How to Totally Fail at Blending in Abroad

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Sign Up

Have you ever traveled abroad and cringed at the sight of a fellow countryman standing out for all the wrong reasons—dressed inappropriately and attracting attention with their loud behavior? More often than not, everyone around them can immediately tell they’re a tourist—and not in a flattering way. Certain fashion choices and actions can make someone stick out as an outsider. While fully blending in isn’t always realistic, avoiding these common mistakes can help you sidestep the dreaded “obnoxious tourist” label.

Talking Loudly

It’s not even the use of English that immediately gives you away as an American—it’s the loud volume at which you’re speaking—and you might not even be aware you’re doing it. (Seriously, just Google: “Americans talking loudly” to see thousands of articles about this phenomenon.) Be mindful of your voice level, especially in enclosed spaces like subways or restaurants, where loud conversations can easily draw unwanted attention.

Not Following Local Customs

Before visiting a new destination, take the time to research local customs and cultural norms. Failing to do so can make you stand out in all the wrong ways—like wearing short shorts to see Egypt’s pyramids, offering a handshake in a country where opposite genders don’t touch, or awkwardly botching the cheek kiss greeting in France. A little preparation goes a long way in helping you blend in and show respect for the local culture.

Blocking the Sidewalk

You’re walking down the sidewalk when suddenly the urge strikes—you need to snap a photo of what’s in front of you or consult your map. So, instead of pulling over, like you would if you were driving down a street, you come to a dead halt, impeding the flow of pedestrian traffic behind you and alerting everyone around to the fact that you’re a rude tourist. Locals in busy cities know—if you need to stop, get out of the way.

Wearing Workout/Hiking Clothes

Zip-off pants, cargo shorts, and technical clothing might be practical for the outdoors, but if you’re exploring a city—not hiking a mountain—there’s no reason to dress like you’re headed on an expedition. To blend in, opt for outfits that are both comfortable and stylish. While leggings and activewear may be everyday staples at home, in many cities around the world, workout clothes are reserved for the gym, not the streets.

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Sign Up

Not Attempting to Figure Out the Local Currency

We’ve actually witnessed tourists holding out their money for cashiers to select the right amount because they can’t be bothered to learn the local currency. Not only are you WAY too trusting, but you’ll likely irritate the shopkeeper and definitely out yourself as a tourist. Try downloading a conversion app and checking out photos of the local currency before you leave so that you’ll be more familiar with it when it comes time to pay.

Wearing Your Home Team’s Gear

Is your entire wardrobe really made up of gear from your local sports team? (If you’re from New England, we can kind of believe this, actually.) But let’s be honest, wearing an NFL jersey or a baseball hat from your alma mater is going to brand you as an American pretty fast. Along the same lines, please do not trade in your American sports gear for that of the local soccer team wherever you go unless you really are a fan. No one likes a poser, and you’ll be unmasked pretty quickly once another supporter strikes up a conversation with you.

Getting Badly Sunburned

Nothing screams “tourist” in a tropical destination more than a bright red sunburn—it’s a dead giveaway that you’re not from around here. In many parts of the world, the sun is much stronger than what you may be used to at home, so don’t assume you can skip the sunscreen or go without reapplying unless you want to stand out (in a bad way) for your glowing skin.

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Sign Up

You Might Also Like:

• 10 Strangest Places to Stop on a U.S. Road Trip
• 10 Strategies to Survive Staying with Family Over the Holidays
• Flying with Gifts: The TSA Rules You Need to Know
• 9 Times You’ll Regret Being Cheap When You Travel
• 7 Things You Should Never Do on a Plane