2008 Woodie Awards
Avoid Looking Like A Tourist
Alyssa Carroll
Issue date: 4/29/08 Section: Focus
No matter where you plan on going this summer, it is always good to keep in mind the mantra "be a traveler not a tourist." Easy-to-spot tourists can quickly become targets for criminals and may receive poor responses from natives. Simple tricks can help you blend into areas other than your own, and can keep you from looking stupid or ethnocentric. So leave the fanny packs at home this summer, and adopt these easy tricks to blend in:
Do your research.
This doesn't need to be a 30-page dissertation on the area's local imports and economy, but getting an understanding of the local culture can easily save you from embarrassment and a bad time.
Learn the climate of the area,
and pack appropriately.
Weather reports from around the world are easily accessible online and take only moments to read. Regardless of forecasts, items like umbrellas and rain jacket may come in handy in almost any area and can also save you from a lot of hassle.
Keep brand-name
items to a minimum.
Recognizable American symbols like Nike, Coca-Cola and Gap easily mark you as American and can send red flags up for muggers. Similarly, wearing colors that are different than the cultures around you will also make you easily identifiable. Sometimes, not wearing something can be equally as bad. As said before, do research and find out if you may need to be more conservatively covered from head to toe, or if maybe you should invest in a sari or form of native wear.
Try to learn some basics (and slang) of the local language.
Though many people around the world know or understand English, it is ignorant to assume that all will. Try to learn simple phrases like hello, thank you, and where is the bathroom, as well as choice words you may need like help, police and beer. Some areas may speak English, but use different slang than we are accustomed to.
When dining, pay attention.
Are they using forks? Chopsticks? Their hands? Using the wrong etiquette may come off as rude and taboo. Try not to ask for American condiments like ketchup and mustard with everything. Try sampling local flavors and tastes and getting a real understanding of a new place.
Avoid pulling out large maps
This is easily one of the most recognizable tourist traits, and signals to others that you don't fully know where you are or what is going on. Try to plan traveling routes prior to travel, or try to look at maps more subtly out of sight. Be mindful or your belongings as well, and be sure not to wave around new purchases or bags.
Contact Alyssa Carroll at
Alyssa.Carroll@UConn.edu.
Do your research.
This doesn't need to be a 30-page dissertation on the area's local imports and economy, but getting an understanding of the local culture can easily save you from embarrassment and a bad time.
Learn the climate of the area,
and pack appropriately.
Weather reports from around the world are easily accessible online and take only moments to read. Regardless of forecasts, items like umbrellas and rain jacket may come in handy in almost any area and can also save you from a lot of hassle.
Keep brand-name
items to a minimum.
Recognizable American symbols like Nike, Coca-Cola and Gap easily mark you as American and can send red flags up for muggers. Similarly, wearing colors that are different than the cultures around you will also make you easily identifiable. Sometimes, not wearing something can be equally as bad. As said before, do research and find out if you may need to be more conservatively covered from head to toe, or if maybe you should invest in a sari or form of native wear.
Try to learn some basics (and slang) of the local language.
Though many people around the world know or understand English, it is ignorant to assume that all will. Try to learn simple phrases like hello, thank you, and where is the bathroom, as well as choice words you may need like help, police and beer. Some areas may speak English, but use different slang than we are accustomed to.
When dining, pay attention.
Are they using forks? Chopsticks? Their hands? Using the wrong etiquette may come off as rude and taboo. Try not to ask for American condiments like ketchup and mustard with everything. Try sampling local flavors and tastes and getting a real understanding of a new place.
Avoid pulling out large maps
This is easily one of the most recognizable tourist traits, and signals to others that you don't fully know where you are or what is going on. Try to plan traveling routes prior to travel, or try to look at maps more subtly out of sight. Be mindful or your belongings as well, and be sure not to wave around new purchases or bags.
Contact Alyssa Carroll at
Alyssa.Carroll@UConn.edu.
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