Cultural differences create communication barriers. When you blend in it’s easier to communicate with locals — maybe you’ll even make some friends abroad!
No one likes standing out, especially when traveling. But taking a few small steps can help you blend in and have a better vacation.
Travel and tourism are a lot easier when you look like a local. Continue reading for 5 tricks to help you blend in abroad.
5 Travel and Tourism Tricks to Blend In With The Locals
You spent countless hours planning your trip, looking for vuelos baratos (cheap flights), and packing.
Ensure your vacation meets your expectations by preparing to blend in with the locals!
Here are 5 tips to help you blend in while you travel.
1. Ditch the Travel Clothes
Nothing screams tourist louder than your cargo-shorts and fanny pack. If you want to blend in, you’ll need to ditch the travel clothes.
In recent years, travel and tourism gear have become more discreet. If you opt for some travel gear, choose carefully and only take the items you absolutely need.
2. Dress the Part
Sometimes fitting in can be as simple as dressing the part. You can learn about local attire by doing a simple Google search of your destination.
If you’re unable to find similar clothes in your home country, just buy them when you arrive!
3. Extend Your Trip
Always choose a longer trip in one place, rather than shorter trips to multiple places.
Slow travel allows more time with your new surroundings. And knowing where you always help you look like a local.
Traveling slowly gives you more time to relax and take up the local pace of life.
4. Pay Attention to Your Non-Verbals
Different cultures have different non-verbal communication norms — understanding local norms will help you blend in.
How loudly and how closely do people speak? Do people tend to be expressive or reserved?
Pay attention to how locals communicate and try to emulate them.
5. Avoid the Beaten Path
Standing in line with hundreds of other gawking tourists doesn’t exactly help you blend in.
Seek out places that locals frequent, and avoid the tourist traps.
If you really want an immersive experience try to stay with a local family. They can help you find local hot spots.
BONUS TIP: Put Down Your Camera
This special bonus trip will change the way you travel!
You miss a lot when you spend your vacation staring at your camera — and you’ll definitely stand out as a tourist!
Unless you are taking photos of your family, put the camera away. You’ll be shocked at how much more you notice when you choose to be present.
Blend-in and Your Vacation Will Stand-Out
Blending in with locals can help you have a more meaningful vacation abroad and stay safe.
You can be ready to travel like a local with a little preparation and research.
Pay attention to local customs for speech and dress. And avoid any obvious tourist gear, like big cameras and fanny-packs.
What are you waiting for?
