Leave This Common Travel Item At Home To Avoid Looking Like A Tourist In Italy

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Italy receives millions of visitors per year, and locals have gotten quite skilled at discerning whether someone is a tourist or not. While there are certain bits of etiquette that will make you look like a total tourist, things about your appearance can be dead giveaways too. However, this is not just because Italians are often thought to be snappy dressers.

People visiting Italy (or Europe in general) might notice that locals tend to save athleisure clothing for the gym rather than wear it as everyday casual attire. Some say you could be outed as an American tourist if you wear graphic tees too. But what makes someone stand out from locals extends to accessories too, including fanny packs. With maps, guidebooks, phone chargers, passports, money, and more, it is clear why tourists might want a fanny pack. They are also somewhat of a fashion statement in certain parts of the world. But even if you wear a fanny pack from one of the many famous Italian fashion brands, it is simply not a top bag choice among Italians.

Locals in Italy tend to favor compact handbags, which can have just as many organizational features as fanny packs. Crossbody bags are common among Italians as well, regardless of gender. These are the perfect bags to carry if you want a more hands-free option. Even better, opt for a bag in a neutral color because Italian streetwear tends to steer clear of bold shades. You can even buy crossbody bags with theft-proof straps made from durable materials and lockable zippers. PacSafe crossbody bags come in multiple styles and some are under $60.

While plenty of cross-body bags have anti-theft features, you could also wear a money belt that fits safely under your clothing. You may need to leave larger items at home with this option, but it might be worth it for the extra piece of mind. Tourists are most likely to encounter pickpockets around crowded destinations and on modes of public transportation. A money belt concealed under your clothes makes it much harder for you to become a victim of this type of petty crime.