10 Fashion Faux Pas for Travelers

If I had a nickel for every time I've seen a tourist in Tevas and white tube socks, I'd have enough to buy at least one of those misguided souls a new pair of shoes. I'll never understand this fashion faux pas—if you want warm toes, why not wear closed-toe shoes with socks? Or if your feet get too sweaty, why are you wearing socks with your sandals?

When in another country, nothing makes you stand out as an American tourist more than your bright white athletic sneakers. In most other nations, running shoes are only worn when working out—not when touring or dining. I'm not saying you should wear stilettos—travel usually involves so much walking that you'll definitely need comfortable shoes—I'm just suggesting you explore some alternatives. Maybe one of these fashionable but comfortable footwear options?

I know you want to document every moment of your trip, but do you have to wear that giant camera strap around your neck? Not only does it alert potential thieves that you have valuables, it also screams stereotypical tourist. Bring a discreet camera bag instead!

Are you an Olympic athlete traveling with your team for the games? No? Then why are you wearing a full tracksuit everywhere you go? Show some respect for the place you're visiting and leave the gym clothes in your hotel room. There's a fine line between comfort and looking like a slob—and you can be comfortable without looking like you've given up on life, I promise.

Crocs are pretty much universally mocked. If the shame of wearing garishly colored plastic clogs with holes in them wasn't enough to deter you, how about this accident, in which a Crocs-wearer had his foot "severely and permanently damaged" by an airport escalator? Public safety advisory: Crocs hurt!

Why have you packed your day bag with enough supplies to survive a week in the wilderness—only to hop on the subway? You look like a human turtle and you hit unsuspecting riders squarely in the face every time you spin around to look at a map or talk to your travel companions. Please, pare down your massive daypack to something more streamlined. It's making my back hurt just looking at you.

Maybe leave your beloved New York Yankees T-shirt at home before you take your vacation to Boston. Flaunting the apparel of your vacation spot's rival is in poor taste, and it also immediately marks you as an outsider. If you don't want to antagonize everyone around you before you even open your mouth, wear something neutral instead.

The biggest travel faux pas is one that ruins your whole trip, so carefully consider your in-flight outfit before you fly. Touchy airline workers kick people off flights left and right over what they're wearing (or not wearing). From showing too much cleavage to wearing saggy pants, the self-appointed fashion police of the skies can boot you from a plane over what you're wearing. Stick to something you wouldn't be embarrassed to wear in front of your grandmother and you should be cleared for liftoff.

• What Not to Wear at Airport Security
• Seven Best Travel Clothes to Wear on the Road
• Nine Things Not to Wear on a Plane