How can I avoid looking like an obvious tourist in Italy?
About 11 people from my Italian club (at school) are going to Italy with a tour group called CHA. My Italian teacher, who has organized two trips prior to this one, wants us to wear CHA's backpack when we're over there, in order for her to see us easily. I personally think that it's just going to be an even more obvious indicator that we're tourists, aside from the fact that we'll be traveling in a group... As far as I know, no one else has had to label themselves a tourist in such a way on her two previous trips. Any suggestions on how I can *try* to convince her to drop the whole "wear the backpack with the obvious CHA label" idea? Also, for those of you who live, have lived, or have been to Italy in the past, what do they usually wear? I was considering bringing several of my Hollister shirts, plus a few plain (non-labeled) shirts, and jeans. Will this just scream "TOURIST!," or do they have/wear Hollister over there? Thank you!
Italy - 15 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Smear your face and hair with bacon grease, and make sure you leer at everyone. Also, shout obscenities and make plenty of rude hand gestures. You'll fit right in with the locals. Okay, seriously though: Keeping track of 11 kids in the crowded streets of a foreign city is a daunting task. Yes, the backpacks sound lame, but there are way worse things. Sometimes school groups will have to wear matching neon orange caps, or something totally atrocious. I would suggest to her that you guys are responsible enough to be aware of HER so that SHE doesn't have to babysit YOU. Try this for the first day without the packs. If all goes well, you will have proved yourselves. If anyone wanders off, agree to all wear the packs the rest of the trip. That being said, it really is a moot point. Even if you're not broadcasting the fact that you're a tourist, don't expect to fool the locals. 90% of people will peg you as Americans at a glance. If they don't, as soon as you open your mouth they will know. The best you can do is to be seen as a "traveller" and not a "tourist." Just because you're not Italian doesn't mean you have to behave like a typical obnoxious American. Be polite, make an effort to converse in Itallian whenever possible, and just basically act like you have some sense. No one cares what brand of shirt you wear, people care about whether you are conduct yourself appropriately or not. If you can convey the image of a well behaved visitor, people will actually respect you MORE than if they thought you were a local. One more suggestion. If you're still concerned about looking the part, then only pack a few outfits. Once you get there, see what is in style for the locals, then go shopping! Italian clothing is the height of fashion. Some trendy european dresses will help you blend in better, plus when you get home, they will be great souveniers that will make all your friends jealous!
2 :
well after reading your essay ill answer. dont worry who cares you pay all the money go and have fun !!!!!!!!! as if there will not be a million other tourists there .
3 :
Italians typically dress more formally than Americans do. Jeans tend to mark you as an American. A blouse/skirt combination would be better, or if you prefer slacks, something in navy blue or black would look good.
4 :
Depends on where ur going. In Milano, u'll be called (cough*tourist!) if u dont wear sheer elegance. Italy's about fashion. Dress what looks cool for ur age. ur gonna love this btw... Just to let u know.. White is THE colour in Italy this year. Its hot over here, so keep it in mind. A long white skirt with black top and simple jewellery is fine. Make up is used to minimal. The more natural u look the better.
5 :
Hello. Honestly, it doesn't matter what you wear there, you will still stick out as a tourist. The styles and trends overseas are much different from here in the states. No matter how hard you try, it will be really tough to blend in. Really, I wouldn't worry about it. The vast majority of places I have been in Italy, the people were really great. Only place I had some problems was in Rome. It was like being in Queens or Brooklyn. But every place else was fantastic and the sights in Rome made it worth the minor aggravation. Relax, soak in the sights and enjoy.
6 :
I am sorry, but Americans look so very much like Americans that I doubt you will be able to "blend in". This will be because you have non-ethnic Italians in your group, because your hair styles will be different, your shoes different, your brands different. Backpacks are also a give-away, whether or not you have logos on them. If you want clothing to fit in, wear Benetton and Diesel.
7 :
I am an American who used to live in Italy. Yes, matching backpacks will bring attention to the fact that you are all in a tour group, so if you do end up having to use them, just be careful and pay attention to who is around you. If you are going to be carrying anything valuable in it, you might want to consider buying and using one of those tiny padlocks for travel - that way if someone does have the intention of trying to get into it when you're not watching, they won't be able to. As for clothing - one thing that usually indicates a tourist is light clothing. Italians tend to wear darker colors. Many American tourists wear pastels and white tennis shoes - easy to pick out in a crowd. Many Italians don't even wear shorts in the summer when out in the towns. Italy does have many trendy shops, but the styles there are somewhat different than what we wear in America. A suggestion is that you take some extra money and purchase a few items of clothing there - you can wear it while there and not look like a tourist, but you can also bring it back here and have something none of your friends will have! Italians also tend to wear clothing tighter than Americans, so just watch the sizing. With regard to jeans, most American tourists wear jeans - they are not the easiest to find in Italy, but most Italians that I knew there wished they had some! My overall suggestion: Just wear what you're comfortable in - try to take darker clothing if you don't want to stand out - but remember, this is your vacation and whatever you do, just ENJOY and not worry about what others are thinking.
8 :
just to respond to crackeryan. Apart from the rude comment, dont do dumb american things thinking the world revolves around u, or saying ooh. look at that, how weak. we americans do it better! The world knows americans arrived by their attitude. Like crackeryan (A$$hole)
9 :
Yes I can understand you not wanting to wear a CHA backpack like your fellows. I have just returned from Italy...in the major cities (Rome, Milan etc) it almost seems as if there are more tourists than locals. Italians are traditionally very well dressed, so I would say take a "going out" outfit. But then durring the day, hopefully you will be more amazed and interested in your surroundings than having attention on what you look like, so I say just dress comfortably. You are a tourist, and as soon as you open your mouth it is obvious, so why try and hide it. It wil be to no determint of yourself.
10 :
You can not hide wherever you go, don`t waste your time on that
11 :
I wouldn't worry about the backpack - in fact, I think your teacher has a good point. Here's what you SHOULD concentrate on: 1) Don't wear white sneakers. Europeans wear colored sneakers or regular shoes. White sneakers (and shorts) will give you away from 100 yards in every direction. Jeans and t-shirts (with or without prints) are fine. 2) Don't talk loudly. Americans OFTEN TALK AS THOUGH THEY WANT EVERYONE IN A 20 YARD RADIUS TO FOLLOW THE CONVERSATION. Sheesh. 3) Don't worry about people spotting you as a tourist. It's going to happen any way and it's no big deal. I've been to Italy six times now. I look Italian, I dress like they do, and they can still pick me out of a crowd. Just concentrate on all the great stuff you're going to see and have a wonderful time!
12 :
Similar to a previous point, HAVE FUN...don't worry about looking like a tourist. There are millions of tourists in Italy. That's how the country makes money. I've been to Italy several times and I think the people like tourists more than their families (it depends though). There's this place called Miscellenea near the Pantheon in Rome. The owner there is named similarily to my girlfriend. Even though during our trip we were tourists, it was more fun being a tourist and sharing a limincello with the owner than trying to be someone we weren't. I say be a traveler not a tourist. Don't scream in the churches, wear decent cloths, don't ask stupid (out-there) or say stuopid comments, and you'll be fine. You can get lost very easily in Italy, so your teacher is looking out for you. So with that, enjoy Italy. Regardless if you look like a "tourist", because no one there cares. In fact, since you're a guy the guys there will actually hit on you more...good or bad...
13 :
I hate it say it but that is impossible. It is always hard to blend when you are a first time tourist.
14 :
why dont u want 2 look like a tourist when u really would be one in italy And who cares if ur a tourist or a local? And its a myth that italians are well dressed gawd alone knows where these concepts come from
15 :
I guess I'm getting too old being I don't know what Hollister shirts are, but what I do know from being in Italy is that being a tourist is the norm and is not so looked badly on. Most people you will see there will be tourist probably! Being in the large group evan without the backpacks you will be seen as that tourist, so as long as the rule is to have them for the ease of the teacher to find you, go with it. It's nice she wants to take the class in the first place! As for the clothes you can just go with what you feel comfortable in (this being you won't be able to hide in the crowd with the rest of the students). I myself being married to an Italian blend in very well. It's just something that happens in time when you are there. Good Luck!
