Batelli - Unique Style

Avoid Looking Like a Tourist in Las Vegas

Brazilians are all too accustomed to the token American tourist in their native turf – the lobster-esque complexion, high socks, safari hats, etc. Although these stereotypes are seldom an exaggeration, I’ve witnessed the reverse scenario firsthand and the same tourist phenomenon always seems to occur. The truth is, no one really cares that you’re a foreigner, just that you look like one. Blending and adapting is key, especially in Vegas where everyone is automatically assumed to be a tourist.

Here are some simple guidelines to successfully avoiding looking like a tourist while vacationing in Las Vegas:

- Never publicly don apparel with the Brazilian flag. There’s a fine line between patriotism and fashion retardation. Think of the guy walking around Ipanema beach wearing an American flag t-shirt, and ask yourself if you want to be that guy.

- No bucket hats, safari hats, any other cheesy hats, or visors. Unless you’re bald (and bald is beautiful) and your scalp may sunburn, hats will not facilitate you in your goal to blend in. No one has successfully pulled off any of these items in Vegas since Hunter S. Thompson.

- No thong bikini bottoms! It doesn’t matter if you look like Adriana Lima and you’ve been wearing tiny bottoms since you were a kid, Americans simply don’t understand casually wearing thongs. Thongs are for strip clubs and rap videos. Our signature triangle-cut bikini tops are fine, though.

- No Speedos, for the same reasons above.

- The following shoes below should be avoided like an infectious disease in all situations. Wear some Havaianas instead. The flip-flops are popular with American celebrities and are even sold at Nordstrom for the ironic price of $25.

- Find a good and simple travel bag. Notice that I didn’t say backpack or fanny pack. These are only acceptable on hikes or music festivals. Hide all your travel necessities like guidebooks, Vegas snow globes and any other souvenirs your friends asked you to haul back.



Most importantly, be cognate that you just traveled over fifteen hours and make the most of every minute. Rest assured that if you look even slightly like a tourist, you’ll see much worse.