I’m walking out of the Westminster metro station in London looking up at Big Ben when suddenly a giant gray object obstructs my view. It is none other than a brand new DSLR camera held by a middle aged woman in khakis and a giant backpack which is threatening to knock out my very existence.

The typical tourist.

Ah, how I avoid these people in hopes that the locals disassociate my identity with theirs. No one enjoys the obnoxious tourists, no matter how accepting of foreigners you may or may not be, and when visiting a country it is important to remember you are a visitor privileged to be experiencing the same environment citizens experience daily.

Europe is a beautiful continent that everybody should have the opportunity to travel to. However, it can be intimidating to enter into the unknown.

With that being said, here are a few simple tips to being a pleasant visitor. The key is not compromising your personal style or personality, while putting a little effort put into blending in with the locals. With fashion, ditch the white ankle tube socks, cargo shorts, large logos, head to toe flashy colors, and the “I <3 Amsterdam” hoodie.

In terms of manners and behavior, think of how you would feel if there was a large tour group of foreigners gathered around in a busy spot in the Galleria Mall. They’re in your way and are confusedly trying to decide where to eat and not paying attention to those around them who are trying to get through. Slightly annoying isn’t it?

Whilst in a big city it is difficult getting the right picture or finding your destination without needing to stop where you are. Simply step out of the flow of people and stand somewhere preferably near the side of a building which is out of everyone’s way.

At the end of the day you’re still a tourist. It doesn’t matter if you have the perfectly believable British accent and the best designer trench coat, you’re still not a residential Brit. And it’s OKAY if you were in someone’s way a few times accidentally or you didn’t know that fedora hats actually weren’t back in style.

The majority of Europeans are very gracious and helpful towards tourists in finding their way, so do not worry if you are going to stick out like a sore thumb. At the same time, keep in mind these small tips, and your experience will be enhanced. It would also very much be appreciated if you decide to leave the body sized Colombia backpacks and giant professional cameras at home next time.