Leaving for Germany,Austria and Itlay in 2wks on a tour..I've read several postings and now I'm confused about what TO take vs. NOT to take so I don't look like a tourist. Told to pack one med bag but still look put together..? I can't buy alot more at this point.
Posted by
Oakville, Ontario, Canada
81 posts
As soon as you step off the tour bus along with the other hordes of tourists you can blend in with them and no one will notice. Enjoy the trip and don't worry what you will look like. No one else will except you. Make sure you remember the name of the bus company so you get back on the same bus!
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19273 posts
Don't worry about it. No matter what you do, they might identify you as a tourist. When I go to Europe, I dress business causual - conservative - khaki pants, no flowery shorts, golf shirt, pretty much as I would at home. Although I speak German passably, everyone knows from my accent that I am American. I don't think anyone else cares.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
One carry-on size suitcase will be plenty for a 2-week trip. I also bring a backpack (a school-type backpack, nothing huge) to carry a couple of books, electronics chargers, spare glasses, and anything fragile that I don't want to get banged around in my suitcase. You don't need a lot and each time you move all your stuff from one city or country to the next, you will acutely be aware of every item that you've packed! On my last 3-week trip I brought 5 shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, 10 pairs of socks, 10 pairs of underwear, and 7 bras (Rick Steves says to bring something like 2 bras, but I just can't compromise in that area!).
No matter what you wear, people will know you're a tourist as soon as you open your mouth or take out the map - but who cares?
Posted by
England
375 posts
A standard recommendation here is to make sure you can mix and match all your clothing so you can make different outfits out of the same few pieces. You don't need as much clothing this way and you will be able to fit it in a carryon bag. I prefer dark bottoms because they don't show dirt as much, and I pair them with different colored tops.