For now, please enjoy Amanda's Guide on How Not to Look Like a Tourist. Identities of the unsuspecting tourists who helped with this project have been changed so that no one gets mad...
First of all, in regards to shoe choices. Tevas are dead giveaways that you are a tourist. Comfy? Yes. Practical? Yes again. Cute? No. Stylish? Definitely not. Thus, touristy.
And, if you happen, for an unknown reason, to pair these with socks, it's a bit like wearing a blinking sign that says TOURIST RIGHT HERE!
Next, we have the bucket hat. Be it large or small, it is really only worn by tourists attempting to shield themselves from the sun. No one else wears them. Anyone ever heard of sunscreen?
Then, we have the ever-popular fanny packs. Mmmmmm so attractive... In addition to pegging you as a tourist, they purposefully draw attention to two things that don't need attention (1) The fact that you have money on you and (2) the widest part of your body.
Finally, the camera-around-the-neck. It just screams: "I don't live here!! I'm touring!!" Kindly place your camera in your purse or backpack or other satchel.
So, in conclusion, if you, like many other people, would like to tour a foreign country, please try to wear what you would wear in real life. If you are on your way out of your hotel room and you cannot honestly say that you would step out onto the streets like that at home, turn around and try again. Merci!
