Look like a tourist - or not?

[WillTravel]

The first time I went to London, I think I must have looked like a tourist, as I was regularly approached by people who offered help as I peered at my map and guidebook.

On my recent trip to Scandinavia, I must not have looked like a tourist, because no matter where I went, I was always addressed in the local language. It was clear people seemed to think I was a resident, based on what they said. For some reason, I thought it might be like Montreal, where staff and residents all seem to make an instantly correct assessment of whether you are an anglophone or a francophone, and then address you accordingly.

What is your experience as to looking or not looking like a tourist in various countries? At times, I wish I had looked like a tourist (however that's supposed to look) because I was feeling clueless and would have had an excuse.

[jennifer]

Hi!
I think if you go in a big city, you'll look like a tourist as soon as you have a camera or daypack. In a little city, people will know right away!
I just don't know how they do it. I walk around in Montréal, my home town, with my daypack, everyone knows I live there. I walk around in Paris the same way, everyone offers help!!
I must admit I am as awed as you are about all this!
xoxo
jen

[WillTravel]

I often walked around with a grocery bag holding a few items - water, books, pieces of paper, maybe an umbrella.

Do people always guess correctly as to whether you are an anglophone or francophone in Montreal, jennifer?

[jennifer]

Hum, I am actually both, mom franco and dad anglo, so hard to say,
But I must say people have a tendancy to differenciate them pretty well! don't know why though!
funny!
xooxo
Jen

[Danielle]

I have to agree about the camera in a big city thing. I'm from NYC, and I always get a kick out of the tourists gawking at all the buildings and taking a million pictures of times square. But, if I was visiting for the 1st time OBVIOUSLY I would be doing the same thing. ;D

I think a lot of it has to do w/ where you are or what you're doing. I took a friend of mine (who's from Virginia) to see Ellis Island (where all the immigrants first came, it's an AWESOME museum now, you take the same ferry to get to the statue of liberty) & we started talking w/ some other people in line on vacation. I really must have looked like a tourist that day since they couldn't believe it when I told them I was a local!

Danielle