Our BetterMost Community > BetterMost People
How to Avoid Looking Like an American Tourist
delalluvia:
Doesn't it depend on where you're going?
Obviously if one is traveling in more challenging parts of the world, trying to blend in is de rigueur, but in far Western Europe, it's hardly called for. Yes, you need avoid looking like a total rube, holding out maps and talking loudly and being the "ugly tourist", because that puts one at risk for conmen and muggers - but that's for anyone in any country.
Heck, that tourist travel guy Rick Steves always looks like a dorky American tourist with his uniform of shapeless baggy chinos and "comfortable" mushroomy walking shoes and backpack and he's gone all over Western and Eastern Europe.
Kelda:
--- Quote from: delalluvia on May 07, 2009, 08:04:05 pm ---Doesn't it depend on where you're going?
Obviously if one is traveling in more challenging parts of the world, trying to blend in is de rigueur, but in far Western Europe, it's hardly called for. Yes, you need avoid looking like a total rube, holding out maps and talking loudly and being the "ugly tourist", because that puts one at risk for conmen and muggers - but that's for anyone in any country.
Heck, that tourist travel guy Rick Steves always looks like a dorky American tourist with his uniform of shapeless baggy chinos and "comfortable" mushroomy walking shoes and backpack and he's gone all over Western and Eastern Europe.
--- End quote ---
Yup, I'd agree with that Del.
optom3:
It also applies to a certain type of Brit. travelling to Florida where they can be seen in their Soccer shirts and shell suits all over the theme parks in Orlando. The lobster red skin is a bit of a giveaway as well !!!
Sorry I know I am being rude about my fellow countrymen, but it is exactly what you see.
Jeff Wrangler:
--- Quote from: LauraGigs on May 07, 2009, 02:50:01 am ---Christ, this is on a university website? (Obviously they weren't using a dictionary...)
Very interesting advice overall, though.
--- End quote ---
Nope, probably just spell-check. ;)
Jeff Wrangler:
--- Quote from: serious crayons on May 07, 2009, 09:08:11 am ---I thought this one was sad:
--- End quote ---
--- Quote from: David In Indy on May 07, 2009, 12:03:48 am ---Avoid making eye contact, smiling, greeting, and engaging in conversation with strangers.
--- End quote ---
Heck, that's good advice for the streets of many major American cities. :(
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version