ny tourist costume

How to Make an Easy-To-Do Tacky Tourist Costume

Things you'll need.

Baggy khaki shorts

Hawaiian shirt

Men's socks

Women's white crew socks

White sneakers

Floppy straw hat

Large sunglasses

Oversize tote bag

Whether you visit Disney World or New York City, you see one common sight: the tacky tourist. In their loud, inappropriate wardrobes and abundance of sightseeing gear, some tacky tourists are easy to spot. Others exhibit a subtler tacky tourist style, dressing sensibly but unfashionably in sneakers and fanny packs. If you want to create a tacky tourist costume, you can find the items you need at secondhand stores and in your home. Since tacky tourist fashion crosses gender lines, the theme works for men's, women's or couples' costumes.

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Man's Costume

Wear baggy khaki shorts that hang to your knees. Top the shorts with a Hawaiian shirt in a bright, bold pattern. Use a shirt that's larger than your usual size and leave it untucked so the hem hangs loosely over your waist.

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Use socks and sandals for your tacky tourist footwear. You can wear long white athletic socks or dark dress socks, either solid or patterned. Pull the socks up to your knees and wear a pair of men's sandals over them.

Accessorize your men's tacky tourist costume with a sun visor that's made from straw, canvas or transparent colored plastic. Wrap a large fanny pack around your waist over the shirt so the pouch hangs in front. Hang binoculars and cameras around your neck.

Woman's Costume

Wear a muumuu dress that's larger than your usual size. Choose a brightly colored muumuu in a Hawaiian print or another bold pattern. If necessary, hem the muumuu so it falls below your knees or to mid-calf length.

Wear white crew socks and white sneakers on your feet. Fold the tops of the socks down to create cuffs above your ankles. Use heavy, bright white sneakers with thick soles.

Complete your women's tacky tourist costume with a large, floppy straw hat. To increase the tacky factor, choose a hat that's embellished with artificial flowers or fruit. Wear large sunglasses with colored plastic frames and carry an oversized tote bag made from colored straw or print canvas.

Customize your costume to a favorite vacation destination. Instead of a visor or straw hat, wear Mickey Mouse ears, a Statue of Liberty foam crown, or a baseball cap with a logo.

Carry maps, brochures and guidebooks in your pockets, fanny pack or tote bag so they're clearly visible.

If the costume will be worn by a child, avoid hanging accessories around the neck. They can pose a safety risk.

To avoid damaging a valuable camera, carry an inexpensive model or a toy version instead.

• Independent Traveler: 10 Things You Should Never Wear When Traveling Abroad
• Fodor's Travel: What to Wear and Not Look Like a Tourist
• TribLive: Airline Sends 'Tacky Tourists' to Florida for Free

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10 NYC Inspired Halloween Costumes That Will Make You The Life Of The Party

Don’t lie. Some of you have been planning your Halloween costume since April. But for those of you who haven’t thought about it yet, now’s a good time to start. Here are 10 NYC-themed Halloween costumes to give you some inspiration:

1. King Kong and the Empire State Building

Cover photo credit: Humans Of New York

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Eight last-minute NYC-themed Halloween costumes

You can pull these very 2022 costumes together in a few hours—we did.

Halloween is just a few days away and the Halloween parties are already starting . Don't have a costume? Don't freak out. The Time Out team is here to help. 

Inspired by the Village Halloween Paraders , we pulled together eight very topical New York costumes that you can create in just a few hours and be the hit of the party. For each one, we’re sharing how-to tips, plus we’ve organized the costumes by difficulty level on a scale of one to five pumpkins (five being the most intensive). Here’s how to DIY your way to a really gourd time.

RECOMMENDED: Meet the local artists creating DIY looks for the Village Halloween Parade

RECOMMENDED: The best Halloween events for 2022 in NYC

1. A splooting squirrel

The city's poor overheated squirrels took the Internet by storm over the summer with their adorable pose to cool down by "heat dumping." Basically, they sprawl out on their bellies to cool down ... which is exactly how we stretch out on our kitchen floor after returning from a day in the summer sun. We were so charmed by these critters that we dressed up as a hot squirrel—not a sexy squirrel, to be clear, but that's also an option on the table.

How to do it: Dress in every brown item of clothing you have. We topped our costume off with a faux fur hat. For the tail, we used a faux fur shawl, but a brown boa would also work. To really go for the squirrel look, we bought a dog snout and ears from Party City for $10. Adjust the ears carefully and nobody will know they're dog ears, and the snout is nondescript enough to look squirrelish. 

Difficulty level: 🎃🎃

2. Anna Delvey

The story of Anna Delvey , a.k.a. Anna Sorokin, is all about the art of illusion, so this fraudster (or is it heiress?) makes for a perfect Halloween costume. If anyone asks you for candy, just tell them you sent it via wire transfer.

How to do it: Grab a classic LBD (little black dress) from your closet and pair it with a black choker and black eyeglasses ( we got ours for $17 on Amazon ). It's really all about the attitude with this costume, so pretend you're an heiress with suitcases full of cash. For a true chef's kiss, stand in front of The Beekman for photos declaring that it's "sooo basic."

Difficulty level: 🎃🎃 

3. The Gilded Age

When The Gilded Age  premiered on HBO in January, it whisked viewers back to old New York, a time of ostentatious displays of wealth and oh-so-many luncheons. We leaned into the gilded glamour for this one with a perfectly pressed suit and a backdrop fit for a king. If you want to snap a photo out on the town, here's our guide to 13 places where you can still experience the Gilded Age.

How to do it:  Bedeck yourself in your finest suit with a classic black tie, and you can even add a top hat if you've got one. Pose in front of a painting and add a few dried florals (we scored them at Trader Joe's for $4). We also created this invitation (using a free postcard from The Plaza) to luncheon because seriously these people loved to talk about luncheon. It promises to be the event of the season.

Difficulty level:   🎃 🎃

4. A $1 slice protestor 

Nothing is safe from inflation, not even our beloved $1 slice pizza . To pay homage to New York City's favorite cheap slice, we created a tongue-in-cheek pizza protestor costume, then posed with an actual $1 slice. 

How to do it:  You'll need a couple of blank sheets of poster board to write your own messages. We kept it simple with, "Keep pizza $1" and "Give pizza chance." Bonus points: Posing with an actual $1 slice by a fresh pizza sign. 

5. A group of rats

There are more rats scurrying around NYC than ever before, so, uh, join the party, we guess? Seriously, when it comes to New York City wildlife, there's nothing more iconic than the creepy little (actually sometimes not-so-little) vermin the city's waging war on. This one works as a solo costume or a group costume, so have some fun with it.

How to do it:  Don all your gray apparel. Then, top off your outfit with some mouse ears, a tail, and gloves ( we found a two-pack on Amazon for $26 ). For props, we posed near a garbage can with a few trash bags. Take it to the next level by making a sign with some of the absolutely wild quotes from the city's most recent press conference about rats, like ... "The rats don't run this city, we do" or "This is not Ratatouille. Rats are not our friends."

Difficulty level:  🎃 🎃  

6. Funny Girl

The drama of Broadway's  Funny Girl  got a lot of attention this summer. Lea Michele—the erstwhile star of TV's Glee and Broadway's Spring Awakening —has taken over the show's leading role of Fanny Brice. We're inspired by her fashion and the history of the show's early-20th-century Ziegfeld Follies look, so we channeled the vintage vibes for this outfit.

How to do it:  A red coat and a hat are crucial for this costume. We added a black collared shirt with detailed beading. Put on some black gloves if you've got them and take a photo in soft light. 

Difficulty level:   🎃 🎃 🎃

7. The ghost of Two Buck Chuck

When Trader Joe's abruptly closed its wine shop below Union Square this summer, it marked the end of an era for budget booze shoppers. New Yorkers poured out their heartbreak on social media, so in honor of the store, we made this costume an ode to days past. 

How to do it: You'll need a few paper bags from Trader Joe's, one to make a top and one to cut into a fringy skirt. We lined the band of the skirt with Moleskine to keep it sturdy and prevent paper cuts. For the top, make sure that the Trader Joe's logo is visible in the front like Superman's "S." Finally, you'll need a bottle of wine to carry with you. If you're heading to a party, bring a full bottle for the host.

Difficulty level:  🎃🎃🎃 🎃

8. Spotted lanternfly 

One of the scariest ghouls of the year? The spotted lanternfly.

Don't let this insect's pretty polka dots fool you. It's actually an agricultural menace. Since Halloween is all about the creepy-crawly, we dressed up as this beautiful but damned insect, then snapped photos next to a tree while biting into an apple.

How to do it: Start with a black base layer. The wings are the tough part. To create the wings, we used the non-greasy parts of a pizza box, carefully cutting out a shape that matched the pictures on Google images. Next, add a layer of white paper on top of the wings, cutting it out to the same shape. Grab some colored pencils and start drawing the lanternfly's distinct pattern (this took a WHILE). Finally, carefully tape the wings together with a strong adhesive and affix a ribbon to create a sort-of harness to keep the wings on you. To top it off, we bought a $6 insect headband from Party City. 

Difficulty level: 🎃🎃 🎃🎃

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The Best NYC-Themed Costume Ideas, Halloween 2021 Edition

As most of us learned last year, you can’t stop Halloween in NYC—even if it means elaborate candy-delivery systems to keep things safe! (If you do decide to venture out this year, take precautions—like wearing a mask—to stay healthy.) Looking for some Halloween costume inspiration? We of course love a good New York City-themed costume, and have rounded up our favorite ideas for 2021. From family costumes to baby costumes and lots of easy costumes, this is how to show your NYC pride!

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Channeling your inner RBG is never a bad idea. The Supreme Court Justice hailed from Flatbush, Brooklyn, and it's easy enough to pull together a costume on your own, but you can also get the basics here . Of course, another option is to go the Notorious RBG route and add a slightly askew gold crown. And for the first-timer? Can't go wrong with this . 

P.S. Let's not forget that Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor is also an NYC native, who was born and raised in the South Bronx—so you have your choice of impressive jurists!

King Kong Tableau

Have a few trick or treaters you need to outfit? A trio of the Empire State Building, King Kong and damsel in distress (or not) is a formidable ensemble. This particular iteration is the work of Ashley Bailey, the inspired Atlanta area photographer and mom behind the site " Stellaween ." The month-long celebration of October's biggest day started with Bailey dressing and documenting daughter Stella in a new homemade costume each day, with a pair of twins joining in a few years ago. (You can see Bailey's shots of other people's kids at her site, September Morn Photography .)

Little Island

A little high concept and definitely not for the crafting-challenged?  Sure, but we think a whole bunch of plastic funnels with some little trees and people on them would be instantly recognizable. 

Ghostbuster

Genius sibling idea! Get a brown jumpsuit, a backpack, some hose and a DIY Ghostbusters patch and you're good to go.  For a family costume, incorporate Slimer, the Stay-Puft Marshmallow man, Zuul, etc. 

Fearless Girl

Even though it involves some potentially messy bronze face makeup and maybe spraypainting some clothes, we think it could be worth the trouble. We bet you know a fearless girl or two who could rock this costume hard. Bonus points if you do a family theme with other members taking on the roles of the Charging Bull, a tourist, stock trader, etc. 

New York's Finest

We don't mean any disrespect. Of course cops don't just sit around eating donuts. But how cute is this costume? NYPD for the win!

Another costume idea that's open to a lot of interpretation, the Hispter is a little more subtle. This is Bailey's take on it, and we think the mustache solution she came up with is genius.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Grace Fong-Smith (@gracefongsmith)

An MTA train car is a quintessential NYC choice for Halloween, and it's a project, but an easy one. Nice touches include personalizing with your neighborhood's main line,  or with your child's initial. (Yes, there can be an "H" or "T" train.) Pizza Rat really takes this version over the top. 

Statue of Liberty

Another costume that's simple, easy, instantly recognizable, and can be worn with absolutely anything underneath. An aqua-colored sheet, foam crown and torch and you're done.

Sesame Street

Why pick one character from the Street when you can be all of them and the Street itself?

Times Square Elmo

Another, more subversive take on the Sesame Street crowd, the Times Square Elmo is easy to achieve. You just need an Elmo costume that looks a little...wrong. Thrift stores are filled with Elmo costumes that have seen better days. Give your child a five-dollar bill and a bad attitude and you're all set.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by San Antonio Charter Moms (@sachartermoms)

OK, obviously this is not a costume applicable to NYC alone, but we're going to claim it because A.) New Yorkers have to be some of the most phone-dependent beings and B.) this costume is so cute, easy, and a dream to get around.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Stephanie Johnson (Schmeling) (@tonsandbunches)

Bagel et. al

This family went all-in with the NYC-themed costumes: Bagel with cream cheese, Metrocard, Statue of Liberty. (Click through to see the full ensemble.)

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

We're  betting at least one kid in the Bronx or Queens steps out in this. (If you see them, please send photos.) A hard sell? Maybe. But maybe not —AOC is pretty inspiring. A nice companion to Fearless Girl, this is super easy to pull together (especially if your kid has long dark hair). Still, some bright red lipstick, a House of Representatives Seal or Green New Deal material, and you're good to go. 

Naked Cowboy

Easy. Hilarious. Cute. What more could you ask for? Obviously an indoor costume only, this one is perfect for your diaper-wearing tot. Just scrawl "Naked Cowboy" on his (or her) butt, throw on some kiddie cowboy boots, a hat and ukulele and call it a night.

— Mimi O’Connor

RELATED STORIES: 

NYC Fall Family Fun for 2021

Praise the Gourd: Where to Go Pumpkin Picking near NYC

Top Seeds: The Best Apple Picking Near NYC

Fall Day Trips You Still Have Time to Take

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NYC Tourist and Statue of Liberty Costume

Rate this costume:

This homemade costume for couples entered our 2015 Halloween Costume Contest .

A word from McKenna, the 'NYC Tourist and Statue of Liberty' costume creator:

We came up with the idea after a recent trip to Hawai'i. While there, my boyfriend (Brett) wore his Hawai'ian shirt and I called him "such a tourist". That's when our original idea came to be a Hawai'ian tourist and have me dressing in a hula skirt...then we thought about the fact that we would be in Wisconsin and decided to try something warmer. So, NYC it was (because it was the most cliche tourist shirt and everyone loves NY!). His outfit was pretty easy. He brought a hat, camera, shorts, socks, and sandals from home. From there, I bought a plain white tshirt from Michael's, some fabric paint, and painted on the "I heart NY". I found the fanny pack at work and called it finished. The total cost of his outfit was about 8$. My costume involved a plain white sheet from Wal-Mart (4$), some green dye (3$), some foam paper (2$) and a sheet of green paper (1$). I cut out the crown from the foam paper and drew sharpie on for the design. I then took the remaining foam paper and put it around a flash light and added tissue paper for the top for the torch. For the book, I took an old one from home and covered it was green paper. I then took the sheet and dyed it to make my actual outfit. It was super simple and super cheap, and everyone loved it!

Similar costumes:

• DIY Statue of Liberty with Fireworks Costume
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• 80 Creative DIY Halloween Costumes for Couples

Rating: 3.9 of 5 . Votes: 20

#1 comment by Anke August 30, 2016

Hi! I Love the idea. I could not wrap the sheet so it would look good. HOw did you do it and how big was the sheet? Thank and greetings from Germany ANke

#2 comment by Sherry Peppard October 5, 2019

How did you tie the sheet around your body and what size sheet did you use.

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How to Dress Like a Tacky Tourist: Tips and Ideas

Are you looking to stand out on your next vacation? Do you want to embrace the tacky tourist look with confidence and style? Look no further as we guide you through the do’s and don’ts of dressing like a tourist.

In this post, we will delve into the world of tourist aesthetics, defining what it means to dress like one and exploring popular trends and cliches. We will also provide tips on essential items that can help you achieve the perfect tourist look.

Lastly, we will give ideas on how to create your own tourist costume by mixing and matching different elements for maximum impact. Join us as we discover how to have fun with fashion and embrace our inner tackiness!

Understanding the Tacky Tourist Aesthetic

Embracing the playful and over-the-top fashion choices inherent in the tacky aesthetic allows for a lighthearted costume experience. This look celebrates and parodies tourist stereotypes, creating a whimsical and carefree vibe by exaggerating cliches.

It revolves around bold, mismatched, and loud fashion statements, combining gaudy, touristy elements to create an exaggerated and playful appearance.

The tourist aesthetic is not only a fun costume choice but also a way to embrace authenticity while enjoying sightseeing or participating in themed events like Tourist Day, homecoming week, or even last-minute Halloween preparations.

Defining Tacky Tourist Fashion

Embracing the vibrant and playful tourist aesthetic involves sporting tropical prints, fanny packs, and touristy accessories. This fashion style revels in mismatched patterns, bright colors, and novelty accessories, creating a whimsical and deliberately over-the-top look.

The tourist fashion embodies a humorous and campy style, combining exaggerated and absurd elements for a fun and lighthearted costume.

It’s all about embracing touristy, stereotypical clothing, accessories, and footwear to create an authentic and playful outfit that celebrates sightseeing and last-minute costume ideas. Whether for homecoming week, Halloween, or a themed party, the tourist costume ensures fun and authenticity with its gaudy and touristy elements.

Popular Trends and Cliches

When capturing the tourist aesthetic, one cannot overlook the popular trends and cliches that define this playful fashion statement. From the iconic Hawaiian shirts to the questionable fashion choice of socks with sandals, every element contributes to the overall humor and authenticity of the tourist costume ideas.

The inclusion of fanny packs, Mickey Mouse ears, lei, sunglasses, and umbrella hats adds a touch of humor and whimsy to the ensemble. Moreover, last-minute tourist costume ideas, binoculars, and pouches are essential for perfecting the tourist day look.

This unique fashion genre celebrates homecoming week, Halloween, and other festivities by embodying touristy, tacky costume accessories that exude a lighthearted, carefree vibe.

Essential Items for a Tacky Tourist Look

The essentials for achieving a tourist look encompass vibrant tropical shirts, tacky prints, and a plethora of touristy accessories. Embracing the tourist aesthetic necessitates over-the-top accessories, sandals, sunglasses, and lei to bring authenticity to the outfit.

Essential items for the tourist look include fanny packs, binoculars, and embracing the socks with sandals trend for that perfect touristy vibe.

Additionally, incorporating last-minute tourist costume ideas, Hawaiian shirts, visors, and umbrella hats is crucial for achieving the desired look.

Tropical Shirts and Kitschy Prints

Iconic elements of tourist fashion involve embracing bold, colorful, and kitschy prints, including Hawaiian shirt patterns. These tropical shirts and kitschy prints are essential for achieving an authentic tourist costume look.

Tacky tourist fashion emphasizes the incorporation of tropical, kitschy, and colorful shirt prints, fanny packs, and sunglasses. Kitschy, tropical shirt prints are a staple of tourist fashion, adding authenticity to the costume by creating a vibrant and eye-catching ensemble.

Incorporating these prints and styles into your tourist costume ideas will elevate the overall appearance and ensure that you stand out during events like Tourist Day, Homecoming Week, or themed parties.

Over-the-top Accessories

When embracing the tourist aesthetic, over-the-top accessories play a crucial role in completing the look. From fanny packs to Mickey Mouse ears and sunglasses, these accessories add authenticity to the tourist costume.

Incorporating lei, umbrella hats, sunglasses, and even sandals is essential for achieving the desired tourist look. Binoculars, visors, and pouches are also key elements that enhance the overall costume.

Whether it’s for a tourist day, homecoming week, or a last-minute Halloween costume, these over-the-top accessories are a must-have for creating an unforgettable and authentic tourist costume look.

Embracing the Socks with Sandals Trend

Embracing the trend of pairing socks with sandals contributes to the playful and whimsical tourist look. It adds an extra touch of authenticity to the costume, promoting a quirky fashion statement. Tacky tourist fashion is all about embracing this unconventional trend to achieve an authentic and whimsical costume.

The socks-with-sandals combination plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall authenticity of the tourist costume, making it an essential element of this fashion style. By incorporating socks with sandals, individuals can fully embrace and exude the playful and vibrant spirit of the tourist aesthetic.

Creating Your Own Tacky Tourist Costume

Creating your unique tourist costume involves a playful combination of touristy and tacky elements for maximum effect. Customizing the costume allows for a personalized and exaggerated touristy look, embracing the over-the-top aesthetic.

Layering and mixing different touristy clothing, footwear, and accessories are essential to achieve the desired tourist costume.

By combining and mismatching various touristy, tacky accessories, sandals, and Hawaiian shirt prints, you can create a one-of-a-kind ensemble. Making use of last-minute costume ideas and embracing the authenticity of tourist fashion can help in achieving the perfect tourist look.

Mixing and Matching for Maximum Tackiness

For the ultimate tourist look, mixing and matching touristy, tacky costume ideas, accessories, and footwear are key. Achieving maximum tackiness involves combining these elements in a playful and exaggerated manner.

To create the perfect tacky tourist costume, consider mixing and matching various touristy accessories, Hawaiian shirt prints, and sunglasses for that over-the-top effect.

By combining and mismatching different tourist costume ideas, footwear, accessories, and Hawaiian shirt prints, you can maximize the tourist effect. To truly embrace the tourist aesthetic, mixing and matching different elements such as accessories, sandals, and umbrella hats is essential.

How Can You Pull Off The Perfect Tacky Tourist Outfit?

Pulling off the ideal tourist outfit requires confidence, humor, and a willingness to embrace clichés. Embody a playful, carefree attitude and fully commit to the touristy, tacky aesthetic to achieve the perfect look. Embrace the costume, exude humor, and showcase authenticity for maximum impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some key elements of a tourist outfit?

Some key elements of a tourist outfit include wearing Hawaiian shirts for that tropical vibe, accessorizing with fanny packs, visors, and oversized sunglasses, embracing the socks with sandals or flip-flops trend, and adding camera accessories or maps as props to complete the look.

Are there any specific patterns or prints that are commonly associated with tourist attire?

Hawaiian shirts are a classic tourist staple, known for their loud and colorful prints. Floral, animal, or geometric patterns are commonly associated with tourist attire. Accessorize with fanny packs, visors, and oversized sunglasses to complete the look. Remember, fashion is subjective, so have fun experimenting with your own style!

How can I accessorize my tourist outfit to complete the look?

To complete your tourist outfit, consider adding a fanny pack or camera, a wide-brimmed hat with a tropical print or destination slogan, socks with sandals, oversized sunglasses, and a lei necklace. These accessories will enhance your tourist aesthetic.

Are there any clothing items or accessories that should be avoided when trying to achieve a tourist look?

When aiming for a tourist look, it’s important to avoid certain clothing items and accessories. Instead of expensive or sophisticated outfits, embrace bright patterns, Hawaiian shirts, and fanny packs. Don’t match your outfit perfectly; go for a mismatched and eclectic style.

To embrace the tourist aesthetic, you need to let go of fashion rules and dive into the world of bold prints, clashing colors, and over-the-top accessories.

From tropical shirts and kitschy prints to socks with sandals, the key is to have fun and embrace the cliches. Mix and match different pieces to create your own unique tourist costume that will turn heads and bring smiles wherever you go.

Remember, the goal is not to blend in but to stand out in true tourist fashion. So, go ahead and unleash your inner tourist with confidence and style!

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Ferona Jose is a passionate travel writer and blogger at Travelistia. She has traveled throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas. Her writing focuses on cheap travel destinations, travel experiences, cultural insights, and travel hacks.

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New York Costumes

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13 Travel Themed Party Costume Ideas

If you love to travel, why not incorporate your wanderlusting passion into your Halloween or party costume? From touristy souvenirs to well-known travel movies, here’s a handful of inspiration for your travel theme party costume!

Travel Themed Party Costume Inspired by Tourist Attractions

Easy travel inspired costume great for solo, couple or family costume (baby can be the safari animal )

You’ll need proper clothing if you’re going on a safari. Make sure to wear a hat to shield your face from the sun and khaki to keep you cool and blend you into your surroundings.

What You’ll Need:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nikki G. ? (@nikkiboo099) on Oct 31, 2018 at 12:47pm PDT

Difficult travel inspired costume that you may need patience to make

Be the snow globe that used to delight you as a kid. Plan this costume with a bunch of friends and be snow globes from different cities like Paris, London, etc.

Clear Umbrella

Upholstery Foam

Cotton Balls for Snow

Statue of Liberty

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Melisa Goodhall (@momma_melisa) on Oct 28, 2018 at 5:53am PDT

Easy travel costume that can be paired with a New York tourist costume (below)

Be America’s icon of freedom welcoming in immigrants to New York!

New York Tourist

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Margo Longoria Ugalde (@starla74) on Oct 26, 2018 at 1:19pm PDT

Easy travel themed costume

Being from New York, I absolutely love when people visit my city for the first time! It’s quite exciting to see their reaction regarding all the stuff you can do here, but boy oh boy do some tourists stick out.

Dress like a tourist visiting New York for the first time! Don’t forget to  stop in the middle of peoples’ tracks to look around aimlessly.

Travel Themed Party Costume Inspired by Books and Movies

Darjeeling limited.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Steph Fordyce (@tronfunkenblow) on May 2, 2019 at 1:54pm PDT

Easy world traveler costume best done with a group

Be one or all of the three brothers in Darjeeling Limited,  a Wes Anderson movie. Go on a soul-searching journey together a year after your father’s death.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ISA (@entrecolores) on Feb 10, 2018 at 10:18am PST

Easy world traveler costume

Transform from a shy Parisienne with a routine life to one that’s improved for the better as Amelie.

Where’s Waldo

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andrew Mendizabal (@adrew86) on Nov 1, 2018 at 11:18am PDT

No one can keep track of where you are because you’re Waldo! Have fun hiding in fun locations around the world.

Carmen Sandiego

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Max (@maxs_homemade_cosplays) on Apr 14, 2017 at 8:32am PDT

No one can chase you down because you’re Carmen Sandiego. Where in the world are you?

Travel Themed Party Costume Inspired by Career Travelers

Easy travel inspired costume

Get ready to make your passengers’ dreams come true by flying them to their next destination.

Check out the  pilot costumes on Amazon.

Flight Attendant

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ? Thomas Cook Crewing Company (@tc_crewingcompany) on May 7, 2019 at 2:04am PDT

Be the ultimate flight attendant by making your passengers extra comfy as they reach their next destination.

Find a flight attendant costume on Amazon.

Instagrammable Destination Chaser

View this post on Instagram A post shared by s a r a h?‍♀️ travel + fashion (@sarchetrit) on Apr 26, 2019 at 7:01am PDT

Head to the hottest Instagrammable destination with a selfie stick or tripod in one hand and dressed fashionably from head to toe.

What You’ll Need

Selfie Stick

Pretty Dress to Twirl In

2nd Pretty Dress to Change Into

Compact, Mirrorless Camera to Travel With

Travel Themed Party Costume Inspired by History

Amelia earhart.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ?Hayley? (@catladyhayz) on Mar 26, 2017 at 2:00am PDT

Easy to medium travel inspired costume

Be the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean!

Full Costume

Hat and Goggles

White Scarf

Lewis and Clark

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Truth Serum History (@truthserumhistory) on Apr 7, 2019 at 9:00am PDT

Be the first American frontiers men to explore and cross the western portion of the US in the early 1800s.

Did these travel costume ideas inspire you? I’d love to see your travel inspired Halloween or party costume. Send me a pic after!

Thanks for stopping by! xo.

?  Pin or bookmark this for later!

Thursday 18th of October 2018

Haha the snow globe one is a pretty cool idea but seems like it would be a logistical nightmare every time you need to take it off. I might actually do New York tourist this year. Thanks for the great ideas :)

Wednesday 17th of October 2018

What a fun article, Sarah. My favourite is the Snow Globe costume but I am not sure if I would personally dress up in it. I might try it on my niece though.

When looking at these photos, I can't stop laughing. This post is fun. Will look back at this post in February, when Carnaval is coming up in the Netherlands! Then it will definitely be useful. Thanks for sharing!

Although I haven't dressed up in years, I do enjoy looking at photos of everyone's costumes! These are all so great! If I was going to dress up this year I would dress up as the new female Dr. Who. She's a world traveler, wouldn't you say?!?!? :)

Tuesday 16th of October 2018

This is such a fun post, especially with Halloween coming up! I think I most like the Where's Waldo, though we call him Wally in England! Will try some of these out!

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Tourist Traps in NYC: What to Avoid in the Big Apple

Hollywood paints New York City as a picturesque city where all your dreams come true.

Between the glitz and the glamor they see in the media, tourists often come to the Big Apple with stars in their eyes. This, unfortunately, makes it all too easy for visitors to fall for the many NYC tourist traps.

From outlandish prices of the old World Trade Center ‘s memorabilia to unnecessary souvenirs of the Empire State Building , the city is filled with tourist traps and scams targeted at first-time visitors. Don’t fall for these common NYC tourist traps during your vacation in the Big Apple.

Times Square Tourist Traps

Times Square is one of the worst tourist traps in NYC. Since it is your first time in New York City, you should experience Times Square. However, be warned — this area of Manhattan is crawling with tourist traps.

Costumed Characters

Quite possibly the most notorious of NYC tourist traps is the costumed characters lurking around Times Square, thus topping our tourist traps NYC list. You’ll quickly realize this is a scam by looking at the condition of the costumes.

Mickey Mouse looks a bit off, huh? While many tourists won’t go near the creepy characters ( and you shouldn’t either ), others, sadly, fall for the trick. To date, this is still one of the most profitable tourist traps New York has for scammers.

The scam is fairly simple:

Tourists want their picture taken with Donald Duck or Superman in Times Square. The character plays along as the visitors take their picture. The next thing you know, Superman is asking you for money. That picture wasn’t free!

Plus, these characters are not contracted employees of entertainment companies such as Disney, DC Comics, Marvel, or Sesame Street.

You should also know that NYC has strict laws in place that limit the activities of these characters in Times Square. Those two facts alone should be enough to deter you from taking a picture with any of the suspicious characters.

Caricatures

One of the latest NYC tourist traps in Times Square is caricatures. These over-the-top portraits are available at every theme park, festival, and carnival around the world. Yet, people continue to want a goofy painting of themselves when on vacation in New York City.

In Times Square, these whimsical drawings can cost you a pretty penny. Before you hand over your cash, think to yourself, “ Do I really need a weird drawing of myself surrounded by bright commercials, TV screens, and buildings?” The answer is most likely “ no ”.

Ticket Scalpers

To access many of the Broadway shows and theaters, you need to venture through Times Square. On your way, you’ll likely run into individuals looking to sell you Broadway show or concert tickets. They’re who you need to avoid in New York. Yes, scalpers are also notorious tourist traps in New York!

We hate to break it to you, but $50 orchestra-level tickets to Hamilton are one of the biggest NYC tourist traps. Should you fall for this scam, good luck entering the theater with a fake ticket? There’s a reason tickets are scanned before you enter the theater.

First, Broadway shows do not sell tickets through individuals — no matter what the scalper tells you . You should only purchase Broadway show tickets through the show’s box office, a trusted 3rd party such as Tripster New York City , or at the TKTS booth in Times Square.

A rule of thumb —  if the ticket price seems too good to be true, it is.

Chain Restaurants

Due to the hustle and excitement of Times Square, it can be all too easy to be sucked into the NYC tourist traps. Perhaps the worst trap is the over-the-top chain restaurants such as Bubba Gump Shrimp and Olive Garden .

Additionally, supposedly must-try dessert shops like Magnolia Bakery may not be worth the long line. The cold, hard truth is that as per locals, Magnolia’s cupcakes aren’t that good.

Related Post:  New York Hidden Gems – Unveiling 14 of the Big Apple’s Best-Kept Secrets

You’ve traveled all the way to NYC — the land of endless, remarkable food — and you dine at an Olive Garden in Times Square? These chain restaurants are just as much of a tourist trap as the costumed characters.

You’ll eat the same exact food as you would back home but for an astronomical price. Plus, the wait is far too long. Why wait hours to eat at a chain restaurant when local NYC restaurants surround you?

Is Times Square a Tourist Trap?

Times Square is undoubtedly a tourist hub with bright lights, characters, and chain restaurants catering to those crowds. However, whether it’s a “trap” depends – for first-timers, it’s an iconic experience, but locals generally avoid it unless they work or see a Broadway show there.

Central Park Tourist Traps

Every first-time NYC visitor needs to experience Central Park . No matter what time of year you visit, the spacious park is wonderful. However, while visiting the renowned park, do not fall for these notorious NYC tourist traps.

Bike Taxis/Pedicabs

If you’re visiting Central Park, walking around and seeing the sights is the best part. However, some tourists fall for the allure of a pedicab or bike taxi. No matter if the convenience of sitting down sounds appealing or if you want to get to your destination faster, pedicabs make a fortune off of tourists.

Pedicabs are available all over the city like in Brooklyn Heights promenade ( especially Manhattan ) but target Central Park as a way to hike up their rates. Depending on the pedicab company and/or driver, you could be charged anywhere from $5 to $11 ( or more ) per minute. Sounds a bit ridiculous, right? That’s because it is.

Related Post:  Where to Stay in New York City on a Budget – Live it Up in The Big Apple Without Breaking the Bank

On top of all that, these NYC tourist traps are not that convenient. A bike pedaling multiple individuals in a cabin can be slower than walking. When visiting Central Park, take your time, look around, and soak it all in. Don’t fly through on a pedicab that depletes your entire vacation budget in a single sitting.

However, if you are interested in biking through Central Park, be sure to check out one of the many bike tours or even rent a Citi bike.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

While a horse and carriage ride through Central Park is unbelievably romantic, be sure to do your due diligence before hopping in any nearby carriage.

Certain carriages are not regulated through a tour company, nor do they charge a reasonable price. To avoid these NYC tourist traps, make sure your chosen carriage ride company is legitimate, such as the horse and carriage rides through Central Park Sightseeing.

While Central Park is absolutely worth the trip for those visiting the Big Apple for the first time, those who aren’t a fan of crowds should head to other NYC parks such as Prospect Park , the Hudson River Park , Brooklyn Bridge Park , and Astoria Park .

How Do I Stop Looking Like a Tourist in NYC?

Ditch the obvious “I ❤️ NY” shirt and bulky fanny pack. Dress comfortably in darker colors for a more city-chic look.

Confidently walk at a brisk pace, and use the subway to get around to blend in with New Yorkers navigating their day.

Rockefeller Center Tourist Traps

Those who visit New York City during the winter months naturally want to see the enormous Christmas tree and skate on the famous ice rink. But we’d advise that you skip this.

Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is expensive and honestly, exhausting. Unless you magically visit when no one is there, you’ll wait in line for what seems like an eternity before you skate a few laps around the rink.

Related Post:  Free Things to Do in New York City – 20 Amazing Activities

With the extraordinary amount of people skating at one time, you end up skating at one specific speed the entire time. From the skate rental to the actual admission cost, ice skating at Rockefeller Center is quite the tourist trap.

If you’re set on ice skating, head over to Bryant Park for cheaper admission/skate rentals and a more “Winter Wonderland” landscape. It’s one of the best places to visit in NYC that aren’t tourist traps.

Little Italy Tourist Traps

Tourists flock to Little Italy to experience what they believe is the real deal. Of course, you can get pizza, pasta, and espresso here, but you’ll also experience:

• Never-Ending Crowds
• High Prices
• A Commercialized Neighborhood

To avoid another set of NYC tourist traps, skip shopping and eating in Manhattan’s Little Italy and head to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. Here you’ll find genuine Italian-American food, families, culture, and more.

Additionally, if you really want to experience New York City’s finest and get your time and money’s worth, we suggest booking activities like the Statue of Liberty and Staten Island ferry or Lady Liberty cruises instead.

Shopping in NYC Tourist Traps

Picture this:

You’re walking along the street in NYC when you come upon a street vendor with a Coach purse for only $75. What a deal, right? Wrong.

Related Post:  Best Time to Visit New York City – An In-Depth Seasonal Guide

Street vendors are as frequent as pedicabs in NYC. Although it may be tempting to purchase that totally real autographed vinyl of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”, we can assure you that it’s another one of the many NYC tourist traps.

Don’t fall for one of the most expensive New York tourist traps. Save your money and skip shopping at the street vendors!

Hotels in NYC

Once your day of sightseeing is done, get some shut-eye in “The City That Never Sleeps”! It’s no secret that staying in a luxurious city like New York can come with a price tag. However, if you’re looking for a deal, you’ve come to the right place!

At Tripster, hotel savings are one of our specialties. Here are some of our favorite New York City stays for a steal:

• Club Quarters Hotel, World Trade Center
• Hotel Boutique at Grand Central
• Park Terrace Hotel

New York City Attractions

Go new york city explorer pass.

Visitors to the New York City area should take advantage of the Go New York City Explorer Pass .

Currently offered at a discounted price via Tripster, save even more on travel as the pass lets you get into up to 10 NYC attractions for less than the original price.

The Museum of Modern Art – MoMA

Fill your day with authentic inspiration with a visit to the leading museum of modern art in the world. Grab tickets to MoMA New York City and feast your eyes on a variety of exhibitions with paintings from modern art masters, daily film and video screenings, gallery discussions, and much more.

Circle Line Best of NYC: Full Manhattan Island Cruise

Hop aboard the Circle Line Best of NYC to experience parts of The Big Apple as you’ve never before! See stunning skyline views and over 130 iconic landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building–all while learning about the history and culture of NYC from an expert tour guide.

Don’t Fall For The NYC Tourist Traps

At one point or another in our travels, we’re all tourists. However, that doesn’t mean we need to fall for the extravagant traps, prices, and scams targeted toward first-time visitors who just want to see the NYC skyline without breaking the bank.

When visiting the Big Apple, be on the lookout for these NYC tourist traps and save yourself time, money, and your sanity.

Have Any Tips to Add?

Leave us a comment below!

Written by Nicole King

There are only two things that make Nicole really happy–books and travel! When her head’s not buried in a book, she’s most likely...

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See Every One of Heidi Klum's Halloween Party Costumes Over the Years

By ETonline Staff

7:00 PM PDT, October 31, 2023

The 'America's Got Talent' host has wowed us with her creatively haunted attire since 2000.

2011 (Part One!)

2011 (Part Two!)

The Queen of Halloween killed it as Michael Jackson's "Thriller" werewolf at her 18th party, presented by Party City and SVEDKA Vodka, at Magic Hour Rooftop Bar and Lounge and Moxy Times Square in New York City. "Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' video is so iconic and it is so fabulous that we had to redo that for Halloween so we're all learning this dance," Klum told ET's Keltie Knight at the bash. "Obviously, I'm not as good as Michael, no one ever will be as good as Michael, but I really tried my hardest."

We were green with envy over Heidi's perfect couples costume ! The hot mama and her boyfriend, Tom Kaulitz, transformed into Princess Fiona and Shrek for her 19th Annual Halloween Bash, presented by Party City and SVEDKA Vodka, at Lavo in New York City on Oct. 31. The epic looks mark one of the rare times Klum has embarked on a costume journey with a significant other, and the pair spent hours in makeup and prosthetics to turn into the jolly green ogres. "It’s special that I finally found my Shrek,” she told ET. "I kind of always wanted to be Fiona, but I never had the Shrek to do it with." 

After a transformation process that took over 12 hours, Heidi hit the red carpet as a freakish otherworldly alien , while her new husband, Tom Kaulitz, donned a space suit to play the bloodied and beaten astronaut responsible for bringing Klum's nightmarish extraterrestrial to earth.

ET spoke with the pair about their creepy couples costume, and Tom broke down the backstory behind their characters: "So I was on a mission in outer space, looking for a new planet, because we almost destroyed ours [and] I found her and I brought her back, because I thought she might have some useful information for us."

This time around, Tom only had to spend four hours getting ready -- which was far less time than it took to don  2018's Shrek costume -- while Klum sat for nearly the entire day getting layer after layer of latex and other special FX make-up glued to nearly every square inch.

After taking a two-year hiatus from hosting her party due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the supermodel completely outdid herself as a worm on a fishing hook . Her husband, Tom Kaulitz, played the role of the fisherman. 

The German-American supermodel, 50, showed up to the red carpet alongside at least nine backup dancers -- dressed as her plumage --  and her husband, Tom Kaulitz, dressed up as a peacock egg.