When I first began traveling to Europe, It would amaze me that the Europeans would know I was a tourist before I even said anything. I didn't wear jeans, t-shoes, backpacks, fannypacks, ect...

After a few years of traveling, I began to notice that people would come up to me for directions so on... mistaking me as a local until I opened my mouth. This usually occurrs when I am stolling about by myself. Mind you, I am such a mutt that most people can not figure out my ancestrial roots.

I just returned from two weeks in Europe. This was a very relaxed, no itinerary trip. And I found it amazing as I would stroll about or be on a train that I would automatically recognize the locals from the tourist while they were just sitting/walking. And I am not talking the obvious tourist. I could tell which ones were Europeans on holiday before they would start talking.

Has anyone else experienced this? Or is this an indication that I am traveling to Europe far to often?

Your a lucky man if you have to ask yourself that question.

Travel to Europe too often? That concept does not compute

I wish I had that problem!

Brando,
Thanks for the words of wisdom. Only one problem. Yep just checked, I am all WOMAN!

I live in New York City. I can tell by looking at someone if they are from New Jersey, never mind a foreign country. I'm not trying to be funny-- there are subtle differences in dress, the way one walks and pauses, physical attitude, that designates one as foreign, even if it's by only a few miles.

ellenem,
That was exactly what I was trying to put into words... those subtle differences.

So what your saying is everyone approaches me with their questions, either tourist or local, because I have that subtle non-threatening approachable karma?

non-threatening karma...mmmm

My first visit to France, I got asked directions and advice. Maybe it is my dark hair, light eyed coloring...

Parisnow - Last year was my third trip to Europe and I noticed more than the other two trips Iwas approached several times, asking for directions. Some in French, some in English & one person in Italian. I got a kick out of it, especially when I was able to help them out.

People always approach me on the street for directions, at home and on vacation. And I can usually give them the correct answer. I think they approach me for two reasons:

-- I don't look threatening. (People also always think they've met me before, so I must have a generic look.)

-- I walk like I know where I'm going, because I usually do. (I have a great sense of direction, so don't have to check maps much.)

Ditto ellenem. And, I probably dress like a tourist!

Every time I've been to Spain, Italy, Paris,etc i've been asked directions, it must be my colouring! I'm Irish but look more Middle Eastern. My Dad's family, a few generations back are Israeli. So I can undersatand where you are coming from Parisnow.

I too have been approached many times for directions, train info at a station, etc., I honestly don't think it's because I look like a local, I think I just look like I might not sneer at them, laugh at them or lie to them!

I went to Europe for the first time last month and I got asked for directions 3 times and in two different countries. I think it had more to do with the fact that I was alone at the time and therefore more easily approachable more than any other reason. I doubt anyone really confused me for a local.

But I do agree with you that with some practice you can learn to identify with some certainity the nationality of an individual without them hearing them speak. Its a combination of posture, attitude, dress, hair style, facial features, maybe height or weight. When I worked as a customs inspector I always knew an individuals nationality before they handed me their passport. Many Europeans can't tell the difference between an American and a Canadian (I was traveling at times with a Canadian) but close observation will show the differences. Its a very interesting part of travel.

You must have 'the look'

In Denmark, I was mistaken for a local
by locals!

I think it also has to do with looking like you know what you're doing in places where no one else seems too!

I especially get tingles all over when asked for directions in London. Then you answer with an American accent and they look so surprised!

Love it!

I've experienced this but it probably for another reason. No matter where I go, other tourists ask me for directions or for advice. I'm usually over-researched, I admit, but my daughter says it is because I look like everybody's mom. Even on trips to Europe, I have at least two kids in tow and, therefore, I must be "safe." Parisnow, maybe you just look very confident in your surroundings and have a "safe" demeanor?

It happened to me in Paris. A Parisian asked me for directions... I was so pleased LOL! I don't know why it made me happy, but I felt like at least ONE person didn't automatically think 'Ugly American'

"I especially get tingles all over when asked for directions in London. Then you answer with an American accent and they look so surprised!"

I don't get tingles but I find it funny that if it's a Brit asking, they somehow look stunned when they hear my accent & don't really want to accept my directions as if I couldn't possibly know what I'm talking about.

From my very first trip to Europe I have always been taken for European. Mostly Spanish or Italian(mother's actually hungarian). That is until I open my mouth and that NY accent comes out.