How to not be an irritating tourist

There is nothing worse than an annoying tourist ruining your lovely vacation. To avoid being one of those typical unwelcome tourists, follow these simple steps…

     ·         Use your inside voice

You know those complaints from foreigners about how loud tourists are? Well it’s for good reason, so take your semi-screaming voices down to a minimum. It’s all about volume control.

     ·         Leave the selfie stick at home (or in the bin)

Here are three reasons why: 1.) If you just ask nicely, a kind stranger will gladly take your photo. 2.) It is the most unsightly contraption. 3.) It is a legitimate danger to the people around you.

     ·         The same rule applies for your iPad

A bigger screen does not mean a better photo. Plus, by leaving the tablet at home you can travel without having to carry around the massive device. Cue – the fanny pack.

     ·         Don’t comment on how cheap everything is

No matter how affordable everything may seem to you, it is kind of insulting to the people who live there. They are still working hard to make a living.

     ·         Or how expensive

You chose to travel to that country, get over it.

     ·         Dress appropriately

No, you shouldn’t go out and buy the natives traditional outfit, but be respectful. Maybe an ancient temple isn’t the best place to wear a crop top and high heels.

     ·         Be aware of your surroundings

In general, just behave according. Don’t hog a busy sidewalk for 20 minutes just to take a picture. Don’t complain about people’s accents or how the coffee tastes.

Don’t be an irritating tourist, make your travels and the people’s around you a pleasant one.

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8 Obvious Signs that you’re a Tourist

Travelling is an opportunity to experience new places and new cultures. Unfortunately most travelers stand out like sore thumbs! Don’t be a foreigner, blend in with the locals and experience life through their eyes.

These 8 signs will signal to the locals that you are obviously a tourist.

1. Skimpy Clothing

Unless you crave unwanted attention, leave the miniskirts and cleavage-bearing shirts at home. If you are travelling to a country that is religious, like the Middle East or to Jerusalem, you should be smart enough to wear conservative clothing.

2. Guidebooks

Avoid carrying around your guidebook everywhere like it’[s your favourite accessory! In addition to looking like a stereo typical tourist, you’ll miss out on the experience of actually being there.

3. Sneakers

People in Europe do not wear sneakers unless they are going for a jog. Are you planning on jogging to the top of the Eiffel Tower? If not, then leave the sneakers at home, especially if they are bright and draw a lot of attention.

4. National Flags

Do not, I repeat, do not wear clothing splayed with your national flag if you are in another country. This is a way to stand out from the crowd for all the wrong reasons!

5. Gaudy Jewelry

Wearing over the top diamond rings or flashy necklaces when traveling sets you up to be robbed! Of course, the best thing to do is leave your expensive jewelry at home.

6. Backpacks

However for daily travel to and from sites and locales, avoid taking a backpack for your main baggage. Large and bulky, these bags aren’t meant for inner city travel or for walking through museums.

7. Cameras

A camera that is worn as a necklace just shouts tourist. Avoid this by packing light, like a handheld digital camera. This way you can tuck your camera away after you’ve got your shot.

8. A Fanny Pack / Moon Bag

You’d think these awful looking bags would have been long forgotten by now! However there are always travelers who feel the urge to pack their money and other important things in one of these things. Unless you want to be the target of thieves and jokes, throw your fanny pack in the garbage.

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