Looking like you are a tourist can sometimes be a good thing and sometimes…not so much. Depending on the country, you may receive better service at restaurants or be scammed out of money whenever possible.
Have you ever committed any of these tell-tale signs that you are a tourist in Europe?
1. A FANNY PACK
Yes, it can be practical, but a fanny pack is the most obvious indicator that you are a tourist.
Trendy Alternative
The crossbody or messenger bag is a practicle alternative to the fanny pack. It allows you to still keep your hands free while fitting in with the locals. Check out these hot, yet practical options:
2. WHITE TENNIS SHOES
On my recent 10-day trip to Italy I only saw one person (aka: tourist) wearing white tennis shoes. All the others must have gotten the memo that this should not be done unless you want everyone to know that you are a tourist.
Trendy Alternative
Here are some modern walking shoe alternatives.
3. CAMERA AROUND YOUR NECK
Of course a camera isn’t a dead giveaway that you are a tourist, it is possible for you to just be a local photographer, but chances are…
4. SPORTS TEAM T-SHIRTS
You can be proud of your favorite sports teams when you are in the United States, but forgo making such statements abroad if you don’t want to be pegged as a tourist. The same goes for the tee shirts stating “I Love [insert country here].
5. CARRYING TOUR BOOKS/MAPS
Sometimes it’s hard to avoid the slew of books and maps that are necessary when traveling. But, try using a GPS device or compact travel guides.
What others crime have you commited to prove that you are a tourist?
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure here.
I'm guilty of wearing white tennis shoes and wearing t-shirts with sports teams. BUT, everytime I've worn my t-shirts, I either met another American that is also a fan/went to the same college and is traveling too OR I run into a local that recognizes the team and wants to talk. And I'm not too worried about being pegged as a tourist; as long as I'm aware of my surroundings and don't allow myself to get into situations where I may be robbed or otherwise get into trouble.
I've seen a lot of locals and tourists alike sporting white Chuck's recently, but I always stick with black cause I always end up walking through some mud patch.
And the camera one is tricky. I have 3 cameras (4 if you count my phone) that I rotate in and out so I'm always carrying one in my hand. I do have one that goes around my neck but it's so freaking heavy and old I tend to save that for the short trips.
Ugh, I'm definitely guilty of this. I went to Paris for the first time when I was 16. Most of the things I packed were practical, with the exception of my jacket. I was going in the spring time so warm clothes were a must. I had just bought this brand new bright yellow Tommy Hilfiger jacket that I was absolutely in love with. When I got to Paris I definitely stuck out like a sore thumb as I walked around in a sea of all black clothing.