Our guide on the Mistakes To Avoid Being A Tourist for your next trips.
Traveling is about immersing yourself in a new culture and experiencing life as locals do. Avoiding the stereotypical “tourist” label can help you blend in, gain deeper cultural insights, and have a more authentic experience.
To avoid being a tourist and truly experience a destination, it’s important to be adaptable, respectful, and mindful of local customs. By blending into the local rhythm, using public transportation, eating at local spots, and learning a bit of the language, you’ll experience a deeper, more authentic side of the places you visit. Traveling like a local opens the door to unique experiences and meaningful connections, making your journey all the more memorable.
Here’s a guide on how to travel in a way that feels less like a tourist and more like a local.
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Mistakes To Avoid Being A Tourist
1. Research and Learn Local Customs
Why It’s Important: Understanding the local customs, traditions, and etiquette will help you fit in and avoid unintentionally offending anyone. Learning simple greetings, table manners, and social norms shows respect for the culture.
How to Do It:
Learn a few key phrases in the local language like “hello,” “thank you,” and “please.”
Research cultural norms such as how to greet people (e.g., handshakes, kisses on the cheek) and tipping practices (e.g., in Spain, tipping is not mandatory like it is in the U.S.).
Read about the country’s dos and don’ts, such as dress codes for religious sites or how to behave in public spaces.
Tip: Download a language app (like Duolingo or Google Translate) to help you with basic communication.
2. Dress Like a Local
Why It’s Important: One of the most obvious signs of a tourist is dressing in a way that stands out, like wearing overly casual clothing, branded tourist gear, or carrying large backpacks.
How to Do It:
Observe how locals dress and aim to blend in with similar styles. In many European cities, for example, casual chic is common, while bright colors and activewear may stand out.
Avoid wearing overly casual tourist gear like fanny packs, large backpacks, or cameras slung around your neck.
Dress appropriately for the region and the activity. In more conservative countries, modest clothing is key, while in beach destinations, you can be more relaxed.
Tip: Check out local fashion influencers or use Instagram to see how people dress in your destination before you go.
3. Avoid Crowded Tourist Areas
Why It’s Important: Tourist-heavy areas often have inflated prices and lack the authenticity of less-visited neighborhoods. Locals usually avoid these spots, and by doing the same, you’ll experience the real essence of the place.
How to Do It:
Wander off the beaten path by visiting local neighborhoods, parks, and cafes away from main attractions.
Skip big, crowded chains and instead opt for family-owned restaurants, independent shops, and local markets.
Walk, bike, or use public transportation instead of taking tourist buses or taxis aimed at tourists.
Tip: Use apps like Spotted by Locals or Like a Local to discover spots recommended by residents rather than tourists.
4. Speak the Local Language (Even Just a Little)
Why It’s Important: Making an effort to speak the local language, even if you only know a few words, shows respect and opens up opportunities to connect with locals. Most people appreciate the effort, even if you’re not fluent.
How to Do It:
Learn basic phrases such as hello, please, thank you, goodbye, and excuse me. Locals often warm up to travelers who try to communicate in their language.
Use translation apps like Google Translate to help you with unfamiliar words or phrases.
Don’t assume everyone speaks English. Politely ask first, and switch to English only if necessary.
Tip: If you’re staying for a longer time, consider taking a short language class or practicing with locals through platforms like Tandem or HelloTalk.
5. Eat Like a Local
Why It’s Important: Eating at tourist traps near major attractions will likely result in overpriced, less authentic meals. Instead, enjoy meals at local spots where residents dine.
How to Do It:
Ask locals for recommendations, especially for places outside tourist zones. Visit food markets and street vendors that are popular with residents.
Try regional specialties and traditional dishes rather than sticking to familiar foods.
Avoid international fast-food chains and seek out local hole-in-the-wall restaurants or mom-and-pop eateries.
Tip: Look for places with a menu del día (in Spain) or similar local meal deals that are popular among workers for lunch.
6. Adapt to Local Time and Pace
Why It’s Important: Different countries have different rhythms, and adapting to the local pace can help you blend in. For example, eating late dinners in Spain or taking part in the afternoon siesta helps you experience the daily routine as locals do.
How to Do It:
Eat meals at local times. In some cultures, people eat dinner much later (around 9-10 PM), while in others, lunch is the largest meal of the day.
Adjust your schedule to include local customs, such as taking time to enjoy sobremesa (leisurely post-meal conversation) in Spain or Italy.
Avoid rushing through activities or meals. Locals tend to take their time and savor moments, especially in southern Europe.
Tip: Start your day a bit later in countries where mornings are quiet, and explore in the evening when the streets come alive.
7. Use Public Transportation Like a Local
Why It’s Important: Public transportation is often cheaper, more efficient, and a more authentic way to experience a city. Locals rarely take tourist buses or taxis unless necessary.
How to Do It:
Familiarize yourself with the local transportation system (buses, subways, trams) and use it to get around.
Buy a multi-day public transportation pass if you’re staying in a city for a while; it’s cheaper and more convenient than constantly buying single tickets.
Walk or bike when possible, which is how many locals navigate their cities.
Tip: Download city transport apps like Citymapper or Moovit to help you navigate unfamiliar public transportation systems easily.
8. Keep Your Phone Usage to a Minimum
Why It’s Important: Constantly checking your phone or taking photos of every sight makes you stand out as a tourist. Locals rarely document their daily routines so extensively.
How to Do It:
Take a few photos, but avoid taking out your phone at every opportunity. Instead, focus on experiencing your surroundings.
Use your phone for navigation, but try to familiarize yourself with your route beforehand so you don’t constantly rely on maps.
Consider carrying a small paper map for backup and make notes in advance.
Tip: Invest in a pocket Wi-Fi device or use offline maps to avoid looking like a lost tourist while trying to find free Wi-Fi.
9. Practice Local Etiquette
Why It’s Important: Social customs and norms vary by country, and adhering to them will help you fit in. Things like how loudly you speak, how you greet people, or tipping practices can differ.
How to Do It:
Speak quietly in public spaces, especially in countries like Japan or Germany, where loud voices are seen as disruptive.
Learn about tipping customs. In many countries, tipping is not expected, while in others, it’s a standard part of dining out.
Be aware of personal space. In some cultures, people stand closer when talking, while in others, more distance is preferred.
Tip: Research local customs before your trip, especially regarding dress codes, behavior in religious sites, and appropriate gestures.
10. Be Respectful and Open-Minded
Why It’s Important: Cultural sensitivity is key to blending in. Approaching new experiences with respect and an open mind allows you to enjoy a more immersive travel experience.
How to Do It:
Avoid making comparisons with your home country in a negative way. Instead, appreciate cultural differences and adapt to the local lifestyle.
Be open to trying new things—whether it’s food, local festivals, or traditional music. Locals appreciate when visitors embrace their culture.
Keep a low profile. Avoid loud or disruptive behavior, and be mindful of your surroundings.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.