How not to look like a tourist:
1. Dress like the locals. The same goes for what kind of tote bag to use.
2. Consult your map discretely.
3. Keep your camera under wraps until you actually use it.
4. Learn the basics of the local language if you are not in an Anglophone country.
5. Respect shared public spaces. Do not speak loudly to your traveling or dining companions. Also respect the local customs about personal space, i.e., don't stand too close or too far away. Watch the locals to figure this one out.
6. Research your destination, its sights and its history before you go so you can ask intelligent questions.
7. Do not compare your country to theirs, even if favorably. It's OK to express admiration for some aspect of the local culture but not in a comparative way.

Posted By Maureen Tilley on October 31, 2011, 10:37 AM

I am just back from a trip to Spain. I was dumbfound in O hare airport by the dress of my fellow passengers . It seemed as if thy had all dressed as sloppily as possible . They were not dressed comfortably, just weirdly.

Posted By Helen Bledsoe on October 31, 2011, 11:29 AM

That's why I love the Midwest, including Chicago! We don't care what the rest of the world does, WE'RE US! We taught that to Herman Cain, too!

Posted By James Michalek on October 31, 2011, 11:35 AM

Whenever I travel to Europe, I tend to dress in simple, dark clothing, usually black pants,a sweater, and tops that are a combo of black and a color. I also wear comfortable black shoes that I can walk in all day, but NEVER running shoes. I also carry a small cross-body black purse, which foils pickpockets and allows me to have my hands free. In numerous trips overseas, I've found I blend in enough that I'm frequently asked for directions by other tourists!

Posted By Linda J on October 31, 2011, 1:57 PM

Yes, James, and that attitude is why the midwest is on everyone's list of favorite places to visit.

Posted By Judy on October 31, 2011, 3:39 PM

I've lived in Hawaii for the past 37 years. Tourists: please leave the black socks for formal wear. Nothing screams tourist like black socks with running shoes.

Posted By Lesley Woodward on October 31, 2011, 3:56 PM

I completely agree with Lesley--black socks with shorts, running shoes or sandals is just BAD. Also, I read somewhere that Americans are the only ones who wear white sneakers and in Europe they stand out. In my limited European travels I found this to be true.

Posted By Ron Sherman on October 31, 2011, 7:23 PM

Thanks for all of the great tips!

Posted By Sean on November 1, 2011, 1:15 PM

I'm from Miami, here it's easy..you never wear socks unless you're wearing sneakers or dress shoes. also bathing suits are for the pool or the beach, not in stores or restaurants. If you get a sunburn the first day then cover it up until it heals, don't walk around looking like an escapee from the burn ward.
By the way i just got back from Chicago and I say the same mix of well-dressed to sloppy that I see in every other US city. I do think that in Europe it's more low key, but remember if you live in a city you are dressing for work, school, church etc, i think a lot of people get real casual on vacation.

Posted By Lori on November 1, 2011, 8:10 PM

Too bad you want to fit in people-So Sad--Don't Care--I'm 80--Go where I want-Do what I want-Get funny looks--Whack em with my cane.

Posted By Grandma on November 2, 2011, 11:10 AM

I suggest dressing conservatively, a casual suit, with a necktie in the pocket. It comes in handy when you go to a fancy restaurant.

Try to act the way you would at home. Buy food from the local grocer. Check restaurants to see if civil servants, i.e. postmen or police eat there. They have to save money and may know these things.

Otherwise, I visited Paris with knowoing a few words of French, Oui, and Non. If you follow suit, cross when others cross the street, go with the flow, and ask honest questions you can get along. A simple Thank you in the native language goes a great way. So does going to a pizza place for breakfast and referring to the servers as Miss or Madamoselle despite their age.

Posted By D Reno, A Bostonian on November 23, 2011, 9:50 AM

What's wrong with being a tourist. I have traveled to over 125 countries in the last 70 years...10 to 15 trips per year and I am stil a tourist. Traveler? I thought "felow traveler" was the code phrase for Communist.

Come on. A suit in Paris? No way. I eat in at least three Michelin stared restaurants everytime we visit the city.
The only don't are white runing shoes, fanny packs, socks with sandals and loud sport shirts.
A camera and maps are just fine. Local tourists carry both.
Next to Paris, Chicago is my favorite tourist destination.

Posted By lawthomas on December 5, 2011, 2:58 PM

What's wrong with being a tourist. I have traveled to over 125 countries in the last 70 years...10 to 15 trips per year and I am stil a tourist. Traveler? I thought "felow traveler" was the code phrase for Communist.

Come on. A suit in Paris? No way. I eat in at least three Michelin stared restaurants everytime we visit the city.
The only don't are white runing shoes, fanny packs, socks with sandals and loud sport shirts.
A camera and maps are just fine. Local tourists carry both.
Next to Paris, Chicago is my favorite tourist destination.

Posted By lawthomas on December 5, 2011, 2:58 PM

What's wrong with being a tourist. I have traveled to over 125 countries in the last 70 years...10 to 15 trips per year and I am stil a tourist. Traveler? I thought "felow traveler" was the code phrase for Communist.

Come on. A suit in Paris? No way. I eat in at least three Michelin stared restaurants everytime we visit the city.
The only don't are white runing shoes, fanny packs, socks with sandals and loud sport shirts.
A camera and maps are just fine. Local tourists carry both.
Next to Paris, Chicago is my favorite tourist destination.

Posted By lawthomas on December 5, 2011, 2:59 PM