How to Not Look Like a Tourist in Europe

There’s nothing inherently wrong with looking and acting like a tourist. You are a tourist. But in some situations, looking like a tourist can make you a target for pickpockets, scammers, and other crime — a chance that only increases if you’re traveling alone.

Luckily, if you’re traveling alone, you also have a unique advantage — one that I think is lots of fun. When you’re alone, you can pretend you’re a local, just doing local things. I know I’m succeeding at this when someone comes up to me and asks for directions in the country’s native language 🙂

Here are a few of my best tips on how to not look like a tourist in Europe.

1. Consider European style and trends

We’ve all heard the cliché about the American wearing shorts and bright white sneakers, right? Maybe it’s an exaggeration, but as with most exaggerations, it was born from a seed of truth. Many of us are easy to spot when traveling abroad just based on our looks alone.

Do some research before you go: What are the locals wearing? Read blogs and packing lists, or browse the “explore” features of Instagram or TikTok. You’re bound to find good information on what to wear from a fashion perspective — not to mention from a weather perspective.

One thing that I’ve learned since living in Alicante, Spain, is that people here dress for the season, not for the weather. For example, when it was 65°F (18°C) in January, the American in me wanted to break out the shorts and sundresses. But despite the warm temperatures, all the locals were wearing heavy coats, boots, and even earmuffs. 🙃 So keep that in mind.

Even if you nail the fashion side of things, there’s still that clunky DSLR camera hanging around your neck — or your huge camera bag you’ve been dragging with you. You’ll get amazing photos, but it kind of screams tourist. To avoid this, I converted a regular $15-purse from Amazon into a padded DSLR-safe bag. Cute, functional, and incognito.

2. Act as confident as you can

This part can be fun, but also a little difficult. If you’re not at a specific attraction or surrounded by lots of other tourists, try not to seem too outwardly impressed by anything. Don’t start snapping photos of the subway ticket machines just because you’ve never seen one before. Instead, be nonchalant as you buy your ticket, make your way to the platform, and get on the train — even put in your headphones for good measure. Listen to some music and pretend it’s the soundtrack to the movie about your life. But don’t miss your stop!

Out on the street, walk with purpose. Try not to meander or look lost — act like you know exactly where you’re going. Even if you’re heading straight toward a dead end, do it confidently and others won’t even think twice.

Put on your sunglasses and keep your poker face. When you grab a bite to eat, order in the native language (if you know it), even if your grammar isn’t perfect. You’ll seem more like a comfortable expat than an anxious tourist. Confidence is key when it comes to knowing how to not look like a tourist in Europe.

3. Your phone = your friend

When you’re traveling, I know the idea is to be fully present in where you are and what you’re doing, but there are times when being on your phone will help you fit in. Walking to the train station at 5 a.m. in the dark and not quite sure where you’re going? Trying to find a spot for lunch with good reviews and affordable prices? Need to take a break and rest your feet?

Pull out your phone and do what you need to do. Of course, you should still be aware of your surroundings, but you won’t seem any different from anyone else who is always glued to their screen. There are so many great travel apps you can use to your advantage, and you should!

Just make sure your battery isn’t dead when you really need it. And if you’re looking for the best eSim card, to ensure that you always have data, check out Airalo eSim cards.

 

What do you think? Do you have any tips on how to not look like a tourist in Europe? Leave a comment if I missed something!

-Cathy

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Originally Published on June 24, 2017.