How to wear your “tourist” badge with élan

Travelling is one the most enriching things for the soul. Trust me, I would know. Being a flight attendant for 20 years had me whizzing to different parts of the world thrice a week, every week of the year. I have danced on tables in Greece, visited tiny villages on the outskirts of Budapest, written my name on the Berlin Wall and walked along the Seine more times than I can count. 

Being a tourist is something you cannot hide. Blending into a new country is difficult. You can spot a tourist from a mile away. Tourists bring along with them different auras, different fragrances(pleasant and unpleasant) and different personalities. You can be annoying or respectful, enthusiastic or disinterested but you will always stand out. 

Locals can usually tell if you aren’t one of them but there are ways to avoid sticking out like a sore thumb when you travel.  Blending into a new place can make you feel comfortable but also lead to better interactions with locals and make you less vulnerable to pickpockets or scammers who target travellers. 

Unfortunately, there are a few of the giveaways that, despite your best efforts, highlight you as the tourist (I’ve added a little pro tip to ease your travel woes)

• Struggling with public transportation- Public transportation in a new place can be overwhelming especially if the machines or attendants do not speak English. Figuring out the ticketing, entry process and machines of foreign public transportation can fluster anyone. 

Pro tip- When in doubt, don’t feel shy to ask for help. You can ask the people who work there or a friendly face. Have your money ready before stepping up to the machines  rather than holding up the line. 

• Your body language- The slightly indecisive walk, the heightened attention to personal space, the eyes sparkling upwards to take in your surroundings. It’s very hard to look like a local in a new place. If you don’t feel like a native, you won’t look like one.

Pro tip- Conduct research on the country’s or state’s customs and traditions. Being a good tourist means knowing about the place you’re visiting. 

• Your camerawork- A local person’s photography and tourists’ photography is very different. Locals do not take photos of taxis, street signs, local fruit carts, or ordinary things they pass by regularly whereas tourists will take pictures of everything because it is all new to them. Not to mention the selfie stick to really emphasise your touristness. 

Pro tip- As for selfies in the middle of the street…please, for your own safety and the safety of all the locals, don’t. 

• Your clothes- You don’t need to dress in cargo shorts or hippy pants just because you are a tourist.  You don’t have to wear clothes that are comfortable, multi-purpose and scrunched into a suitcase. You can dress fashionably. 

Pro tip- Find out what the local clothing looks like so you can dress appropriately. This will help you fit, atleast to a degree. 

• Blocking pedestrian traffic- We all need to orient ourselves and figure out where we’re going but blocking pedestrian traffic or traffic while driving, at crossroads, especially in big cities is a sure way to attract death stares and a few choice words. You might as well have “tourist” tattooed on your forehead then.

Pro tip- Be aware of what is happening around you, get out of the main lanes of traffic if you need to orient yourself to your surroundings and figure out your next move. 

• Your language skills- We’ve all been there. Trying to speak in Spanish or French to come across as cultured and local.  Although it sounds obvious,  a few locals do appreciate the effort while some don’t. And that’s fine. A simple hello or thank you in their native language can go a long way. 

Pro tip- Learn key phrases or words in the native language. The locals will appreciate it if you try to speak in their native tongue.

• Unfurling a paper map or carrying a local guide book- Sometimes it’s easier to carry a paper map or guidebook but that screams tourist. If you are trying to blend in I would opt for the advanced version of a paper map- google maps. Of course, there are instances where you won’t want to be on your phone, that’s when your judgement comes into play or just asking a local for directions. 

Pro tip- look for short cuts or shortest routes by asking your hotel concierge, they give the best advice on roads to avoid. 

• Your food choices- Locals know where to eat, and more importantly where to not to eat. 

Pro tip- Be adventurous when it comes to food. Try local food and delicacies but avoid street food. (especially if you have a sensitive belly) You can get the same dishes at a local restaurant with proper kitchens.

• Your souvenirs- No local has ever wandered the streets in “I love NY” t-shirts. If you are seen walking out of a souvenir shop, you are most definitely a tourist. 

Pro tip- you are what you show. That’s all to be said.

• Your money- Most developed economies are going cashless. If you are paying by cash, it’s vital you learn about the denomination break up. 

Pro tip- Tip for when you’re travelling. Hotel and restaurant staff don’t make great money, especially in countries where tipping isn’t part of the culture. Carry small denomination bills and be a generous tipper, you will make someone’s day. 

Travelling is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and being a tourist is a great part to play. 

On that note and of all the pro tips, I say dont stress out too much and take the fun out of the adventure for fear of mis-adventure.

There is no point trying too hard to hide your touristness.

Dont sweat the small stuff.

Instead wear the touristness like a badge of honour.