest otherwise.

Not a 10 in the US? Then not a 10 overseas. Beware of being lured into buying expensive drinks or worse being robbed. #springbreakingbadly

The tweet caused confusion, offence and crises of individual Twitter users self-esteem.

Josh Barro (@jbarro) March 30, 2016

@TravelGov what should I do if I am a 10?

Max Read (@max_read) March 30, 2016

I’m a 6.2 in the US but due to metric conversion I actually AM a 10 abroad

Roberto Ferdman (@robferdman) March 30, 2016

Do Americans gag when they see your face? Then Europeans will too. Youre hopeless
Love,
The US State Department https://t.co/DgfcWhcUO7

Matt Pearce (@mattdpearce) March 30, 2016

The State Department as your super judgmental friend who says stuff your other friends are too nice to say

Molly Priddy (@mollypriddy) March 30, 2016

Kids, @TravelGov is just trying to tell you that you could get assaulted somewhere if you’re an uggo. If you’re a 10, you’re good to go!

kate losse (@katelosse) March 30, 2016

what does 10-ness have to do with one’s drinks being overpriced, I’m lost @travelgov

Jack Crosbie (@jscros) March 30, 2016

Hey @TravelGov, just sent you an email — my Facebook is https://t.co/g0Ms6ulud9, can you rate me on a scale from 1-10? It’s for a story.

The tweet was deleted, and a two-part apology issued.

Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) March 30, 2016

Some have been offended by our earlier tweet and we apologize that it came off negatively (1/2)

Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) March 30, 2016

We see many Americans fall victim to scams each year & want all to be careful while traveling 2/2

Another tweet deleted by the account, screenshot by Jezebel (which headlined its take State department: dont get your hopes up, travelling uggos) warned of online friendships: Meet your mate online and now he needs you to send him money overseas? it might be a scam dont fall victim to it! #springbreakingbadly

It was a case of outreach on social media going one step too far, with the rest of @TravelGovs #springbreakingbadly tweets proffering helpful, if youd hope fairly obvious advice.

Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) March 28, 2016

Beware of drink spiking and robbery scams when youre traveling abroad. #springbreakingbadly

Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) March 28, 2016

Tempted to buy cheap pirated goods overseas? Dont. You could be prosecuted in the U.S. #springbreakingbadly

Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) March 29, 2016

If someone asks you to take a package overseas, dont do it. Foreign jail is not where you want to spend spring break. #springbreakingbadly

Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) March 29, 2016

Somebody offered you a free trip abroad, but the free luggage they offered is lined with cocaine. Beware of these scams #springbreakingbadly

Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) March 30, 2016

Hopping on a bus across the border? Be sure you have enough money for trip or could end up broke & 1000 miles from home #springbreakingbadly