How Not To Act Like A Tourist in a Foreign Country

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Why is it working for you and not for me?

I'm pretty sure all of those young Japanese tourists with the hip street fashion would have no desire whatsoever to blend in and look like an American when vacationing here...it would probably be impossible anyway.

I've seen several people say 'use your inside voice'. I wonder why Americans tend to speak louder than others?

Why act like someone I am not. I am a tourist, so why be ashamed of being one.

because you are more conspicuous when you look like a tourist, and more likely to be singled out for undesirable behavior.

among other things. but the article really talks about how to not act like an ass, which is good advice for everyone, i think.

JB, did you read the article? It's not another diatribe on white sneakers, but more of a "how to make the most of your travels" article. I liked the bit at the end, where it talked about acting like a guest in foreign countries, remembering that you're the foreigner there.

I found this article condescending, and to me it has nothing to offer to anyone with any common sense.

I travel to Europe ever September and guess what?

They ALWAYS know I am tourist and they do not care! I do not care that they know.

Just be polite but be yourself. No need to pretend otherwise.

I always laugh when people worry about being seen as a tourist, there is no hiding it unless you speak the local language with a local accent.

Don't worry about it and have fun and make friends on your trip.

If you already subscribe to the Rick Steves travel philosophy, have common sense, and were raised by decent parents (humble, gracious, respectful,...), there's really not much new here, though I did enjoy the article. I wish people would have to read such an article prior to their being allow to purchase an overseas ticket...kind of like signing a travelers "Method of Understanding." There are those who take the "not act like a tourist" a bit to the extreme, too. You've seen 'em. The pretentious crowd. Some of them are just loons (high heels in Notre Dame), others are for some reason or another embarassed to be U.S. citizens (the Berkeley crowd?), and then others act as if they're either some form of royalty or just better-than-you-well-to-do (loud, look at me types). My favorite are the ones who actually pretend to be actual locals. Hate to tell you...not happening, but if that's what makes you happy, La-La Land is just around the corner. Happy travels!

The article is not geared toward RS travelers. It was posted on a general travel site. What it really should have said was: "How Not To Act Like a Stereotypical Tourist in a Foreign Country." Whether we're visiting another country or someone is visiting us, by acting as a guest and respectful you will get more than by being boorish. I've seen this first hand both as a tourist and as a person dealing with tourists. If I'm treated respectfully, I will help someone out. If I'm insulted or treated badly, I will either do nothing,the bare minimum or, if possible, do what I can to make their life miserable. I guess the old adage, "you get more with honey than you do with vinegar" should be applied to travel as well.

Everyone in the town where I live knows I'm an American, and guess what? Nobody seems to care one way or the other. And yes, I found this article well meaning, but a bit condescending. But I definitely agree about the indoor voice part. Not because it makes you look like a tourist, but because it's just plain annoying. My wife is Belgian and here is something she once said that really stuck with me. She often sees American tourists (usually women) who are making a blatant attempt to blend in that conversely makes them stick out even more. She compared it to herself wearing an "I (heart) NY" shirt in Times Square or wearing a cowgirl hat in Dallas.

Frank II, Thanks for sharing! It is an excellent article and one that many "newbie" posters here should read (note to Webmaster- what about a section with links to recommended readings???). I liked the quote near the beginning- "But there are many compelling reasons why you should squelch the urge to behave like the stereotypical tourist: the Ugly American, say, or a culturally clueless wanderer." I do wish he had added something about clothes men should avoid- like "droopy" pants, tank tops, etc. as well as listing what women should do without.

'Do you think Asians or Europeans read similar articles before they vacation in the US?' -******- who knows, but then again, they don't have powerful stereotypes in the minds of the people they are visiting of being obnoxious loudmouths who throw their money around and have no culture. the only stereotype i have of europeans is black socks and capris and of asians is that they are shutterbugs. neither are likely to earn them negative receptions.

LOOK AT TROY'S POST, ABOVE. (Sorry for shouting but you'll see why it's necessary.)   Troy has somehow figured out how to insert line breaks in his post.

About 10 years ago, I was in the eastern suburbs of Munich, in a town where almost no one speaks English. I went into a restaurant, asked in German for a menu, ordered in German, and sat quietly at the side of the room, eating my dinner. A German couple came in with, apparently, the man's business associate, a Texan. You knew he was from Texas, because he was speaking very loudly in English, in a Texas accent. You could hear him all over the room. I wanted to hide, but I didn't think anyone else knew I was an American. Anyway, I thought, if there are any terrorist around, they go for him, not me.

You are a tourist and you will be seen as one regardless of what clothes you wear,language you speak, etc. It matters only that you enjoy and are polite. BTW, Americans are no louder than many other tourists. Perhaps the rep comes from European dealings with loudmouth Texans rather than Americans.

The one thing I do see over here that is pretty frowned upon, but is often done by tourists, is putting their feet up on the train seats. With their shoes on! Tacky, tacky. Another is touching displays in museums that aren't supposed to be touched. One of the worst, is taking laughing group photos in front of crucifixtion statues. This drives the nuns crazy in the churches, as I see them go up and tell the groups to stop, and be respectful.

I'm an American and proud of it and when I travel I'm a guest and I find far more often than not that manners and politeness work everywhere...and there's no way no how to truly blend in unnoticed when you travel. The article has some good points.

We lived just outside the French Quarter for about 16 years. Tourist stick out. But it's not what they wear.

Locals walk as though they're going from point A to point B. Which they are. They're not looking around at the buildings, or the street musicians, or at the guy dressed in drag. We've seen and heard that a thousand times. They're eyes are either looking at where they're going, or in la la land because their minds are elsewhere.

It took someone or something like Ruthie the duck lady to get my attention. (When she was still alive.) But even then it was usually a quick protective glance, because we knew she had problems. And was an interesting part of the community.

I may have seen Jackson Square thousands of times. But, I haven't seen the Orsay a thousand times. I want to look and savor and enjoy. And, be a tourist. And enjoy being a tourist.

Being a tourist, doesn't mean someone's an easy mark.

"I wonder why Americans tend to speak louder than others?" We don't, at least not always. Ever been in a European restaurant with English or Germans who are enjoying themselves? Or Irish? Or Italians or Greeks? As for not looking like a tourist, I challenge anyone to walk down the Champs-Élysées or through Hyde Park on a Saturday morning and positively distinguish every local from the visitors.

Act like a considerate guest. Be polite, clean up after yourself, don't yell or be excessively noisy. Wear clothes that are appropriate (don't expect to be seated in a nice restaurant wearing shorts or sport warm ups). Make some attempt at the language, or at least understand that you are the one who can't speak the local language - not your hosts. If you do that, you will stand out in a good way. People will still know you are a tourist but you will be treated better than most. P.S. I want to know why Troy's is working too.

The article doesn't seem to be current anymore. Sorry I missed it, it's an interesting topic. If someone wants to cut-and-copy it to me, please send me a message....

I always am interested in the way that people from different cultures act. I love to watch people in foreign countries, that's why I like to spend some of my time alone and not always with the other people I am traveling with, because I find I notice more when I'm alone.

I'm not ashamed of being a tourist at all, but if something is considered rude in a country, I don't want to do it. And not just because I'm a bleeding- heart liberal (although I am) but because it gets you treated better if you are polite by their definition of polite. I'm always interested to read in the Rick Steves guides whatever he says about the customs in that country.

I found the French very friendly, for instance. I did try to be reserved and sort of formal when I asked for something, following the advice in the RS guide.

I've seen tourists often walk up and loudly demand something, like they want to make sure no one rips them off. And not all of them were American...

I do think that some tourists can be so quick to take offense. Like a woman who kept complaining that no one brought the bill, in Florence at an outdoor cafe. My daughter leaned over and politely told her that they think its rude to bother you, unless you let them know you want the bill.

And when I go to Egypt I do find that I am acutely embarrassed of westerners who dress in shorts or other items of clothing which Egyptians never wear.

I wonder if the loudness of our voices has something to do with the high self-confidence Americans have.

Just a theory.

Michael,

Another theory. It may be distances. We're more used to yelling across large houses to each other. We have big rooms, big garages, big cars, etc. We may have never learned to use our "inside" voices.

Regardless of why. It's amazing how much someone sticks out, in a bad way, when they are yelling across a train station to the other half of their group, "Hey Harry, this is track 12! Hurry up!".

I've always thought that part of the loud voice thing was an ever-escalating positive feed back loop. Think about it. Go to TGIF during the dinner hour (for the purposes of science, not the food). The music is already playing at a fairly loud level. To be heard above the drone, you must talk in at a louder than normal volume. Now, with everyone talking in a loud voice, you have to talk even louder. Same thing at bars, same thing at stores, etc. People probably just got used to shouting to make themselves heard. Or at least, that's my theory.

Our society also places a lot of value on competition and winning...this must certainly have an impact on our collective decibel levels. There are probably lots of factors that are sort of unique to our culture, history, etc. I should have typed all of this in CAPS!

I take offense to the two comments that were made about "loud Texans." I speak with a low voice and toned down southern accent (quiet and ladylike). I agree, there are some loud-mouth Texans out there, but that's usually the overly enthused football fan. It's not nice to sterotype anyone, regardless where they are from.

Elaine, speaking of stereotypes, you can take comfort in the fact that the French obviously are not talking about Texans when they yell "Yankee go home!"

The French are shouting "Yankee Go Home"?

As a Texan (Rangers fan) I certainly say "Yankees Go Home" ;-)

And as a Texan, I'm with Elaine - lay off the Texans! Besides, most people completely blow it when guessing a Texan accent...or trying to fake one (ouch!). It's probably Mississippi or Virginia...And have you HEARD those Loudmouths from 'Baahstun'?!? [JUST KIDDING, Paul n Sara! And Everybody Else ;-) No Flaming...]

And if you think that YOU don't have an accent...trust me, you do (just because YOU don't hear it doesn't mean it's not there!)...!

I don't see anything off-hand I disagree with, but one more time PLEASE women (18 yrs+) and mothers of female children 1-17 yrs responsible for them - (Make Them) Put Some Clothes On!!! Really, I don't want you dressing like a nun, but wear pants that come to your waist and a shirt that covers your b**bs and something besides spaghetti straps and cheap flip-flops. Oh, and most of you don't look all that great dressed like that at Target. That's for the back patio or the beach...not Les Invalides.

And I also agree with: please research where you're going (and know WHY you're going there - not because Rick said you HAVE to). You'd be amazed at just how much more enjoyment you'd get out of your trips, and you'd NEVER say 'I didn't like Rome', or 'Bruges was boring'. And also: Be Respectful, and Be Grateful.

(climbing down from lofty perch...)

Now I'm picturing the scene from Monty Python's Life of Brian where Brian paints "Romans Go Home" on the palace wall. If you've never seen it, you may enjoy it.

"The French are shouting "Yankee Go Home"? "

I didn't know the French were Red Sox fans.

I would have expected people in Liverpool to be shouting, "Yankee Go Home!" since the Red Sox just bought their football club, but not the French. Maybe they just want their favorite team to score a run?

"Now I'm picturing the scene from Monty Python's Life of Brian where Brian paints "Romans Go Home" on the palace wall." Oh yes, best grammar-based humor ever!

For those who have never seen "Life of Brian" or don't remember the scene, here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbI-fDzUJXI

First of all, it was a joke. But, as I recall from news reports of the student riots of the late '60s, people were shouting that. Maybe, it was just the Red Sox fans in the crowd. Or Texans.

Wait a sec Elaine....first you take offense, yet then you agree that Texans are loud...what gives with that? That's weird, and everybody knows that only Californians are allowed to be weird. Be happy you're only loudmouthed, things could be worse....just ask New Jersey or West Virginia. 'Scuse me now I gotta go catch some waves.

I like the distinction made in the article between "tourist" and "traveller". I think it's impossible to be mistaken for a local unless you are willing to ruin your trip by not looking at the architecture, taking photos, and "smelling the roses" so to speak. But at least I can try to be a "traveller" not a "tourist". Knowing as much as you can about the place you're going is a good start, getting off the beaten path, and not getting lost and continuously enlisting help from locals. Knowing some of the language so you don't have to impose English on them for basic info ("where is...", "how much", "hello, please, thank you", "I want that one") is another good start. If the locals want to start up a conversation in English with you at least you showed you respect their culture and language first. Not talking loud is good advice ANYWHERE - that's just plain rude no matter what continent you're on. As for clothing, I prefer not to "stick out like a sore thumb" and try and dress like the locals because it's one thing I can do to fit in better, since other things I can't help (as mentioned above). Thanks for the article.

I agree with JB. I'm tired of hearing about the Ugly American, the loud rude Texan. Texans are also known for their friendliness and hospitality. Yes some toursist are loud, rude and act entitled but they can be from anywhere. I don't mind being called a tourist but I prefer guest.

I agree with JB. I'm tired of hearing about the Ugly American, the loud rude Texan. Texans are also known for their friendliness and hospitality. Yes some toursist are loud, rude and act entitled but they can be from anywhere. I don't mind being called a tourist but I prefer guest.

Thank you Elaine! I take offense of that too!
That's why I say I come from the moon! lol!
I speak in a softer voice too and don't have pickup trucks on my lawn and I wear shoes! lol!