Hi, I am writng an article on whether or not traveling is
becoming increasingly risky for Americans given today's
global context. I was wondering if anyone had more unusual
or non by-the-books advice for American travelers on how to
maintain a low profile. The tips can apply to a whole
region/continent or be site-specific. Humorous suggestions
or anecdotes are also welcome. Thanks.
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sew little canadian flags all over your gear
Regarding those little flags, Although I am Canadian born, and have considered fronting the maple leaf for safety reasons, I have grown up in the US and opt travel as none less than American. I personally like to go incognito which for me means not wearing or carrying anything which would blaitantly mark me as a tourist. This generally means no high tech shoes, parkas, bags or god forbid, shorts. When getting to know locals, I present myself as an American, and generally enjoy shaking up people's pre conceptions regarding nationality.
We are notorious for our shoes! Keep them simple. Also,
like the guy said above, all really high-tech, flashy gear
is not advisable. It can also be dangerous, obvisouly.
You are rich when you get there. You could afford a ticket.
Take old clothes. I take pants I am about to pitch, shoes
too. Comfortable but old. When my bag is too full, i leave
them. Keep guide book out of sight. Be polite ALWAYS. I
have had some extraordinary experiences but being calm,
finding out local laws and traditions, never break local
taboos, keeps me and mine safe. We had a crazy guide from
USA try to have us deported in Ecuador, got stopped by one
of the motorcycle rip off cops in Mexico City, had all our
luggage stolen in England. Mostly, people try their best to
be helpful if you respect their world. When one person in
unreasonable, usually others are embarrased and will do
anything to help if you keep your humor. Slicing a purse or
pack is an easy way to get your stuff in a market. Happened
to us in market where we were the only nonnatives in the
town. You are RICH. Tone it down and don't be a target.
If I were poor and I saw you with your expensive t shirt,
your camera your expensive bag I might be tempted too. I am
57 years old and I have dragged my kids and grandkids all
over the place. We've slept on the floor and eaten around
the fire and have had wonderful experiences and have friends
from everywhere we have been.
I agree with the previous entries - incognito is best.
But, many people will look like tourists regardless of the
shoes, etc. that they wear. If you are fair skinned or
blonde, for example, you will stand out. So, if you must
stand out, it is often better not to stand out as
American. Costa Rica is American friendly, but several
other Latin American destinations are not. I would suggest
swallowing your American pride a little bit and wearing a
Maple Leafs hat or maybe even get a little pin or something
that makes people think you are Canadian. I know it stinks
to have to do that, but better safe than sorry. I
especially recommend this if you plan on going in to Panama
or Guatemala/Honduras. I have heard of several incidents
in these countries against Americans.
I have traveled extensively in Central and South America
and have never had any bad experiences when I have told
people I am a Norte Americano. It has always been just the
opposite, they want to know more about me and the United
States. I just returned from Panama and was treated very
well by the locals, when asked where I am from I am not
ashamed to tell them I am American. I have not heard nor
seen any Anti-American sentiment in Panama, in fact I was
told by my Panamanian taxi driver that he had lived in
Texas for some time and enjoyed it. Again you have to use
good judgement and commom sense, I dont think it is
necessary to hide your nationality.