22 Habits To Avoid When You're Traveling Abroad

Large backpacks might be convenient to hold all of your stuff, but they're also a dead giveaway that you're a tourist. On top of that, they aren't even very safe. With the zipper behind you, pretty much anyone can open up your pack, reach in, and grab your personal items without you realizing it, especially in a crowded area. Stick with a smaller bag and leave the non-essentials behind.

Doing tourist activities in a new place can be exhausting, and it's natural to want to wear something comfortable or something you're familiar with. But look into the dress code for where you're going before you leave—dressing inappropriately isn't just a sign you're a tourist, it can also be disrespectful. For example, the Vatican and many churches in Italy ask that shoulders and knees to be covered up, so don't arrive in a short dress, even if it's hot.

Of course you want to snap photos to have something to look at back at home, but be mindful of the way you're taking pictures. Stopping in the middle of a crowded street to get a shot is rude and shows you're a tourist. It can also be dangerous! Stand out of the way of bustling activity to take photos, and remember: You don't need to get carried away.

If you're going to a new country, keep in mind that how they act in public might be different than what you're used to. It's nice to research this type of thing so you can respect the cultural norms. For example, if you go to the United Arab Nations, public displays of affection are illegal and could be punished. If you're in Japan, you shouldn't eat while you're walking around, because it's thought to be rude. Seattle psychologist, Michael Brein, who specializes in travel, told USA Today that doing these culturally insensitive things is a mark of ignorant people. "They neither particularly understand much of the depth of the peoples and cultures of the countries they are visiting. Nor do they have an appreciation of the languages and subtleties of the cultures," he says.

Of course you don't want to get lost in a foreign place. But standing in the middle of the street, staring at a map and getting frustrated is an extremely obvious giveaway that you don't belong—and also that you're vulnerable. This can actually be dangerous for you. Instead, use a smartphone app like Google Maps. You'll be able to play it off like you're just looking at your phone, and it's not nearly as obvious.

Going to a country where they speak another language? Try to learn some basic words and phrases before you go. Even just saying things like "hello" and "thank you" in their language is more polite than just expecting everyone to know English. In some countries, like France, people get really insulted when Americans can't even try to speak their language.

Selfie sticks can be great when you're traveling and want photos, but you know what's not great? Walking around with a giant selfie stick that's getting in everyone's way. It not only shows you're a tourist, but can also be kind of a hazard.

Going out to eat? Do some research on local spots to go to or ask someone at your hotel for their recommendations. Heading to a chain restaurant or one that is obviously made for tourists shows that you're not native. For example, in Italy, the restaurants that aren't quite as authentic are often the ones with lots of pictures of the food on the menus that are sitting on the sidewalks. Avoid them so you don't get called out. On top of that, the food won't be nearly as good as something local!

When you do go out to eat, be mindful of the culture around you. In most other countries, placing your phone on the table to use it during dinner just isn't done, and is considered rude. One American writer, Eliza Dumais, who lived in Paris for a while wrote for Thrillist, "Once, while eating with three friends at a small bistro in the Montmartre neighborhood, my phone rang. It was lying faceup on the tabletop beside my silverware. I shut it off quickly, before noting that … the rest of the tiny restaurant's patrons were all looking at us disapprovingly. 'Don't worry,' the waiter said when I apologized. 'At least you haven't asked for the Wi-Fi password.'"

Yes, sneakers are super comfortable and great for walking around all day. And yes, the athleisure trend is big right now, which means you're probably more likely to get away with a stylish pair of sneakers. Still, those chunky white running shoes you were going to wear? They'll give you away immediately. Traveler Karen Kemp told USA Today, "Nothing identifies you more like a tourist and an American as white Nike sneakers."

Even if you're completely lost and have no idea where you are, try not to show it. This makes you really vulnerable to thieves and other criminals. If you're standing there staring like you have no idea where you are, you're a target. Try to play it cool as you gather your bearings. And if you're in a bustling city, don't walk too slowly—it will give you away (and probably cause others to bump into you a few times).

In a thread on how Europeans recognize American tourists, one person wrote, "You hear them before you see them." American tourists have a reputation for being very loud wherever they are. Try to be respectful of the place you're visiting, and keep your volume a bit lower.

In the same thread, one person said that they can always tell someone is an American if they're wearing North Face jackets. If you don't want to stand out, try to step up your typical style choices. And don't get too comfortable: Wearing sweatpants in public is another dead giveaway.

In her essay for Thrillist, Dumais wrote, "Parisians indulge in moderation. They consume (with frequency) extraordinarily rich desserts, gluten-heavy pastries, and best of all, midday alcohol. It is standard for Parisians to lunch over beers or pop out of the office for an afternoon pick-me-up (wine) without disrupting their routines. Americans, on the other hand, are known for starving themselves till they binge -- 'Just one drink' is not a popular mantra in the States." Don't want to stand out? Don't chug.

Yes, you have a lot to see and do. But try not to rush through tours or museums just to stay on schedule. Not only does this make it obvious that you're a tourist (especially in Europe, where people like to take their time to enjoy things), but it also ruins your trip. Schedule your day so that you have plenty of time to spend in one spot, and you'll enjoy it much more.

Bringing a big camera with you? Don't wear it on a strap hanging around your neck. Sure, it's convenient, but it's also basically wearing a sign that says, "I'm not from around here!" Wayne Goodwin, a world traveler who founded Evolve Travel Goods, a travel gear company, told USA Today, "If you enjoy photography, I would suggest using a bag for your camera that doesn't immediately look like a camera bag." This can also help ensure you're not a target for theft.

A baseball hat might be convenient, but it's a pretty big sign that you're an American tourist. Hats in other countries can be considered rude, so look that up depending on where you're going, and consider avoiding this casual style.

If you're going to Europe, be mindful of the fact that they drink their coffee differently. Europeans don't usually take coffee to go and they don't drink it in Venti-sized cups either. One European told Thrillist, "Americans are used to big portions in restaurants and cafés. So when I see someone walking around Europe with more than a half-liter of coffee, that person is likely American."

Yes, you want to keep your money close. But maybe not in a fanny pack. One European told Thrillist, "Americans are the ones wearing fanny packs—though I think it's because they want to keep an eye on their wallets." Get a crossbody bag instead.

Another sign you don't belong? If you tip in a restaurant. While tipping is actually becoming more common in Europe (mainly because of American tourists who don't know they aren't supposed to tip), it's still not always expected. Leaving behind a large tip shows anyone around you that you're a tourist.