Help us avoiding looking like tourists

Pack lightly and pick up your travel wardrobe locally at H&M or Zara or some such?

Don't worry about it, you will look like tourists and there's no harm in that.

No tennis shoes, no jeans, no shorts, shirts/blouses, no tshirts.

We wore light clothes, linen, khakis, my son always wore light pants, my daughter and I wore capri pants or skirts, never shorts. Italians always look put together, never sloppy.
We all look pretty Italian as my Nona, that helped

fugeddaboudit.

You will look like tourists.

No one will care.

Happy honeymoon.

the one thing i always find gives tourist away...standing in the middle of the street with a map but im with Michael, if the map helps who cares

Ha, thanks for the replies!

Now, do Germans wear Birkenstocks or are they out of fashion over there?

Someone had the perfect suggestion in another thread - watch Antiques Roadshow, the US version - observe the people in the background - don't dress like them

<<do Germans wear Birkenstocks or are they out of fashion over there?>>
Dear God, I hope so!

I'll tell you what: don't wear any sort of athletic shoe or any sort of denim and you'll look like tourists for certain. Don't believe me? wait and see.

Funny - we saw more native Italians wearin denim and sneakers on our recent trip than the 'tourists' who were trying to hard not to look like tourists! Be comfortable, be courteous and enjoy. Learn a few words of German and Italian to help a bit. Expect that traditions will be different (like meal times) and embrace the differences! How you interact will be far more memorable to those you meet than what you are wearing.

There isn't anything you can do to avoid looking like a tourist. The way you walk, talk, style your hair - everything will set you apart at least a little bit. And then the camera and guidebook/map will seal the deal.

"No tennis shoes, no jeans, no shorts, shirts/blouses, no tshirts." is semi-silly, since Europeans wear all of the above when appropriate.

Don't worry, the minute you stop and gawk at all the monuments, museums and restaurants you'll be outed, not to mention the first time you speak. Don't worry-just pack what you're comfortable in and enjoy. It's your honeymoon afterall.

I've seen Frenchmen were jeans and tennis shoes and French women who dress like the commuter crowd on my way to work. Anyone who tells you all French, Italian, etc people dress exquisitely has never been to Europe.

Focus on Italy. Germans don't care, we just want your money.

Seriously, in almost 44 years of living in Germany, I have never ever encountered a conversation with my compatriots which touched the subject of how one particular or any tourists dressed.
Those of the 82 million who DO care also suffer from other brain damages and can be blissfully ignored.

The only exemption from the rule would be comments on flatlanders trying to hike in the mountains in sneakers or flip-flops or in other potentially unhealthy gear. But Darwin usually takes care of those.

They will be thrilled that a tourist thought their spot was worth visiting. If there are those out there offended at what you where then why would you waste a second worrying about them.

The most important thing is to wear what is comfortable that you already own. Don't "break" in new clothes (and especially) shoes on a trip just to find that you hate them.

Wear what you feel good and comfortable in - as long as it covers what should be covered, no one cares. As soon as you open your mouth everyone will know anyway. Wear practical clothing that is adequate for the weather conditions you encounter - this applies especially to outdoor activities like hiking and mountain excursions. In the Alps, never set out without a rain jacket and a sweater in your daypack no matter how glorious the weather looks. Frozen knees in shorts on a mountain top are a dead giveaway that screams "foolish tourist with no idea of the Alps", just like sandals or flipflops on rocky paths.

Don't wear shorts, baseball caps, Tshirts, or a big ole camera case around your neck. Of course, Europeans wear most of those things, but there are some tourists that really overdo it.

When I first lived in Germany in the 60's, it was pretty easy to tell Americans from Germans, but it's not so easy nowadays. Fashions seem to have become global.

I wear exactly what I wear at home. Usually black pants, a black jacket if it's cool, matching or coordinating printed tops, and my really ugly black SAS walking shoes. I sometimes am taken for a local in Germany because of my northern European ancestors.

This is not the case in Spain or Italy. In fact, when my Spanish teacher in Madrid said that one of the film companies was looking for non-Spanish-looking extras, she pointed out that I and another woman had the type of skin coloring that they wanted.

"Standing in the middle of the street with a map" reminds me that even other Americans recognize tourists. We were in Regensburg doing just that (on a corner, not in the street) when a lovely young American woman came up and asked if she could help. She was living in Regensburg and working as a singer in the Regensburg opera company.

We had a nice chat.

P.S. The reason for the black pants is that they don't show the dirt. They're not a fashion statement.

Pegontheroad -- you're my kind of gal -- black pants and SAS shoes! Like looking in the mirror! LOL
k

How does one travel with "no shirts/blouses"? -- naked on top???

I think the best way to blend in is to look for a t-shirt that says "I'm With Stupid" in seven different languages.

First, unless you have perfect German and all clothes you brought there everyone will know you are american.

But if you don't want to really stand out, avoid baseball caps, tee shirts with pictures or cute sayings on them and pastel polyester outfits. Jeans and normal adult tops are fine as are dark of colored walking shoes (but do avoid ginat white clown sneakers). IMHO adults should be wearing shorts only in resorts or while doing athletic activities - except for pressed tailored city shorts.

I guess that I'm the cheese standing alone, but what I posted earlier is what I was advised in this same forum two years ago before going to Europe and some websites that I just googled.

We were in 4 countries, June (Portugal, Spain), July (Italy), August (Switzerland), and I could count with my fingers the times when I saw a local wearing jeans, only Americans that were made fun of, it was so hot that wearing jeans was completely out of the question. I only saw jeans in Switzerland when it was cold and rainy.

Here is something you can read that doesn't come from me, who seems to be the giving the wrong advise....

http://www.travelhoppers.com/2012/02/10/how-not-to-look-like-a-tourist-when-traveling-in-europe/

http://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Looking-Like-an-American-Tourist

Ditch the athletic shoes. White athletic shoes (otherwise referred to as tennis shoes, or sneakers) are stereotypically American. Any shoes that don't look like they were meant for exercise will suffice.

Avoid US brand name clothing with easily readable names (e.g., Nike, Gap, Abercrombie, etc.). In fact, don't wear any slogans (like "Virginia is for lovers") as that will tie you to a specific place.

Dress a little nicer than usual. Casual dress is not as common outside the USA. You will fit in better most places if your wear long pants or skirts and buttoned shirts or blouses rather than sneakers, sweatshirts, t-shirts, jeans, or shorts -- especially athletic shorts. Blue jeans are not acceptable in all situations. Instead, pack versatile "casual Friday" business attire. Shorts are best avoided by all adults, especially women, except for hiking and similar activities. In many countries, adults wearing shorts are seen as silly, uncouth, half-naked, or worse.

Dress appropriately for the local weather. Shorts and a t-shirt in cool climates (or winter time) are a clear sign that you are not in touch with the local weather. Many Americans also tend to wear technical outdoor gear, such as down jackets and ski jackets, as casual winter outerwear.

"Dress appropriately for the local weather. "

That is a given. But to even suggest that Europeans don't wear jeans is ludicrous. Not when it is 35C/95F -- that is just plain uncomfortable. And not sloppy/saggy jeans -- but jeans are worn/sold everywhere.

One thing is -- You may think Europeans dress up because many folks you'll see in European cities are working. They dress casually on weekends/on vacation, just like everybody else . . .

Take a look at this link - Kerouac's photos of 'real people' in Paris http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=paris&thread=4183&page=1#84174

Seems to include every item you warn against.

Sorry pookiemini but Europeans wear jeans, and white athletic shoes and I've even seen fat ladies in shorts. And, US brand names are as ubiquitous in Europe as they are here. I do wish people would get over the idea that there's a different dress code for Europeans or, for that matter, tourists. Have a look at janisj's ( Kerouac's) link.

Over time I have found that knit skirts and dresses are the best. I still always bring a pair of pants. Typically black cargo style. I like Eddie Bauer for just about anything. A black knit dress with the earings or necklace you just bought will look great. I once met a girl at the Pantheon who was wearing high wedge sandals and I asked her how she managed. She said they were very comfortable and easy. I agree, I bought a pair of aerosole semi decent looking high sandals that I've gone just about everywhere in. Now, I also wear Merrils everywhere too. Also, I have been caught too many times freezing in London! I must learn to pack better when I go there. In the hottest locations I have found bringing long sleeve extremely light weight linen shirts to work. They keep the sun from burning up your skin and wash out real easy. As for looking like a tourist...I see alot of kooky looking outfits in Europe, especially the guys and their shoes, so I wouldn't worry unless you plan on dressing like you are on safari. BTW you are a tourist.

BTW. Better not to wear shorts if you plan on visiting Churches, Cathedrals, etc. Always have at least a small scarf in your bag in case there is a bare shoulder issue or some other bizarre requirement.

Have a great time on the honeymoon!

Well, I always wear white tennis shoes. Shape Ups to be exact. I only wear jeans too. Guess what, I blend everywhere I go.

It is the walk, the hair cut, the "tourist clutch" on bags and purses that gives tourists away. If you want to blend better, buy a local newspaper and carry it around, or a shopping bag from the local grocery store.

For those who think Europeans don't wear these items, you need to go shopping here. The shoe stores are packed with white shoes. Levis, and Lee jeans are hugely popular, though the cut may be different. Fitted and looking nice. T-shirts with sayings on them are popular too.

Some items that give Americans away, are parachute type pants (you know, those ones that make noise when you walk), wearing jogging pants to sightsee, polyester pants with gathered waistbands with the shirt tucked in, and back packs rather than messenger bags.

At the end of the day, why worry about what you are wearing? Who cares? You aren't going to be denied service, you aren't going to be talked about. It just doesn't matter.

In Austria and Germany, Lederhosen and green hat with feather for the gentleman. Dirndle for the lady. Gentleman change to shark skin suit for Italy. For the lady, six inch heels will suffice (can reduce to 4" in towns with cobblestone streets).

Otherwise, don't worry about it.

Good or bad things (or nothing in particular) may result from your being spotted as a tourist: isn't the important thing not to look like a gullible/fleeceable/robbable tourist?

Things like not hanging your valuables off the back of your chair in a café or not conspicuously wearing a wallet in a back trouser pocket would be far more important.

[PS: I'm guessing that if it's your honeymoon you're relatively young: you can more likely get away with jeans and athletic shoes - young adult clothes seem to be much the same. The stereotypes I think a lot of posters have in mind are more like the couple I once saw in London, who must have been in their well-preserved 70s, all kitted out as if for a veterans' tournament at the local tennis club, complete with Alice Marble-style eye-shades, but with all their clothes looking as though they were straight out of the shop. That was a little incongruous in the morning rush hour.)

Or posters are thinking of tourists like these (two sets of sculptures by the late American artist Duane Hanson):
http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/artists/artpages/duane_hanson_tourists_2.htm
http://www.nationalgalleries.org/media_collection/18/GMA%202132.jpg

You should definitely have to be familiar with the place. Before visiting the place get as much information as possible. It would help a lot.
However the following article can help you a lot:
http://www.askmen.com/fine_living/travel_archive_60/98_travel_tips.html

Normally, during the day, I will wear peasant sack cloth and rag shoes to fit in with the locals. If going out, I will wear pantaloons and a nice lice collar to keep up with the gentry. In England, wearing a spiffy crusader outfit works well. In Italy, horizontal striped shirt and neck scarf works well. I always wear my monocle and top hat in Germany. With these outfits nobody thinks I'm a tourist, they do however think I am insane.

dave

A lice collar? You're not a dog, by any chance?

Born and raised and living in Germany for 43 years, I fear that I had to burn 3/4 of my clothes if I followed some of the "fashion warnings" here.

The only place that comes to my mind where people care about their clothes to blend in is North Korea.

Another thing to bear in mind that even many of the people who look and sound local to you are also actually tourists.

In some parts of Italy, the majority of tourists are other Italians, who will probably be speaking a different dialect (which you won't be able to differentiate but the real locals will).

I like the idea of wearing outlandish clothes so everyone will believe you are crazy rather than a tourist.

The locals are too busy getting on with their lives to notice or care what you wear.

Some Europeans wear jeans, white trainers, T-shirt with Nike written all over them, baseball hats, shorts, even Hawaiian print shirts on occasion.

Wear what you would normally wear for you vacation in the US (provided it suits the weather of course) and that you feel comfortable wearing.
If you are planning on hiking/climbing mountains then wear the appropriate clothing for that too.

Really the locals won't care, and you need not feel embarrassed. You are after all a tourist, along with a lot of the other people around you.

The typical tourist doesn't wear this in June. And you will look crazy. But it goes with just about anything:

http://mistermort.typepad.com/.a/6a010535d07789970c012876a9f6b3970c-800wi

Hi VW,

>...do Germans wear Birkenstocks ....<

Yes.

However. the police are required to check the identity cards of everyone wearing Birkenstocks in public.

If you don't have the proper papers, your shoes will be confiscated and you will have to pay a 100E fine on the spot.

If you can't pay the fine, you will be jailed until you come up with the cash.

Don't run the risk.

I would wear a T-shirt that reads, "I'm from Greece, can I borrow a few Euros?"

I agree with hetismij2 and if someone is going to make fun of me because I'm wearing my New Balance trail runners that is their problem. My feet will be happy, I'll be enjoying my trip and I won't be able to understand what they are saying anyway.

Sometimes I think it is okay to look like a tourist. We were in Vienna a few years ago and wanted to take the U-bahn to Schonbrunn Palace. As soon as we stopped at the ticket machine a security guard ran over, asked if we needed assistance and helped with the transaction. After we arrived at the stop and started walking toward the palace a woman riding by on her bicycle stopped to give us directions. Even though we actually knew where we were going and did not have maps in hand, I found it thoughtful and sweet and thanked her. My boys were wearing shorts that day so maybe that was why everyone was so polite and helpful.

If you're afraid of looking like a tourist, you're going to look like a tourist. You'll have that anxious, almost haunted look on your face as you move about, ever watchful of sneering responses from haughty, judgmental Europeans, a look which is tantamount to having a neon sign on your forehead flashing "TOURIST."

Hey, I'm almost kidding.

Take the advice of those who tell you that no one will care whether you look like a tourist or not. People are too busy getting on with their lives.

I'll be more accommodating...I don't wear baseball caps, I don't wear t-shirts, I wear comfortable shoes, I wear longish shorts on hot days.

I don'tt carry a camera bag, I don't have a fanny pack, I don't have a money belt.

Patrick, I wish there was a 'like' button on here!

As independent travelers we always wear the same clothing we wear in North America specific to the weather/climate of the place we are visiting (don’t even own a pair of white shoes). Because of our Northern European heritage, obviously, in South America, Asia or the Mediterranean it doesn’t matter how we dress, we will stand out; but in Sweden, Russia and other parts of Europe we have been mistaken as locals on several occasions. Bring some nice clothes for any “dress-up” occasions you may be attending.


I think much of the clothing available in Europe or North America is made in the same factories in Asia or Latin America anyway. Shoe styles sometimes can be variable.


Some ways to not stand-out: walk the same pace as the locals; study your map before you get on the street and step aside in some out of the way place to take another look if necessary; don’t wear expensive jewelry or even a cheap watch that may look expensive; don’t talk loud (that’s how I identify people from Canada, Australia, Britain, USA, Spain, Italy); above all, don’t be demanding.

Be mindful of people near you in train stations and in crowded trams, subway trains and stations; if you carry a bag keep it under your arm and hang on to it while on a tram to avoid a grab and run at a stop. Avoid the look of being lost. If you are a traveler you will look like a traveler, the best you can do is not making it look like you just “got off the boat”.

Be very mindful of your surroundings when using an ATM or money changer, but that is yet another subject.

Europe is a big place.

Like everywhere, there is a difference in how people dress depending


city- country
workday - weekend
wealthy- not
young - older
stylish - not
tourist ( smaller wardrobe to chose from, comfortable shoes,etc..). - not

You are a damn tourist get over it.

I dress the way I damn feel but conduct myself as courteously as possible.

I live in NYC and last year there were 50 million visitors. As other noted above it is the mein, eyeglasses, hairstyle, gait, camera, guide book, etc.

The fact that you are wearing yellow shorts and walking with your wife and two kids in the financial district is a tip-off.

The fact that you looking up at the buildings or ask a steranger to take your picture is a tipp-off.

If you wear white shirt and tie and sport a crew cut, you are a tourist or someone who going door-to-door selling god.

You need not be a profiler to figure out who is a tourist.

"The fact that you are wearing yellow shorts and walking with your wife and two kids in the financial district is a tip-off."

A lot of people are walking with yellow shorts in the financial district these days.

What the heck, wear what you like and tell everyone it's traditional folk costume where you come from.

There have been times when I've done nothing at all--just standing at the base of looooong stairs at the Munich train station--when young Germans (a man and a woman) grabbed our suitcases and, without saying a word, hauled them to the top of the steps, plopped them down, and went on their way.

Okay, two plumpish middle-aged women with confused looks on their faces...dead giveaway.

<confused looks on their faces...dead giveaway.>

This is the best tip yet; avoid having a confused look.

If you want to look like a male German tourist when in the countryside, assuming you are over 35 years old:

1. Wear above-the-knee, very tight hiking shorts
2. Some sort of shiny shirt with a soccer team name on it
3. A long-billed or double-billed baseball type cap
4. Sandals--with grayish socks if the temperature might dip below 70 degrees F.

In town, anything polyester is good. For women, some sort of formless dress with a flower pattern will help you blend in.

The fact that you are wearing yellow shorts and walking with your wife and two kids in the financial district is a tip-off."

A lot of people are walking with yellow shorts in the financial district these days.

____

You are right, so that should go for brown as well.

Don't worry about it. Just wear your normal clothes. Pick from your "nice/casual" in fabrics that will pack well and are appropriate to the weather. Sneakers and jeans are OK too. The entire idea they are not appropriate is ridiculous. Plenty of people in Europe wear exactly that when they're going around on the weekend.

Mostly people know you're tourists (or at least this is true in my home city of Seattle) because you're wandering around on a weekday, not at work, with a map in your hand or pocket and a confused look on your face!

The only dress code thing you really ought to observe is the "covered shoulders/upper arms and knees and everything in between" rule that applies to churches in Italy.

Otheriwse - no one cares what you wear, with very few exceptions that common sense easwily spots. The yellow shorts would no be considered appropriate in a gourmet restaurant or at the opera house, for example...

About 10 years ago we were walking on a small street in a small town in the Dordogne, and I heard a guy at a cafe across the street say ( in French), "There are two German tourists.". Trouble is, we are from the US. I have found that Italians sometimes think we are German. Both of us are from Northern European ancestors, though.

But I have noticed plenty of Italians in jeans and sneakers. I think the camera case, fanny pack, and extra shirt tied around the waist by the sleeves are rumpled tourist looks I want to avoid. Fortunately, cameras come pretty small now. And the cross-body purse looks neater but probably still says tourist.
but what the hell? not a big deal.

I can't decide whether I will dress in Outfit "A" or "B" to help me NOT look like a tourist:

A) Baseball cap worn sideways, Tim Tebow Jersey, Acid-washed jean-shorts, gym socks up to my knees, unlaced Air Jordan high-tops...and my Oakley sunglasses.

or...

B) Short-sleeve dress shirt, Sans-a-Belt polyester shorts, black belt, black socks, Dr. Scholl's walking shoes, and a Fanny-Pack.

Help me decide. Thanks--I'm trying to look like a classy American when I go to France in June.

A) Baseball cap worn sideways, Tim Tebow Jersey, Acid-washed jean-shorts, gym socks up to my knees, unlaced Air Jordan high-tops...and my Oakley sunglasses.

I live downtown in Manhattan. One day I am sauntering down the street and hear two young men speaking French behind me. When they finally passed, they were dressed like you described except their underwear was sticking out and they hung French bling. I did not see if they had French grill.

Not really advice, but I just have to tell this story:

My daughter and son-in-law took a trip to Bangladesh as a young couple. They were as respectful of local customs as they knew how to be, but both being quite fair, and in an area where tourist were almost unheard of, they stood out like the proverbial sore thumb. They were subject to stares wherever they went, and coveted prey for the ubiquitous hawkers trying to sell them everything imaginable. The prize for enteprenurial instinct went to one young street vender, who upon catching sight of them called out in as a friendly fashion: "Hello, American dollar walking around!"

We're going over to Austria, Bavaria and Italy for our honeymoon in June and I'd like some suggestions on what to wear so we don't look like the typical tourist please. And no, we won't be wearing fanny packs or white tennis shoes>

well many locals will be wearing tennis shoes - this question is about as valid as me say wanting to pass for Afro-American when I am lilly white - cannot be done - a Quioxotic Quest IMO.

<"Hello, American dollar walking around!">

This brings to mind a couple things I heard in Turkey: "Come into my shop and buy something you don't need"; "Hey sir, you look just like my father, come into my carpet shop, no charge to look"

This is among the many reasons I love to travel.

Now that we are into storytelling ... In a market in Zian, China, I was carrying (but trying to hide) my first good coffee in three weeks (Starbucks) when a woman insisted I buy a t-shirt from her. I replied I had no money. She started guffawing and yelling at nearby merchants "Hey look at the big American (Canadian please) guy with the Starbucks and he says he has no money (laughter fills the market).

And speaking of Turkey, in Istanbul in 2010 a man jumped in front of me on a sidewalk and asked "How long have you been here?" I relied four days. He said "Oh that's too bad then, you already have your carpet."

"However. the police are required to check the identity cards of everyone wearing Birkenstocks in public.
If you don't have the proper papers, your shoes will be confiscated and you will have to pay a 100E fine on the spot.
If you can't pay the fine, you will be jailed until you come up with the cash.
Don't run the risk."

Yeah - this is why I make my husband leave his Birks at home - actually he is not allowed to go any farther than the front walk with them on. He wears them with sport socks, which is marginally better than black socks, but still an embarassment. He did sneak out the other day with his Birks on to return a Redbox movie - grrrrrr....

Back to the subject at hand - wear what you like, makes sense for what you are doing, and looks good on you. Chances are you'll do a lot more walking than in your normal life, so bring good shoes.

No matter what, you won't look like a local, which is fine. As