We are all tourists in some countries, it’s not like we are able to pick up local customs and local language as quickly as possible so we can blend in and look the part.
Unfortunately, sometimes we do look like a tourist and it is very noticeable to the people around us.
However, if you would like to break that pattern, and try to move away from what the typical tourist looks like, then you might want to read on to find out how to not look like a tourist so the next time you are traveling abroad, you aren’t playing the stereotypical tourist role.
What Does a Tourist Look Like?
Would it surprise you to know that sometimes tourists look the same?
Probably not, you’ve more than likely seen the typical tourist garb that they wear whenever they are in your hometown, but what else do tourists have in common?
Well, it’s a pretty simple answer – they all look lost. That’s right, they either have a map in front of them or guidebooks so they can learn more about the local culture, and despite the fact they have this information, they still look lost.
You may see them with a phrase book tucked into the backpack or fanny pack so they can learn a few phrases to impress the locals, this makes them stand out like a sore thumb.
They Wear Clothes That Locals Wouldn’t
Their clothing is also a big giveaway, made up of generic t-shirts, baseball caps, and walking shoes, plus, you may also see a money belt tucked away there. Basically, not the clothing locals wear at all.
It is widely known that an American tourist will wear white tennis shoes with baggy jeans, so they certainly stick out to the local people, and they may be more of an attraction than the actual attractions they have paid to see.
Why do You Not Want to Look Like a Tourist?
May seem presumptuous, but not looking like a tourist would be ideal in many cities and countries, as you won’t look like a target to people who will try and sell you something at an inflated price.
Wearing a t-shirt with the name of the state you’re in, or t-shirts that have notable attractions on, may seem like a good choice to you, but people know you picked it up from the gift shop, and it’s not helping you blend in. It is doing the opposite and it screams tourist in their faces.
You Need to be Respectful
On an important note, you may have noticed this yourself in your own city or country, tourists can be quite loud and they can have the tendency to not understand etiquette properly.
A large group of people from the same country all shouting over one another and walking around as a unit snapping photos can get in the way of others just going about their day.
Be mindful of this and aware of where you are walking.
For instance, if you are on vacation in the Middle East, the locals do not get publically drunk, but tourists do, and this can pose many problems and cause them to get into trouble which they may fight against, potentially causing a scene.
Read About The Country You Are Going to
If you know that you are about to go to a country with different laws and expectations, you need to read up on those so you are not stepping over the line.
It is one thing to look like a tourist but it is another to disrespect their culture and their homeland.
Think About How You Are Dressed
Going into a place of worship means removing shoes (don’t wear flip-flops), it also means that those entering should wear long pants to cover their skin.
You may feel uncomfortable in the hot weather but it is their religion and that has to be respected, and if you cannot handle that then you should leave.
You don’t wear shoes or clothing that are inappropriate in your own country, so why do it in theirs?
If you see the locals wearing specific pieces of clothing, see where you can get some of these items from and wear them when you are out and about.
Many locals will bargain with street vendors for items, you can do the same, it’s not rude if it is part of their culture and expected.
How to Stop Looking Like a Tourist
Here we are at the section where you get told what to do so you don’t look like a tourist and fall into the various tourist traps that are out there.
This doesn’t just apply to what clothes you wear, but how you act as well.
Looking like a tourist makes you, unfortunately, vulnerable to many things, so this isn’t here to shame you but help you not be taken a fool of so you can enjoy your holiday and go back with fond memories.
Quieten Down Your Casual Wear
Wearing casual clothing is great, it is comfortable and gives you a lot of room to maneuver, however, you can go too far the casual way and stick out to everyone who clocks you.
Look At Alternatives
That’s not to say that you should ditch the fanny packs, but you should think about wearing longer pants instead of shorts, a flowy dress, or a skirt instead of a short one. Try out boat shoes instead of athletic shoes and maybe throw on a trench coat.
You don’t have to give up the blue jeans, but try and move away from baggy ones.
When you dress appropriately, you don’t draw attention to yourself and will be able to blend in with many countries and their local people.
Respect Food Etiquette & Local Customs
Each country you go to will have different rules about food, from what people eat to how it is consumed. If you want to fit in, it would be a good idea to take that into account and see what you can do to feel like one of them.
Eat Local Food
A great way to blend in is to try out the food they have there, go to a traditional restaurant, and ask for what they recommend. You may find out that you like it and it was the best choice you made.
If you can’t pronounce what is on the menu, point to it. It can be hard when you only speak English in a foreign country, but if they are a tourist hotspot, then they are well aware that you will speak English and may already know some words so it isn’t awkward.
It would still be a good idea to at least attempt to speak their language as it shows respect for them and the way they speak.
Be on Your Best Behavior
Locals can spot tourists a mile off if they are loud and brash with their words, or act a certain way.
It is common sense to not rile other people up, especially locals, so if you come across something new to you in their country, then instead of making a big deal out of it, ask questions and show that you are interested.
Don’t always take loads of pictures around you when you are looking at local attractions, unless you are a professional photographer, you don’t need to be snapping away constantly and lugging equipment around.
It gets in the way and can spoil the experience for other tourists and locals too.
Learn Some Basic Phrases
This will show them that you care about their customs and want to know more about their country and culture.
What Have We Learned?
It is clear what we should and shouldn’t do when it comes to behaving appropriately in other countries.
Despite the fact that bright colors and high heels may be calling your name, you need to think about how you can avoid clothing and be respectful when abroad.
Conclusion
Hopefully, these tips have helped you plan better for your next vacation or trip so you don’t stick out and cause a problem in the country you are in.