#JSETT Twitter Chat Recap: Fitting in Abroad
Whether you call yourself a traveler or a tourist, it doesn’t matter. When traveling, we are all tourists, but some want to fit in and look less like a tourist and more like a local—and some don’t care about fitting in at all! See what our Twitter chat participants had to say about fitting in with the locals.
Q1: Is fitting in like a local something you think about when you travel? Why or why not? #JSETT
A1 yes and no. I want to see some of the major sites like a tourist, but want to experience places/things like a local #JSETT
— Drive on the Left (@driveonleft) June 25, 2015
@JetsetExtra A1 I don't care about 'fitting in', but I don't want to stick out. I don't want to be a scam target. #JSETT
— Brian Eubanks (@BrianEub) June 25, 2015
A1: With appearances, yes. With seeing a place, I like to go to major sites and hidden gems so I don't mind being a bit touristy. #JSETT
— micheleherrmann (@micheleherrmann) June 25, 2015
Q2: Do you think locals treat those travelers who stand out differently than those who don’t? How? #JSETT
@JSETTchat A2: I love to find the best local places but I ALWAYS have my camera with me so I always look like a tourist. #JSETT
— Ashley (@SpoonfulFlavor) June 25, 2015
A2: Yes. Assumptions are made whether or not they're accurate. @JetsetExtra #jsett
— PitterPatterTraveler (@PatterTravelers) June 25, 2015
@JSETTchat A2 for me blending in whether I am travelling it at home is key to making the most of the experience #jsett
— Vegan Food Quest Ⓥ (@VeganFoodQuest) June 25, 2015
Q3: What would be your #1 piece of advice for new travelers going to a different country who want to fit in? #JSETT
A3: Take time to learn a little bit of the language, it's always appreciated! And, research customs etc #JSETT
— Two Nomads One World (@2nomadsoneworld) June 25, 2015
A3: Leave the fanny pack, zip off shorts, and socks with sandals at home. #JSETT @JetsetExtra
— Kim Powers (@KimberlyRose356) June 25, 2015
#JSETT A3: do your homework! Read bloggers & guides, watch video. Learn some lingo. Pack appropriate clothes. @JSETTchat
— Scott Norris (@weninchina) June 25, 2015
Q4: When in a new destination what rules do you follow for not being offensive or disrespectful of the locals? #JSETT
@JSETTchat A4. Observe. Learn. Think. If local customs are offensive to you, remove yourself from the situation. Avoid prison. #jsett
— Dawn Corleone (@DawnCorleone) June 25, 2015
A4 When I first get somewhere I do observe (and listen) than talk. Amazed what you can learn with open eyes/ears, closed mouth #JSETT
— Jon Hochstat (@JHochstat) June 25, 2015
A4 #JSETT Listen carefully, study your surroundings, think, and talk if you have something to add
— Dorothée Lefering (@DoroLef) June 25, 2015
Q5: How do you suggest new travelers make local friends? Where is the best place to blend in and meet new people? #JSETT
A5: In Barcelona, it's all about hanging out at the bars during the Barca matches! Footy unites! #JSETT
— Barcelona Experience (@bcn_exp) June 25, 2015
A5 #jsett Jump onto #twitter and #Instagram and use relevant hashtags, socialize online and ask for a meet up (not in a creepy way)
— Dorothée Lefering (@DoroLef) June 25, 2015
@JSETTchat A5 Local cafes… Hit the side streets and find out where the locals go. It is always more colorful… #JSETT
— KAT VON B (@TRAVELINGGREEK) June 25, 2015
Q6: Have you ever had a time when you were treated badly because you were a traveler who didn’t fit in w/ the locals? When and where? #JSETT
A6 When I went to work in Cape Town at the Mt Nelson in 1993, the local "chefs" in the kitchen HATED (on) me for being an American #JSETT
— Jon Hochstat (@JHochstat) June 25, 2015
A6: Not me, but my friend was plus-size & everywhere we went in France, girls would whisper behind her back/stare. It was horrible #JSETT
— Two Nomads One World (@2nomadsoneworld) June 25, 2015
#JSETT A6: Heathrow, b/c we were TOO polite and "nice-American". Pushy snooty types got to the fronts of lines. @JSETTchat #badexample
— Scott Norris (@weninchina) June 25, 2015
Our Twitter chat is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. PST/1:30 p.m. EST, using the hashtag #JSETT. See how the chat works and join us for the next one!
