Help us avoiding looking like tourists
 

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 :-)

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.

((I))

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.

"<i>No tennis shoes, no jeans, no shorts, shirts/blouses, no tshirts.</i>" 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...ing-in-europe/

http://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Looking...erican-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.

"<i>Dress appropriately for the local weather. </i>"

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...3&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 <i>gullible/fleeceable/robbable</i> 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/art...tourists_2.htm
http://www.nationalgalleries.org/med...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/tr...avel_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/6a0...f6b3970c-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))

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