What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you picture a tourist? Is it a bright Hawaiian shirt and a bulky camera around the neck? Funny as this image may be, you don’t want people to look at you and think: tourist…even if you are one. Thankfully, there are ways to blend in, even when you’re travelling. Here is how to do it:

Dress the Part

People dress differently in certain parts of the world. If you really want to avoid being labelled as a tourist, you’ll need to be observant. In London and Paris, for example, men and women tend to wear darker colours, like black and brown. In the Caribbean on the other hand, people wear brighter, more vibrant shades.  Look around you and take note of what other people are wearing. You can adjust your wardrobe accordingly.

Avoid Tourist Trademarks

Know that adorable sweatshirt you bought…the one with the British flag on it? Don’t wear it on your vacation. It’s better to wear that after you’ve returned home. Why? Nothing says tourist more than wearing souvenir merchandise! While you’re at it, you should also avoid wearing a backpack or fanny pack. Those are some other obvious tourist trademarks.

Be Aware of Weather Conditions

To look like a local, you’ll need to be properly dressed for the weather. If you’re headed somewhere with a lot of sunshine, wear sandals and shorts. If there is a lot of rain in the area, bring along an umbrella or rain jacket. It’s all about being aware of your location – and dressing appropriately for it. This will keep you comfortable and help you avoid looking like a tourist.

Learn the Currency

Want to let people know you’re a tourist? Just spend five minutes counting out change when you’re paying for food. To avoid these awkward moments, take a little time before your trip to learn the currency. A quick search online will help you understand the basics – which will speed things up when you’re buying something.

Know the Language and Customs

Before you travel, it’s also a good idea to understand the language and customs. You don’t need to be able to speak the language fluently, but a basic understanding will make things much easier. Plus, by understanding the basic expected behaviours for that culture, you’ll be less likely to stick out as a tourist.

Eat Local Food

We all have foods that we prefer to eat. If you’re in a different country, though, don’t just stick to what you know! Not only will this let others know that you are a tourist, but it will really limit your overall experience. The solution? Try eating local foods instead. You never know – you may end up loving the local cuisine.

Always Keep Maps Out Of Sight

Pulling out a city map is the biggest rookie mistake you can make. That’s right – if you want to avoid looking like a tourist, don’t openly look at your map. You’ll set yourself up to be seen as a tourist and you may even make yourself a target for criminals. Be careful and always keep your map out of sight. Have it on your phone or look at your map in a quiet place, instead.

If you’re tired of being labelled as a tourist, think ahead. Always be careful, observant, and aware of your actions. You’ll be acting like a local in no time!

Packing can be a little, well, stressful. You don’t want to forget anything or leave any of those trip necessities behind, regardless of if you’re hiking a mountain or just laying on a beach for a few weeks. It’s not just your checked luggage that needs to be packed correctly, though. Your carry on luggage is just as important. So, how can you pack smart? If you’re not sure, here are some of the things you should put in your carry on.

Important Documents

Let’s start with the basics. Your carry on luggage needs to have all of the absolute essentials. It should be filled with all of the things that you need in order to get through your flight in ease. That includes important documents, like your passport, driver’s licence, important phone numbers, hotel reservations, taxi numbers, and so on. That way, whatever happens, you’ll have all the information you need on hand. To keep it all organized, put everything into a passport wallet or a folder. You can simply slip it into your carry on luggage!

The Must-Haves

There are other essentials that you’ll need to keep with you. For instance, if you wear contacts, you may want to take a small amount of solution or comfort drops with you. You may also want to bring along things that you may need to use during the flight. Think about things like a hairbrush, hand lotion, chapstick, deodorant, baby wipes, and so on. These will help you feel fresh – even during a long flight.

Valuable Items

In order to travel successfully, you’ll need to think ahead. What would you be devastated if you lost? Don’t check those items! While airlines losing luggage is rare, it can happen. It is best not to risk losing something you can never get back. Any sentimental items or valuables like jewellery should be kept with you. In addition, your wallet and all of your money should also be on your person. So, instead of spending the flight worrying, pack them in your carry on. It will make your trip much less stressful.

Electronics

Just like valuable items, you should probably pack electronic devices in your carry on. You don’t want to risk them getting lost or damaged during transport. Things like tablets, laptops, smart phones, and iPods can be taken on the flight with you. However, extra laptop batteries may not be able to travel on the flight with you. If you’re not sure, check the airlines policies before you pack. This will ensure that your items are exactly where they need to be.

In Flight Entertainment

The only other things that should be in your carry on luggage are things that you will actually need for the flight. Items like portable DVD players, music devices, books, magazines, and so on should be kept with you. That way, if you’re bored on the airplane you have something that can keep you occupied. Really put some thought into what you’ll want to do while on the flight. That way, you can determine how much to take with you.

Packing your carry on luggage doesn’t have to be complicated. The most important thing is to focus on the essentials. Ask yourself: What do I need to travel comfortably? Once you figure that out, packing will be a cinch!

We all dream of taking that perfect trip. You know, the one that makes you smile long after it’s over. For some of us, that may mean a trip to see the lights in Times Square. For others, that could be a week lounging around by the pool. Whatever you dream of, the good news is that you can make it a reality. Ready to find out how? Here are some tips to plan the perfect trip itinerary.

Start With The Destination

The first thing you’ll need to do is choose your ultimate vacation destination. This is easier said than done. Why? There are so many incredible places to visit. To start narrowing down your list, take out a blank sheet of paper and a map. Now, get brainstorming! What locations intrigue you? Where have you always wanted to go but haven’t quite made it to yet? Are there any spots that immediately jump out at you? Write them all down. Once you have done that, you can start to narrow down the list.

Think About What You Want to Do

Have you chosen the perfect place to visit? Great! Now it’s time to continue on with the planning process. That’s right – choosing your destination is only the first step. There is still more planning to do if you want your vacation to be memorable. For instance, are there certain things you want to do? If an afternoon at the spa sounds like your nightmare, you’ll need to start looking into local attractions. You can either do a web search or speak to a travel agent about your options. Look into historical monuments, museums, shopping areas, and of course, local hot spots. This will give you a better idea of how you want to fill your days.

Decide What You Can Afford

Budget is always important. While it may be tempting to splash out on the best of everything, chances are you will regret that decision once you return home! Don’t worry though – you can still make sure your trip is perfect…. even without going broke. The key is to focus on quality rather than quantity. Take some time to consider the things that you think will be the most memorable. You can go to a Gap store anywhere, but swimming with the dolphins is a unique experience that will last for longer than any sweater could! You can also start to narrow down the list you made of all those attractions. Decide on the things that are most important and go from there.

Get Organized

You’ve got your destination picked out and a list of things you really want to do. Now what? It is time to get organized. You will need to start booking the trip – and all of those unforgettable attractions. It is time to map out a rough trip itinerary. Are certain things only open on certain days? Then you’ll need to plan your itinerary accordingly. Create a rough plan for your vacation. A little organization can maximize your overall experience!

Are you ready to take the trip of your dreams? Then start making plans! Instead of putting it off indefinitely, look into your options. Before long, you’ll be enjoying some time away…. courtesy of your perfect trip itinerary.