1. Dress to impress. When one thinks of the traditional tourist, one sees a pasty middle-aged guy with sun block on his nose, a fanny pack on his waste, and a ridiculous fishing cap on his head. He is wearing shorts and a t-shirt no matter where he is. Don’t be this guy.
When going out in the city, wear something semi-formal or business casual. Examples: button-up shirts, polos, blouses, knee-length skirts, dress shoes or sneakers that match the outfit, slacks, and jeans in good condition.
When going out to a nice restaurant, dress formally.
Remember to take local standards of dress into account. What might be appropriate for Italian in Chicago could be total fashion faux pas for sushi in Tokyo.
2. Know local customs. Local customs can tell you how much to tip, what time you should go out for dinner, and when the shops will close.
3. Know a bit of the lingua franca. Learn enough to be able to say “Excuse me.” “Thank you.” “Where is the bathroom?” “Where is the embassy of my country?” “Where is someone who speaks my language?” “Sorry.” “I do not speak your language.” Don’t expect everyone to speak your language.
4. Plan ahead. This will make you less likely to be late.
5. Be polite. Don’t behave as if you are entitled to preferential treatment because you are a tourist.
6. Respect the people of the place you are visiting. They may talk differently but they still deserve respect.
7. Take care to speak as loudly as the locals. In France, your loud American volume is obnoxious. In America, your French volume might not be heard.
8. Don’t stereotype the locals. Not all Californians are blonde (far from it!) and like to surf. Not all Italians look like the Mario Bros. and “eata pizza pie”. Not all Britons live in London and talk like Dick van Dyke in Mary Poppins. Not all Americans carry guns and want to take over your country. Not all Canadians play hockey and live in an igloo.
9. When on the street walk as fast as everyone else. When in Sacramento don’t run everyone else over with a New York pace. When in New York City don’t slow everyone else down with a Sacramento pace.
10. Don’t stop in the middle of the street to take pictures or gawk at something. Don’t stop in the middle of a busy sidewalk either.
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Going off the beaten path and visiting the less touristy places can be very rewarding but all those pieces of advice are even more important then.
Also, one thing I'd suggest is pay full price to the vendors. The reason their prices are so high is that they expect to be bargained down. But they've got to make a living and feed themselves and any family they may have...
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