You've come across the horror stories: videos being posted on social media where locals in popular vacation cities share what they dislike most that many tourists do. The worst is when you keep listening, only to realize you're guilty of doing all those things, too. So, how do you avoid sticking out like a sore thumb when traveling abroad?
As you'll see, a lot of it has to do with blending yourself into the natural lifestyle of the locals. A big no-no? Doing the complete opposite of what's accepted. The more you immerse yourself in the local culture, the better.
Learn the Local Language
Before you start packing for your trip, make sure to learn basic phrases and expressions in your destination's local tongue. Typically, this means you should know at least how to say "hello," "how much?" and "thank you." But the more you know, the easier it'll be to communicate and understand the people there.
You might think it takes too much time and effort to memorize the local vocabulary for every place you travel to, especially if you're heading out on a backpacking trip where you're hitting multiple cities at once. But trust us, you'll be glad you did, and you'll have a better experience. The locals will appreciate you speaking their language and starting interactions in their native tongue, rather than immediately defaulting to English.
Respect and Understand the Culture
Another tip to avoid looking like a tourist? Immerse yourself in the local culture. This goes further than just speaking the language—you want to understand the community and the way of life. Even if it doesn't align with your lifestyle, the least you could do is respect it.
For example, you might be used to speaking on the phone when you're taking public transit at home, but in countries like Japan, that type of behavior is frowned upon. If you don't adhere to the silent rules that everyone else follows, you'll end up... well, being labeled as an annoying tourist.
Seek Out Hidden Gems
Instead of flocking to the touristy places, seek out attractions and places that are off the beaten path. This way, you'll be able to interact more with locals, and you'll get a better feel of what the culture is actually like. If you only visit the spots that every other tourist has on their list, you'll limit your experience.
Even if you do hit the touristy sites, do so with appreciation. Follow the rules, respect traditional customs, and avoid doing things that might be seen as unsightly or inconsiderate. Like filming TikToks in places of worship, or groping statues for "good luck" or to be "funny."
We're not saying, of course, that you shouldn't have fun when traveling and give yourself space to learn and explore, but just that you should do it in a way that's still respectful to the locals who live there. That way, you can have your cake and eat it, too.
