We’ve all heard the phrase “ugly American” and shudder to think that we might represent our fair nation negatively when we’re traveling overseas. The phrase is pinned on travelers with an obnoxious attitude, but there are additional ways we label ourselves as an obvious American tourist. These actions can make you a prime target for scams, theft or worse. Blending into a foreign destination not only helps you stay safer but allows you to get a better feel for the local culture and lifestyle. To really immerse yourself in a destination when traveling abroad, avoid these nine things that make Americans stick out.

The Fashion-Challenged American Tourist

Clothing is probably the most obvious way Americans stand out when in other countries. We tend to dress very casually when traveling, wearing shorts and logoed T-shirts. Bright colors and American-centric brands are a dead giveaway, too, while fanny packs and stereotypical nylon zip-off cargo pants just scream “I’m protecting my passport!” Travel Maestro tip: Err on the side of formality, wear light-weight slacks or skirts in warm weather, coordinate outfits in neutral colors, and use a money belt or carry a cross-shoulder bag.

Americans are notorious for their footwear. While sneakers and white socks are ubiquitous in the U.S., most other countries keep athletic shoes in the gym and wear dark socks everywhere else. Flip-flop type sandals, particularly for men, are not common and crocs are just laughed at. Travel Maestro tip: Choose a good leather closed-toe walking shoe and a dressier, yet walkable shoe for evenings on the town. Keep in mind, you may often be walking on cobblestones or uneven surfaces.

Headwear – and lack thereof – can also identify a tourist as American. Baseball caps, especially when worn backward, are a sure-fire sign. Women without head coverings may not be allowed in religious sites. Travel Maestro tip: If you need a hat to protect your head from sun or cold, buy one locally and it will be a nice memento. Women should always carry a scarf to cover head and shoulders if culturally warranted.

Identifiable American Tourist Behaviors

Talking loudly in public is a trait that Americans tend to exhibit that many other cultures don’t particularly appreciate. Americans laughing boisterously in a restaurant in Brussels would be frowned upon. In Prague, you’ll only hear the lowest murmurs of locals, if any talking at all, on public transportation. Travel Maestro tip: Listen to your surroundings and respect the local volume.

If you only speak English, and won’t attempt even the smallest pleasantries in the local language, it’s an instant give away. Of course, even if you do try your tongue at the local lilt, your American accent will likely tell on you, but the shopkeeper or waiter you’re talking to will appreciate your efforts. Travel Maestro tip: We expect U.S. visitors to speak English. Return the courtesy and at least learn basic phrases in the local language.

Food is one of the greatest ways to learn about a destination, but if you ask for condiments that aren’t served, at best you’ll stand out, and at worst insult the food preparation. Many countries don’t drink everything over ice like the U.S., and often drinking water is bottled mineral water – not tap. Travel Maestro tip: Save McDonalds for home. Dine where the locals dine and eat the food like they serve it to get a true taste of the culture.

Safety for American Tourists

Looking lost or confused is a universal sign that someone is in unfamiliar territory and it can put them at risk of being preyed upon. Standing on a street corner searching a map, or pouring over a guidebook at a local café marks you as a tourist. Travel Maestro tip: Know where you are going and the route to take before you set out. If you need to consult a map, step off the main thoroughfare and have it pre-folded to afford a quick glance. Tear pages from your guidebook, or even better, store all of these resources with offline access on your mobile device.

If you don’t understand the local traffic patterns, you put yourself and others at risk of injury. Stepping out to cross a street in London without looking right is a common American tourist oversight. Walking in the bike lanes in Amsterdam can get you leveled by a two-wheeler on the move. Travel Maestro tip: Whether you’re driving or walking, pay attention and mind the local traffic rules.

Ostentatious behavior is, unfortunately, something that sometimes distinguishes an American tourist. We frequently over tip in places it’s not called for, which can be taken as boorish. Wearing showy jewelry or flashing a wallet full of bills is just asking for someone to relieve you of your money. Travel Maestro tip: Suppress any need to show off your material wealth and instead share the richness of your own American culture with meaningful interaction as you travel.

American tourists are also known to have some positive traits (at least we think so), like well-aligned, white smiles, an inquisitive wonder about ancient sites much older than our country, and an openness to conversations. So go out and explore the world with confidence, pride, and grace, you American tourist, you. And if you need help planning your trip, Covington’s well-traveled vacation planners have lots more tips for you.