Opinion

In an era where authenticity reigns supreme, many travellers want to get off the beaten track or live like a local, skip the “touristy attractions” and seek out insider spots or hidden gems.

We want to immerse ourselves in a culture and experience it in its most genuine form. If you consider yourself one such person, you probably also want to avoid looking like a foreign tourist; someone who is an outsider, who doesn’t belong.

Naturally, in some destinations, it’s impossible to fully assimilate. No matter what I wear, I’ll always stick out in Nepal or Mumbai as a white-skinned, blonde-haired traveller.

But for many multicultural cities around the world, there are ways to fit in with the locals or at least, avoid looking quite so much like a lost tourist.

Do your research

Aside from ethnicity, clothing is the number one thing that sets tourists out from residents. So, take time to research what kind of clothing locals wear. Ask people who have recently visited, read online travel forums or find fashion content written by local journalists or bloggers. Do people tend to dress conservatively or are they happy to bare skin? Is it a fashion-forward place or are they a few years behind the trends?

Make space in that suitcase

Long days walking around plus limited suitcase space often prompts people to leave trendier items or accessories behind. Instead, we opt for outfits that are comfortable and functional. Unfortunately, your trusty walking shoes, comfy jeans and backpack won’t help you fit in around most cities.

To avoid looking like a tourist, make space in your suitcase for trendy items that may not be super useful but look great. This can be as simple as a nice pair of shoes, a jacket that isn’t warm but is chic, and an accessory like a nice purse or scarf.

Invest in fashionable and functional items

Additionally, you can also invest in items that are fashionable and functional, like a slick pair of sneakers with good support, a new, warm coat, or a trendy bum bag (yes, they do exist). These items may be more expensive but if you travel often, they are a great investment and a shortcut to looking less like a frazzled tourist.

Avoid ‘tourist accessories’

The cliche of a tourist holding out a printed map is outdated thanks to smartphones. However, many accessories act like a beacon that declares “foreigner”. We’re talking big DSLR cameras or iPhones on neck straps, bulky backpacks and passport pouches wrapped around the waist or hanging from your neck. Oddly, the same goes for white, shiny sunscreen (opt for a subtle gel-based sunblock) and hats or caps that are obviously from another country, or geared towards tourists.

Shop while you’re there

One fun way to fit in with the local look is to fit in some shopping at your destination. Perusing boutiques and stores is a great way to get among residents, find a travel souvenir you’ll actually use after your travels and find an item or two that helps you fit in.

However, be wary of stores that are just catering to tourists; these shops either sell brands or items most locals can’t afford or items with the destination name/attractions printed on them. From these things, you must run like the wind. But if you are determined to buy that Hard Rock Cafe Sydney T-shirt or “I

Keeping the valuables safe as well as having an emergency plan is essential to stay safe while holidaying abroad, especially for elderly travellers.

Travel experts from Panache Cruises shared their top 10 tips on how holidaymakers can stay safe this summer. Some of their most crucial recommendations for senior travellers include using safety mobile apps, sharing the location with family, knowing where the local hospital and police stations are and having the emergency phone numbers for each country.

1. Inform people of the location

Before going on holiday, travellers should always let friends and family know they are going away and keep them updated with any changes.

Keeping in regular contact and having the mobile’s live location app turned on is essential so people at home know where they are at all times.

2. Create an emergency plan

Being prepared for an emergency is key but this doesn’t have to be complicated. Travellers could simply familiarise themselves with the local hospital, police station and other useful spots in the town or city.

It could also be useful to “learn key phrases such as ‘I need help’ or ‘ring for an ambulance’ in the local language as well as the emergency phone numbers,” the experts explained.

3. Protect valuables

Thieves often target holidaymakers so it is advised not to pack anything expensive or of sentimental value unless is really necessary.

Travellers should also keep items like credit cards, local currency, passports and mobile phones hidden “in a secure bag out of sight at all times”.

Secure bags are great for senior travellers and these can be purchased on Amazon for less than £10.

4. Protect themselves against crime

Holidaymakers can be safe from local crime and tourist scams by researching the destination beforehand. Read up on travel guides and news sites, and talk to friends and family who have visited the area to learn about any potential risks.

5. Book solo accommodation

When travelling alone, it is recommended tourists always book solo rooms. Although shared accommodation such as hostels is more common among young travellers, seniors may be tempted to stay there to save money, however, the travel experts warned against this practice.

6. Choose accommodation with caution

Similarly, checking that the hotel is in a safe location and close to public transport and restaurants is key, even when travelling with family and friends.

“Travellers should also check the accommodation’s check-in timings to not spend time waiting around in an unknown environment,” they added.

7. Travel insurance

Travel insurance is essential to protect tourists from unforeseen events and interruption insurance “can help recover damages from issues such as weather and natural disasters”.

“Medical insurance can cover unexpected costs, while luggage insurance can help recover losses from theft or delays,” the experts added.

8. Study the local language

Learning a few words in the local language can be handy, especially if travellers need to ask for help.

9. Be respectful of local culture

“To reduce vulnerability and avoid drawing attention” it is advised travellers dress “appropriately” to respect the local culture. “Some countries may require hair to be covered up and not too much skin to be on the show,” for instance.

10. Never tell strangers if they are travelling alone

Finally, solo travellers “should never share too much with strangers” or they risk “becoming a target”. Instead, they should say that friends are “waiting up ahead or back in the hotel room”.

Begin with creating a list of the things you can’t leave home without.

If you want to make the most of your next trip, consider adopting a minimalist approach to your travel. By bringing only what you need, choosing versatile items, and opting for lightweight and small items, you can travel comfortably and enjoy your experiences.

Here are some tips to help you think like a minimalist:

Stay in guesthouses or hostels

Instead of luxurious hotels, consider staying in guesthouses or hostels. These simple accommodations can be more affordable and give you the basics, allowing you to enjoy the experience of your trip without unnecessary luxuries.

Just take what you need

Create a list of essential items you cannot leave home without, such as your visa, wallet, phone, and a few changes of clothes. Avoid packing too much or bringing items you don’t need.

Choose clothes that can be worn in different ways

Pack clothes that can be styled in different ways, allowing you to wear them more than once. For example, choose clothes that can be dressed up or down, and pack a thin scarf that can be used as a wrap.

Use a carry-on bag or vacation backpack

Opt for a lightweight backpack or carry-on bag instead of a big, heavy bag. This will make it easier to get around and fit things into small areas.

Use packing containers

Use packing containers to organize your clothes, toiletries, and other items more efficiently, and pack items like jackets and sweaters that take up a lot of space.

Make a plan

Before you start packing, make a checklist of the items you need to bring. This will ensure you don’t pack too much and don’t leave anything important behind.

Use travel-sized toiletries

Use travel-sized toiletries to save space and weight, instead of packing full-sized bottles.

Travelling with diabetes isn’t always easy. Right from what to pack to what to eat, there’s so much you need to be careful of. Here are some helpful tips if you are going on a family holiday with diabetics.

If you are planning a solo trip and have no major health issues, you can just look for the right mode of transport, make reservations and set out! Yes, a lot of planning goes into travel, but the to-do list can get longer if you are travelling with someone with a chronic disease like diabetes. Preparing for a family holiday and thinking of diabetes management for your loved one can be challenging. But that doesn’t mean that a diagnosis of diabetes should come in the way of your family member’s wish to explore the world. Before travelling, you just have to ensure that their condition is under control and you have packed everything that a diabetic would need while travelling. Come, let’s find out some tips for people travelling with diabetes.

Dr B.M. Makkar, Senior Diabetologist, President, Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in Delhi, India. Shared some tips.

Going on a trip can help to unwind, but it can also affect a person’s health if he or she is a diabetic. Dr Makkar says that travel exposes diabetics to unfamiliar environments, which is why you should be well prepared.

Packing tips if your loved one is travelling with diabetes

1. Schedule an appointment with doctor

After you are done with booking tickets, cabs and hotel rooms, you should schedule an appointment with your family member’s doctor. This should be done at least a month in advance of the trip for an updated assessment of glycemic control. You should also procure a prescription describing your loved one’s medical condition, and medication.

2. Carry extra medicines

Availability of medications may be an issue in the place where you are going. So, it is important to carry a list of all medications with generic name and their dosages. Taking extra amount of medicines will be a great idea.

3. Information about climate and environmental conditions of the destination is a must

You should have an idea of how the climate and environmental conditions of the destination will be like. Extremes of weather can adversely affect the health of your family member with diabetes. People with diabetes are quite susceptible to environmental stressors such as increase incidence of heat exhaustion, cold exposure, or foot ulcers, says the expert.

4. Pack healthy snacks

Food options for diabetics may be limited during travel, so packing healthy snacks in carry-on luggage can take care of disrupted dietary patterns.

Healthy snacks you can pack

• Almonds
• Cashews
• Walnuts
• Pistachios
• Avocado
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Tuna salad
• Black bean salad
• Low-fat cheese and whole grain crackers
• Yogurt
• Boiled eggs

5. Take correct syringes

If you are going abroad, you should know that insulin concentration varies from country to country. So, use the correct syringes as per the demands of the country.

6. Insulin pump therapy

If your loved one is on insulin pump therapy, get in touch with the manufacturing company. Dr Makkar advises to disconnect the pump during takeoff or landing as change in cabin pressure may lead to excess insulin delivery.

7. Take travel health insurance

Medical documents are very important if you are travelling with someone with diabetes. Travel health insurance is one of them. You should have the physician’s prescription, health insurance policy, medications and prescriptions for them.

8. Airport security checking

Airport security requiring patients on pump or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to go through scanners should be warned from doing so. It may cause radiation-induced malfunction, and these devices should not be removed.

9. Encourage diabetics to stand and walk during long flights

Those with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in deep veins in the body, generally legs), so they should be encouraged to stand and walk during long flights.

Blood sugar must be measured more frequently, and make sure they wear comfortable footwear to avoid ulcers and infections. With these tips, travelling with a diabetic can be easy.