How to Blend In with the Locals: 20 Tips

While I am a proponent of bringing as much to the travel game as you hope to take away -- because local folks can well be just as interested in visitors as visitors are in the locals -- the benefits of simply blending into the culture that you're visiting cannot be underestimated. Doing so gives you an intimate look at the local culture that might not be granted to outsiders -- and it may even help keep you safe in places where outing yourself as a wealthy tourist makes you a target for pick-pocketing and other crimes. But you don't have to abandon your sense of self to fit in. I have found that many of the most successful ways to do so can be very superficial and benign, such as wearing different clothes, leaving certain items in the safe in your hotel or changing where you buy your food. Here are 20 tips to help you to blend in with the locals the next time you travel. 1. Wear muted clothes. When it comes to blending in, the clothes you wear are your first line of defense. Simple, muted clothing is almost always the way to go when traveling. It might turn out that a Flyers T-shirt or Mariners cap is really popular at the moment in the country you are visiting, but you are taking a risk if your goal is to blend in. 2. Pack clothes you can wear anywhere. One of the challenges of blending in is being able to do so when visiting the local barber as well as dining at the best local restaurant. If you pack clothes that are versatile, and neither flash nor trash, you have a better chance of being able to blend in in many different situations. Unfortunately, clothes specifically designed for travel -- cargo shorts, or pant legs that zip off to become shorts, for example -- don't always fit in. For ideas on how the locals dress where you are headed, see tip #6 below. 3. Douse the camera and other tourist accoutrements. Taking photos of your travels is a natural and very enjoyable thing, but if you want to blend in, you may want to tone it down a bit. Having a big honking camera hanging from your neck everywhere you go acts like an outsider's scarlet letter -- not to mention an attraction for thieves. Bring the camera, but keep it under wraps a bit, and don't point it where it is not welcome. The same goes for things like fanny packs, guidebooks and the like; you can bring them, but try to keep a low profile. 4. Douse the shoes. It seems that in particular white shoes or running shoes paired with white socks are an outsider's freak flag. In many European countries, for instance, this type of shoe is only worn when working out -- not in any other sort of public situation. I'm not sure about the fashion component here, but it makes sense that bright white shoes attract attention, the antithesis of "blending in." 5. Buy clothes at your destination. If you have the budget for it, consider picking up some clothes upon arrival at your destination. (Just make sure you're buying where the locals do, not at a souvenir shack designed for tourists.) One possible financial consideration: if it means you have fewer bags to check at the airport, you might recover some of your expenses even before you leave home. 6. Do an image search on the Web. Here's a tip I learned from a friend who recently took a "gap year" after college to go around the world: pictures of a place found in the news and other online resources really can tell you what a place will look like when you get there, and how people dress -- unlike idealized tourist brochures or glossy guidebooks. 7. Have your money under control. If you understand the value of the local currency and various denominations, carry it in a straightforward way (wallet, purse), and can make transactions competently, you will blend in much better. Fumbling with money not only outs you as an outsider, but also can make you a mark for thieves. Keep in mind, however, that you should carry only what you need for a single day in a wallet or purse. If you're carrying a big wad of cash, a passport, etc., it should still go in a money belt under your clothes or stay in the hotel safe for more security. (See Money Safety for more tips.) 8. Be courteous without being fawning. I grew up in a tourist town, and know the love/hate relationship the locals have with their money-spending interlopers. Locals do often need the revenue that tourists bring, but in the worst cases it can be like having an awful boss -- almost not worth the dough. Finances aside, locals want neither to be treated like they live to please you, nor to be treated like you are doing them a favor by saying hello. Take your cues from them, and you will start to blend in. When in doubt, err on the side of being overly courteous -- trying to be a little bit likeable never hurts -- so long as you remember that you're not doing anyone but yourself any favors.

9. Plan out your day and route. If you have a sense of what you are going to do and how to get there, you will be able to navigate through your day with confidence. Plan out your driving route or check public transportation maps back in your room -- not on a street corner or in the middle of an intersection. 10. Buy stuff at local stores. There may be no better place to learn a lot and fit in better than a local grocery store. Get a haircut at the local barber (this is my personal travel custom), or buy your lunch from a food cart. 11. Move counter to the crowds. Folks who really want to blend in with the locals also tend to want actually to go out and be with the locals -- and following the well-worn tourist tracks won't get you there. If you visit the Liberty Bell, you should expect to be surrounded by other tourists visiting the Liberty Bell. This advice is applicable to almost everything you do -- so try staying somewhere other than the popular tourist hotels, going somewhere other than the most popular tourist beaches, and seeing some of the more unusual or out-of-the-way sights (which can still be found in tourist guidebooks and Web sites). 12. Learn -- and use -- some of the language. Arguably mangling the local language just makes it clear you aren't from around here, but you would be surprised how much slack you get for trying. If you don't know how to say something, ask -- many locals are happy to help you learn. And the more you practice, the better you get at the language, which can open doors that lead you deeper into the local culture. 13. Say hello. At the very least, say hello to folks you encounter. You would do this at the local Wawa, so you should do the same at the panaderia. 14. Modulate your voice. Don't be the obnoxious American in the corner booth whose loud laughter disrupts everyone else's dinner. It's not like people in other places are quiet -- every neighborhood has a local or two who is really noisy -- but that person shouldn't be your role model if you're trying to blend in. (Some travelers recommend you speak at about half your usual volume.) Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule, though; in some cultures and settings (like a noisy public market), you'll need to speak up in order to be noticed and fit in with the locals. Also on this topic: If you don't speak the language, talking even louder in English is not going to make you understood. Volume does not equal comprehension. Lower the volume! 15. Be a prepared and attentive driver. Nothing screams "outsider" like someone stopping and starting, going under the speed limit, gawking out the windows, and generally clogging up the streets and roads. Try to check your maps and route ahead of time, put someone in the copilot's seat who has a handle on it, and most of all watch the road ahead of you. 16. Pay attention. If you want to blend in with the locals, pay attention to how the locals act, what they do, where they congregate, how they dress -- and follow suit. If you want to walk the walk, it's going to have to be their walk. And don't assume that your custom is their custom. If you are paying attention, you might find that things like prolonged direct eye contact or a giant smile don't go over too well in a particular location, even if at home these are always the way to go. Change up your style to match their style as you go along, accepting that you won't get it right immediately. 17. Carry yourself with confidence. Locals tend not to walk wide-eyed around their own neighborhoods. Look like you know what you are doing and where you are going, and other people will think you do -- even if you don't have a clue. 18. Consider alternative lodging. A homestay or an apartment rental in a residential neighborhood will give you more of an opportunity to interact with locals than staying in a hotel in a touristy part of town. 19. Look for local events. Check out fliers and local entertainment listings to find concerts, festivals, lectures and other events that will attract locals rather than tourists (universities, libraries and churches are good places to look for this sort of thing). Editor Sarah Schlichter recalls, "I once pushed aside my afternoon sightseeing plans when I stumbled upon a free organ concert in a Rotterdam church, and it ended up being the best memory I had from my time there." 20. Be yourself. There is only so much you can do to make yourself disappear into the local culture. When I was in Beijing, I could have worn a dragon costume in a street parade and I still would not have been able to blend in. But I met a lot of great people merely by saying hello and being myself from there on out; if I had tried to be too cool, it would have been a far lesser experience. If you employ enough of the tactics listed above, don't be surprised on your next trip if someone asks you for directions in a language you barely understand. Article Source Go Anyway,Ed Hewitt The Independent Traveler http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=1055&category=13

The First 10 Minutes of your Car Rental

We've all done it -- hopped into the rental vehicle, started it up and headed out into the streets. Then, in the midst of airport traffic with buses bearing down on you and taxis nearly swiping you, you're trying to read utterly illogical signage as you start groping for knobs, posts, headlights, windshield wipers, window controls, defroster/heat controls, the radio seek button.As you get your bearings, you find yourself making every error of every bad driver you've ever hated. To safely find your way into the big bad world in your next gutless rental car, follow this guide.

00:01
Check for scratches, dings, tears. If the car rental agent is circling your car with a pad making notes of scratches and blemishes, make sure you do the same. I've rarely failed to find a scratch or two that the agent missed, and if they're going to hold you to this process, you should do the same in return.

01:01
Start the car. Although it wastes gas and pollutes, you might find that allowing the car to warm up is a good call. It also affords you the opportunity to make sure the car is running fairly well, with no strange noises. Although most people take a good look for scratches and dings so they won't be charged upon return, they rarely check how the car is running.

01:15
Find and turn on heat/air-conditioning. This will allow the interior to heat up or cool down depending on the season while you get your bearings. A dark blue Neon is going to be blistering hot in the summer. Turn on the air-conditioning and let the car cool down while you continue your orientation program.

01:45
Consult your map. Car rental lots are often inconveniently located in the outer reaches of the airport loop road organism. If you take a wrong turn out of the lot, you may find yourself back at the baggage claim before you know it. Most car rental agencies will give you a map of the area that pinpoints the location of the rental lot; take out and consult this map, and formulate your intended route out of the car rental void and into the world. Next, hand the map to a copilot if you have one, who can conceive any enhancements to the plan.

04:15
Fix your mirrors. A quick adjust to the rear view won't do it -- you've gotta deal with the side mirrors. If you're traveling with someone, he or she can help. This will save you some heartbeats when you first have to merge into heavy traffic.

05:15
Figure out the radio. Despite the nonessential nature of the radio, this may be the most important step. In fact, more accidents are caused by drivers tinkering with radio dials than using cell phones. (In my case, the only accident I've ever caused occurred when I rear-ended a police car while rooting around for a cassette tape.)

For the quickest approach, turn on the radio, figure out how to program stations into memory, find the seek button and move on.

I encourage you to take your time with this -- although the corporatization and franchising of radio has rendered the public airwaves almost uniform from coast to coast, some vestige of regional character remains at both ends of the dial and on both bands.

07:15
Find the window controls. When you arrive at the first toll booth and you're fishing around for the controls, and doors are clicking open, windshield wipers are going on and off, and rear windows are going up and down, you'll thank me for saving you the embarrassment.

07:30
Find the turn signals. This one is usually pretty straightforward, and will be exactly where you expect it to be. With all the ergonomic "improvements" to auto interior spaces that have forced me to write this article, the location of the directionals has changed very little since I was learning to drive.

07:45
Find the windshield wipers. Do this before you figure out the lights. As the sun sets, you'll have plenty of time to discover how to turn the lights on and off. If it starts raining suddenly, you'll be frantically hitting buttons in search of your wipers.

08:00
Locate the lights. This is a two-step task.

1. Find the on-off switch. When an approaching police car starts flashing its lights at you to turn on your own lights, you can now do so before the cop is past you and he won't turn around and pull you over.

2. Figure out the high beams. When you turn on your lights and the high beams are on, you can now turn them down -- you can also give a "thanks!" or a "go ahead, I'm lost" flash to the guy who cuts you a break when you're trying to figure out how to drive this high-tech Neon.

08:30
Find the fuel latch. Save yourself the embarrassment of popping open the trunk during your first fill up at the pump by figuring out where the fuel cover latch is right now.

08:45
Check the emergency brake. Is it on? You don't want the car rental employees to pick up the smell of burning brakes even before you leave the lot. Find it and release it.

09:00
Put the car in gear and head for the exits.

10:00
Head out the driveway and into the world.

10:15
Say, "Darn it, which way do we go again? Where's that map? How do you put this window down? Could you fix that mirror?" Repeat.

Got it? Remember, it can get worse -- there's driving in the U.K.

Go Anyway,

Article by Ed Hewitt TravelersEd@aol.com Features Editor The Independent Traveler
http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=335&category=13

Being prepared for an Emergency

Weather conditions these past weeks have been challenging - from airports unprepared for extreme weather, counties and neighborhoods experiencing extra heavy snowfalls and icy conditions to unusual highly rain fall and flooding. Regardless of where we live, or what the cause may be, it serves as a reminder to be prepared for circumstances beyond our control and revisit a suggested list of items needed in a case of emergency.

* Water—One gallon per day per person for at least three days if evacuating, two-week supply if home.

* Non-perishable food—canned items: juices, vegetables, fruits, meat, fish and low-sodium soup, peanut butter and jelly, granola bars, dry cereal, protein drinks, nuts, cookies, dried fruit, bottled water and boxed milk. Need three-day supply if evacuating, two week supply if home.

* Pet needs—two weeks supply of canned or dried food, water, medications and garbage bags for cleanup, photos of pet in case of separation, food and water bowls, small cage, aluminum pan for kitty litter, bag of litter and scoop, long leash.

* Tools—manual can opener, flashlight, batteries, wrench to turn off utilities, utility knife, small ABC-type fire extinguisher, duct tape, plastic sheeting.

* Communication devices—cell phones and chargers, NOAA weather radio with alert tone and battery backup, hand-cranked or battery-operated radio, loud whistle, local map, poster board, waterproof markers.

* Personal/medical needs—sewing items, scissors, garbage bags, paper towels, cups, plates and utensils, matches in zip-close bag, candles, waterproof portable container filled with travelers checks, cash, bank account info, identification, extra keys, inventory of household items, copies of medical records and records for pets, cars, wills, trusts, Social Security cards, birth certificates, marriage and death certificates, other financial information and insurance policies.

* Sleep needs– small tent, sleeping bag or warm blankets, change of clothing per person appropriate for current weather.

* Infant needs—formula, bottle supplies, diapers, diaper rash ointment, warm change of clothing and blankets.

For more information visit www.ready.gov

Preventing (and Coping) with Lost Luggage

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Traveling overseas can be a fun and exciting experience. However, it can also put you at risk for scams and other attacks. It is important that travelers be aware of their surroundings and that they follow basic guidelines for protecting themselves.

Have you ever had that sinking feeling when you're standing by the carousel at the airport, watching suitcase after suitcase pass by—none of them yours—until finally, the carousel, now empty, turns off? It's a wretched feeling, especially at the start of a vacation.

One way to avoid this situation altogether is to ship your belongingsahead of time. The UPS Store just announced its new Luggage Boxes—and the cost is pretty reasonable. Shipping between NYC and L.A. costs about $66 for the small box or about $92 for the large. Just be sure to ship far enough in advance, and give your hotel the heads up! For a price comparison, here are the checked bag fees from five major domestic airlines:

JetBlue: First bag free, up to 50 lbs.; $30 for a 2nd bag. $50–100 excess weight fee.

Virgin America: First bag $25, up to 70 lbs.; $25 for 2nd bag, up to 50 lbs. $50 excess weight fee.

American Airlines: First bag $25; second bag $35. $50–$100 excess weight fee.

Delta: First bag $25, up to 50 lbs; 2nd bag $35. $90–$175 excess weight fee.

Southwest Airlines: First two bags free, up to 50 lbs each. $50 excess weight fee.

But if you opt to fly with your luggage, what are you to do in the event that when you arrive at your destination, your luggage is "lost"? (I use quotes because technically, it's not likely lost, but rather misplaced and will be recovered...though that doesn't mean it's any less of an inconvenience!)
Well, if you happen to be staying at the Stafford Hotel in London, you do absolutely nothing. Why? The hotel's new Baggage Emergency Response Squad has you covered. Not only will the concierge service take over all contact with the airline coordinate the recovery of your luggage, they'll also provide, free of charge:

- a customized goody bag chock full of essentials: clothes; bath products; toothbrush/toothpaste; even contact solution if you need it.

- same day laundering of the clothes on you flew in wearing, so you'll be ready to comfortably hit the town in your own digs.

- a personal shopper who will pick up new clothes for you—to your specifications—should the need be pressing (business meeting anyone?); you will have to pay for the clothes, but the service itself remains free.
I wasn't able to find other hotels offering a similar service, so kudos to the Stafford for (hopefully) starting a trend! (If any of you know of other hotels, please let me know!)

Author - Joshua Pramis is an online associate editor at Travel + Leisure.

Travel Insurance, Why You Need it!

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When you spend months planning and preparing for your vacation, you develop images in your mind of what will make your trip the perfect trip. You can not imagine that anything could go wrong. But did you know that according to a recent survey commissioned by World Access, a travel-insurance and assistance company, more than 35% of business travelers said they or a colleague have become seriously sick or injured while away from home?

Whether it's your trip, your possessions, your luggage, or your health, travel insurance and most important, the right kind of travel insurance, has become an essential item to pack for smart travelers. And if you don't buy travel insurance — or the right kind — more than your trip could be ruined.

Reasons to buy travel insurance

1. Your flight has been cancelled.

2. Your bags are lost and your medication is in it. You require an emergency prescription filled.

3. Your passport and wallet are stolen, and you need emergency cash and a replacement passport.

4. You're involved in an accident and adequate medical treatment is not available. You need medical evacuation.

5. You need to cancel your trip due to illness.

6. Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. You need your non-refundable expenses covered and to get to your destination.

7. You have a medical emergency in a foreign country.

8. A terrorist incident occurs in the city where you’re planning to visit and you want to cancel your trip.

9. A hurricane forces you to evacuate your resort, hotel or cruise.

Here is a brief run down of the basic types of insurance. Click here for a full guide.

Flight Insurance.
Promises to pay out big bucks in the event that your aircraft should crash. It's expensive, and considering what it pays for, not necessary.
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance. If you get sick, or miss your trip, or the travel provider goes out of business, you're not left high and dry. Do NOT buy this insurance from the individual travel provider, meaning don't buy your cruise trip insurance from the cruise ship company. Why? If that company goes out of business, chances are, so does their insurance. in my opinion, its worth the few bucks to cover your trip.

Health insurance.
Most people think they are covered if they already have existing health care insurance. Within the United States, that’s true. Outside the U.S., however, usually not. And in some cases, your insurance won't even cover you if you're traveling on a foreign-flagged vessel. This is a huge red flag, since most cruise ships, even those cruising U.S. waters, are not flagged in the U.S. And in many cases, even if you are covered for basic emergency care overseas (a big IF), in almost all cases, your current health insurance does NOT cover you to evacuate you and repatriate you back to the U.S. My suggestion, get the coverage. If you’re in a foreign country, particularly a developing country, many hospitals will admit you without caring about coverage, but they won’t let you leave until you pay.

Baggage insurance.
As of Feb. 28, 2007, U.S. airlines' liability for lost or damaged luggage increased to $3,000 per passenger from the limit of $2,800. There's an entire list of excluded items not covered (jewels, furs, negotiable financial documents, et al), and then there's something called.... depreciation. The airlines may have a $3,000 liability limit, but that limit is not per bag, it's per incident, and it's all based on depreciated value. Hardly anyone in the history of aviation has ever received $3,000. It’s well worth it if the airline does lose your bags, and they sometimes do. Click here to read more about lost baggage.

Non Refundable insurance.
This runs about $13 per $100 of coverage. An expensive premium, but still worth it if you really think you might have to change your trip once you purchase your ticket.

Golf travel insurance.
Travel Guard provides golf equipment loss, golf equipment delay, golf fee refund. In addition, every Golf Travel Insurance Plan customer will also receive AIG Travel Guard's Golf Concierge Services, which includes golf course recommendations and driving directions, tee time reservations, PGA-Professional referral service and much. If you get a hole-in-one, they'll reimburse for the celebratory round of drinks (up to $250) at the clubhouse.

Adventure/Extreme sports travel.
In most cases, there are exclusions on basic travel insurance when it comes to adventure travel. That means specifications on how high is the mountain you’re climbing, and how far are you scuba diving. However, third-party travel insurance can offer additional coverage for adventure and extreme sports—even professional sporting events can be covered, but it will cost you.

Where ever you go, I wish you happy and safe travels.



Insuremytrip.com allows you to compare national plans, based on what they cost, what they cover and payouts.

TripInsuranceStore.com offers comparisons and testimonials from users, and you can also sign up for a plan though the site.

Access America 1-800-729-6021.

Travel Guard International: 1-800-826-4919.

Travelex Insurance Services: 1-800-228-9792.

HTH Worldwide: 1-888-243-2358.

Travel Insured International: 1-800-243-3174.

Global Travel Insurance: 1-800-232-9415.

Travelsafe: 1-888-885-7233.

Medjet Assistance: $250 per year, $350 for families. 7, 14, 21 and 30-day options available as well. 1-800-963-3538.

Air Ambulance Card: $195 per year for individuals and $295 per year for families.


Information correct at time of publication. Check for latest updates.
Article by Jennifer Baeta SF Travel Tips Examiner - March 18, 12:34 http://bit.ly/bdtIXp

Tips for Traveling Abroad

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Traveling overseas can be a fun and exciting experience. However, it can also put you at risk for scams and other attacks. It is important that travelers be aware of their surroundings and that they follow basic guidelines for protecting themselves.

For instance, travelers should never hand their wallet to anyone. In some countries, con men will appear in police uniform and ask for your wallet in order to check for drug money. Travelers should always beware when someone asks for their ID or for cash, even if they appear to have a legitimate badge. It never hurts to double check in order to avoid a scam.

Photographers can also be tricksters in disguise. Many photographers will take pictures of tourists without their request and then ask for money in order to sell you the picture. If the photographer disappears to a nearby studio with your cash, however, there is a good chance that he or she will never come back. Do not fall for this scam.

Pickpockets are also common. Tourists who are visiting crowded areas (especially popular destinations) should be aware of anyone who brushes by them. Many pickpockets work in teams, with one person meant to distract you while the other takes your money. Always be aware of who is around you and of where you have placed your wallet and cash. Women should hold their purses close to their body in order to avoid someone grabbing their bag and running away with it.

Another typical trap for tourists involves cab rides. Many taxi drivers will overcharge unsuspecting travelers. A good way to avoid this trap is by asking about the fare before the journey begins. You should also keep an eye on the meter, and don't be afraid to ask questions about the price.These tips can help you have a safe travel experience. 
 Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Stutzman