With the West being in the focus for divisive political campaigning and toxic language used on refugees and migrants, it makes it pertinent to be a wise traveller.
While there is nothing wrong in wearing your cultural and religious beliefs on you, when away from home, it may be ideal to take the road of restraint and self preservation. A well-travelled designer, Susan Fernandes of Anu & Susan, agrees to blending in.
“When we travelled to Iran, we wore long-sleeved tops and trousers and I bought the local headscarf and enjoyed the anonymity of fitting in. Back home, I warn my foreign friends to not wear strappy tops and shorts if travelling alone, to avoid unwanted attention from local men who are not too used to seeing so much skin,” says Susan.
Most seasoned travellers will vouch for this. Fashion designer, Reshma Kunhi says, “For long distance travel, wear maxi dress and A-line skirts. When travelling to countries which are in the news for racist attacks, avoid wearing clothes and accessories which identify with a particular community. Dress modestly, avoid a burqa and opt for a trench coat, long cardigans, ponchos or even long multilayered skirts or flares teamed with a blouse or a scarf. Women who prefer saris or salwar kameez can opt for palazzo pants with long-knitted tops teamed with a cardigan which are more or less like salwar kameez.”
Malini Gowrishankar, F5 Escapes, believes in minimalism. “Never go overboard. With casual tees and denims, you’ll be fine anywhere in the world,” she says. Susan adds, “I like to fit in to the country I’m travelling to, but I’m not comfortable in anything ultra-revealing, unless I’m on the beach. When Anu Nagappa and I travel to Europe or the UK, we do wear Western outfits made in the finest of Indian fabrics — silks and pure cottons.”
DJ Donabelle, who travels often between Dubai, Cambodia and Goa says, “Cambodia and Thailand are the safest and easiest places to dress. Here, wearing a sari or salwar kameez draws attention. I’d advise people to wear what they’re comfortable given the place, time, weather and situation. If you are in a country that is conservative, respect their ways instead of asking for unwanted trouble.”
Vikram Ahuja from Byond Travel shares, “Be aware of cultural sensibilities and sensitivities of a region you’re travelling to. Dress like the locals. When travelling to specific regions, avoid attracting undue attention as you are unaware of the situation. So, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.”
