16 Things That Make You Look Like A Tourist
In college, I took a big summer trip around Europe. Before smartphone navigation was common, I would hold up a large map in cities like Paris, London, and Madrid, trying to find out where I was going.
Although I needed to find my hostel, I knew I was practically shouting, “I’m a tourist!” to all the locals. I’m sure they were laughing behind my back.
Let’s face it: if you’re traveling in a new place, you will likely stick out like a sore thumb to the locals. Taking photos and navigating public transport is part of the fun. But there are a few things you can avoid to look less like a tourist and not call too much attention to yourself…especially from pickpockets!
1. Selfie Sticks
Selfie sticks and snapping pictures of every single thing is a dead giveaway for a tourist. While it’s tempting to snap that perfect shot with the Eiffel Tower in the background, remember that locals aren’t usually glued to their phones—they’re used to the scenery.
So, rather than collecting a gallery of blurry images, try to be in the moment and save your photos for those truly memorable experiences.
2. Blocking Streets While Looking at Navigation
Standing in the middle of a walkway in Times Square looking at maps on your phone makes you stand out as a lost tourist, attracting scammers and eye rolls. Figuring out directions in a new city can be tricky, so sometimes it’s necessary to look it up.
Just be aware of your surroundings when navigating and stand off to the side or next to a wall out of the way people walk. Even if you’re unsure, you can always act like you know where you’re going—it’s what most tourists do anyway!
3. Carrying a Huge Backpack Everywhere
I had to learn this one on my own, but less is more when you’re out exploring. Locals travel light, usually with just a purse—unlike tourists, who often pack their day with everything from a bulky guidebook to an extra pair of shoes “just in case.”
There is no need to carry everything with you all day! Most hotels let you store your luggage after you check out.
4. Wearing Clothing that is Out of Place in the Local Culture
When I lived in Spain, I had a rude awakening as a casual-dressing American. Every weeknight, the locals go for a “paseo” (a nice stroll) at around 7 pm after siesta (nap or resting time). But people go for these walks dressed very nicely–dresses, slacks, button-up shirts, and sometimes heels.
When I went out in yoga pants at this time, I got some very strange stares and felt very underdressed. People definitely notice what you wear, and if it’s out of place, it’s a dead giveaway that you’re a tourist. The solution is a bit of research beforehand. Check out some photos online or in guidebooks to get a feel for the local style.
You don’t have to be a fashion expert or buy an entirely new wardrobe, but ditching the extreme outfits for some simple basics will help you blend in better!
Read the Best Beaches in Spain You Wont Want To Miss
5. Wearing Traditional or Ethnic Clothing
People in Thailand know elephant pants are a dead giveaway for tourists. Travelers get these pants in gift shops, thinking they’re typical for the area, but locals don’t even wear them.
Think about it—elephant pants are everywhere in tourist areas, sold next to keychains and fridge magnets. Wearing them feels a bit like walking around with a souvenir on. Locals who wear traditional clothing often do so for a special occasion, like a ceremony or festival.
Read the Must Visit Destinations in Thailand
6. Flashing Expensive Gadgets or Accessories
I remember my friend telling me about her trip to the Taj Mahal, where her expensive camera made her a target for scammers instead of capturing great shots.
Flashy items often attract unwanted attention, signaling you’re not a local, and worrying about their safety can ruin the experience. The best souvenirs are memories! You can enjoy the moment without stressing over your belongings by keeping expensive items hidden.
Read more about Taj Mahal, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites That Are Pure Magic
7. Talking to Potential Scammers
Sometimes, when visiting the busy streets of Las Vegas, you’ll come across friendly, extravagantly dressed showgirls offering to take your picture. Next thing you know, they’re trying to guilt you into paying top dollar for the pictures.
A Vegas local would see that coming a mile away! Scammers target tourists and also seniors because they assume they’re unfamiliar with the area and easy to trick. If you act like you’ve seen it all before (even if you haven’t), they’re less likely to bother you.
Read the Scams Targeting Seniors and How to Avoid Them
8. Confusion at Public Transit
We’ve all been there: you stand on the subway platform, completely lost, looking at the transit map in sweaty confusion while everyone else breezes past you with laser focus. It’s definitely a tourist moment!
Navigating unfamiliar public transit systems can be daunting, with their confusing maps and ticketing systems straight out of a puzzle. Before you go, check out handy apps or websites for route info and payment options to avoid that last-minute scramble at the fare booth.
9. Daily Routine
Remember that feeling of excitement on your first trip? Everything is new, and there’s so much to see. Who wouldn’t want to hold hands with their partner in that amazing atmosphere? That’s the tourist mindset.
But locals in places like Vienna are often on their weekday grind, so seeing a couple strolling hand-in-hand in the morning on a weekday is a dead giveaway they’re tourists, free from the usual work routine.
10. Language
Assuming everyone speaks your native language in a foreign country is a dead giveaway that you’re a tourist. Imagine you’re at a restaurant in Paris, and instead of saying “bonjour,” you blurt out, “Howdy y’all!”
Instantly, everyone knows you’re not from around there. So, it’s smart and courteous to locals to learn basic phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “can I have…?” People will appreciate the effort, and you’ll feel more confident.
11. Cultural Etiquette
When I first visited Europe, I felt so out of place the first time I reached out my hand for a handshake when meeting someone new. Instead, they greeted me with a kiss on the cheek. I learned that people in most European countries greet others with a kiss on either one or both cheeks.
Don’t force your cultural norms (like a handshake) when you’re in a new place, and be open to learning new cultural cues on the fly. Every culture has its own customs. People stand close to chat in some places, while others prefer distance.
Read the 10 safest cities in Europe
12. Going to Tourist Restaurants
Here’s the deal with touristy restaurants—the food might be fine, but it’s not where the locals go for the authentic flavor of the place. Do some research for popular local options. Wander around and see where the locals are eating. This might lead you to a tiny hole-in-the-wall joint with the best food in town.
13. Asking for “Non-Spicy” Versions of Local Dishes
In certain countries like India or Thailand, where people are used to spicy food, locals can usually handle the heat at restaurants. Asking for a non-spicy dish in areas like this can give away your tourist status. However, don’t go ordering full-spice just to blend in or show off–you’ll likely draw even more attention to yourself if you start sweating and crying.
Many people don’t know how intense the heat can get, so there’s no shame in admitting you’re not a local and getting food you can actually eat without hurting yourself. Luckily, many restaurants in tourist spots are chill about adjusting spice. They get it—not everyone’s a fire-breathing dragon!
14. Staring and Pointing at Landmarks
If you’re a New York City local and you see tall buildings every day, you won’t stop and stare and point at them. So when someone is stopped in the middle of a busy work day looking up at skyscrapers, it’s pretty obvious they’re not from a big city.
Traveling is new and exciting, so taking it all in is great. There’s nothing wrong with that—being a tourist is fun! But there are ways to blend in more if that’s what you’re after.
Read more about New York City, USA, as one with the skylines that will take your breath away
15. Carrying Huge Shopping Bags
You probably have reusable grocery bags or stashed in your car. On the other hand, tourists might not be as prepared and end up with a souvenir-shop bag full of kitschy gifts. Locals shop in smaller stores or markets, grabbing what they need for the day.
16. Wearing Local Souvenirs
A grass skirt or a traditional Hawaiian dress is probably not something a local would wear to the grocery store in Honolulu. Souvenirs are often designed to be loud and proud about the location, which can stand out from the everyday clothes people wear.
Look for keepsakes that are a bit more low-key. If you want to blend in, save your souvenirs for home use or find simple things like a scarf with a cool local pattern instead of a shirt that says, “I love America.”
