Category Archives: On Location

Celebrating New Year’s Eve Abroad: Customs Around The World

New Year’s Eve in Japan. CC Image by Tom.Bricker (Flickr).

By JASON LALOUX

Looking for an exciting, unforgettable experience? Try spending New Year’s Eve in a foreign country. The festive atmosphere gives everything a magic sheen, whether you’re staying with a family or at a five-star hotel. Also, if you’ve ever dreamed of gathering friends or family and grabbing one of those luxury villa rentals somewhere in Europe, now is the perfect time.

New Year’s customs in different countries are as wildly diverse as the people inhabiting them, and that’s what makes the whole idea so special. Take a look through this list of unique celebrations, and if something excites you, book a ticket. You won’t regret it.

China

Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar and takes place between mid-January and mid-February. Houses are cleaned and all old debts are settled, symbolizing a kind of purification in preparation for the New Year.

Front doors are also often painted red, as this color brings good luck and happiness. And all knives are stashed away for 24 hours to keep anyone from cutting themselves, as this “cuts” the family’s good luck for the following year.

Japan

The celebration of Oshogatsu is important enough to close down all businesses and shops in Japan. Straw ropes are hung outside of homes to ward off evil spirits, and people begin to laugh hysterically when the clock strikes midnight. This is believed to make old worries disappear and ensure the coming year is a happy one.

Burma and Thailand

These Southeast Asian nations actually celebrate each New Year in mid-April with three-day festivals that are tied to the coming rainy season. Buildings and temples are washed, and people throw water on one another to welcome the heavy rains and hope they will be beneficial to all.

Germany

People drop molten lead into cold water, then read its shape to foretell their future. A bit of New Year’s Eve food is left on the plate until after midnight, as a way of ensuring abundance in the coming year.

Denmark

Throughout the year, people save old dishes in order to toss them at the front doors of dear friends on New Year’s Eve. A large pile of broken dishes outside your front door signifies a happy life full of many friends.

Great Britain

Here they practice the curious custom of first footing. Essentially, the first male visitor to enter a home after midnight is supposed to bring good luck. He is also charged with bringing gifts such as money, bread or coal, to ensure there will be enough of these in the coming year. But this first male visitor will not be allowed in if he is either blond or red-haired, as these supposedly bring bad luck.

Spain, Portugal, and South America

Once the clock strikes midnight, everyone eats twelve grapes to bring good luck for the next twelve months of the New Year.

Several nations in South America have an additional tradition of wearing brightly colored underpants. Wearing red means one is searching for love in the New Year, while yellow underpants are for those seeking money.

United States

Perhaps the best-known tradition in the USA is the dropping of the New Year’s ball in Times Square, New York City. Thousands crowd the square, and millions more watch on television as a giant Waterford Crystal ball makes a one-minute descent at exactly 11:59 p.m.

Jason Laloux is a freelance travel writer. When he’s not planning his next surfing vacation, you might find him being a cosmopolitan hedonist and devouring haute cuisine from around the world. His favorite travel destination include Costa Rica, France, and Las Vegas.

How to Stay Away From Danger and Drive Safely While on Vacation

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Cruising the “Malecon” – La Habana Cuba. CC Image by Arturo Sotillo (Flickr).

By LESLIE COLLINS

If you’re traveling abroad and plan to drive on unfamilar roads, keep in mind that the rules and requirements for driving in a foreign country may be much different than what you’re used to. It’s not enough to know they drive “on the ‘wrong’ side of the road” where you’re going — in order to stay safe and secure on the road, it pays to know how international driving standards differ.

Have the Permits

One of the first steps you should take before traveling is to apply for an International Driving Permit. These can be obtained from either the American Automobile Association or the National Auto Club. You must be at least eighteen and have a valid US license to get an IDP. Getting an IDP costs less than twenty dollars and acts as handy as a form of identification even if you’re not planning to drive while on vacation. The IDP is valid in over 150 countries. But plan ahead — it may take up to six months to get a valid IDP.

Know the Rules

To keep safe and avoid complications while driving abroad, find a copy of the rules of the road for the countries you’ll be visiting. Information is usually available at either foreign embassies Stateside, or tourism offices abroad. You might also check with your travel agency or the car rental company, if you’re renting a vehicle. Don’t assume the rules are the same as, or even similar to, what you’re used to at home.

For example, alcohol laws in Europe and the United Kingdom are much more restrictive than in the United States — penalties are harsher, and the legal blood alcohol levels are often lower. Many Europeans will take public transportation and not drive at all if they’re planning to have even one drink during the evening. And if you’ve been convicted of drunk driving in the United States, you may not be able to drive in Canada at all.

Even the most basic rules of the road might be different. In Germany, the right-of-way belongs to vehicles on the right — and passing on the right is generally illegal. German Vorfahrtstraßen (priority road) signs give some roads right-of-way over others, and many of their street schematic signs are different from those in the U.S.

The legal driving age may also be different in some countries. Some countries require separate permits to use divided highways. Seatbelt laws may also be more severe than they are Stateside, so be safe and buckle up. Even little differences, like whether you can turn right on red or use a cell phone at all while driving, can differ wildly from one area to another — so stay informed.

Of course, should you have an accident or run into local authorities, it will be helpful to be able to communicate meaningfully, so if possible, brush up on your foreign language of choice before traveling.

Know Your Coverage

Don’t assume that because your car insurance company covers you at home, that it will cover you abroad as well. Check and find out what your insurance can do for you overseas, especially when it comes to medical assistance in case of an accident. In some countries, a “green card” is proof of minimum insurance, so ask your insurance company if they can provide you with one. Most of all, just be aware of what is and isn’t covered by your insurance, so you can plan accordingly.

Stay Safe

Safety is another important concern when traveling abroad. Foreign countries not only have different laws and enforcement levels, but may have different safety regulations. For instance, the yellow-hooded “Co-Co” taxis in Cuba are not recommended to tourists, as they have no safety belts or safety features at all. The Bureau of Consular Affairs advises caution in Havana at night, as many secondary roads are not well-maintained and road signs are confusing and sometimes missing altogether.

As always, staying informed is your best safeguard against trouble on the road, both overseas and at home. Take some time to learn the rules and regulations, and keep your vacation memorable — for the right reasons!

Leslie Collins is a long time writer for www.PimsleurApproach.com. She has learned to speak Spanish through the program and enjoys traveling, coffee, discovering new cultures, and hikes with her golden retriever.

What to Do If You Get Lost Abroad and Only Speak English

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Paris directions. CC Image by Saket Vora (Flickr).

Many novice and even experienced travellers and tourists are unconsciously afraid of getting lost in a foreign country far away from a hotel or а guide. The main reasons of this fear are often lack of language skills and certain countries’ “bad” regions or seemingly strange customs. So, how should you explain to people around you what you need if you speak a language locals don’t speak or understand? What should you do if you are a new guest in a different culture?

First of all, do not panic. If you get anxious, people around you will notice it. Countries like Egypt, Turkey and United Arab Emirates are famous for regions with a large number of criminals. They usually hunt for confused tourists to make a profit, thus your panic might get you into troubles. Travel insurance policy is a good way to feel less vulnerable. Stay calm and don’t let your common sense let you down.

Second. Language barrier is not a barrier at all. The secret of speaking silently is very simple: behave like a child. Take a look at two or more small children playing together: they understand each other without words. Mothers always understand what small children want though children don’t talk. So, imagine you are a child: use gestures, emotions and spontaneity. Find a local resident and explain what you need using gestures. Hotel or street name can be enough to let the other person understand that you got lost and help you. If it doesn’t help, try to draw where you need to go with whatever you can find (pen, lipstick or stick) and draw your hotel on a paper, a napkin or on the ground.

For the greatest chance of finding your way, stay away from suspicious strangers and search for a group of tourists with a guide. Guides usually speak English and can help you with the right direction, street or bus station. No tourists around? Then take a closer look and approach an aged person (and unlikely a criminal who tries to rip you off). Aged people are usually well-wishing and ready to help, and if they don’t know themselves they may gladly ask other passersby about your destination. Third best option: women, young ladies or students, who tend to know about places, streets and buildings in a city. And undoubtedly it is safer to talk to unknown women than men (especially if you are a woman).

Whatever you do to get help, don’t take things on the chin. Do what you can with what you have, make the best of the situation and you’ll be on your way again.

Healthy Holiday Habits

How to Blend in With the Locals in Barcelona

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Locals enjoy the view of Barcelona.

By ALEIX GWILLIAM

Hundreds of thousands of tourists every year choose Barcelona as their holiday destination. The Catalan capital is one of Europe’s and the world’s top tourist destinations thanks to its rich culture, fascinating history, delicious gastronomy, and excellent weather. The summer months are especially popular to visit the city and stay in Barcelona apartments, therefore the streets are full of tourists. These tourists, in the eyes of the locals, stand out quite a bit due to their appearance, which can bring some negative consequences such as being clear targets for pickpockets. Also, many tourists don’t know the intricacies of the city and can end up paying over the odds for services and restaurants.

To avoid all of this, first of all, consider your appearance. Of course, our appearance might not resemble that of a Spanish person but 17% of the total registered population of the city are foreigners, so what distinguishes a tourist from a foreign local is the appearance. The clothes are an important part of this. We must not wear sandals and socks at the same time, a cliché indeed but a common one among the unaware. Wearing city merchandise will also show we’re not from the city so avoiding the “I <3 Barcelona” t-shirts is definitely a good move if you don’t want to stand out.

Tapas How to Blend in With the Locals in Barcelona

Time for tapas.

Adapting to the times that locals do things in Barcelona is also essential. Many tourists don’t adapt to local timetables and eat and party when they do so at home, which is completely out of place in Barcelona. Eating times are more or less as follow: Breakfast, 9am-11am; lunch, 1pm-4pm; dinner, 9pm-11pm. When it comes to partying, locals will usually start drinking in bars at 11pm to midnight and won’t go into the clubs until 2am. Anytime before, the club will be empty. A local party will usually go on until 6am or 7am.

Also, if you look like a tourist, you’re more likely to be drawn into restaurants that sell highly overpriced food. These restaurants have PR people at the door who will promise you many great things, which will then result in an unpleasant surprise once the bill arrives. Avoid eating at any restaurant on the Ramblas because the prices they charge for typical Spanish food, such as tapas or paella, their main bait, and drink, sangría, are obscene.

Lastly, use public transport as much as possible. If the bus network seems too complicated, use the Metro, the most popular form of transport in the city. If you use taxis, you might have the foul luck of coming across a driver who will take you the long way around, because he notices you’re a tourist and tries to make money out of it. To avoid that, let the taxi driver know your exact destination and speak as little as possible in your native language amongst yourselves during the journey. Not all drivers are like that but if you’re on a tight budget, it’s not worth risking it.

Follow these tips to fully enjoy your stay in apartments in Barcelona. By acting and looking more like a local, you’ll avoid all the tourist traps and the nasty surprises that come with them. Your stay will be much more enjoyable.

Aleix Gwilliam is a 24-year-old from Barcelona who looks English but thinks like a Catalan. He enjoys travelling, especially on old Czech trains, and trying to start conversations in Hungarian with people at Pecs station, even though his Hungarian is as good as his Bulgarian, in other words, not very good. He’s a trier.

Photo: 1, 2

Benefits of Having a Tour Guide in Egypt

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Understandably, intrepid travellers who embark on a Nile River cruise like the idea of breaking free from the crowd and setting out on their own to soak up the sites, but having a tour guide in Egypt, whether private or in a group, can really work to your advantage. The ideal guide will serve as your interpreter, chauffeur, historian, Egyptologist and bodyguard.

The Language Barrier

The first step is to make sure you and your guide communicate well. Even if they seem fluent in your native tongue, make sure you can understand their accent and assure they can answer intricate questions, not just “can you take me to the pyramids?” A good test of a guide’s worthiness is how well they listen to your questions and formulate an itinerary based on your criteria and any special services you may require.

Chauffer Services

The streets of Egyptian cities, especially Cairo, are a maze of confusion to foreigners and routes to the outlying areas can be tricky, so having a guide with their own transportation spares you a lot of frustration. Although tour buses can limit your time, they will get you to and from destinations in safety and comfort. With your own private guide, you can arrive when you like and spend as much time as you want asking questions and satisfying your curiosity.

Background Information

A professional guide will have an intrinsic knowledge of traditions so they can keep you from inadvertently violating customs. They also have intrinsic knowledge of the history and current theories regarding the ancient monuments. A guide is also a good storyteller who can bring valuable insights to mystifying sites like the Valley of the Kings and Queens along the west bank of the Nile and explain the intricate funeral rites they practiced.

Bodyguards

One of the most disturbing elements of touring famous sites in Egypt for many visitors is the onslaught of hustlers and con men that descend on unwary tourists, especially at the Great Pyramids of Giza. A good tour guide will discourage these tedious hawkers and steer you towards reputable dealers who they have learned to trust. Likewise, tour groups usually discourage this type of harassment of their clients because they realise such advances can ruin a trip to sites people have waited all their lives to see.

Official Credentials

The Egyptian government issues licenses for tour guides who have completed required courses in history, culture and have a good command of a second language. These guides are required to present their customers with a set price for standard activities that is set by the authorities. Any additional services you require beyond the basic tour can be negotiated based on an hourly rate.

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Photo: 1, 2

How to Avoid Crowds in National Parks

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Cape Royal, Grand Canyon.

By JAMES KAISER

1. Get an Early Start
Sunrise is a breathtaking experience in any national park. But most park visitors snug in their sleeping bags, or in a comfy lodge, and sleep right through it. Wake up early and you’ll be treated to incredible views without the crowds, even at the most popular viewpoints. And don’t forget to pack your camera. Sunrise bathes the parks in soft, beautiful light – perfect for taking gorgeous landscape photos.

2. Go for a Hike
Sad but true: Most national park visitors never venture farther than 100 yards away from their cars. Of course, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds this statistic is great news. Go for a hike and the crowds will start to thin out immediately. Choose a challenging trail and you’ll really get away from the masses. As a general rule, crowds diminish exponentially for every step you take away from the pavement. And remember: hiking trails often lead to the most spectacular viewpoints.

3. Avoid the Hotspots
Most national parks are famous for a specific spot – Yosemite Valley in Yosemite, Old Faithful in Yellowstone, Mather Point in Grand Canyon. But take Robert Frost’s advice and choose the road less traveled. It really will make all the difference. Follow the herds and you’ll find more herds. Do a little pre-trip research and you’ll discover that some of the most beautiful places in any national park are often some of the least well-known.This is where a good guidebook can really come in handy. Plan your trip ahead of time and you’ll know exactly where to go – and where not to go – as soon as you arrive.

Acadia BassHarborLight How to Avoid Crowds in National Parks

Sunset at Bass Harbor Lighthouse, Mount Desert Island, Maine.

4. Take Advantage of the Night
After a long day of exploring and sightseeing, most visitors are eager to head to bed. But nighttime is when Nature puts on one of her finest shows. Most parks are located in remote areas free of light and air pollution, which means clear skies perfect for stargazing. To help visitors enjoy the night sky, many parks offer free astronomy programs. Still need convincing? This year Memorial Day falls within a few days of the new moon, which means dark skies perfect for viewing distant constellations.

5. Pack a Picnic Lunch

Most national park visitors leave themselves to the mercy of park restaurants, which are swamped with crowds on big weekends. The result? Long lines for tables, bathrooms and parking spaces. The solution? Pack a picnic lunch. In addition to saving hours of time and frustration, a picnic lunch will probably be tastier, healthier and cheaper. Best of all: you can enjoy it at a beautiful viewpoint while everyone else is waiting in line!

James Kaiser is an award-winning travel writer and photographer. Currently based in Costa Rica, he works on a guidebook about travel outside of the United States. To date, James’ books about Acadia, Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Parks have sold over 80,000 copies. Grand Canyon: The Complete Guide won the Independent Publisher Award for Best Travel Guide and the Benjamin Franklin Award for Best Full-Color Travel Guide.

Getting Around Paris

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By REBECCA KELLY

Being the capital and largest city in France, travelling around Paris may seem slightly daunting if you are a first-time visitor. The Paris transport system however is one of the most efficient in the world and finding your way between attractions, hotels and shops is an easy process.

Having arrived at the city and dropped off your luggage, the bright lights of Paris will allure you to explore the city immediately. Here’s the best ways to do so:

Metro System

Undergrounds are not a favourite choice with non-city lovers however the Paris metro system is renowned for being organised and reliable. This simple and economic system is made up of 14 lines, 380 stations, and more than 130 miles of track and is open from 5.00am to 12:30am.

To travel on the Metro, tickets can be bought from any of the stations, tourist offices and some tobacconists.

Buses

A bonus of travelling around Paris on a bus is you can do some sightseeing on your journey whilst absorbing the city’s atmosphere. The bus network operates between 6.30am to 8.30pm with some routes continuing until 12.30am.

All of the bus routes are numbered and maps are easily available. The same ticket can be used for both the metro and for buses.

RER Trains

There are six major rail stations in Paris where trains can be caught to Paris’ suburbs and outwards to other European cities. There are five train lines A through to E that run from 5.30am to 12.30am.

The same metro and bus tickets can be used to ride the trains until the train reaches the outskirts of Paris, supplementary fares are then charged.

Taxis

Unlike other larger cities, it is easier to find a taxi rank than it is to hail a car in the street. The lighting on a taxi roof indicates whether it is busy or not; white is available, orange is not. Travelling by taxi in Paris is a fairly inexpensive way of getting around, make sure however that the meter is operating correctly to avoid having to haggle with the driver to agree a fare.

Boat

A memorable experience of travelling from A to B in Paris is to do so by Batobus on the River Seine. This runs between the Quau de l’Hotel de Ville and the Eiffel Tower and is open between April and October.

Various companies around Paris offer river cruises, however these are much more a sightseeing activity as opposed to getting around the city.

Most major hotels in Paris are located within walking distance of some form of public transport to ensure you are in easy reach of all the top attractions this wonderful city has to offer.

Rebecca Kelly works for Simonseeks.com, the world’s first website to offer comprehensive, up-to-date information and independent advice for travellers across a range of destinations such as the top-rated hotels in Paris and the best restaurants in New York.

Writing the Journey: How to Create More Exciting Travel Journals

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By DAVE FOX

A well-written travel journal can be your greatest souvenir. Many people struggle, however, to capture the full spirit of their journeys. For some, their journals seem like bland, step-by-step accounts of their days. Other people simply can’t find time to write in the middle of an exciting trip.

Journaling doesn’t have to gobble up precious vacation time though. When done well, it can enhance your travels and bring you more deeply in touch with your experiences. Follow these tips and watch your words come alive:

1. Write Fast

One of the greatest mistakes beginning journalers make is trying to create their best writing as they travel. There isn’t enough time. Think of your diary as a place to collect as many memories as possible. Spill your thoughts and impressions onto the paper quickly. Don’t try to be organized. Don’t try to write well. You’ll be amazed how much detail you can splash onto the page in a 15-minute writing blast if you just go for it. You might not end up with your greatest writing ever, but when you go back to read your journal one, five, or twenty years later, your diaries will contain far more memories than if you had labored over every word.

2. Be Selective

Rather than trying to document everything that happens in your day, pick a few key moments. “I woke up and had breakfast,” for example, is something you probably do every day, so skip it. Instead, choose one to three highlights each day and cover them in detail.

3. Be Descriptive

Follow the old adage, “Show, don’t tell.” Here’s an example: People cruise the fjords of Norway and write, “The fjords are beautiful.” Well, duh! This is not a news flash. The fjords have been beautiful for thousands of years. We know they’ll be beautiful before we ever see them. Avoid empty adjectives like “beautiful,” or “incredible.” Paint a picture with your words instead. Write about the dark granite cliffs that plunge into icy, turquoise waters; the scruffy, maroon farmhouses that freckle the land; seagulls that squawk as they chase your boat; the engine sounds and diesel fumes that intrude upon this pristine nature. Descriptions like this will help you remember the details of your experiences – and if you share your journals with others, it helps them picture where you’ve been.

4. Scan Your Senses

Different senses are dominant in different situations. Gazing at a rainbow, listening to a symphony, swimming in the ocean, or eating a gooey slice of chocolate cake each evoke a different dominant sense. Often, however, our less dominant senses contain hidden stories. Walking through a spice market in Istanbul, my sense of smell was most profound. But when I paid attention to what I was hearing, I found a powerful story. The Muslim call to prayer bellowed from a mosque across the street. Meanwhile, Madonna’s latest CD was blaring from a spice vendor’s boombox. These two sounds together created a powerful image of modern Turkey – a mix of traditional Islamic ways and a desire among many Turks to Westernize.

5. Journal in Your Mind

As you go about your day, make mental notes of things to write about later. You won’t have time to write down everything that comes to mind, but when you do sit down to write, you’ll already have a sense of what you want to cover. Your writing will flow more easily. In addition, paying attention to your different senses and the subtle details around you as you explore will bring you more intimately in touch with your
surroundings.

6. Weave Together Your “Outer” and “Inner” Journeys

Don’t just focus on what’s happening around you. Write about what’s happening within you too. Travel evokes new insights and emotions. Use your surroundings as a backdrop for self-discovery, and write about the thoughts and feelings that arise as you explore.

7. Try “Theme Journaling”

Choose a different topic each day. It can be absolutely anything: transportation, children, language barriers, toilets, food, clothes, money, music, accommodations, other tourists, etc. Write about that topic within the context of your entire trip, not just an individual day. You can also write a “people journal.” Choose one person you’ve encountered each day and write about him or her. It might be someone you had a three hour chat with, but it could also be someone who spent 20 seconds selling you a bus ticket, or a random stranger on the street who caught your attention for some reason. Describe everything about them: How they looked and talked, their mannerisms, and so on. And don’t forget your inner journey. How did this person make you feel, and why?

8. Write Someplace Fun

There’s nothing worse than being cooped up in a hotel room when you want to be out experiencing things. Surround yourself with local culture while you write – in a café, pub, park, or museum. You can take this a step further and write a “verbal snapshot,” a live report of everything happening around you in that moment.

9. Caption Your Photos. Most people rely on photography to document their journeys. It’s quicker than writing. There is so much a camera can’t capture, however – sounds and smells, stories people tell us, challenges we face, and our own emotions. Often, photographs tell only part of the story. A great thing about digital cameras though is we can review the pictures we’ve taken on the spot. So pick a favorite photo each day and write about what was happening around you and what was going through your mind as you took it. Note the photo’s file number in your journal so you remember later which picture you were writing about. You can also leave space in your diary to paste a printed photo later.

10. Rewrite!

Your time to write while traveling is limited, but once you’re home, you have plenty of time to hone your “rough draft” journals into polished stories. This is a fun way to relive your experiences after a journey is over. Take all of that wonderful, messy scrawl you threw onto your pages while traveling, choose your favorite excerpts, and turn them into travel tales you can share with others.

Our vacations might be short, but trips are investments in memories that we get to keep for the rest of our lives. We accumulate stories and knowledge as we travel, but our memories can grow fuzzy over time. Writing about your experiences as you travel will keep your memories strong for years to come.

Dave Fox is the author of Globejotting: How to Write Extraordinary Travel Journals, and the founder of Globejotter Tours, a company specializing in international, small-group tours that include travel writing classes along the way. You’ll find more of his journaling and writing tips at www.traveljournaling.com.

Feeling spontaneous? There’s still space left on Dave’s Vietnam trip starting October 17. Readers of Travel Blissful can jump on board for just US $1,995, a $900 discount off the usual $2,895. (Price does not include airfare. Single supplement is $350, or solo travelers can avoid the supplement by sharing with another solo traveler of the same sex.) Interested? Contact Dave via Globejotter Tours. The next upcoming trip is a writing safari in Botswana from March 1-11.

10 Ways to Blend in on Vacation

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By HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT SCHOOLS

If you want to eat like Italians, dress like Parisians and navigate like New Yorkers, you’ve got to ditch the chain restaurants, the fanny packs and the obtrusive maps when you’re on vacation. If you follow these ten ways to blend in on vacation, you’ll be the only one who knows you’re really a tourist.

Hide the Map

If you’re going to carry a map or dictionary for translations around, try to be discreet while reading it in public. Instead of standing in the middle of the street to study your map, go inside a restaurant or store, sit down and open up your map. There, you can more calmly ask workers or customers about directions.

Avoid U.S. Brand Names and American Clothing

The best way to blend in when you’re in a foreign country is to avoid wearing American brands and clothes with slogans or symbols that will identify you as an American. For domestic travel, leave behind your home state t-shirts, and don’t wear a souvenir Chicago t-shirt when you’re visiting Chicago.

Take the Camera Off Your Neck

Wearing a camera around your neck is a tell-tale sign that you’re not a native to the area. Taking pictures is perfectly acceptable on trips, but leave the camera in the bag when you aren’t using it. Blend in even better with a small pocket-sized camera that’s discrete and easy to tote around.

Leave the Athletic Shoes at Home

Traveling usually involves quite a bit of walking, which is why so many people pack their sneakers on trips. Athletic shoes, particularly chalk white kinds, are ubiquitous to the U.S. and should be avoided if you’re trying to blend in. Instead of wearing clunky, white sneakers, opt for some dark colored ones with subtle or no visible logos. When wearing shorts or skirts with athletic shoes, forgo the knee-high socks for ankle socks. Less is always more.

Forgo the Fanny Pack

The fanny pack screams tourist. If you want to blend in and have hands-free wear, try using a travel wallet with a shoulder strap that can be secured across your body or underneath your outerwear. To blend in with the locals even more, carry a purse, man bag or tote with you, but still keep the maps and translators out of sight.

Don’t Be Matchy-Matchy

As if traveling in a large group wasn’t touristy enough, having everyone wear the same bright colored t-shirt so you can spot them from miles away is not the way to blend in. At all costs, avoid the matchy-matchy look by not wearing hot pink t-shirts with “fifty and fabulous” printed on them or any other look-at-us getups.

Know and Use the Correct Currency

Don’t try paying for meals in Spain with your American dollar bills. Always use the correct currency for your specific location, and familiarize yourself with the exchange rate beforehand. This way, you can count the money on your own and not get ripped off like many tourists.

Eat Like Locals

Whether you’re in New York City or Hong Kong, trying the local food is a major part of traveling. Instead of opting for McDonald’s or another chain restaurant, eat the local cuisine to fit in with the locals and get a true cultural experience.

Learn Some of the Language

Learning some basic words and phrases of the local language will help you blend in better than simply speaking English to every local you meet. Ideally, you’d want to memorize some common words before asking a question or ordering food, but referring to your pocket dictionary is completely acceptable while traveling in a foreign country.

Act the Part

One of the best ways to blend in with the locals is to act like them. If you notice that most locals are reserved or soft spoken, try to tone down your volume and watch your mannerisms. Being mindful of your behavior will help you keep a low profile and blend in with the locals.

This guest post was originally published at Hospitality Management Schools.