How To Not Look Like a Tourist

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Being identified as a tourist is generally not a good thing. Here's how to blend in with the natives.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Vacation plans
Some travel guides

Step 1: Research local customs

Research the local cuisine and customs. That way, you won't get punched for pointing your foot at someone in Thailand (considered extremely insulting) or laugh uproariously when someone in China offers you bird's-nest soup.

Step 2: Dress appropriately in houses of worship

If you plan to visit houses of worship, determine what is acceptable attire. Some may require that women wear dresses or that your head be covered. Complying is often not only a sign of respect—but your only way in.

Step 3: Learn key phrases

Learn a few key phrases in the local language. Many tourists never bother to learn even the basics, so this will endear you to the natives and distance you from the tourists.

Step 4: Learn a few key phrases in the local

Don't pack a tracksuit unless you're planning to jog. Nothing says "Tacky American" like a velour running suit, which in some countries is like wearing your pajamas. And leave your, "I'm with Stupid " t-shirt behind, too.

Tip: Forget the fanny pack. It a dead giveaway that you're from out of town—and makes an easy target for pickpockets.

Step 5: Photocopy pages from your guide

Make photocopies of selected pages from guidebooks so you don't have to lug the entire book around.

Step 6: Don't shout

Speak at a soft but audible volume. Don't fall prey to that bad American habit of speaking TOO LOUD in public places. Nothing betrays you faster than shouting, "HEY, MABEL, ARE WE USING PESOS OR LIRE TODAY?"

Step 7: Don't do the pee-pee dance

Don't pantomime any body function requiring a restroom. In most parts of the world, "toilet," or a slight variant, is clearly understood and will resolve your need nicely.

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Category:

Travel & Events

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• how-to
• tourist
• travel
• vacation

[YoCzechYourself]

Step 1: Dont look like a loser...

[swindle3561]

Its hard to do that with a mom that wants to take pictures of anything.....

[girlishgamer1]

They forgot to mention, don't take pictures of everything and don't look around all the time, it's the easiest way to get spotted.

[MyFootballGame]

France is #1 in Imigration

[MewMewPumpkinPie]

i'm no racist or anything...

but the tracksuit thing is SO true :D

majority of the american tourists here wears tracksuits and flip-flops~

[TheAlexis2808]

when i started to see the video a tourist publicity came up haha

[TheWafflepvvn]

@HumanDynamite777 oh because of their greasy hair right?

[Jess0914]

@swindle3561 Same thing for me. Except it's my dad.

[HumanDynamite777]

@SuperCPU000 Probably Spain

[Kekkon3n]

@AdminiumWarrior I don't think many europeans do prefer france, at least I don't but I belive that americans seem to prefer france as a destination at least judged by every single US tv show or movie where some one always has a dream to travel, it's always Paris or France in general. I would prefer the US or Spain or Germany even.

[thethreeamazingmen]

haha american tourists stick out like sore thumbs no matter what they do :P

[TheKarate10]

Step 1: Don't carry a map bitch!!!!!!!