How To Travel Incognito: A Review Of Ludwig Bemelmans' Book
Ludwig Bemelmans is a name that might not be familiar to many, but his book "How to Travel Incognito" has been a favorite of travelers for decades. Published in 1952, the book is a collection of short stories that provide tips and tricks on how to blend in and avoid detection while traveling. In this review, we'll take a closer look at the book and highlight some of its most interesting insights.
Bemelmans begins his book with a warning: "In this world of ours, it is useless to be a creative, original thinker unless you can also sell what you create." He goes on to explain that, in order to be successful, one must be able to blend in with the crowd and avoid drawing attention to oneself. To that end, he offers a series of tips on how to dress, act, and speak in a way that will help you fly under the radar.
One of the most interesting sections of the book is Bemelmans' advice on language. He argues that, while it's important to be able to speak the local language, it's equally important to be able to speak it badly. He writes, "Fluency is the enemy of the incognito. The man who speaks a language perfectly will never pass for a native; he will always be recognized as a stranger." Instead, Bemelmans suggests that travelers intentionally make small mistakes when speaking the local language in order to blend in better.
How to Dress
Bemelmans believes that dressing appropriately is one of the keys to successful incognito travel. He advises against dressing too well or too casually, as either extreme will draw attention to you. Instead, he suggests dressing conservatively and choosing clothes that are appropriate for the local culture. For example, in Italy, he recommends wearing a dark suit and tie, while in Greece, he suggests wearing light-colored clothing made of linen or cotton.
How to Act
In addition to dressing appropriately, Bemelmans also believes that travelers must act appropriately in order to blend in. He suggests avoiding behaviors that are commonly associated with tourists, such as taking pictures of everything or constantly checking a map. Instead, he advises travelers to act like they belong and to be confident in their movements. He writes, "The man who walks with confidence and purpose is not likely to be stopped and questioned."
How to Eat
One of the most enjoyable parts of travel is trying new foods, but Bemelmans warns that doing so can also be a dead giveaway that you're a tourist. To avoid this, he suggests doing some research ahead of time and finding out what the locals eat. He writes, "If you want to fit in, you need to eat what the locals eat." He also advises against ordering drinks with umbrellas in them, as they will immediately mark you as a tourist.
How to Get Around
Finally, Bemelmans offers advice on how to get around without drawing attention to yourself. He suggests avoiding taxis and instead opting for public transportation, as it's less likely to draw attention. He also advises against renting a car unless it's absolutely necessary, as it will mark you as a tourist. Instead, he recommends walking or biking whenever possible, as it allows you to blend in better and experience the local culture more fully.
In conclusion, "How to Travel Incognito" is a must-read for anyone who wants to blend in and avoid detection while traveling. Bemelmans' tips and tricks are practical, insightful, and often humorous, making this book an enjoyable read as well as a helpful guide. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time tourist, this book is sure to help you make the most of your travels.
| Pros | Cons |
| Practical advice | Somewhat outdated |
| Humorous writing | Not applicable to all cultures |
| Easy to read | Some advice may be impractical |
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