Sneaking off for a summer vacation?

I try my hardest not to look like a tourist wherever I go. I own no fanny packs and you won’t find me in an American flag t-shirt. I like to look like I belong. I want to be mistaken for a local. I live to be asked for directions. Suffice to say, it’s a bit of an obsession.

But since moving to Europe I’ve let go of my no sneakers while traveling rule, because:

#1 Europeans love sneakers. From the flashy and colorful to understated and high-end, the Swiss-French adore to wear their le tennis on the weekend.

#2 Sneakers give me more mileage. I have barely worn a pair of heels since moving here, because I walk everywhere and on cobblestoned streets, no less.

#3 There are some seriously cute sneakers out there! Gone are the days of bright white Reeboks that scream “tourist!” A pair of well-chosen sneakers never look lazy when paired with a tailored outfit.

A few of my favorite summer sneakers for some dream trips:

Seaside in Cape Cod:

Surf camp in Costa Rica:

Backpacking through Europe:

Sailing in the British Virgin Islands:

Wine-tasting in Tuscany:

Island-hopping in Greece (the lightest shoes for your suitcase–I’ve worn them since 1992):

Weekend sightseeing in New York:

Road tripping down the Californian coast:

The go anywhere classic white summer sneaker:

Happy travel planning (and sneaker shopping!). For now, a few links:

• Fun ways to wear your sneakers this weekend (WhoWhatWear)
• Men: How to wear sneakers when you aren’t at the gym (Men’s Health)
• How celebrities wear sneakers (InStyle)