The Clueless (American) Tourist

Some people like to blend in. Some like to stand out. If you belong to the former, then you might want to read this Frommer's forum discussion thread on How Not To Look Like A Tourist (in Italy).

If blending in is your thing, here a few ideas I gathered from there:
- don't be clueless/ don't leave your guard down in crowded areas
- do NOT wear your fat wallet in your back pocket
- no matter how hard you try, locals will always be able to pick you as a foreigner
- avoid the baggy jeans/white sneaker/baseball cap combination - it screams 'I am American'
- did I say do NOT wear your fat wallet in your back pocket?
- khaki pants/polo shirts are NOT exactly a fashion statement in Europe (and they are also a dead give-away)
- it's OK to have a guide/map handy - that's NOT the giveaway
- do NOT worry too much about blending in - people like tourists - generally speaking, no matter what they feel about the politics of the country of origin.
- if you're a man and really, really, really want to blend in, ask yourself: are you willing to wear TIGHT jeans/pants? Would that put a dent in your masculinity?
- if you're a woman and really, really, really want to blend in, ask yourself: are you willing to wear really TIGHT jeans/pants and high heels?
- oh, and remember: do NOT wear your fat wallet in your back pocket!