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How to Not Look Like a Tourist in Europe

Blend in like a local in Europe to help stay safe and feel at ease. Get tips on dress, behavior and cultural norms to help avoid standing out as a tourist.

IN THIS ARTICLE:
What's wrong with looking like a tourist  /  What makes you stand out as a tourist  /  10 ways to avoid looking like a tourist  /  Destination guides

As exciting as it can be to explore a new country or region, there are some risks and challenges that come along with looking like a tourist. To help keep your travel plans on track and keep you and your belongings as safe as possible, we’ll go over the best ways to avoid looking like a tourist in Europe.

What's wrong with looking like a tourist when traveling?

In general, there’s nothing particularly wrong with looking like a tourist on vacation. Issues arise when your safety and security is impacted by scammers who may try to take advantage of you.  Vendors who overcharge or pickpockets looking for valuables might see you as an easy target.

Because tourists aren’t always familiar with local customs, typical prices or even the area in general, scammers use that as an opportunity to get more money out of your interaction. To help counteract these cons, you can research your destination in advance and familiarize yourself with the average costs of meals, clothing and transportation. It’s also worth checking message boards from fellow tourists who have visited the area and may have tips for your specific destination.

In addition to your safety and security another reason to avoid looking like a tourist when traveling in Europe is to enhance your travel experience. When you blend in and look like you belong, you’re more likely to have an authentic travel experience. Often, locals are more likely to strike up a conversation with you or offer recommendations on restaurants, activities and their favorite parts of their city. You’ll have a more culturally immersive travel experience when you take the time to prevent looking like a tourist.

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What makes you stand out at as tourist?

We’ve talked about why it’s important to avoid looking like a tourist – but how do you do that? Certain behaviors, styles and interactions can identify you as a tourist even if you don’t intend to stand out. Here are some ways you could stand out as a tourist while traveling in Europe (and what to do about them):

Not speaking the local language: Learn a few basic greetings in the local language to avoid outing yourself at every interaction. Key phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” “please” and “excuse me” are a great place to start.

Wearing clothes from tourist shops: Basic clothing with a city name, flag or even a local school doesn’t scream tourist. The clothes that will are ones that have sayings about visiting the destination you’re in. Think of those classic “my family member went to Spain and all I got was this shirt” type clothing.

Not knowing local customs and etiquette: From the way we greet each other to the way we dress, every culture has their own customs and social norms. Arriving at a destination without first learning about those customs can quickly lead to an obvious tourist status as well as awkward interactions. Do research beforehand, or if you find yourself on a last-minute trip, take your cues from locals on how to interact.

Taking a lot of photos: Locals are much more accustomed to the scenery than visitors. That’s not to say you shouldn’t stop, enjoy the view and snap a few pictures. But those who take endless photos and stop at every turn are quickly seen as tourists. And of course – no selfie sticks!

Looking lost or confused: Or worse, blocking sidewalks or walkways while looking lost and confused. If you find yourself questioning your directions, try and step to the side to allow others to pass easily. Better yet, find the nearest coffee shop and enjoy a treat while you get your bearings on where you’re headed.

Carrying large shopping bags or backpacks: Take just what you need with you for the day. Try not to bring an excess of “just in case” items. Bring a few reusable shopping bags with you if you plan on shopping.

When traveling throughout Europe your biggest resource for not looking like a tourist is to research. Knowing what to expect and what the local culture is like will give you the confidence to explore like a local.  Remember to stay aware of your surroundings, walk with confidence and keep your personal items close.

10 ways to avoid looking like a tourist when traveling in Europe 

Before heading off on your European vacation, learn how to avoid looking like a tourist so you can better avoid scams and theft. Here are some preliminary steps you can take:

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Put your camera away

It’s natural to want photos, but spending too much time with your camera out makes you a prime target for scammers and pickpockets during your trip to Europe. Plan your shots, take your pictures quickly, then put your camera away and stay aware of your surroundings.

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Avoid wearing obvious tourist shirts 

Getting a t-shirt or sweatshirt as a souvenir on vacation is a popular choice, but it’s best to wait until you’re back home before donning your touristy apparel. Instead, dress in the clothes you brought with you so it’s less obvious that you’re not a local.

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Avoid tourist traps 

Tourist traps are destinations created to make a profit from tourists. Usually seen as having high prices and subpar experiences or products. And they’re the perfect place for scammers to take advantage of you. Legitimate shops cater to both locals and tourists and their prices will match the quality of service or product offered. When in doubt, shop and eat where the locals go.

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Follow local customs 

Research local customs before your trip. Observing how people dress, eat and behave will help you blend in and prevent drawing unwanted attention. For example, if meals are typically enjoyed quietly, being loud or causing a scene will most likely get you pegged as a tourist.

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Don’t flash cash 

When traveling with cash, keep it close to your person and only carry the amount you’ll need for the day. Whenever possible use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees since they’re widely accepted across Europe. If you need to spend cash, only pull out the amount you’re spending from your wallet or purse at a time, so no one can tell how much you’re carrying with you.

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Avoid flashy clothes 

When visiting Europe, leave attention-grabbing clothes and jewelry at home. Bold or extravagant clothing is more likely to draw attention to you and signal to others that you’re not a local. This is especially important if you’ll be visiting religious or upscale venues where a more conservative clothing style is required.

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Map out your route in advance

Following a paper map or your phone too closely can distract from your surroundings and out you as a tourist. Familiarize yourself with the route for your day in advance to allow you to walk confidently. When you’re out and about, check your phone occasionally instead of being glued to the screen.

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Learn the language 

You can further blend into your surroundings by learning common sayings and phrases in the local language before your trip. Even if your language skills aren’t perfect, you will appear less like a tourist with the more practice you have.

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Stay aware of your surroundings 

Pickpockets and scammers watch for tourists who look distracted or unfocused. Tourists who are not paying attention are easier targets than those who are aware of their surroundings. Remain vigilant, keep your belongings secure and if you’re consuming alcohol, do so responsibly.

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Be confident 

The best way to blend in at your destination is to be confident. By preparing in advance and following these tips, you can walk with your head held high through the streets of your destination and enjoy your travel like a local.

If you have upcoming travel plans to Europe or even if you’re just starting to plan your European adventure, be sure to include researching the local culture on your planning list. Most important, understanding what’s expected at your destination will help keep you safe and secure. And a Travel Guard travel insurance plan can help protect your trip investment. With comprehensive travel insurance plans and coverages, including coverage for lost or stolen luggage, you can travel more confidently knowing Travel Guard has your back.

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