how not to look like a tourist

Laura, the Europeans I've noticed are carrying backpacks, messenger bags, and tote bags. Some carry large purses (male and female). The way to look less conspicuous is to look confident in how you're carrying any bag, not constantly fumbling with a bag you aren't used to carrying. Notice I used 'less conspicuous', and not 'like a local'...'cause that ain't gonna happen! Try a few types out - one bag might hold your things better, but if you're constantly fiddling with the shoulder strap, etc., that's not only going to look more like a tourist (they'll already know!) but also make you a better target for someone wanting to help you part with some of your belongings...If you use a tote, make sure you can zip it closed, and the zipper is in front where you can watch it (or even better, there are 2 zippers that can be locked together when needed). That stuff can get heavy - do try out your choices on a day at the mall...you'll discover the WRONG choices really quickly that way!

Laura, this is probably not the answer you are looking for, but you are likely planning a trip to some tourist mecca that will be crawling with folks like yourself and a lot of students. I gave up a long time ago trying to avoid looking like a tourist, doing only the obvious - no baseball cap with U.S. team markings, for example. You will find a lot of fellow tourists carrying a water bottle from their day pack, and my displaying the Rick Steves book has led to many interesting meetings with other travellers. The day pack I like to use is Rick's Civita bag. It's cheap, wears well, folds up into next to nothing in your "real" luggage, and will carry everything you mention and a lot more. Plus I can carry it across my chest to get into museums and attractions. Happy travels!

I don't understand people's obsession with using clothes/bags/etc. to "not look like a tourist". No matter what you wear, what kind of bag you carry, people will most likely notice you are a tourist. If you mill around touristy areas, look at maps, take photos, carry guidebooks, don't speak the local language [INVALID] people will know you are a tourist and they most likely won't care. Just carry the bag you would carry around anywhere else.

We are going to try our best NOT to look like American... dress nicely, slow down, watch others around us for queues for behaviors. We just want to stand out.

First, I dress like Rick - (I'm not trying to copy him, it's just practical) - Kahki pants, knit golf shirt. I do carry my netbook in a very small "messenger type" bag. It has far more information than you will ever find in just a guide book. I must be doing something right. Last trip someone thought I was Dutch, French, or Swiss. At least I'm not obviously American (until I open my mouth).

I can understand not wanting to have your pockets picked... but it seems like some basic precautions that don't require altering your actual identify can make that unlikely. I don't get why you wouldn't want to look American (assuming you are one).

laura, it's probably not worth the effort to "NOT look like an American", as many (especially the locals) will be able to tell regardless of what you're wearing. One thing that you won't be able to change is your speech, and that will mark you as a tourist right away. Also, as soon as you pull your distinctive yellow & blue RS Guidebook out of whichever Pack you're using, that will be another indication. I tend to follow the same practice as Lee (although I've never really thought of it as "dressing like Rick"), and just assume that I'll be recognized as a tourist. As someone else mentioned, Messenger Bags (aka "Man Purses") are very popular with males so that might be slightly more discreet. There are some offered in the Travel Store here. Happy travels!

The trick is - You cannot avoid looking like a tourist. Just don't look like a stupid American tourist. And we all know who we are talking about. Pickpockets do not randomly chose people. When they survey the crowd, I want them to focus on someone else. If they see me, they think I am a tourist but not sure if European tourist or American or Canadian. Something must be working. We have spent nearly 300+ days in Europe and have never had a problem. Dress is a start point, not the end point.

LOL...I'm traveling to Italy in October and in the last three months I've bought three different bags as my thoughts have changed about what I want to carry. However, my thoughts have never been about trying to disguise who I am. I now own a RS Civita daypack, a RS messenger back, and a couple of other things I've picked up at local travel stores. I still haven't made up my mind which bag to use, but right now I'm leaning toward the messenger bag (which to my chagrin has "Rick Steves" plainly written on the front of it - talk about advertising my status as a tourist). My main goals are security, convenience, comfort, and hopefully carrying something that I won't be required to check at museums and the like. If anyone thinks they can talk me out of using the messenger bag I'm willing to listen.

Laura, you can go and edit your post if you like. Just click the edit button and then you can correct your typo. All of our own posts can be edited or even removed.....As to the bag, I prefer a messenger bag and it is what I wear every day, my husband too. Back packs hurt my shoulders, you have to take them off to get into them, plus you have to keep them locked all the time, when you go to a restaurant you then need to keep this big bag on your lap, and when riding the trains, you either have to take them off to hold them or sit rather uncomfortably. Clothing, shoes, bags, hats, etc. really don't matter, as people will know you aren't from "there" anyway.

WOW,, James,, how UScentric of you to think the guy had a maple leaf tattoo just to not look American,,is that why Americans get tattoos of their flag,, or the eagle,, on any other icon them may identify them as American,, so they are not "mistaken" for another nationality. PERHAPS he was just proud and happy to be Canadain,, and it really had nothing to do with "not being mistaken " for anything else. Geesh.

laura,, I would not carry or use a back pack at home, so I don't while travelling either. I find I really and truly don't need one. I mean, do you use one when you go sightseeing anywhere else for the day,, in your own State for instance. If you normally use one, then go for it,, but really, I find my purse, which is message bag style is just fine. I also tend to not carry a guide book around. I have brought one to Europe on occasion,, to look up addresses and nearest metros, but I write the notes on a little notepad the night before I plan to go somewhere. I think its more discreet to pull out a small notepad,,then the big blue book..

Hi You will look like a tourist, but never mind the locals are probably friendly. To decrease pickpocketting why not try a Victorinox Kander Tear Drop bag that you can move to the front / side in busy streets. Hope this helps! s

Ouch! "...NOT look like an American..." Sounds more like a serious self-esteem or psycho-sociological issue than simply looking for a daypack. Sorry, there's no magic pill to take that will transform you and the fact that you will be using a Rick Steve's book is sure to shatter your champagne cosmopolitan image. I suppose you could always slap a fake cover of "Das Kapital" over the rick-blue guidebook, wear pointy shoes that are going to hurt like heck,tight pants, stop shaving your armpits, legs..., and wear a frumpy scarf indoors and out no matter what the temp is. Deodorant is optional if you want to complete the true Bohemian effect. Oh yeah, "daypack." An Addidas or Puma boot (soccer shoes) bag. No "American" uses those because they don't know what they are, but real "Europeans" do.

I uaed the Baggalini "around town" bag this summer and found it especially convenient for walking around Paris. It easily held everything you mention. If you want to relieve pressure on your shoulder while carrying your bag, you can buy "seat belt protectors" at car accessories stores. Glad to see everyone is sniping again here - it makes my morning breakfast read much more entertaining. ;)

The best way to "not look like a tourist" would be to dress in a way that you usually don't, avoid areas frequented by tourists, and refrain from speaking. In the end you are still going to be taken for a tourist. It seems as if you are worried about what others think of you. Another approach would be to learn some of the language of the country you are visiting, be polite, and earn the respect of the locals regardless of how you dress.

I used Baggallini Town Tote, it is very roomy, has 2 pockets on each side where you can put a water bottle and umbrella, I also liked that it zipped close, was waterproof and had several inside pockets, and had a wallet attached on a [INVALID] I bought it from ebags site, there are other nice choices there.

I agree with those who have said that walking with confidence because you know/planned ahead your route works very well. I live near a major US city. Technically, when I go there I'm a tourist, but I don't feel like one. I don't look around at everyone else trying to guess if they are tourists. Usually it's a few words or an accent that gets my attention. Only then I will notice them at all. ~~~ I will say that one day, while I was in the city, I had a number of errands to run. I hadn't really thought about the order in which I would do these errands and I hesitated a moment on a corner. While I stood there considering where I should go next, a man approached me asking (in a tone that suggested he thought I was a small child) if I was lost. I glared at him and quickly walked away. I knew exactly where I was, but I guess to him I didn't, and he was going to "help" me.

If you want to lessen your appearence as an American tourist, as a way of blending in, a few things you can do to that effect so that you won't be a dead giver-away. Don't carry that daypack. But if you must do that, find a brand name not sold here...I've seen a couple of those. Don't carry that water bottle, which is a dead give-away as an American tourist, don't carry any RS material, especially a book. That would spot you as an American because who else would do that? No matter how hot it is, such as 38-40C in Budapest, don't wear shorts that cut off around the knee. I see persons wearing those in Europe I know they're from here. The title of Das Kapital isn't a good idea...it's fake because how many of these type of tourists can read that level of German and a have a mastery of such vocabulary and grammar.

We arrived in Rome yesterday. Almost every place we have been to so far, people automatically start speaking English to us. Is that because we are dressing in an "American" way? No, it is because there are so many tourists here and English is a commonly used language. My husband uses the Civita daybag, but he was not even carrying it yesterday, so that was not it. I would just bring whatever is going to carry your necessities. Have a good trip and don't worry about it. Edit: Regarding shorts, I have seen them on locals and tourists alike. I have see some Italian women who are wearing VERY short shorts! I have seen locals wearing Tshirts with English writing and American sports teams. You can't make assumptions about anyone by what they are wearing.

Yikes! Someone was kind enough to offer to help someone who appeared to be lost and they got a glare? No wonder civility is disappearing in America. In my work I often go to new places and can be of unsure of where I'm going. I'm grateful for the people who stop and are willing to point the way. And if I'm not lost, I can smile and say, thanks, but I know where I am and where I'm going. I think that the reason that the reason we don't want to look like tourists as many have a bad reputation of whipping through towns and not being considerate and gracious visitors. So, better to be comfortable and polite and maybe look like a tourist than rude, hot and look like a European. BTW earlier this summer on a very, very hot day, I was greeted in Amsterdam by my Dutch friends who were wearing shorts. I was wearing my capris. The next day I wore shorts. ; ) Pam

Earth to Laura: Nobody cares where you're from. You're not in Jr. High anymore and you're not going to be the center of any attention in Europe. What, you think some lady on the street is going to rush home to her husband and say, "I just saw one of those hiddeous Americans. I could tell by the way she was dressed. The Macey's tag on her blouse was showing. The neighborhood is going to h@**, Pierre. Round up the children, we're leaving." I don't flaunt my Americaness , but I am proud of it and would never attempt to hide it. Have you ever seen Rick try to hide it or recommend that you should? Where did this shame of country originate, anyways? I've been blessed with dozens of long-term friendships overseas that originated from my being an American. It's a great conversation/debate starter. Grow up and stop acting shallow. Remember, nobody cares what you "look" like. BTW, Ruth...you need help!

The question: How not to look like a tourist? The bad news: You ARE a tourist, like the rest of us – you won't fool the locals. The good news: Nobody else cares what you look like in Europe. If you're still worried about the bag, on day 1 check out what the local women are carrying and buy one of those.

No college or city-name sweatshirts, no teva sandals, no Crocs, baseball caps, puffy parkas or vests, water bottles or fanny packs. Seriously, I can pinpoint the americans easily. I always wear my trusty Burberry scarf, normal shoes, and I blend right in.

No fanny packs!? dang

Gee Ruth,, damm those helper people types,, who the heck do they think they are,,,

Wow, Ruth, someone was nice to you and you brushed them off? Classy. Were you trying to fit in with what you think us "city types" do?

Be yourself, relax, be observant and take ONLY what you need.

Geez Louise, Ruth. Here in Portland, Oregon, I encounter visitors standing on corners with Powells Books vistors maps in their hands, looking about trying to orient themselves. I always stop to offer assistance. The visitors seem grateful, especially those with limited English skills. I never dreamed I was causing offense...

I don't think you can hide the fact that you are a tourist in Europe. They can tell.

This is not a direct answer to Laura's question, but the question is not how Not to look like a tourist. As others pointed out, the locals will KNOW you're a tourist. The question is now to look like a well-heeled or smart tourist. Wear whatever daypack you feel best protects your camera or other gear from theft and that you feel comfortable carrying around all day. The key is to show potential pick pockets that you are alert and in command. We get a lot of tourists in South Dakota. You can tell who is a tourist and who is not. But, you can also tell which tourists are clueless and gullible and which have got their act together.

With all of this über great feedback, I'll weigh in and suggest that you should consider a daypack with one of those "Don't Tread on Me" patches sewn directly over the Canadian flag patch from last year's trip so that you know for sure it will be okay for you to return to the U.S. after your vacation. Nobody, not even the crazies who wave it around on flags, knows its origin or what it means, so there's no way you'll be mistaken for an American. Actually, try one of the messenger bags from Timbuk2 or Simple (look online). They're hip for any city in the U.S, Europe, or anywhere else. Happy bag shopping, and have a great trip!

I guess I didn't make myself clear. He asked if I was lost in a tone that was threatening to me (condescending - speaking to me as if I were a small child. All you helpers, do you talk to other adults like they're children?). It was obvious to me that he was NOT genuinely offering help. Sorry if you all think that my sizing up the situation and keeping myself out of harms way was so insufferably rude. ~~~ I was mearly pointing out that the some people DO pray on people who hesitate, even if they are not tourists. If this were not so, then why is the first piece of advice to look like you know where you are going and walk with confidence? Not to mention all the advice about being observent of your surroundings. I guess that doesn't include how people approach you and speak to you. ~~~ I stand by my reaction. I felt threatened and acted appropriately.

Re: the question of why anyone would be ashamed to be an American? Hate to open a can of worms, but back in the Bush presidency ... that was the reason!

I would like to share my "how not to look like a tourist" story. My girlfriends and I were going to NYC so we wanted to blend in..no white tennis shoes, dark coat, nice scarf and gloves. We were dressed in our "nontourist" gear and decided to go down to Battery Park and take the Staten Island Ferry. We got off our HOHO bus (ha!) and were just met with freezing cold gusts of wind. These helpful guys who saw we were freezing came up to us and offered "Burberry" scarves for just $3. We quickly snapped up 1 each and immediately wrapped them around our necks for extra warmth. We then walked over to the park and took a group picture. I took one look at the picture afterwards and almost fell out of my chair laughing, here we were, trying to look untouristy and we just posed for a picture wearing what NYC natives would not be seen dead in...matching scarves!! It was so funny, I wish I could post this picture to show you. I learned my lesson that no matter how hard I try, it will still show that I am not at home!!

I cannot understand why anyone would try to disguise the fact they are a tourist and want to pass themselves off as a local. Locals will know you are not a local. When traveling here or in Europe, I wear the PacSafe Stash Safe fanny pack, Teva sandals with tennis socks, travel blouses, and whip out the camera from time to time. When the German and French are visiting here, I do not expect or put them down for not dressing or acting like Americans.

True, that the locals can always tell that you are a tourist, just as I can spot out almost immediately the Germans and French tourists here, and in normal economic times the tourist areas in SF are inundated with them. Of course, you will be recognised as an American tourist and, hopefully, not a stupid one by your behaviour, manners ot lack of them, and expectations.

It's true, European tourists are usually fairly easy to spot in downtown Seattle. One time, I got caught in a pedestrian jam behind a pack of Danish tourists, and frankly, they all seemed really cool and I wanted to make friends with them. You can be seen as a tourist in a positive sense.

PEOPLE RELAX...... I did not want this to be about Americanism... ONLY, trying to assimilate the best we can, dressing smartly and respectful of the country we're visiting. I only want practical info on good/fashionable daypack.

1- The best way not to look like a tourist is to stay home. 2-Before the tourist tax ,Europeans came to the US and shopped at the same malls, and bought the same made in China designer clothing as you . And for the same reasons as you, it's inexpensive and makes a statement. For every American who for whatever reason likes to dress in the European style, there is a European who wants to look cool dressed as a American. On my first trip to the UK, I spotted a guy waring a Detroit Lions jersey. I stated that I lived just over the boarder from Detroit and was he from there? Never been out of the Uk was his reply. And the jersey, he got it as a present, liked the colour, and thought it was a made up name like the Bay City Rollers.

Laura - Use a bag that works for YOU. I personally like a messenger type bag, not too big. They are generally comfortable to wear, you can sling to the back in open areas and pull them around front on a crowded subways. You can of course do this with a backpack, just not as easy and as inconspicuous. Manhattan Portage makes some nice low key bags. The one I use here at home and aboard is smallish but expands via a zipper around the bottom. If you are going to be in urban areas dress urban. Think NY or parts of SF.

Observations: 'How not to look like a tourist' is usually asked prior to the first trip. 'Don't wear white sneaks and jeans' is the statment often made after one trip. After that, nobody gives a rat's rear bumper about the whole subject.

I don't think it matters if you look like a tourist, it matters more how you act. I think the prejudice against American tourists is because of that presumptious way some of them act (and not just Americans though). People that march up to a counter and give the impression they think someone is going to rip them off. It was helpful to me to read the part of the Rick Steves guidebook that talks about culture. Like I just went on one of his France tours and the guide book said something like "what seems friendly to Americans seems rude to the French, and what seems polite to the French seems stand-offish to the Americans". I know I'm not quoting it right, but that section of the guidebook was very helpful to me. I found the French quite helpful in general.

And Gwen, we are all fans of the Rick Steves philosophy of travel, right? Why would you feel "chagrin" at having his name on your bag? The tourists whom we don't want to look like are not the Rick Steves type of tourist.

There is one style of tourist gear that I do have a pet peeve about, it's when tourists are in a European city and they are decked out like they are an on African safari. Europeans tend on the whole to be more elegantly dressed than we are. I think jeans are one of the greatest looking clothes item there is, don't get me wrong....but I enjoy seeing the way the Europeans dress. I especially like it that older women don't go around in public in shorts. (I'm an older woman)I remember the first time my daughter and I went to Spain and in the late afternoon, there were all these elegantly dressed older women at the cafe having a sherbet. They looked so classy.

Yeah, Grace, I know...at my age, I'm all about comfort, but I draw the line at wearing shorts even to walk the dog. I do wear jeans,because they're just so universal, and I'd like to look more elegant while traveling, but I do alot of hiking and so I dress more functionally. I like the "safari look" - animal prints, khaki,etc., but not the sort of things you'd wear for an expedition to Mt. Everest.