Traveling is not only limited to visiting tourist spots and sampling the local cuisine. It also involves immersing in the culture and getting along with different nationalities. To have the full experience, you have to appear and act like one of them.
Blending in has its perks too. For one, pickpockets won’t pick you as a target. At the same time, people become more friendly to you. They won’t treat you as an outsider. On the contrary, they would be happy to find a fellow interested in exploring their place.
You can experience all of these if you try these tips on seeming like a local when traveling to a new place.
How to not look like a tourist when traveling abroad
1. Don’t wear clothes that call too much attention
Simple clothing is the way to go when visiting a place for the first time. Don’t wear something that attracts a lot of attention. As much as possible, refrain from wearing bright colors, showing too much skin, or donning something flashy. Research or observe what most people wear on a typical day. It gives you a sense of what to wear if you fancy strolling the streets by yourself.
2. Bring versatile pieces of clothing
When packing, you should think of the clothes you can wear when visiting a local barbershop or dining at a local food joint. Ensure that these are versatile pieces that can help you cope with different situations. You might think that packing several sets of travel clothes is a great idea, but it isn’t. It only leaves you with many cargo shorts and pant legs you can zip that says, “you are new here.”
3. Minimize taking photos
Sure, you want to capture every moment of your trip. But if your goal is to step away from the limelight, you should minimize your photo-ops and live in the moment instead. Flashing your camera or leaving it hanging on your neck marks you as a tourist. It also attracts thieves. You should keep it in your bag or leave it in the hotel room. The same is true with fanny packs, guidebooks, and maps. If you’re bringing them along, you must be subtle about it.
4. Skip white sneakers
In some countries, white sneaks or running shoes are used when working out. If you’re planning to explore the city, you should bring a different pair of shoes other than plain white. Though white footwear is a trend worldwide, you shouldn’t pair it with white sneakers. It makes you seem like an outsider or someone who never got over elementary gym class.
5. Shop for clothes at your destination
The best way to look like a local is by wearing the exact clothes have on sale. If you can afford shopping, you should buy a few pieces upon your arrival. Be sure to shop at a local mall or boutiques instead of purchasing articles of clothing from souvenir shops. Considering to purchase clothing at your destination means you have a few bags to check at the airport, which also means fewer costs.
6. Research
Check the news, blog posts, and other online resources to see what people wear and how they act. It also shows you how people are like. These resources are more realistic than those in brochures and guidebooks. On top of that, research can help you prep for different situations. Being updated with news helps come up with topics for conversations. Meanwhile, research about different locations lessens your interaction with other people.
7. Be smart about money
Before you reach your destination, you should understand the currency and denominations. You must be able to transact straightforwardly without fumbling with cash. Not knowing how to handle your money makes you a target of thieves and others who take advantage of other people. Also, you must only bring the exact amount you need each day. Keep it in a simple wallet or purse. If you have to carry cash or your passport, you must keep it under your clothes. Better yet, leave it in the hotel’s safe.
These seven tips are what you need to blend in with the people at your destination. Keep in mind that different places have varying cultures and communities. One area might act a certain way while others won’t. However, these tips are universal, and you can apply them wherever you go.
