How can I blend in better with locals when traveling?

Wear clothes that match the local style and avoid overly flashy logos or accessories.

What’s a simple tip to avoid looking like a tourist?

Carry a plain, functional bag instead of obvious tourist gear like oversized backpacks.

Should I learn local phrases before traveling?

Yes, knowing basic greetings and phrases shows respect and helps you connect with locals.

How can I manage my valuables safely?

Use a money belt or hidden pouch to keep your passport and cash secure and less visible.

Is it best to avoid maps and guidebooks in public?

Yes, try to use apps discreetly or review maps in private to avoid standing out.

What footwear helps me look less like a tourist?

Opt for comfortable but stylish shoes that locals wear, rather than obvious hiking or sport sneakers.

How important is dressing for the weather to avoid tourist attention?

Very important; locals dress appropriately for the climate, so adapting helps you blend in.

Can taking photos make me look like a tourist?

Yes, try to be subtle and respectful when taking photos, and avoid blocking sidewalks.

How do I avoid being an easy target for pickpockets?

Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions like excessive phone use or showing valuables openly.

What attitude helps me not look like a tourist?

Act confident and respectful, as locals can often sense nervous or unsure behavior.

10 Ways to NOT Look like a Tourist Abroad ...

Some people, when they travel abroad, might as well have a giant arrow pointing to their head saying ‘I’m a tourist!’. Here are my top 10 tips on how to avoid joining their numbers.

1. Tourist Shirts

Do not, under any circumstances, buy a t-shirt with the name of the place you are visiting. What are you, a human postcard?

2. Weather-Ready

Weather-Ready Dress according to the weather, not how you think the weather should be. Heavy rain is common in Barcelona in spring, and the sight of tourists in shorts affords much amusement. Well, it should be warm in the Med, right?

Photo Credit: rachel sian

3. Mapping out

Mapping out Be discreet in the use of maps. Not only are you showing that you are a tourist, but that you have no idea where you are. You might as well shout, ‘I’m lost! Come and rob me!’

Photo Credit: gillian villa (•Cycling Trivialities)

4. Bus about Town

Bus about Town Keep away from tourist buses. They are expensive and garish, and if you step aboard one, you are showing that you lack the imagination to decide for yourself what to see. The Louvre? Tick. The Eiffel Tower? Tick. Two down ….

Photo Credit: Stefano MinopOlympus

5. Sustenance

Wander away from the main tourist streets when you want to eat or have a coffee. Only tourists eat in restaurants on main streets. Don’t worry, you’ll be perfectly safe. Unless you ignore the next rule …

6. Strike a Pose

Avoid waving your videocamera about all the time. Wait until you see something actually worth filming, and keep it as securely hidden as possible when not in use. Cameras are easy to snatch, and thieves make a nice living out of careless tourists.

Photo Credit: Jeff the Trojan

7. Amusing Street Shows

Amusing Street Shows Do not stand around watching those guys doing tricks with matchboxes. There is no surer way of indicating that you are not one of the locals, who is well aware that this is a scam.

Photo Credit: TarynMarie

8. Over-Confidence

Do not adopt that attitude that ‘I am on holiday, nothing can happen to me’. A little bit of caution goes a long way.

9. Of Knick-Knacks and Odd Things

A bit obvious, this one, but avoid souvenir shops. At best, you will incur the scorn of locals for being fool enough to enter these overpriced emporiums of tat. At worst, you will exit the shop with a 2ft high model of the Eiffel Tower.

Photo Credit: Outlaw_Pete

10. Communication

Don’t open your mouth. This reduces the chance of anyone realizing that you are a foreigner.

What makes you laugh about tourists? What else marks them out?

Top Photo Credit: AstridWestvang

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I blend in better with locals when traveling?: Wear clothes that match the local style and avoid overly flashy logos or accessories.
What’s a simple tip to avoid looking like a tourist?: Carry a plain, functional bag instead of obvious tourist gear like oversized backpacks.
Should I learn local phrases before traveling?: Yes, knowing basic greetings and phrases shows respect and helps you connect with locals.
How can I manage my valuables safely?: Use a money belt or hidden pouch to keep your passport and cash secure and less visible.
Is it best to avoid maps and guidebooks in public?: Yes, try to use apps discreetly or review maps in private to avoid standing out.
What footwear helps me look less like a tourist?: Opt for comfortable but stylish shoes that locals wear, rather than obvious hiking or sport sneakers.
How important is dressing for the weather to avoid tourist attention?: Very important; locals dress appropriately for the climate, so adapting helps you blend in.
Can taking photos make me look like a tourist?: Yes, try to be subtle and respectful when taking photos, and avoid blocking sidewalks.
How do I avoid being an easy target for pickpockets?: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions like excessive phone use or showing valuables openly.
What attitude helps me not look like a tourist?: Act confident and respectful, as locals can often sense nervous or unsure behavior.

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