Tips To Avoid Looking Like a Tourist

It's nice to be a tourist, but sometimes, the last thing you want while traveling is to look like a tourist. Trying to fit in can have advantages. Looking like a tourist can land you in a pickpocketing and scam situation because robbers know that you're vulnerable and in an unfamiliar place. You'll want to avoid dirty looks and foreign curse words from locals who think you're disrespecting their customs. If you act more like the locals, you can have a more immersive experience.

Here are some tips to look less like a tourist and more like a confident and comfortable local.

Be Discreet About Using Maps and Tourist Books

In a foreign place, it is always nice to have a map or guidebook to get you through the area without getting lost. However, maps and guidebooks are a major tourist indicator. You don't have to leave your travel tools back at the hotel, but try to avoid using them in obvious places. Step out of the way of locals walking by or even head into a store or café to check out your map and figure out a game plan. You may even want to study certain maps, like train maps, before you leave the hotel to save you time during your travels.

If you do need to look at a guidebook or map, try to block the cover begind a newspaper or magazine so that no one knows what you're really looking at. If you have a usable smartphone on you, take advantage of map apps and travel sites to help you along without letting others know that you're not just texting someone. Just be aware of your surroundings at all times so you don't make yourself a thief's next victim.

Follow the Dress Code

If you want to blend in, dress like the locals. You'll want to wear dark, neutral tones in European countries, but brighter colors when traveling in the Caribbean or India. Make sure you check the area's weather because you don't want to wear shorts when it's freezing or be without a raincoat in a rainy city.

Some classic American tourist items include sneakers, Crocs, shorts, baseball hats, cargo pants, and strictly American clothing brand names. Try to avoid these obvious tourist looks. Also avoid wearing flashy jewelry and fanny-packs are a definite no-no.

Certain places have traditional garb and rules as well. In many Middle Eastern countries, women are required to be covered up, especially in Mosques. Some other religious attractions also require head coverings like Russian churches. Don't be denied from certain places for wearing too little.

Try to Speak the Language.

You won't be expected to learn a complete foreign language before going to a forgeign country, but learn some simple and useful phrases. Not everyone speaks English and some unhelpful people are offended when you try to make them speak English, even if they do know the language. Learning the language shows respect. Learn how to say simple things like "hello," "please" and "thank you" and ask people "do you speak English?" in their native language. Learn travel words so you'll be able to ask for directions if you get lost or need to go somewhere else.

Don't Draw Attention to Yourself

Try not to make a scene. Don't speak too loud or use exaggerated hand movements. Be more reserved to show respect to the locals and keep yourself from being an obvious tourist.

Limit Camera Use

Memories last a lifetime and you'll want to record your travels through photos to share, but don't abuse your camera. Don't have a camera draped around your neck. Tourists who constantly take photos are distracted and show off their expensive equipment to potential thieves, making them an easy target. Take photos, but decide what is really photo-worthy, so you're not constantly using it. Besides, it's better to see things through your eyes rather than through a lens or camera screen.

Research Local Manners

Be aware of certain customs and gestures before heading to a specific place. Approaching someone with a handshake might not be a customary greeting. You may have to give a kiss on both cheeks. Giving the hand signal for "okay" is the same as giving the middle finger to someone in Brazil. Using a fork in China as opposed to chopsticks will define you as a tourist. Also be sure to know tipping customs because leaving a tip in countries like Korea and Japan is considered an insult. Don't make a silly mistake by thinking American customs are accepted everywhere.

Stay Alert and Be Confident

Having confidence in a foreign land will make you seem less vulnerable. Don't get distracted and be aware of your surroundings so you don't make it easy for pickpockets to strike. Watch how the locals do certain things. For instance, you may not know how to enter a train station or bus in a certain country. Watch how the locals do it to avoid making a mistake.