The Zest team have got our heads together and come up with a list of handy tips that will help you avoid looking like a tourist on your next holiday. Hint; research can be key! You and the people around you will feel so much more comfortable and relaxed with our guide.
Money
Avoid handling large sums of money in public: This may make you a target for theft. Use body pouches that you can wear under your clothes to carry cash in. Only access these in private locations or away from crowds. Keep small amounts in your bag that can be easily accessible to you in shops. Don’t put wallets or purses in your pockets to avoid pickpockets. Gemma says; Carry wallets and purses in a bag that you can monitor at all times, such as a cross-body bag positioned to the front of you. If you must carry a wallet on your body, use a chain wallet in a front pocket. This way if anyone tries to remove your wallet, you’ll know about it.
Currency: Have a good understanding of the local coins and notes before you go to avoid any embarrassment when it comes to paying. You don’t want to overpay or underpay.
Clothing
Local merchandise: Francis says; T-shirts with the saying “I [heart] location” emblazoned on the front will be an obvious giveaway. Locals never wear these unless they’re selling them. Avoid!
Climate: Make sure you know what the weather and temperature will be like during your stay. You can’t predict the weather 100% but forecasts should give you a rough idea of what to pack. Don’t parade around in a mac in the middle of summer or wear sandals in rainy season.
Wear as the local people wear: If it’s inappropriate for women to wear short skirts, then pack long ones. If the local men never wear shorts to walk around in, pack cotton trousers or capri pants. Avoid bright colours that draw attention to yourself unless it’s customary of the location you’re visiting. You want to blend in, not stick out! If you make a huge packing error, head to a local clothing store and purchase what you see the locals wearing.
Behaviour
Understand the culture: Vicki says; If you’re visiting a location that frowns upon a certain dress style then abide by local rules. It’s the same with eating. If it’s considered impolite to eat all your food, make sure you leave some. Learn what words or phrases people may find offensive. Do your research before you go so you don’t inadvertently offend local people. Check local laws too! This website is fantastic for listing do’s and don’ts and is worth checking out in advance of any trip.
Confidence: If you’re in a stream of people but suddenly realise you’ve headed the wrong way, don’t just stop with a frantic expression on your face. Head out of the crowds to somewhere more discreet to check a map, or pop into a restaurant to ask for directions. Walk around with your head up and act like you belong there.
The language
Phrase books: Try to avoid where possible getting these out in public or drawing too much attention to using one. Learn key phrases and sentences before you set off that you know you’re likely to use. Download the Duolingo app to your smartphone or tablet to help you prepare. We’ve covered some more ‘learning a language’ tips in a previous blog here.
Speech: Speaking more slowly or loudly won’t help local people or you remove the language barrier. Avoid talking in this way or you’ll be considered rude. Research any hand gestures that could be deemed offensive to the local culture and avoid making them! Again, this site breaks everything down into manageable lists.
Getting lost in translation: A term you deem universally accepted may not be the case. For example, a latte ordered in Italy may get you just hot milk. Check what you’re actually asking for to avoid embarrassment. Be sure of translations and pronunciations.
Gestures around the world
Japan: The ‘OK’ hand sign signifies money or coins.
Bangladesh: ‘Thumbs-up’ is offensive.
Egypt: Avoid tapping or rubbing a table with the two index fingers together; you’re crudely requesting intercourse.
Russia: Whistling during a performance or at a sporting event shows disapproval.
There are many more unusual and unexpected ones so make sure you do your research so you don’t mistakenly offend or get offended.
Accessories
Camera: Amy says; Carrying a camera around your neck may make you a target for thieves so keep these secured away out of sight in a bag. Plus, a large weighty camera may add strain and pressure to your neck causing aches. It may also be worth hiding the logo on your camera with a bit of tape if possible. If potential thieves can’t see it’s worth something, then they’re less likely to make a grab for it. Check what your travel insurance or home insurance covers you for.
Maps: A clear sign that you’re not sure where you are or where you’re going. Refer to these discreetly. Depending on local data charges, use a map app on your smartphone. Again, be wary of flashing technology around in large crowds.
Guide books: As with maps, these are a sure fire way to identify yourself as a tourist. Consult these before you set off from the hotel or before you exit your hire car. Research key places you want to visit before you jet off and plan an itinerary.
Expensive jewellery: Leave anything expensive or sentimental at home! It’s the safest place for it. Avoid theft, loss and damage. By all means take jewellery with you, but take items you can easily replace or live without. Check what your travel insurance or house insurance covers you for.
Backpacks: These are great for hiking as you can ensure you’re carrying everything you need. But for milling around towns and cities, consider packing a lightweight shoulder/cross-body bag or tote. When carrying these, position them to the front of your body so you can monitor discreetly. Only take with you the essentials for your trip and leave important paperwork in your hotel. The larger the bag, the larger the curiosity of thieves. You also don’t want to be carrying a heavy backpack in hot weather!
Destinations
Avoid TripAdvisor (to a degree!): Matt says; Far too many trips and days out have been potentially ruined by “Dave from Stoke” because one time he asked for a black coffee and got a white one. Don’t allow others to dictate where you go and what you do. You’re on holiday, enjoy the experience. We dread to think how many days out people have missed, restaurants avoided and places never seen just because “Julie” didn’t like the waiter’s attitude. Trust me, if it’s bad, unpopular or suspicious the locals will tell you. Ask the concierge at your hotel before leaving for the day where they recommend.
Top Tips from our Managing Director
My biggest tip is to smile, be polite, friendly and confident. Look like you know what you are doing and where you are going (even if you don’t). Do things with a sense of purpose. Thieves and tricksters look for easy targets.
Get the best out of your holiday by talking to people. Try to strike up a conversation with people on the airplane, in the queue for luggage, on the bus, in the shop etc. It’s incredible when you find out some hidden knowledge about the local area, or a good restaurant or best place to park near the beach. Try to speak the language.
Go to bars and restaurants which are popular with the locals, the food will normally be very good and reasonably priced, and the people are often much friendlier.
Socks with sandals is a big no-no, as is walking around with your shirt off. Locals avoid the midday sun and cover up.
Ready to look ‘normal’ and avoid looking like a tourist?
We hope our tips have been useful. We really recommend doing your research on a local culture before you visit. Have you ever been surprised by a gesture on holiday but discovered it was innocent? Have you ever accidentally offended someone? Let us know your own tips on how to avoid looking like a tourist in the comments. Share your experiences with Zest!
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Our tips have been compiled by members of the lovely Zest team.
