4 Style Tips to Avoid Looking Like a Tourist on Vacation | Alex on the Map (2024)

When you look through safety travel tips online, there’s a great chance you’ll find “Avoid looking like a tourist” in the list of suggestions. That’s because tourists are more vulnerable to theft, scams, and many other types of crimes. They’re seen as lucrative targets, as they usually carry large sums of money, have a relaxed attitude, and may be overly eager about exploring new places and meeting locals. Moreover, travelers are less likely to blow the whistle and testify against culprits for fear of experiencing all sorts of problems, especially due to how it may affect the rest of their trip as well as their return home.

Whether you’re tired of pushy vendors trying to sell travel ornaments and other memorabilia or wish to avoid falling prey to different tourist scams when traveling, your best bet is to blend in as much as possible. That way, you’ll draw less attention to yourself and spend your vacation in peace. If you’re wondering what you can do to avoid looking like an ordinary tourist, you may want to consider the following style tips.

How to avoid looking like a tourist on your vacation

Here are some tips to help you avoid looking like a tourist on your next trip.

Opt for dressier outfits

Unless you’re visiting an island resort, you should avoid wearing tank tops, baggy shirts, shorts, and other overly relaxed clothing. Wearing athletic garments from head to toe is also a big no-no. If you want to fit in, it’s advisable to elevate your casual outfits so that you’ll look nicer and smarter.

Choosing dressier ensembles for daily wear is particularly important if you’re traveling to Europe, as most Europeans have a different concept of casual dressing. Let’s say your idea of comfortable travel clothing includes t-shirts, sweatpants, and sneakers. You may want to swap these for more versatile and stylish pieces. Instead, you can shop leggings in dark hues and then pair them with a crisp white button-down shirt and black pointed-toe loafers for a chic yet relaxed vibe.

Avoid loud, flashy clothing

Instead of packing flashy and brightly colored outfits that can make you stick out like a sore thumb in crowds, you may want to go for elegant and neutral-colored pieces. Well-fitting tops and bottoms and versatile dresses in classic and muted shades like black, gray, taupe, and beige are great options, as they can help you look stylish without drawing unnecessary attention. In addition, you can also mix and match and layer such pieces effortlessly, so you can expand your travel wardrobe considerably.

If you love wearing colorful and vibrant outfits, consider accessorizing to add a pop of color to your neutral ensembles. However, remember to limit your accessories to stay chic and classy. A gemstone ring, silk scarf, beaded bag, and statement necklace are a few items you can use to incorporate subtle colors into your travel outfits.

Take your cue from the locals

One of the most effective ways to avoid looking like a tourist is to observe the locals so you can adjust your style accordingly. Perhaps you can visit a local store to purchase several outfits or accessories to help you blend in. For instance, if you’re vacationing during the winter and you see that most people wear dark-colored coats instead of casual puffer jackets, you may want to follow their lead and use similar kinds of outerwear.

If you’re planning to visit places of worship for a more immersive cultural experience, avoid showing too much skin and wearing tight-fitting clothes. Better yet, bring scarves and other clothing accessories that locals wear in religious establishments to avoid giving offense.

Try to blend in

If you want to avoid looking like a tourist, don’t wear clothes with location-specific text or designs. Whether it’s a shirt with the name of your hometown or a cap that proclaims your love for the place you’re visiting, nothing gives you away as a tourist more than branded merchandise. You may also want to steer clear of sports team tops, iconic logos, and prints featuring popular landmarks.

Aside from being mindful of what you wear, below are other things you can do to fit in and avoid looking like a typical tourist:

• Mind your manners. Be respectful, kind, and polite. Don’t be noisy or create a ruckus when riding public transportation or eating out to avoid disturbing others. You’re a guest, so make sure you behave well.
• Carry your camera discreetly. Unless you’re a professional photographer or photography enthusiast, you may want to keep your camera inside your bag with a secured zipper. After all, wearing a camera around your neck is one of the easiest ways to send a message that you’re a tourist. If you want to take pictures of popular attractions, consider visiting during odd hours to avoid crowds. This will also give you more opportunities to take great photos.
• Shop local. Instead of patronizing souvenir stores and similar shops near tourist attractions, look for family-owned businesses or markets that most locals frequent. You might find more unique items at lower prices as well.

The style tips above are just a few ideas for how to dress without looking like a tourist on vacation. Keep them in mind as you prepare for your trip and pack your travel wardrobe. You may also want to invest a bit of time researching your travel destination. Aside from appropriate clothing and accessories, try to learn more about the weather, people, and culture. That way, you can plan your outfits accordingly and ensure a more relaxed and worry-free stay.

Have any questions on how to avoid looking like a tourist on your next vacation? Let me know in the comments!