No independent, adventurous, outgoing Scriptoeris reader wants to stand out as a tourist when abroad. We don’t want to be the ones with the over sized map, stood on the pavement trying to work out where we are and where we want to be. And maps aren’t the only giveaway that you’re a tourist.
I seem to have a knack of looking as though I am a resident from whichever city I’m in. It’s not unusual for me to be asked for directions when I’m on holiday, it might be because I walk fast, giving the impression or maybe somehow I just look like I know where I’m going. However there are other (and less tiring) ways for us Scriptoeris women to disguise our tourist-like ways.
1) Try the local delicacies.
Whilst exploring the city you’ll probably notice certain drinks or dishes that you’ve never seen before but that everyone seems to be having. Find out what this is by asking your waiter at your next meal and order it. Some examples to give you a head start are poutine from Canada: a mix of chips, gravy and cheese, not the healthiest, but it is pretty tasty! Aperol spritz from Italy: a drink made of Proseco and Aperol. It’s quite a bright orange colour and whilst in Venice I saw everyone drinking it! There’s also Monaco, a pinkish coloured drink that I relished during my year abroad in Grenoble. It’s made from grenadine syrup, lemonade and beer and I loved them! If you follow this simple tip the next time you’re sat outside tucking into your dinner, you’ll feel you fit right in and those ‘tourists’ walking by will probably think you’re locals!
2) Don’t be afraid of getting lost.
Perhaps the biggest giveaway that you’re a tourist is by walking around with a huge map. My advice here would be not to worry about walking down the wrong road. You’ll find new sights and see parts of the city that tourists usually miss. These are more often than not the best parts; and they’re the parts the locals populate. The roads off the tourist trail are the ones with the boutique type shops, the cheaper restaurants and the ones without the hoards of people. They’re by far the best. Just make sure you don’t get lost in the dark – stay safe!
3) Learn some phrases of the language!
In my eyes the most important part of looking less like a tourist is to learn some phrases of the local language. Being a language graduate, knowing foreign words is important to me. I hate not being able to ask for the bill, or being able to thank people in their own language. More than anything else it’s polite to speak some words of the country you’re visiting and shows an appreciation for their culture. By learning some key words you’ll be setting yourselves apart from the average tourist and look more like the knowledgeable, independent Scriptoeris women we all are! Â If you’re struggling to get by without knowing the language check out my previous article exclusively for Scriptoeris (This language is foreign)
What are your top tips?