Through my time here I enjoy playing this game with my friends called: 'Spot the American'. Although, I too am guilty of these fashion faux pas (and I do not care what others say). I will try and let you know.

My Motto: "When in doubt, go without!"


Spot the American...you know an American tourist in Europe when...

1) They are wearing a fanny pack

• Why are you using a fanny pack. What is so important that you actually have to carry your personal belongings around your stomach?!!? If these things are that important, leave it in a lock box in your hotel. Additionally, you should leave your fanny pack in there too if you are adverse to burning the monstrosity!
• Personally, I would be embarrassed to wear this, so why don't you purchase one of those nifty neck protector necklaces. Inside, you can keep your passports, tickets, extra cash, credit cards, and whatever have you, without screaming: "Hey, I'm a tourist!" You wear it UNDER your shirt! I like the Samsonite travel document holder. It is both nice looking, comfortable, and completely useful. I am not embarrassed if this thing pops his turtle head out of a button, or the bottom of my shirt. Really, it just looks like one is too lazy to hold something in their hands.

2) They are wearing flip flops

• Okay, I am guilty of the flip flops. Rain or shine, snow or hail, you can rest assured flip flops are on my feet. Though, I should tell you, if you are not on a beach, leave them in your garage at home.
• Flip flops really give you away. If you are too attached to flip flops, opt for a smart sandal or at least a pair that are not made of plastic (i.e. shower shoes).
  

3) TIE-DYE

• I am not even quite sure who even made this 'tie-dye' thing up. The last time I did this was in summer camp when I was 4. Leave your tie-dye at home!

4) Hiking Gear

• The student study abroad uniform. Come on you guys! Hiking shoes are not necessary to walk to school, or go to the bar in.
  
• Take off the North Face, LL Bean or whatever fleece and the HUGE backpack on your back. You don't need that many books anyway, and it's most likely not that cold. If it is, wear something called a JACKET!!!! It does the trick if not better!

5) For G-d's sake...brush your hair and put on some damned make up. You can at least look
like you tried to get out of bed.

6) Ladies this is for you!

• If you plan on going out and drinking - which I am all for - wear water proof mascara, and bring a baggie. No one likes to see girls on the street looking like a raccoon after puking. Hopefully you have a nice enough friend to lend you a t-shirt or something so you don't have to walk around smelling like donkey manure with puke all over yourself. You look disgusting and you make those females whom can handle their booze and whom are fully aware of their limits look like SHIT!
• Oh yeah! and SHUT UP!
  

7) Guys

• Enough with the damned singing! Unless its the soccer anthem of the country or area you are in...I can assure you singing anything else is certainly not appreciated. I know it may seem fun at the time, but just stop. Stop, while you still can!
• Oh yeah! and SHUT UP!
  

8) Paying Homage to the late Jim Morrison

• This goes to all of you Doors fans: Okay, so we know when you go to France and you feel as if you should pay your respects to Jim Morrison, it is not necessary to sit outside his grave, singing, doing drugs, or throwing empty bottles and condoms at the grave. For fuck's sake man! It's a cemetary. A REAL CEMETARY! There are several families who go to this cemetary to pay their respects to their loved ones that passed. Have some fuckin' respect. Oh and dressing up, so not necessary! No matter what you do, you will never be Jim Morrison. He has passed but his music is here forever!
  
  
  
  If you have any other suggestion's or observations...please let me know. Trust me I will update as I remember the funny things I have noticed. Mind you I usually only play this game after several delicious cocktails, and remembering anything at all is as tedious as it is expensive.