It's Your Life. Live It!

The U.S. State Department provides travel advisories to help citizens be aware of potential risks abroad. A common theme is to be aware of your surroundings, to which I’d add, don’t look like an American! Lose the cargo pants and backpack, and for fuck’s sake, don’t wear those shoes!

A little background: When I was a teenager, my dad (active duty Air Force) was reassigned to a base in Germany. It was quite a culture shock for my 13-year-old self to learn I’d have to dress differently. The Stars and Stripes newspaper printed story after story about “The Ugly American.” Europeans, and Germans in particular, considered us loud and fashionably lazy. It was a lesson I took to heart. Even now, I go out of my way to blend in. 

The first step: consider your shoes (pun intended.) Fashion styles have relaxed considerably on “the continent,” but it seems Americans still insist on wearing athletic shoes. Whether you call them runners, tennis shoes or sneakers, Europeans consider them athletic wear — not day-to-day shoes. 

Finding suitable  alternatives can be a challenge. My advice; go to Europe and buy them there. Europeans seem to be able to combine sensible comfort with a modicum of style. I have a pair of brown leather, short-heeled pumps I bought years ago that I still travel with. I can walk all day in these without throbbing feet. 

But the shoe debacle is not just about your choice for long days of walking. Don’t get me started about your choice when you’re flying! Ask ANY professional who travels — from flight attendants to tour guides — they will tell you sandals and flip flops have absolutely no place on an airplane! For starters, the floors on airplanes are disgusting! More importantly, in the event of an emergency, there is nothing less suited for safety than sandals and flip flops. 

If you are on a really long flight, bring a pair of slippers if you feel the need to take off your shoes. And for fuck’s sake, if your feet stink, change your shoes in the bathroom!

I’m not saying don’t travel with sandals and flip flops. Just not in an airport! A cute pair of walking sandals is great for a hot summer day of sightseeing. Flip flops are perfect once you get to the beach or by the hotel pool. The same goes for your tennies – they are great for a trip to the hotel gym or an easy walk in the woods (no, not a real hike!), but they have no place in a restaurant.  

When you’re on vacation, you’re out and about, not at home “kicking off your shoes.” Spend a little time, energy, and money selecting a pair for comfort AND STYLE! 

©Judy and Greg Romano – All rights reserved.