Tourists are often seen as an irritating thing despite the indirect economic benefits they bring. When I am on vacation, I find it terrible to be seen as another annoying tourist who walks with her suitcase from the bus to the Airbnb. Because you know, that's just not cool. We want to blend ourselves nicely between the locals and not be extra charged for every cup of coffee or taxi ride. How do you prevent that? Follow these six tips during your next trip.

Because you need to admit, I am also super irritated by the people walking on the cycle paths, to the loud tourists in the metro or even the crowded around the city center when I go around with errands. In one way or another, you immediately see that they are tourists. And yes. We find them irritating. And no. We do not want to be that way when we visit another beautiful country.

Tip 1: Do Your Research

Take a look at the main streets of the city at home before your trip. Going on a voyage of discovery is fun, but it is nice to have the basics in your head a bit. This way you prevent that you come across as a total dodo and you run into 76 people while you are always on the Google Map app. Besides, a little background knowledge about, for example, food and coffee habits is also a plus. Fortunately, I have already done that research for you! Check out the Travel Guide section. Take a moment and do some pre-trip research, and you will remain unremarkable as a tourist. You & your cappuccino at 3:30 pm on an Italian terrace is 100% tourist. 

Tip 2: Walk like a local

Firstly, do not buy a map of the city, and even if this sounds like the worse advice I will give you, believe me, it's not! IF you walk through the town with your gigantic map or your book, Travel Guide in… you might as well write TOURIST on your forehead. For this, the Google Maps route on your phone is a better alternative, free, and more environmentally friendly. Also, instead of checking the phone while walking, you better look ahead for 5 minutes - or 300 meters - and enjoy the views and the landscape of the city.

 Tip 3: Dress differently than normal

Yes, we can be honest about it. When everyone walks in a warm sweater and long trousers, we walk in a fluttering dress. Oh, and those walking shoes for 2 kilometers on the Rambla you can really leave at home. And that gigantic bag. And also get it out of your head to purchase an 'I Love Rome' t-shirt. Unless of course, you want to fall straight through the stereotype. Oh yeah, those fake Chanel sunglasses from the market: do not even think about it! Just dress as you would be running errands in your city, in a very comfortable outfit.  

Tip 4: Know the essential terms

Some terms are really nice to know in advance to be on holiday as a discreet tourist. Coffee on a Spanish terrace? Then order a 'Cortado' at your best Spanish. Your combative struggle with Spanish or Italian words soon wins a lot of respect from the waiters. Learn a few simple things like 'hello', 'thank you', 'may we take the bill' or good day ', and you might as well be an expat. That is different from a tourist. And do not go ABSOLUTELY (as the French do) in your language to talk to the waiters. You are sitting on an Italian terrace. Order in English or Italian, not in French!! Anger, breath. Quiet. 

 Tip 5: Avoid the touristy barns

Because duh, there are the tourists for that. Are you dragged in by the sales director at the entrance? Avoid. Is the food, already destroyed, as an example next to the door? Avoid. Pictures on the map? Handy - but avoid. No prices on the menu? Avoid. Instead, you can better be advised by a reliable local. In this way, the brighter the light and the messier the floor, the more attractive the store. 

Tip 6: Know the currency & exchange rate

There are several options now for this problem. I got myself an international card, which I top up with as much EUR as I want and pay in the local currency all the time. I always check at home how much 1 EUR represents in the local currency, to be sure I understand the value of the coffee or whatever I am going to buy in the stores. This way, you are never going to get cheated by "untrust-worthy street vendors" or get extra fee exchange rates from my bank. Oh, and whatever you want to avoid is constantly asking the question, 'How much is this in EUR?'. Unprofessional, really. Be aware of the exchange rate and stay inconspicuous as a tourist!

Well, world travelers, with the six tips you are guaranteed a little undercover. Even with tourist blood in your veins, you will not look like a tourist if you follow my tips. Enjoy your holiday as a (semi) local!

I am also very curious about your biggest holiday blunder as a tourist. Let me know via iamfoodietraveler@gmail.com  or on Instagram!