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Group Trip Advisor

10 Tips: How to Blend In Abroad

Ah, the delight of traveling abroad. Whether it’s a wedding in Mexico, exploring Europe with friends, or a family gathering in the Caribbean, your coolness factor may be at stake. Being "cool" (elusive and subjective as that may be, even in your home town) can shift dramatically when you’re lugging a backpack, staring at your phone for directions, Googling translations, and in unfamiliar surroundings.

A little advance planning and cultural sensitivity can go a long way. Here are tips for blending in abroad and getting the most out of your next international trip:

1. Step out of your glaring, white shoes and into stylish, yet comfy shoes (unless your podiatrist requires special shoes for your knees or back). For foreign city trips walking around in a nice pair of leather sandals or closed toed shoes makes all the difference. Nothing says "tourist" like bright, white sneakers.

2. Be culturally sensitive. You're on foreign turf. Respecting local customs and culture is a must. For example, find out if wearing shorts is acceptable or forbidden. And, when in doubt, cover your skin. I found this out the hard way in Israel when I was nearly tackled for wearing shorts in a church.

3. Learn 10 basic phrases (hello, goodbye, thank you, passport, please…) in a language before traveling there. What better way to make the trip more exciting than practicing speaking a new language. Consider going beyond the basics and take a class in a foreign language for a few months prior to traveling. I've done this and it makes the trip all the more enjoyable (not to mention my travel pals appreciated my knowing how to quickly and politely ask where to find the nearest restroom).

4. Respect their language.

5. Keep the volume down. Nothing makes me cringe more when I'm traveling abroad than hearing an obnoxious group of foreign travelers. Because I'm American, I'm especially sensitive to other Americans being insensitively loud. I distinguish from Canadian and British English speakers because they don't seem to be as loud, or perceived as crass as Americans. Keep it cool and use your "inside voices." Unless, of course, you're at a sporting event and the local team wins.

6. Absorb the culture using all five senses. Breathe in the air. Taste spices and culinary combinations. Step outside of your safe hotel and eat where the locals do. Don't ask the hotel staff where to go – they likely have a deal with a restaurant. Ask someone in a shop or just stroll the streets until you find an eatery filled with local patrons. Discover a tradition new to you but common to locals. Flamenco in Spain? Wine-tasting in Italy? Siesta in Mexico?

7. Study up on the city/region/country. Read books, look online and talk to anyone who's traveled there – get insights on best and worst experiences so you know what to do and what to avoid before you go. Even a little prep can help you avoid pitfalls, save you money or time, and make the trip more enjoyable.

8. Be sensitive with camera in hand. While the country may look like a fairytale to you, this is other people's home. If you take photos of people not in your group, be as inconspicuous as possible. If you sense someone is uncomfortable with your attention on them, take heed and respect their privacy.

9. Handle money matters smoothly. Don't fumble around with money or forget where you placed it and do the pocket pat. Organize your money and documents in private before you walk out in public. Buy a money pouch that can go around your waist and under clothing for your valuables like your passport and extra cash. Diversify with an debit card, credit card, foreign currency, and even old school travelers' checks. You can keep each of these in different locations (suitcase, socks, money pouch) for security.

10. Group travel abroad has its special consideration. By nature, you are likely a group of like-minded individuals excited for the journey and happy to be traveling together at last. It can be extra easy to be a little careless in group mentality. In addition to all of the above tips, if you're the trip planner, here are basics to prepare and share with the group:

Blending in doesn't mean being unauthentic or unoriginal. It simply means respecting other cultures, religions, beliefs, and living conditions. Through careful observation, you just might find an understanding not only of how people in other countries move, work, eat, talk, but how you cope and operate in unfamiliar territory. That alone is an invaluable life experience. And putting yourself at the mercy of foreign driving rules, customs, food specialties will inevitably also expand your horizons, giving you a greater appreciation for those who travel on your turf.

I also recommend reviewing these 10 tips for a safe trip abroad.