Whether at home or abroad, I prefer to blend in rather than stand out. Perhaps it’s the introvert in me, but there are genuine advantages to trying to be inconspicuous while traveling.
We all know the stereotype of the loud, obnoxious tourist from comedy movies: wearing a bright Hawaiian shirt, with a camera slung around their neck, dining at familiar fast-food chains, equipped with a fanny pack, and loudly lamenting about how everything is better back home. While I doubt that anyone reading this fits that description, there are subtler signs that can reveal you as an outsider while traveling.
During my first international trip, I felt extremely self-aware. I desperately wanted to blend in, but I often found myself confused by local customs. I recall waiting at a tram stop in Prague for what felt like ages, watching as tram after tram would arrive, pick up passengers, and leave without me. I was studying the process to understand how to pay my fare, as everyone simply walked past the driver. Eventually, I figured out there was a ticket machine inside the tram, and by the second day, I confidently navigated the public transit system like a local. At that moment, my need to blend in stemmed from my embarrassment about not knowing the local ways, so I adopted a strategy of silently observing until I grasped the situation.
There are valid reasons for wanting to blend in as a solo traveler. First and foremost, you don’t want to attract the attention of unsavory characters who prey on tourists—whether by overcharging, scamming, or, in dire cases, harming them.
Beyond safety, blending in also offers valuable cultural insights and a deeper understanding of your travel destination. Remaining inconspicuous allows you to be an unobtrusive observer of daily life. As Storm Jameson famously said, “I am never happier than when I am alone in a foreign city; it is as if I had become invisible.”
Here are some strategies you can employ to blend in while traveling solo.
12 Steps to Blend In with Locals When You Travel
Tourists can easily become targets for pickpockets and con artists. Use these tips to increase your safety and experience a more authentic local environment.
Observe Local Behavior
Find a seat in a public space and take some time to watch the locals. Observe how they board public transportation, the volume of their conversations, their eye contact, and personal space. Try to emulate their actions: if they stand in line, do the same; if it’s a free-for-all, follow their lead.
Walk with Confidence
Walk with purpose, as if you’re familiar with your surroundings. Even if you realize you’ve taken a wrong turn, retrace your steps confidently; no one will suspect you’re lost. For more tips, check out “10 Ways to Look Confident.”
Carry a Local Shopping Bag
Instead of using a traditional daypack or tote, use a shopping bag from a local store. This not only aids in blending in but signals that you shop in the area.
Dress According to Local Culture
While it may not be necessary to adopt local fashion, doing so can help immensely. Consider investing in a few local pieces to support the economy, and opt for clothing that can suit different occasions.
Consider Renting an Apartment
Staying in a hotel, especially in a tourist-heavy area, won’t give you the same experience. Opting for an apartment in a residential district allows you to feel more integrated and even gives you the option to prepare some local dishes. This approach will help you grasp the community’s rhythm.
If you’ve had unsatisfactory experiences with vacation rental sites, consider reputable options like the one mentioned above. Their connection to a well-known hotel chain can offer a sense of security, and quality customer service can enhance your experience. Plus, loyalty points are a bonus!
Familiarize Yourself with Local Currency
Nothing disrupts your blending-in attempts like struggling with local currency. Spend some time understanding the denominations and try to calculate costs mentally based on the exchange rate to avoid awkward fumbling when paying.
Become a Regular
Choose a coffee shop, pub, or grocery store and visit it repeatedly. While the staff might recognize you as a newcomer, your demeanor will show others that you belong, and you’ll gain insights into local customs and routines.
Be Discreet with Map Usage
Checking a map at your hotel or leisurely in a café is inconspicuous, but struggling with a map in busy streets or brandishing a selfie stick can immediately brand you as a tourist.
Skip the Big Shows
Instead of defaulting to popular attractions or big productions, explore local events. Grab a copy of “Time Out” or check local newspapers for community happenings—like film festivals celebrating local cinema, community theater productions, or live music at local venues. These experiences not only provide unique insights into the culture but also opportunities to connect with local patrons. Plus, you might save some cash, as discussed in “Your Solo Travel Budget: It’s All About Balance.”
Shop Like a Local
I love exploring local grocery stores when traveling! Not only can you save money on meals, but it’s a fantastic window into the culture. Avoiding tourist areas often leads you to stores frequented by residents, where you’ll find authentic products at better prices.
Take a Tour on Your First Day
Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours are great for getting an overview of a city while providing a relaxing activity after a long flight. Alternatively, arrange a local tour through organizations like the International Greeter Association to gain valuable insights from someone who knows the city well. You’ll blend in with the locals before you know it!
Research Local Customs
To blend in, take time to learn about local customs. Understand how people greet one another, common gestures, and appropriate etiquette. It’s important to avoid using hand signals that may be harmless at home but offensive abroad. Also, learn a few local phrases to help you get by, such as greetings and polite expressions.
Last updated: 23rd September, 2024
