What NOT to Wear When Traveling

What you avoid wearing can be as important than what you do wear, especially when traveling abroad. So, what should you avoid wearing?  Here are our top five picks, submitted by real world travelers.

5 – American Flag – The American flag has been incorporated into the fashion world on hats, shirts, bandanas, jeans, bathing suits, jewelry.  If it can be worn, the American flag has probably been placed -- whether apparel or accessory.  Should be obvious not to wear this abroad, but unfortunately, to some it’s not.  With kidnappiongs on the rise it is wise not to draw attention to oneself as an American tourist or student. 

4 – Bling.  You know what bling is, right?  Fine for clubbing stateside… but don’t even pack it for your trip.  While "bling" is found on the hands, ears, necks and wrists of people of various socio-eco demographics, it is not found often outside of the US border. The jewelry doesn't necessarily have to be super-oversized to be inappropriate.  The importance of blending in is for respect as well as safety, “...don't dress like an American with flashy jewelry … not worn by the locals… don't act like a tourist. Many tourists are preyed upon more than is reported. Dress comfortable and like everyone else. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

3- Baseball caps – Admittedly, I considered a baseball cap as uber-American prior to receiving tips from world-travelers.  Baseball is an American sport, after all…Hence – the baseball cap being perceived as an American accessory.  Not that being American is a bad thing necessarily – just no need to draw attention to one’s self, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.  So, when I dash out of the hotel for a quick pastry, I'll opt for a pony tail rather than donning a baseball on bad hair days.  And for those who choose to top their attire with the American novelty, just keep it to the outdoor, informal activities.  Wearing a baseball cap is a bit casual, and is a bit rude indoors anyway.

2 – Logos – Another tendency of American fashionistas is to display logos, both brand name and athletic team.  Lately, most clothing dons larger than life logos – the more noticeable the better – or so it seems from the offerings of department stores and teen-college chain-retailers.  But before you grab that oh-so-stylish hoodie with the Abercrombie or favorite collegiate team logo emblazoned on the front, give pause to think about what the locals will wear.

1– Sleeveless shirts/Short hemlines - As Americans, we are very free and liberal in the US with our bodies, but in many foreign countries and the exception of a few in Europe, women culturally dress more conservatively. While in the states,you may be comfortable wearing spaghetti straps, but abroad you may not want to wear a tank top apart from a layered look.    You will rarely see a woman wearing a micro-mini outside of the club scene or in a red light district. 

Most travelers who contributed wardrobe tips included the importance of females wearing modest skirts when visiting holy sites.