Travel Tips by Sharon Wingler

Dress for Success

February 25 2008

Picture for a moment the classic "tourist" clad in plaid shorts, Hawaiian shirt, straw hat, brown shoes, white socks, with camera and map in hand. None of us aspires to look like that, yet many North Americans are still easily spotted as tourists. What gives us away? The modern tourist uniform consists of tee-shirt, jeans or shorts, white athletic shoes, baseball cap, windbreaker jacket, fanny-pack, with camera and map in hand. Guilty? We all like to dress for comfort and convenience, yet its not a good idea to wear either tourist uniform. Tourists stand out as targets for pickpockets, swindlers and thieves, and are regarded by locals as clueless bumpkins. We must realize that ours is one of the most casually-dressed cultures on earth.

When we travel abroad, we need to dress more formally and conservatively, not only for safety, but out of respect for the culture were visiting. Consider dressing in "business casual" attire. You will command more respect, plus youll be able to duck into the nicest hotels for a drink or to use the restroom. Pack shorts and tee-shirts only for beach resorts and, even then, take dressier clothes for jaunts into town. People practically weep when I suggest they give up their gym shoes and fanny packs, yet these are dead giveaways.

There are plenty of comfortable walking shoes that look more dignified. Women can carry their belongings in a shoulder strap purse the strap should be thick, not easily cut, and short enough to keep the bag under a protective arm. A man can wear a blazer and use the inside pockets for belongings. To foil pickpockets, wallets should be carried in a mans front pant-pocket. Clothes and accessories designed specifically for travelers can be found in catalogs such as Magellans (phone: 800-962-4943) and TravelSmith (phone: 800-950-1600). When in doubt, take a look at the locals and modify your attire to theirs. Travel is more rewarding when we are culturally aware and respectful.