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10 Ways To Not Look Like A Tourist While Traveling

10 Ways To Not Look Like A Tourist While Traveling

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There’s just nothing like stepping into an entirely new place and exploring. But while it’s tons of fun to see and do things you’ve never seen or done before, there is something to be said for not making it completely obvious that you’re a newb. It will also keep you from being a target for thieves and pickpockets. So before you jet off on your next trip, try to take to heart these 10 ways to not look like a tourist while traveling.

CNN.com
CNN.com

Lose the camera

You’ll obviously want to document some parts of your trip, but try not to be that guy with the enormous camera hanging around your neck. It’s perfectly OK to snap some shots, but keep it a bit more on the down low. And try not to get so caught up in taking pictures that you end up seeing your whole trip through a viewfinder.

SandalandSoxer.co.uk
SandalandSoxer.co.uk

Watch your footwear

Look around at the locals – if they’re not wearing serious hiking boots, you may not need to wear them either. Unless you’re doing some hardcore hiking and tramping, you can probably get away with regular shoes. Ditto on flip flops – if you’re not in a beach town or at a beach or pool, these are a guaranteed to label you “tourist.”

BusinessInsider.com
BusinessInsider.com

Maps, maps, maps

Maps are a necessity when traveling, as you obviously aren’t going to know exactly where you’re going all the time, but there’s no need to stop in the middle of the sidewalk and unfold your poster-sized map to ponder for 20 minutes. Try to get an idea of where you’re going before you head out for the day, or bring a pocket-sized map (or load one on a phone) to make it a bit more subtle when you need to check in.

PocketRangerBlog.com
PocketRangerBlog.com

Realize when you’re in the backcountry, and when you’re not

Bring what you’ll need, but try not to go overboard. Beyond just knowing when you do and don’t need serious hiking boots, the other trademark tourist staples that could put a target on your back include (but most definitely aren’t limited to) cargo pants – and their even more offensive zip-on-zip-off shorts variation; safari shirts; broad-brimmed hats, gators for your sunglasses, and enough water to support an entire rugby team for the duration of a four-hour match.

Library.Escondido.org
Library.Escondido.org

Make an effort to learn the language

Chances are your accent or inability to form complete sentences will let others know that you may not be a local, but it’s always worth an effort. At the very least, locals will appreciate your effort to speak the language, and may be more inclined to help you or let you in on insider secrets.

Blogs.SWA-JKT.com
Blogs.SWA-JKT.com

Convert your money

Not only would using foreign currency be an immediately obvious move, but a lot of merchants will give you worse exchange rates than the bank. Even if you’re only going abroad for a short period, try to estimate what you’ll need cash-wise so you can use the local currency the whole time. Some credit cards won’t charge foreign transaction fees, which is definitely a worthwhile investment if you’re a big traveler, as you’ll be able to hit the ATMs worry-free.

Archive.ConstantContact.com
Archive.ConstantContact.com

Stop rushing!

You’ve just spent hundreds or thousands of dollars on a flight to check out a new place, so it stands to reason you’ll want to see as much of it as you can. But a whirlwind tour through nine European countries in as many days won’t really garner you a good understanding of the places you’ve seen, and it’s likely your memories will include more mad rushes to train stations than meaningful experiences. Slow down, enjoy where you are, and keep yourself from being laughed at as you sprint down the road towards the bus station with 60 pounds of luggage bouncing around you.

AlexMclean.net
AlexMclean.net

Meet people besides other travelers

It’s always a blast to stay in hostels and hotels and meet other backpackers and travelers looking for similar experiences. But if you branch out a bit and make an effort to meet locals, you’ll have an infinitely better time. You’ll be afforded opportunities to see so much more of the country. Locals will be able to point you to things you may have missed, and may even be able to accompany you.

NYousaf.com
NYousaf.com

Be proud of your heritage, but don’t brag about it

There’s no need to hide the fact that you’re from another country, and people you meet will undoubtedly want to hear about unique aspects of your part of the world. But be careful not to cross the line into obnoxiousness, reached when you start sentences with, “Well, in MY country, we…” Just don’t be that guy, please.

Wiki.Cataclysmdda.com
Wiki.Cataclysmdda.com

And for God’s sake, please don’t wear a fanny pack

It’s not OK in any country. Leave it in the box at home with the rest of your belongings from the 1970s.