Not looking like a tourist?

[snpr520]

My GF and I are leaving on a 3 months trip to Eastern Europe and we really want to blend in as much as possible.

I was hoping I could get some advice on definate NO NO's. That would scream "theres an American tourist!"

Also if there are any websites for clothing that I could go check out.

I know its hard to be fashionable and living out of a backpack but my Gf is really stubborn about this.

any advice would be appreciated!

We are visiting, Italy, Spain, France, Netherlands, and Czech-Rep

[me]

where in Eastern Europe are you going?

snpr520 said:

My GF and I are leaving on a 3 months trip to Eastern Europe and we really want to blend in as much as possible.
<snip>
We are visiting, Italy, Spain, France, Netherlands, and Czech-Rep

regardless of how you dress, as soon as you open your mouths it will be clear that you aren't natives.

[Eagle]

snpr520, as David indicated, it's not too hard to spot the tourists in Europe. One very definite "no-no" would be a waist pack (DON'T call it a "Fanny Pack", especially in Europe!!!). Also, short pants are usually the "mark" of a tourist.

Aside from the clothing, I can usually spot the tourists as there are other indicators. In many places, "the locals" simply look different. For example, in some place they will have a darker complexion and their general appearance will differ. Also as David indicated, as soon as you start talking, it will be quite apparent that you're a tourist. For example, when I was last in Florence I tried to ask a Police Officer for directions to my Hotel. I thought I was speaking fairly "good" Italian, but his reply was in English - no fooling the locals!!!

For clothing I'd suggest something that is comfortable and easy to manage (wash & dry) when travellling. Some people tend to avoid blue jeans, as they're a bit more difficult to wash and uncomfortable in hot climates. I use www.tilley.com/home.asp?countryCode=US clothing very extensively on trips, as it's very "travel friendly" (and many of the items can be washed in a Hotel room sink). You could also check www.exofficio.com/ for similar products.

You may be aware of this, but it deserves to be mentioned. Be sure your GF wears "modest" clothing if visiting religious sites or Churches, especially in Italy (and MOST especially the Vatican!). They are very strict about dress codes and the guards at the Vatican are quite "blatant" about enforcing them. Shoulders and knees must be covered!

Hope this helps. Happy travels!

[pointofnoreturn]

Just don't wear shorts and fanny packs to start off with.

It doesn't matter where you go, you're more likely to be seen as a tourist. I'd just focus more on the experience rather than worrying about what other people think of your appearance (except for in churches where you must abide by dress codes).

[herrbert]

I agree that not looking like a tourist is very hard, but you could try to look like an exchange student, or like an immigrant if you like to. So complexion is not always a give away. You will wonder how many people in Madrid have a really white skin. (my friend from Madrid, has a really white skin, and even blue eyes, which would make her fit in better in France or Holland, but she's from Spain)

The kaki-shorts, and two white legs sticking out underneath them, are a give away, everywhere in Europe. If you go according to the lastest fashion, you have a big chance of looking ok for most places, but in some cities, the fashion is different.

Also a give away is making pictures or looking at things for minutes. The locals who see the Eifel Tower, Plaza Major or another beautiful spot, will not be wondered like a tourist, who sees it for the first time, as it is part of where they live.

Another give away is the behaviour in the Metro (underground or tube, if you like ) Tourist always study the signs, and the directions.

[googleygoo]

seriously, no matter what you do, people will be able to tell that you're a tourist. You'll be able to tell if other people are tourists. It's just the way it is. I wouldn't worry about it. The important thing is to be polite and respectful so that you're not perceived as a rude tourist. You should learn to say "please" and "thank you" in the local language (and probably "sorry" or "excuse me" if you can).

I live in New York City and it's pretty easy to tell who's a tourist and who's not. Sometimes it's about attitude and not clothes. And it's just the way it is.

[MuvverRussia]

Herrbert's advice is spot on, especially about the behaviour on the underground/metro and about seeing the major sites. Attitude definitely counts too. Then there's behaviour - locals don't tend to carry around cameras or look at maps.

To be honest, I wouldn't worry about trying to camouflage yourself as a local. In all likelihood it's not going to work. Instead just stay smart and take your time to be concious of your surroundings.

[mango]

snpr520 said:

My GF and I are leaving on a 3 months trip to Eastern Europe and we really want to blend in as much as possible.

We are visiting, Italy, Spain, France, Netherlands, and Czech-Rep

Those are 5 very different countries and you will find the way people dress varies between them especially depending on whether you are in small towns or big cities. And to be fair, only the czech republic counts as "eastern europe"

[me]

mango said:

snpr520 said:

My GF and I are leaving on a 3 months trip to Eastern Europe and we really want to blend in as much as possible.

We are visiting, Italy, Spain, France, Netherlands, and Czech-Rep

<snip>And to be fair, only the czech republic counts as "eastern europe"

to be fairer, none of this counts as "Eastern Europe." Czech Republic is Central Europe. almost all of CR is West of Vienna. this is why i asked above where in "Eastern Europe" the OP was planning to go.

but, i've pretty much given up on words being used correctly.

as Mark Twain once said, "The difference between the almost right word & the right word is really a large matter--it's the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning."

- d

[intreker05]

Feb 1, 2008 12:06:29 GMT -5 snpr520 said:

My GF and I are leaving on a 3 months trip to Eastern Europe and we really want to blend in as much as possible.

I was hoping I could get some advice on definate NO NO's. That would scream "theres an American tourist!"

Also if there are any websites for clothing that I could go check out.

I know its hard to be fashionable and living out of a backpack but my Gf is really stubborn about this.

any advice would be appreciated!

We are visiting, Italy, Spain, France, Netherlands, and Czech-Rep

But...you are an American tourist. There's nothing wrong with it, most people won't mind unless you start talking politics or walk around with an American flag on your shoulders and a Bush pin on your backpack. There's a difference between being an American tourist and an "ugly" American.
Wear what's comfortable, something weather acceptable. If it's cool bring a sweater or shirt you can layer with so you can take off layers when you get hot and put them on when you get cold. If it's hot, wear short sleeves. I didn't notice a huge number of people in sleeveless tops when I was in London, Paris, or Ireland. I don't know if that's cultural or if it was just the wrong time of the year.
I wore polo type shirts when I was in Ireland, both plain colors and patterns, and jeans and khakis, and sneakers. Did they know I was American? Of course, but it wasn't like I was trying to be Ireland's next top model. I looked acceptable everywhere we went, restaurants, museums, bars, and I never got anything thrown at me or jeered at. Just relax about the clothes and be smart about them. Comfort and reliability over fashion.

[stylescriber]

Try to google, how those locals dress there. Dress like them somehow, although your accent will separate you. Just don't act like a tourist. Pretend you're just in your own country, and then be friendly.

[bs1313]

When I was in Europe I was the definition of American Tourist. I wore shorts all the time and American Eagle, Abercrombie, and various other American store shirts. And I think I did quite well considering I only got mugged once. I guess I somewhat deserved it being in the bad part of town, alone in a dark alley with a giant map out. Luckily it was some stupid teenagers who couldn't run faster than me and they only got my glasses. But on the upside from then on out I was very careful about everyone around me and kept a close eye on anyone suspicious. I still wore my "American Attire" and I had no problems, maybe a few looks because I still stood out from the locals but then again I am an American tourist so what was I supposed to do. My advice: Wear what you usually wear because you are going to look like a tourist anyhow.

[stylescriber]

Well yeah, looking like tourist anyhow maybe okay, but it is safer to dress in order to blend in. The point is you will not be taken advantage of. Some locals are looking for certain opportunity to get you into their pocket, if you know what I mean.