How to completely fail to integrate abroad

Have you ever been traveling abroad and cringed because a fellow man stood out for all the wrong reasons – inappropriately putting on their loud behavior to get people’s attention? Usually, everyone around can tell themselves immediately that they are tourists, rather than in a flattering way. Certain fashion choices and actions can make someone an outsider. While full fusion isn’t always realistic, avoiding these common mistakes can help you avoid the terrible “annoying travel” tag.

Speak loudly

Even if it is not the use of English, it can’t make you an American, but the loud voice you speak – you may not even know you’re doing it. (Seriously, only Google: “Americans speak loudly” sees thousands of articles about this phenomenon.) Be aware of your voice level, especially in enclosed spaces like Subways or restaurants, where loud conversations can easily attract unnecessary attention.

Not following local customs

Before visiting a new destination, take the time to study local customs and cultural norms. Not doing this can make you stand out in all the wrong ways – like wearing shorts to see the Egyptian pyramids, providing a handshake in a country where gender doesn’t meet, or awkwardly greeting in France. A little bit of preparation can help you integrate and show respect for your local culture.

Block sidewalks

Woman looking at map of travel abroad — TommystockProject | Adobe Stock

When a sudden impulse attacks, you are walking along the sidewalk – you need to take a photo in front of you or look up a picture of the map. So instead of stopping like you were driving on the street, you paused, hindering the pedestrian traffic behind you and reminding everyone around you that you are a rude tourist. Locals in a busy city know – if you need to stop, avoid it.

Wear exercise/hiking clothes

Zippered pants, cargo shorts, and technical clothing may be practical for outdoor sports, but if you are exploring a city (rather than hiking on the hill), there is no reason to wear clothes like you are heading to an adventure. Fuse together and choose clothes that are both comfortable and stylish. While leggings and sportswear may be daily staples at home, in many cities around the world, exercise clothes are reserved for gyms rather than streets.

Don’t try to find out the local currency

In fact, we witnessed tourists taking money to choose the right amount because they were reluctant to learn local currency. Not only do you trust too much, but you may be thrilling the shop owner and definitely being yourself as a tourist. Try downloading the conversion app and viewing photos of your local currency before leaving to be more familiar with it when you make a payment.

Wearing the home team’s equipment

Is your entire wardrobe really made up of equipment from local sports teams? (If you’re from New Englandin fact, we can believe this. Again, unless you are really a fan, please do not use American sports equipment as your local football team. No one likes a decorator, and once another supporter has a conversation with you, you will be revealed soon.

Severely sunburned

There is nothing more screaming “tourist” in tropical destinations than bright red sunburns, and this is a giveaway you are not from here. In many parts of the world, the sun is much stronger than you might be used to at home, so don’t think you can skip sunscreen or not reapply unless you want to stand out in a (bad way).