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70 School Spirit Day Ideas That Kids Of All Ages Will Love

Dated: January 29, 2023 Last Modified: January 29, 2023 by Amy Leave a Comment

Some might argue that one of the best things about working at a school is school spirit days. Others might argue that it is one of the worst things about working in a school. Anything But a Backpack Day, Crazy Weather Day, and Spaced Out Day might make some school staff members cringe. Others get as excited as the students. No matter the point of view, I don’t think school dress up theme days are going anywhere any time soon! If anything, they seem to gain more and more traction each year. Read on for tons of ideas for school spirit day themes to implement at your school!

Before we dive into the full list, I will share my thoughts on some of my favorite and my questionable school dress up themes. Keep in mind I’m coming at you with 20 years teaching experience so I don’t really fall into the “older over it all” group or the young “let’s do all the things” group! These are things I have simply noted within these 20 years. Teachers are the queens and kings of easy DIY costumes so I have seen a lot of fun stuff as well as tons of creative student dress up day looks!

When Do Schools Plan School Spirit Days?

School spirit days can be planned year round! Some schools plan dress up days for the student body around certain holidays. Others find ways to include dress up themed days to boost morale – like the week before standardized testing is scheduled to occur.

A big trend is for schools to encourage that students dress up according to specific theme days for the school’s homecoming week or at least on the day of the homecoming game or a big pep rally for high schoolers. Some elementary schools and middle schools plan a school spirit week or at least a school spirit day every quarter. Others may limit their themed days to a special day here and there for truly memorable occasions.

Elementary schools often plan school spirit days for Red Ribbon Week in October.

Favorite School Dress Up Days

What kind of English as a Second Language educator would I be if I didn’t love the promotion of culture and identity? I love the “display your own culture” types of days where kids can really think more about their roots and try to represent something of their culture. 

Another favorite day is the “Be You” day where kids and teachers sport their signature look. I also like the “Future Careers Day.”

Below are my girls – the future baker and the future “singing dancing hairstylist!”

School Dress Up Days to Avoid

I think the worst school dress up days are the ones that require people to spend money to put the look together. Right off the bat, you are excluding a certain percentage of the school population. Many students’ families simply do not have the money to run out and spend $20 on an outfit for one child to wear one time. Just because some families in the school are happy and willing to do it, don’t forget about the other students who can’t do it. 

An example from my family would be the tie dye day. Neither my two daughters nor I owned any tie dye. When their school planned a tie dye day, I found myself running to Target and other places looking for shirts, leggings, hair accessories…anything…that would work. Not only did it cost me money, but it also cost me time. And then the items were hardly ever touched again. 

Another one I really dislike are the twin dress-up days.  I have never liked this school spirit theme. I feel like it allows for some kids (or even school staff members) to feel sad and left out if they don’t have a BFF on campus to “twin” with on this day. You want to build a sense of community with your school spirit dress up days – not make people feel excluded!

Easy Ways to Incorporate School Dress Up Days (That Include Everyone)

On the other hand, the easiest and most inclusive school dress up days for any time of the year would be the ones that use what the kids and teachers already have at home.

Our students LOVE the “anything but a backpack” school dress up day. So many kids participate in this one and come up with such creative ideas!I really think it is because they can use any old thing they already have at home.

Kids come to school using old ice chests from the attic, a small trash barrel with wheels from their backyard, an old suitcase, etc. I can always guess that a kid probably had his parents digging around in the attic or basement the night before I see him rolling some old 30 year old dinosaur down the hall! 

This girl brought her books inside this giant taco pinata!

One kid even found an old abandoned shopping cart – or at least he claimed it was an old abandoned shopping cart he had found somewhere! 

Other easy school dress up themes are “inside out day” or “reverse day” where kids put their clothes on inside out, “mismatch day” where they simply intentionally put on mismatched clothes. “Thrifted or gifted day “is also one that most anyone putting in an ounce of effort could do.

Likewise, some other super easy ones are “favorite color day” or “blackout day.” In fact, you can easily set up a specific theme with color for a whole week. For St. Patrick’s Day, it might be fun to have a rainbow week with a color theme day each day of the week – ending with green on St. Patrick’s Day.

Take a Basic Theme Day and Add Some Word Play

One thing you can do is take one of the basic themes below (western day, superhero day, etc.) and add some fun word play to make the day seem more like a unique spirit week ideas.

For example, for a Red Ribbon Week theme day, you could take a general western day and come up with a cute-sy name like “Boot Out Drugs.” A 70s day could be transformed to “Peace Out, Drugs.” Or you could take a sports team day and name it “Winning Without Drugs” or something like that.

Be Mindful of School Dress Code

Some principals and school staff are sometimes hesitant about scheduling a school spirit day because middle school students and high school students often try to buck the school dress code. 

It may be that the announcements about the themed days need to lay out some clear restrictions for the student body. For example, planning theme day ideas around the end of October can be a fun way to bring in the fun of Halloween. But you might set some ground rules in the announcement that say that face masks are not allowed – for reasons obvious to any of us who work in a school!

School Spirit Themes Based on Holidays

Explore this huge list of fun themes for school spirit days to celebrated holidays and occasions. Also, be sure to see my Christmas Dress Up Days post at the bottom – with tons of Christmas spirit day ideas!

Recycled Day (great for Earth Day)

Pink Out Day (for Breast Cancer Awareness)

Something of the Season (any holiday)

You are Spooktacular! (Wear an appropriate and Halloween costume)

Mardi Gras (Wear purple, green, and gold)

Have a Heart Day (Wear red for Valentine’s Day or for American Heart Month)

Always Be Proud of The Red, White, and Blue Day (Wear patriotic colors for Veteran’s Day, 9/11 Remembrance, or July 4th if in year-round school)

My girls’ school often asks the students to dress up in patriotic red, white, and blue for 9/11 observance.

Dress-Up Days Based on Color

As I mentioned above, color theme days are so easy!

Blackout Day

White Out Day

Favorite Color Fruit Day

Favorite Color Vegetable Day

School Colors Day

Opposite Colors Day (Wear two opposite colors for a contrasting outfit)

Shine Bright Day (Wear anything bright – shiny metallics or bright colors)

Color Wars (Different grades wear different colors)

Time Theme Days

These decade days or era theme days are so fun!

On This Day in History Day

Time Traveler (Wear something from any era of your choice)

In 70 Years…(Dress like you think you will look in 70 years)

Unique High School Spirit Day Ideas

These days could be used with pretty much any grade, but they might be most appreciated by older students.

Zoom Day (Wear business on the top, pajamas or lounge clothes on the bottom) 

Mathlete Day

Athletes or Mathletes Day

Favorite School Administrator Day (Dress up like a school administrator)

More Fun School Spirit Day Ideas for Most Any Grade Level

Most of the following school spirit days can be used with elementary students, middle school students, junior high students, or high school students!

And the teachers can have just as much fun at the students!

Rock and Roll Day

Western Day

Dr. Seuss Day (This one is best suited for lower grades.)

Tacky Tourist Day

Anything But a Backpack Day

Which Teacher Am I? (For a flip, teachers can choose one student to dress up like.)

Thrifted or Gifted

Twin Day 

Mismatch Day

Book Character Day

Movie Madness Day

Crazy Socks Day

Crazy Hair Day

Wacky Wednesday

Tie-Dye Day

Opposites Day

Backwards Day

Future Careers Day

Spaced Out Day

Old School Cool

Red Carpet Day

Favorite Cartoon Character Day

Zoo Day (dress like your favorite zoo animal)

Let’s Get Wild (dress like an animal in the wild)

Jersey Day 

Grow Friendships (Wear green and meet someone new!)

Hometown Pride (Wear something that represents the town or state you were born)

School Spirit (Wear a school spirit shirt)

Blue Jeans and Boots Day

Beach Day (Set ground rules on what is allowed and what isn’t!)

Hawaiian Day

Ultimate Fan (Dress like your favorite real-life hero…parent/teacher/mentor)

Sparking Students and Staff (Wear shiny metallics or pieces with rhinestones, glitter, and sequins) 

Celebrate Your Culture (Wear something representing your culture)

Inside Out Day (Wear your clothes inside out!)

Top Gun Day (Or any other Cult Movie Day like a Star Wars Day)

Country Club vs. Country

Favorite Day of the Week (Wear something that represents your favorite day of the week)

Favorite Professional Athletes Day 

Tropical Vibes

Into the Jungle

Superhero Day

Inflatable Animal Day

Crazy Weather Day

Be You Day (Wear your signature look)

Letter Theme Day (Where something that represents a certain letter of the alphabet)

Hopefully, you found some great ideas and fun themes here for your spirit week activities!

My girls love dress up days at elementary school. Here they are below wearing my old Easter dress from 35 years ago and my “vintage style” Arkansas Razorback t-shirt when their school hosted a “Vintage Day” for Earth day.

Check Out Our Other Fun School Posts

If you loved these school spirit theme day ideas, be sure to check out our Christmas dress up theme days below along with many other great teacher-y ideas! 

Classroom Door Decorating Contest Ideas

Dirty Santa Ideas for the Classroom

Fun Group Game for Teacher Trainings

Halloween Classroom Treats

Tips for Back to School Shopping for Teachers and Parents

Teacher April Fool’s Pranks

Christmas Dress Up Days

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Christmas Party Ideas at School

Fun Quotes for the Classroom

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Plants for a Dark Classroom

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Amy is a wife, mom, teacher, and content creator/owner of Planted in Arkansas. She loves creating recipes, travel plans, party ideas, and outfits. And she believes in celebrating all things - big and small.

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Tacky Tourist Costume Ideas: DIY Inspiration

Posted on Published: January 31, 2023  - Last updated: April 1, 2023

Tacky tourist costumes never fail to make people giggle. They’re the kind of outfits that scream, “I’m on vacation, baby!” While most actual tourists don’t dress this way, tourist costumes can be a fun costume idea for Halloween or school spirit days.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make a tacky tourist costume using stuff you already have! By starting with base layers , adding tourist accessories , and practicing a few silly tourist behaviors you’ll be ready to turn heads and win costume contests. I’ll even show you how to ham up your tacky tourist costume by choosing from a list of tourist types (like a travel influencer couples costume, or senior bus tour group costume) and rocking the look.

School spirit. Some high schools (especially in tourist areas) include tacky tourist day in their school spirit week. It’s a fun way to show your school pride and vent some frustration at all the local tourism. Any maybe you’ll even win “best costume.”

• Tourist Halloween Costume. Tacky tourist costumes are a classic option for the spookiest day of the year. It’s a great not-scary costume for years when you’re home and not taking a halloween vacation .

Stay cool not cringe: There’s a fine line between a clever tacky tourist costume and a cringe-worthy one. It’s funny to poke fun at genres, ideas, and behaviors, but never at specific groups of people. To show respect towards others, avoid mocking accents, stigmatizing marginalized groups, or wearing a fat suit/padding. Embrace resort-wear and a sunscreen-smeared nose- just make sure you’re doing it with kindness.

What to Wear for Tacky Tourist Day: Outfit Ideas

In this section, I’ll show you how to dress like a tourist with clothes you already have. And, I’ll show you how transforming into a tourist character isn’t just about the clothes – it’s also about the accessories and how you act the part. Follow these simple steps, and channel your inner tacky tourist in no time.

First, choose your base layer clothing:

Start with the basic clothes, then we’ll accessorize. Heres where to start:

• If you still can’t find one, good alternatives include a polo shirt (masculine look), floral sundresses (femme look), or a T-shirt (think: “I ❤️ New York” or “I went to Hoover Dam and all I got was this damn shirt”).
• 🩳 Shorts. Pair the shirt with khaki or cargo shorts. If you don’t have these, try using any type of shorts you have in your closet. It’s okay if they don’t match the shirt- the goal is to look tacky!
• 🧦 Wear white socks with sandals or sneakers. This is a classic tacky tourist look that can be achieved easily with items you already own. Remember- sensible shoes only!
• 👒 Find a hat to wear on your head. Bucket hats, visors, and sun hats work best but just about any hat can ham up this look. If it’s got a chin strap? Even better!
• 🌺 Neck wear. If you’re embodying a specific tourist type, copy the neck wear. Hawaiian tourists love leis, while tour groups are often recognized by matching lanyards.

With these basic, you’ve got a solid start for a DIY tacky tourist costume – hopefully without spending any money on clothes. Now, we accessorize!

Next, choose 3-4 accessories

• 📷 Camera: A camera is a classic tourist accessory. No, don’t use your phone, ham it up by wearing a chunky ol fashioned camera around your neck or using an iPad to take photos .
• 🗺️ Guidebooks and maps: These can be carried in a fanny pack or backpack, or even folded and tucked into a pocket. For added tackiness, consider highlighting or circling various tourist attractions on the map.
• 🎒 Backpack or daypack: A backpack or daypack can be used to carry other tacky tourist essentials, such as sunscreen, water bottles, and binoculars. Look for a brightly colored backpack or one with a bold pattern to add to the tackiness.
• 💵 Money Belt: Tourists often use money belts because they believe it will help prevent pickpocketing (it doesn’t) If you’ve got a money belt handy, overstuff it with folded paper and wear it slightly-poking-out from under your shirt.
• 😎 Sunglasses: Oversized or brightly colored sunglasses can add a touch of tackiness to any tourist outfit. Look for a pair with a fun shape or design.
• Fanny pack or waist pouch: A fanny pack or waist pouch is the ultimate tacky tourist accessory. (Doesn’t match your shirt? Even better!)
• Water bottle: A water bottle is a practical and in-character addition to any tourist costume. Gotta hydrate!
• Travel pillow: A neck pillow with a tacky pattern or design can add an extra layer of humor to a tacky tourist costume.
• Binoculars: For tourist costume authenticity, binoculars can be hung from a strap or carried in a pouch hooked on a belt for added authenticity.

Complete your costume by act ing like a tourist:

A bit of performance can make a costume truly memorable! Consider how you can embody the tourist vibe and bring it to life through mannerisms, expressions, and interactions. Here’s some suggestions:

• Mispronounce Local Words. Speak loudly and ask for directions to a local landmark, while slightly mispronouncing it each time. 
• Point. Point frequently and ask obscure questions about the history of your surroundings.
• Pose. Make stereotypical tourist poses in front of landmarks, such as standing with your arms wide open and your mouth agape.
• Take Photos. Take lots of pictures of everything, even things that are not particularly interesting. For extra authenticity, take photos using a full size iPad . 
• Sanitize. Constantly pull hand sanitizer from your purse, fanny pack, or waist pouch and offer it to others.
• Use a Map. Use a guidebook or map to navigate, but hold it upside down or sideways.
• Umbrella. Carry a large umbrella on a sunny day or wear a sun visor at night. (Hint, in Seattle , umbrellas always give away the tourists!)
• Apply Sunscreen. Fill an empty sunscreen bottle with a light lotion and apply it constantly throughout the day with exaggerated vigor.
• Take lots of selfies or ask strangers to take your photo .
• Act Weary. Pretend you’re dragging yourself back to the car after a day at a theme park. Complain about your blisters.

Practical Costume Considerations

If you decide to go all out for tacky tourist school spirit day, halloween, or the end-of-season-bash at the resort where you work- good for you! But before you build your costume, there’s one thing you need to consider: comfort.

After all, you’re going to be wearing this costume all day. You don’t want to be hauling around a 4lb DSLR camera around your neck through 6th-period history class! So how do you make sure your tacky tourist get-up is comfortable enough for a full day of learning? Choose comfortable, breathable clothes that fit your body. If you plan to wear the costume all day, avoid heavy props (or plan a way to carry them easily).

DIY Tacky Tourist Costumes: Tips to Make Your Own

Not only is this costume easy to put together with items you likely already have in your closet, but it’s also a chance to be lighthearted about your own cringey tourist behaviors.

In this section, we’ll explore some especially DIY tacky tourist costume ideas that will have your friend keeling over with laughter. From fanny packs to flower leis, here’s how to make your own costume without spending money on a cheap costume:

• Print your own maps. Remember the print feature on google maps? It still works!
• Ask your local buy nothing for a broken camera – it’s free to ask!
• Transform your look with makeup and hair gel. Just choose a style 10 or 20 years out-of-style and you’ll channel your inner tacky tourist.
• Use makeup you already have . Layer the reddest blush you’ve got for a quintessential tourist sunburn, or apply a pale foundation with streaks to mimick the tourist caked with poorly applied sunscreen.
• Ham it up. Actions speak louder than… costume elements. Pointing, photo taking, and gawking will “sell” the costume better than any prop. 

Specific Tacky Tourist Costume Ideas for Single, Couples, and Groups:

• Sunburned resort guy: This costume is for the guy (or gal!) who spent a little too much time soaking up the sun on his resort vacation . He’s sporting a bright red sunburn (DIY it with blush or red-facepaint) and beachy clothes. Add in some flip flops and a beach towel and you’ve got a kitchy sun-soaked look. It’s a lighthearted way to poke fun at the realities of vacationing.
• Honeymooners, RV retirees, or #vanlife couples make inspiration for great tacky tourist couples costumes: This costume is all about embracing the cheesiness of a particular travel style. kitchy souvenirs from a honeymoon , camping gear, or senior-friendly athleisure-wear can round out the particular look. A tourist mom-and-dad duo can coordinate their outfits to match, complete with camera straps and sandals with socks.
• Seniors’ bus tour group costume: This costume is all about embracing the charm of a senior citizen bus tour. Think Bermuda shorts, floral shirts, and comfy sneakers. Add in some visors, lanyards and binoculars and you’re styling like a group of adventurous retirees. It’s a respectful way to celebrate the particular style of a favorite travel style of retirement golden years.
• Disney adult costume : This niche tacky tourist costume is a fun excuse to go all out embodying meme-worthy millennial Disney fandom. Pair black leggings with a theme park shirt and the iconic mouse ear hat or headbands. Carry a giant purse and offer people snacks!
• Tourist couples costume: Instagram Travel Influencer and “Influencer Boyfriend” : Wear whatever the Kardashians are schlepping and act too cool for your surroundings. Pose frequently while directing “Instagram boyfriend” to take photos. Then disengage from everyone to check social media. (PS, that’s not really what it’s like to be a travel influencer !)

What does a tourist actually look like?

Real tourists look ordinary and usually wear comfortable, travel-friendly street clothes. Many tourists research clothing styles in their destinations in advance, precisely to avoid looking like a tourist! Few real tourists embody these tacky tourist outfit ideas, but exaggerating extremes is the fun of a costume!

Whether it’s for school spirit day, Halloween, or just a themed party, a tacky tourist costume is all about embracing the cheesy and over-the-top elements of vacation attire. Just remember to stay comfortable in your clothing choices and avoid mocking specific groups of people. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to rock your tacky tourist costume with confidence and humor. So go ahead and channel your inner tourist – it’s time to embrace the tackiness!

Lynli Roman’s unique approach to travel is informed by decades of experience on the road with a traveling family and, later, years spent as a solo international traveler. When she’s not writing about Seattle from her Pike Place Market apartment, Lynli writes on-location while conducting hands-on research in each destination she covers. Lynli’s writing has been featured by MSN, ABC Money, Buzzfeed, and Huffington Post. She is passionate about sharing information that makes travel more accessible for all bodies.

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Of course, we want to create positive school culture when we plan Homecoming or any Spirit Week. However, many popular dress-up themes that seem benign can have the opposite effect on students, especially those who are on the margins. And those students are the ones we most hope to reach!

Before brainstorming with your Student Council or Leadership class dress-up theme day ideas for your school’s spirit week, be sure to make the task clear—to pick themes that every student can and wants to participate in.

If you need help streamlining all the logistics of planning the week, including dress-up theme days, you’ll want my Project Planning Kit . It’s all the forms and templates your student leaders need to independently take the week from brainstorming to executing to reflecting.

Let’s start with five very common spirit day themes that might inadvertently exclude students. Some just need a tweak, but others need to be retired. I hope you consider these when you brainstorm your next Homecoming or spirit week theme days.

Also, scroll down to the bottom for a list of 75 better spirit day ideas perfect for high school that avoid these pitfalls.

5 Spirit Day Themes to Avoid

1. twin, dynamic duo, or group costume day.

This is probably the most common offender. Even worse, both teachers and students seem to like it more (and post it the most on social media) because of its inherent problem.

We, as humans, crave the feeling of belonging. Being part of a pair or group shows others we belong. But it also can make those who already feel like they don’t belong worse.

Ask your students to think of the new student, the one in a fight with their best friends, or who already feels isolated. Or simply the student who’s the odd friend out of a mustard-ketchup-relish threesome. How many classmates at your school might that be?

This is a great lesson in perspective since your student council leaders likely aren’t these students.

Try Instead: have a day with each grade be a different aspect of a broad theme, like seasons of the year or different decades. That way belonging to the group is automatic for everyone.

2. Crazy Hat Day

There’s nothing wrong with this spirit dress-up day idea, per se, but it requires students to go all out or… not participate. It’s tough to get a lot of participation, so I encourage my student leaders to pick something with a lower entry for participation.

Try Instead: have just Hat Day with a prize for who has the craziest one (grandpa’s pith helmet or mom’s Kentucky Derby-sized fascinator) would be a great fix.

Some super accessible theme ideas: Flannel Day, PJ Day, and Color War Day, where each grade wears an assigned color.

3. Hawaiian Day

Or any other theme that involves dressing as a cultural or ethnic group or any stereotype of a group of people. Nerd Day, Fiesta Day, and Around the World Day are other common examples.

It’s a no-brainer to not do certain similar themes—we wouldn’t dream of having a Cowboys and Indians day, for example. But for some reason, others slip by us. Hawaiian Day likely does because people think of beach attire and Hawaiian shirts. However, plastic hula skirts and leis have the same effect as construction paper feather headpieces of making throwaway costumes out of culturally important objects.

While probably no student wears their Hawaiian outfit with the intention of disrespect, let’s set the standard that no cultural group should be subject to theme day costuming.

Try Instead: simply changing the dress-up theme’s name to Tacky Tourist or Beach Vacation Day. This subtle difference should eliminate the unintended cultural appropriation and students probably won’t even notice.

4. Toga Day

Actually, this a great spirit dress-up day to do, same with Tie Dye Day or Reuse Day (mentioned below), but it needs a small tweak. We do Senior Toga Day every Homecoming week, but we always include a workshop with it.

Seniors stop by my room before school to learn how to properly tie a toga with their bed sheet or one from my stash. Since this is an annual thing, I keep a tub of sheets, from plain to silly prints, for students to borrow. Again, we want to eliminate any barriers to participating.

The seniors look so good once they’re tied right. And best of all, they are properly covered without constantly adjusting themselves throughout the day. Win-win!

Try Instead: if any of your theme need prep work (like Tie Dye Day or Duct Tape Day), get some supplies and hold a workshop the day before or the morning of. Let your officers lead the making of tie-dyed socks or duct tape accessories, also creating a fun social event—exactly what the week is all about!

5. Pirate Day

This includes any spirit day theme that likely requires students to buy something for this one-day thing. We try to avoid these to be more environmentally friendly and not create barriers to participation.

Try Instead: pick a theme that encourages using what you already own. Mismatch Day would inherently do this. Or, literally, Back of the Closet Day, where you wear the weirdest thing you own. Another idea is Reuse Day, where students create clothing from the garbage, like making a scarf from a plastic grocery bag or a hat out of cardboard.

75 Awesome Dress-Up Ideas for Your Next Spirit Week

Now as promised, here are a bunch of dress-up spirit days for school to help you and your student plan a great week! This is my go-to list to kick off our brainstorming session. At the end are theme ideas specific to winter and spring spirit weeks.

A great spirit week formula is to aim to include one that’s super easy for anyone to do, one that allows for a bit more creativity (usually we hold a workshop for this one), one connected directly to the Homecoming theme or season, one that’s a brand-new idea, and, of course, a school color day on Friday!

10 Wear-What-You-Have Theme Ideas

Include at least one of these days during the week that’s easy for students to do. 

• Back of the closet
• College colors
• Monochromatic
• School or class colors
• Sports team or jersey
• Throwback to middle or elementary school

10 Workshop Theme Ideas

Hold a workshop the afternoon before or before school on the morning of to help students create their costumes. Provide basic supplies for the theme with a few samples and directions ready to go. Snacks are always a bonus!

• Gift wrapped
• Masterpiece
• Ugly sweater

35 Dress Like A… Days

• Album cover
• Beach vacation
• Book (or movie) character
• Cartoon character
• Fandom (movie trilogy, music band, video game, etc.)
• Favorite subject (scientist, artist, writer, etc.)
• Fire & ice 
• Formal attire
• Future Career
• Game (video, board)
• Goals (career or personal)
• Historical figure
• Ice cream flavor
• Music genre
• Out of this world
• Out in the woods (forest animals, lumberjack, etc.)
• Senior citizen
• Under the sea

10 Winter Spirit Days

• Bundle up (stocking hats, scarves, etc.)
• Candy cane (red and white)
• Holiday character
• Holiday colors (red and green; blue and silver; red, green, and black)
• Holiday pajama
• Jingle bells
• Tree topper (Santa hat, antler or elf ears, etc.)
• Ugly holiday sweater
• Under the tree (bows, gift wrap, ornaments)
• Winter sport 

10 Spring Spirit Days

• Armed services or patriot 
• College t-shirt
• Country club
• Gone camping
• Music festival
• Spring break or beach vacation
• Spring or Summer sport

Hopefully, this list gives you and your student council leaders more than enough Homecoming or spirit week dress-up theme ideas for school. To make planning everything for the week a snap, be sure to grab my Project Planning Kit , which is a lifesaver by allowing your student to take the lead in brainstorming, planning, and executing all their ideas for the week. The best part is that their collection of forms become a how-to guide for next year’s group!

Image credits: Felipe Bustillo

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How to Dress Like a Tourist

Last Updated: December 15, 2022

Accessories

This article was co-authored by Neepa Sikdar and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain . Neepa Sikdar is a Personal Stylist and the Founder of Accessible Style. With 18 years of fashion experience, she specializes in working with female leaders to develop their style through personal styling, brand styling, and online styling. She also coaches women on personal style through her membership program. Neepa has worked with brands such as Nordstrom and J. Crew and has been featured in publications such as Business Insider. She holds a BS in Economics and English from Rutgers University and trained in styling through Fashion Institute of Technology. This article has been viewed 115,222 times.

Dressing like a tourist is easy! A bright Hawaiian shirt is a classic look, but neon prints and souvenir t-shirts are also great shirt options. For bottoms, definitely go with khaki shorts or cargo shorts. Slip into a pair of white crew socks and strap your sandals over them to create an iconic tourist vibe. Don’t forget accessories like fanny packs, leis, straw hats, and multiple cameras to tie your look together!

Things You Should Know

• Wearing a Hawaiian shirt is a classic way to stand out as a tourist. You could also pick a graphic T-shirt or a shirt with a loud, vibrant print.
• Go for bottoms like khakis or cargo shorts. For a more tropical vacation vibe, opt for a colorful sarong.
• Hold your items in a fanny pack and throw on some socks with sandals to complete the look.

• For example, try a shirt with a bright red and purple floral print.
• If you can find something with neon colors, go with that!
• A trick with florals is to choose them according to your height--for a petite size person, choose small floral prints; for average height, choose a medium floral print; and for plus size, larger or tall, choose a large floral print.

• You could also go with something that promotes a popular company that caters to tourists, like Señor Frog’s or Hard Rock Café.

• Bonus points if the name of your hometown is written right on the shirt!

• Try an over-sized plaid button-up with short sleeves in the brightest colors you can find.
• A neon tie-dye top is also a great choice.

• Wrap a sarong around your waist and slip into a pair of flip-flops to complete your outfit.

• Pair your khaki shorts with an oversized Hawaiian shirt for an iconic tourist look.

• Tuck a pink tank top with “Hawaii” scrawled on the front into a pair of mom-style, knee-length khaki shorts and you’re all set!

• You can go with any color, but khaki or tan cargos would be very authentic.
• Cargo skirts are another option you might prefer. Just be aware that they're not the most flattering style for skirts because their bulky pockets stick out. You'll also need to opt for a top that hits at your waist, you don't want to add bulk by tucking things in.

• Strap on a second fanny pack for extra oomph.
• If you can’t get your hands on a fanny pack, an overstuffed backpack will also do the trick. [4] X Research source

• Strap on an old-school camcorder for a retro tourist vibe.
• Keep one of your cameras in your hands at all times. Photograph everything excessively, of course!

Community Q&A

• Try a floral sundress or jumpsuit to create a slightly different look. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Wear a pair of binoculars around your neck for an added dimension. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Wear a pair of oversized sunglasses to complete your outfit. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.racked.com/2017/9/25/16301564/tourist-traveler-style
• ↑ https://www.liveyouraloha.com/not-look-act-like-tourist/
• ↑ https://www.mommyupgrade.com/tacky-tourist-costume-ideas/

About This Article

If you want to dress like a tourist, stick to obvious, flashy clothes that peg you as a foreigner. Go for a short-sleeved button-up shirt with a floral print or a vibrant pattern on it. Or, wear a souvenir t-shirt that promotes the location you’re in, like one that says, “I love New York.” Pair your loud shirt with khaki or beach shorts to go full tourist. If you’re near the beach, wander around in a bikini and sarong. You can also add a tourist accessory, like a fanny pack, a camera around your neck, oversized sunglasses, or a big safari hat, to complete your look. For more tips, including how to represent your hometown as a tourist, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Make a Grand Entry While You Suit Up Using Top Tacky Tourist Ideas!

Tacky Tourist Ideas: Whether you are dropping anchors at the golden Hawaiian beaches or visiting Disney world with family, spotting a tacky tourist is no big challenge! Wondering what defines a tacky tourist in the first place?

Well, it is about the sightseeing gears and the whole tacky tourist costume that describes the label in a nutshell.

Although a very inappropriate wardrobe and sense of fashion, tacky tourists stand out from regular locals. Dressed in vibrant and colorful outfits, particularly florals teamed with unattractive slippers, the idea of adopting a casual approach is more like celebrating a break from the boring 9-5 suit driven white-collar life.

Apart from a dress code that’s hilarious, it’s all about slipping into the most comfortable apparels and enjoy globetrotting. So, with long vacations knocking around the corners, wondering what tacky tourist ideas to choose from? Take a look!

Top 25 Best Tacky Tourist Day Ideas

Forum men’s tropical tourist costume.

• Do you have a tacky tourist party to attend or Halloween or just want to create a fun atmosphere at a costume party? Make sure to try out this super cool Hawaiian-style shirt and a printed tank top that comes with attached shorts and hoop waist.
• Put together in soft tropical hues, the 2-piece costume sets the tone of an exotic luau theme party.
• Also, it adds some extra fun if you can couple it with a friend or a special someone.

Fun World Tacky Tourist Adult Costume

• Well, yes! That is how this outfit can be best described as.
• The one-piece jumpsuit with blue Aloha shirt top and Bermuda shorts with wired hoop waist is crazily tacky and absolutely funny that it makes people compliment your sense of humor on display, wherever you go.
• It is lightweight and fits best for adults of most sizes.
• If you are planning for a Halloween or any Tuesday, this outfit would be your perfect choice as it lightens and brightens the mood of the place, making you stand out and enjoy all the attention.

Fun World Tacky Traveler Adult Costume

• It has a shirt top with the words ‘Which way to the Buffet’ printed on the front, a Hawaiian-style shirt and blue Bermuda shorts with a wire hoop waist.
• Whether you are preparing to be a funny, nerdy host or a hilarious guest, this tacky world traveler will give you the kick.
• The stylized portrayal of humor is going to set a laughter riot and entertain the onlookers, keeping the flavor of the party alive and fresh.
• So, what’s keeping you off? Give it a go and get ready for a ton of compliments coming your way!

Forum Novelties Unisex Fun Tropical Tourist Costume

• This tropical tourist jumpsuit is just for you.
• It comes with an inflatable camera that acts as the right accessory to complete the look.
• The hoop waist adds a hilarious tone to the outfit, bringing laughter to everyone around.
• It is absolutely picturesque, ridiculous and very well suited for an ugly dress up party during summer.
• Whether it is an outdoor party on a perfect summer evening or an indoor house party, you can keep it easy and fun with the right outfit on.

Hawaiian Shirt Flamingo Leaf Print Beach

• It is available in bold colors and prints, giving you many stylish options to get ready for the bright and sunny weather.
• Adding vibrant colors and tropical prints to your wardrobe collection is a perfect pro-fashion choice to stay high on trend this summer.
• They give such a happy beach vibe to a party and helps just to stretch back, chill out, and have all the fun you can, putting away the cares of the world.

JEETOO Men’s Pineapple Floral Short Sleeve Hawaiian Aloha Shirt

• It is available in many different delightful colors and tropical patterns to give the hot summer season a cool and refreshing effect.
• Summertime usually calls for a vacation with family or friends and the floral and tropical prints are like must-haves to set the holiday mood up and to run.
• Be it at the beach, on a cruise or just a tacky tourist event in the neighborhood, this shirt is going to elevate your look and keep your style on point in the most effortless way possible.

Adult Size Faux Real Tourist Tacky Traveler

The ultra-comfortable Aloha T-shirt is designed with tropical elements to reflect the celebratory tradition of Hawaii.

• This tacky tourist costume comes with a photo-realistic fanny pack, sunglasses, 35MM camera and leis built in, adding a fun quotient to being a tacky tourist.
• It is the ideal piece of outfit for informal and casual events, beach parties or theme parks.
• Whether you are posing as a tourist, or really planning for a vacation, it is always best to go for a cheerful outfit displaying the holiday mood and the vibrant essence of the place.
• You can never go wrong with this one in the wardrobe!

Funny Guy Mugs Mens Hawaiian Print Button Down Shirt

• The saucy shirt with a vivid pattern makes you look incredibly stylish as it perfectly integrates the retro vibe into the contemporary fashion scene.
• As the saying goes, beach days are the best days, you can never have too much of it.
• So, enjoy the salty air days at the beach in this casual, holiday-friendly shirt, designed to spread the lightheartedness of a vacation mood.
• After all, it is never a gloomy day with a fun outfit on!

V.H.O. Funky Hawaiian Blouse Women Short-Sleeve

• It reminds us to go all out and enjoy every day to the fullest.
• Made of terivoile, the classic collar blouse with Hawaiian print is available in captivating colors and designs to fill up your summer wardrobe.
• The Hawaiian print is so in trend right now, and it is not too late for you to rock it like a pro.
• Be it a vacation, a little getaway to a theme park or just a casual day out and you want to look fabulously cool, this funky blouse is the perfect bet for you.

FunWorld Peanut Butter and Jelly Set

• You are at the right place.
• The peanut butter and jelly set is an easy going and unique yet identifiable costume that strikes the chord with everyone around.
• Among the vast varieties of scary outfits, this costume gives a fun vibe and helps you stand out at the party and make a lasting impression on people’s minds.
• And who knows? You might also get a chance to win the best costume contest award if the party organizers are going to arrange one.

Short Sleeve: Tourist Tee T-Shirt

• Even if you are just planning to enjoy a weekend getaway at a local resort to escape from all the busyness of city life, this exotic piece of outfit helps you to dive into the holiday mood directly and have some real deal of fun.
• It is no more just a ‘cool dad outfit. ‘ Times have changed, and the trend is brilliantly back to rule the rage.
• So, hop on!

Funky Hawaiian Surf Shirt

• Available in perfect purple and tropical prints, this Hawaiian shirt is full of energy and life.
• If you are a beach person and wish to keep the beautiful landscape close to you even when you are far away from living in a city, this shirt will be the best addition to your summer wardrobe.
• And without a second thought, it could be your go-to choice whenever you plan to have a vacation by the beach.

FEEAA Moana Maui Tattoo T-Shirt/Pants

• If you are someone who always wanted to try having tattoos on your body but could not do so because of whatever reasons, this one’s just for you to get the feel.
• Also, it is so much fun to wear on a Halloween day when almost everyone around tries so hard to look spooky and scary, you look effortlessly cool drawing all the attention in the room.

V.H.O. Funky Hawaiian Shirt Men Short-Sleeve

• Made of terivoile, the classic collar Hawaiian shirt is smooth on the body and makes you feel comfortable in the sun.
• With the beautiful scenic print of palm trees, ocean water, and sunset, this shirt is goals to wear to a theme party.
• It is available in many different exciting colors and prints that you cannot stop with just one.
• And why should you, when everything is so lovely and fresh? Also, it is always a good thing to be tacky tourist ready!

Plug and Socket Couple’s Costume

Girl Scout Approach

Ideal Tacky Tourists Costume

Never dump those crazy and loud Hawaiian shirts. They are big savers on happening tacky tourist events. Once you are done picking an outfit of your choice, remember wrapping that clunky camera around your neck. Going for cartoon head gears add pink feathers to the hat. Fanny packs, on the contrary, are absolute winners. After all, it bags in all your goodies. From sunscreens to mini-brush, sewing kits, mirrors, and other what-nots, a fanny pack holds it all!

The Cupcake Costume

Get your girl all decked for the jovial tacky tourist day. It’s no hard nut to crack, believe it! Begin by selecting a shirt that resembles a cool Hawaiian style . Something with long horizontal stripes will do just as good. Team it up with long shorts. However, if you could get your hands on those old-school mom style high-waist bottoms, it peps up the tacky tourist costume even better. For footwear, you can make a pick between sandals or a pair of white tennis shoes. Just don’t forget to pair up your shoes with bold printed knee-high socks. For a cupcake tacky tourist costume, a vibrant duo of giraffe print socks is both sassy and appropriate.

Girls don’t forget, accessories are a must when tacky tourist outfit ideas are in question. Strap on those fanny packs and don’t you dare skip donning one of those over-sized safari hats. Sunglasses are of course primary!

Body Paint is Rightly a Clothing Alternative

Are you not very eager about doing up much clothing? Well, thumbs up to the idea of body painting then! Tacky tourist outfits couldn’t be more exciting. It’s like eggs in beer. Thinking why? Well first, it’s cut-throat cheap and second, showcases a creative side of yours. Just make sure you have access to skin-friendly paints that can easily be applied on your body. Do chose a character that people are nuts about, including you. It gives you the much needed brownie points.

Tacky Man Look – Tacky Tourist Ideas

Tacky American Road Trip Outlook

Hawaiian Flower garlands

The Multi-Color Attire

Fever Male Hawaiian Costume

When talking about tacky tourist, Hawaiian outfit is the first thing that pops up in your brain, right? So how about creating a picture-perfect look without overdoing it? To wrap up this crazy tacky tourist costume, you will need a beach bum wig. Instead of putting on those usual khaki shorts, try donning wrap style skirts for men. Loud floral prints in multi color are welcome. Having a lei is imperative. Headband lei is even better! To finish this look and yet stand out impressive in a crowd, go for grass fringe leg cuffs.

This look is sure to spellbind a couple others. Feel elated when people start greeting you saying ‘Aloha’. Welcome to Hawaii my friend!

Mexican Fancy Dress

Don’t dramatize your brains and think hard about spotting the weirdest and best appealing tacky tourist ideas. It’s easier than you think. Icing on the cake – shabby and messy tourist fashion crosses the gender lines. So whether you are a hunky man, a flamboyant woman or just a kid, if you’ve got some cool Hawaiian shirts, khaki shorts, long crew socks, sandals, fanny packs, sun-glass, camera, tote bag, white sneakers, binocular and floppy straw hats in store – you are more than ready to make a big hit entry.

Buying online is indeed the best option but if you are running short of time, there are second-hand thrift stores at service, offering these crucial items at dirt-cheap prices.

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[…] Tacky Tourists: Everyone’s got some tacky things in their closet, you just might not realize it. Which is why I’m here to help you realize your full nerdy potential! So dig out the 80s fanny pack you just can’t seem to part with, your mom’s old neon visor you’ve never actually worn, and your favorite sandal & sock combo for a tacky tourist look that can’t be beat. Bonus points for a Hawaiian shirt, zinc lathered nose, or camcorder. […]

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7-year-old dresses up as 'Nashville Woo Girl' for school's 'Tacky Tourist Day'

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A 7-year-old from Pulaski, Tennessee, dressed up as a Nashville "Woo Girl" for tacky tourist day as debate continues for how to regulate tourism in Nashville.

"It was tacky tourist day and we had to pick, like a tacky tourist," explained 7-year-old Natalie Kilpatric. "I didn't want to wear sandals with socks. So, I dressed up as a Nashville ‘Woo Girl.’"

The 2nd grader who wore a veil, Nashville sash and cowboy boots stated what her definition of a "Woo Girl" was, "They're people who when they hear something or see something that's their favorite, they go, ‘Woo!’"

For Kilpatric, the boots were especially tacky since she's growing up in a rural area where she wears her boots to herd cattle and ride horses.

For more than 20 years, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp has advertised the city of Nashville to other U.S. cities.

"Our goal is to bring people in to spend the night in Davidson County to stay in the hotels here, and to spend money throughout the city, they go shopping, they go dining, they go to the attractions and our job is to bring them here... to showcase the best of Nashville," the nonprofit's Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Deana Ivey explained.

She said when they promote the city, the goal is to give potential visitors a taste of all the creativity happening in Nashville.

"We promote the neighborhoods, we promote the chef driven restaurants, the local restaurants, all the shopping scene, I mean there's so much here that we, we have pride in," she said.

As Ivey explained, "Woo Girls" make up very few of Nashville's annual visitors, "Our market is, is broken up by 40% leisure, 40% convention travel, and the rest is business travel... less than 1% is bachelorettes, but that's what people see... less than 1% of 16 million."

"Broadway is great, but it's for certain people that absolutely love it. But then, [if] people are looking for something different, there's so much more here, and we want them to know about that," said Ivey. "We do everything we can to promote the entire city, and all the great offerings that are here. It's not just about coming here to party to go to bars, it's you know it's about the great restaurants and the great makers that are here, putting out products that you can't find anywhere else."

The nonprofit markets Nashville through commercials and other mediums, right now focusing on Chicago, L.A. and New York.

"We don't want to get away from what we're known for. We don't want to get away from ‘this is the place where the music is created. It's written here, and the, the true soul of this city is the music,'" said Ivey, "We haven't changed our message, we never have."

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10 most interesting places in Yaroslavl Region (PHOTOS)

1. H istorical center of Yaroslavl

Church of Elijah the Prophet

Yaroslavl is located at the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl rivers. This is the capital of the region (and the unofficial capital of the ‘Golden Ring’ tourist route) and a beautiful city with a thousand-year-long history; some of its landmarks are depicted on the 1,000-ruble bill.

The city is, at the same time, very modern – with bars and restaurants to satisfy every taste; that said, it is saturated with history and a rich cultural heritage. So, you can stay awhile and spend quite some time visiting attractions and churches… (don’t miss the Yaroslavl Museum-Reserve and the 17th-century Church of Elijah the Prophet!). You can read a detailed guide of Yaroslavl here . 

Aerial view of the city center

Even if you don’t like to go to museums, we still recommend you to visit the ‘Golden Ring’ show market, where you can see the main attractions of all the ‘Golden Ring’ cities in one room – well, a miniature version of them! It’s not simply static architecture in miniature, it’s an entire living world. Trains and cars move around, power stations are in operation, you can also hear church bells ring. Night comes every 10 minutes; lights spark up in the cities and in the windows of apartment blocks.

‘Golden Ring’ show market

Such an attraction is fun for both adults and children! You can see more videos and photos here . 

2. Pereslavl-Zalessky

The 12th century Transfiguration Cathedral and the monument to Alexander Nevsky

This is the first city of the region along the way for a tourist en route from Moscow to Yaroslavl. It’s also included in the ‘Golden Ring’. Pereslavl-Zalessky has one of the most ancient surviving churches of Russia – the 1152 (!) Transfiguration Cathedral. Almost every house here has a unique “museum” with its own theme, from vintage irons to gramophone records.

Locomotive Museum in Pereslavl

One of the most unusual ones hides in the forests not far from the city – the Pereslavl Railway Museum under the open sky. Examples of different locomotives and coaches since the beginning of the 20th century are collected there. You can also have a ride on a real draisine (a light auxiliary rail vehicle).

You can read a detailed guide to Pereslavl-Zalessky here .

3. Lake Pleshcheyevo

Lake Pleshcheyevo and the Church of the Forty Martyrs

Pereslavl-Zalessky stands on the shore of quite a large body of water. This lake is famous for the fact that Peter the Great trained his amusement fleet there. A museum stands on the shore, where the small boat ‘Fortuna’ is exhibited, built by Peter the Great himself, according to legend. 

‘Fortuna’ boat built by Peter the Great

Near Lake Pleshcheyevo lies an ancient artifact of pagan Russia – the sacred ‘Blue Stone’. This is a giant boulder (estimates say it weighs around 12 tons) that changes its color to blue after rain. The locals worshiped the stone in pre-Christian times, but even after accepting Christianity, the stone was attributed mystical properties (it was supposed that the stone possessed dark powers).

This Blue Stone was considered sacred

Pleshcheyevo is a paradise for eco-tourists; there are a lot of rare birds and animals that livee there, surrounded by a forest and picturesque places. You can stop at one of the recreation bases or pitch a tent and enjoy the view, ride a boat or SUP-boards. There’s also a kiteboarding school; also, during summer, hot air balloon festivals are often held.

4. The Rostov Kremlin

The Rostov Kremlin

The next city along the way is Rostov Veliky (don’t mistake it for the southern Rostov-on-Don). Its main attraction is its unbelievably beautiful white-stone kremlin of. It was also captured in popular culture: many scenes of the iconic comedy movie ‘Ivan Vasilievich: Back to the Future’ were shot there.

A still from ‘Ivan Vasilievich: Back to the Future’

The kremlin is not a defensive fortification like in other cities. It was built as the residence of Rostov metropolitan Jonas III in 1650-1680. The high walls with embrasures and lookout towers are more of a stylization and a tribute to architectural trends.

Inside, you should definitely enter the ancient Dormition Cathedral, admire the iconostasis and frescoes and take a stroll in its picturesque garden. Try pastries with kvass, medovukha or sbiten in the local refectory.

As a souvenir, you can get a decoration item with Rostov ‘finift’, an old local handicraft that originated in Byzantium, involves a technique known as ‘fire writing’.

You can read our Rostov guide here .

5. Uglich – the city where history was made

Uglich, the red church is the Church of Dmitry on Spilled Blood

This small town on a picturesque shore of the Volga River is famous across Russia. Not for its ancient churches or its nature, but as the place where Tsarevich Dmitry was killed, which ended the Rurikid dynasty and paved the way for the ‘Time of Troubles’.

The main attractions are concentrated in the kremlin, with a bunch of souvenir stores and a new embankment with trendy cafes.

Visit the chambers of Uglich princes of the 15th century, as well as the Church of Dmitry on Spilled Blood, built on the place where the tsarevich was killed – it has fantastic paintings inside.

And you can read our detailed Uglich guide here .

6. The city of mice

Cruise ships cruising along the Volga River always stop in the city called Myshkin. It is, probably, the most lovely (and cutest) town in the entire region, a small center which has preserved the spirit of Russian antiquity.

‘Mysh’ is Russian for ‘Mouse’, so Myshkin literally means the ‘Mouse City’. Thanks to its name, the city made the mouse its mascot. And now mice (no, not the real ones!) are all over the place – there’s a special museum dedicated to mice, while there are souvenirs wherever you go: mice of the most diverse varieties!

Mice of Myshkin

It’s considered a blessing to buy a small clay mouse and put it in your wallet – the locals believe it will attract money. The square, where the Volga River liners dock, offers a dozen types of smoked fish. A marvelous view of the Volga River, meanwhile, opens from the bell tower of St. Nicholas’ Cathedral.

7. Rybinsk – a retro-style city

Retro street signs on the local Red Square

Rybinsk is yet another city on the shore of the Volga River. There, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of rich merchant life – the city was once a true trade center, which also dealt in fish. The Nobel Brothers Museum, who developed the oil industry in the city and on the Volga River, can also be found there.

It’s pure joy to have a stroll in Rybinsk, for, today, the main aspect of the city is that all the signs in the center are made in the retro merchant style. Even modern banks and stores attract visitors with their seemingly pre-revolution signs. Also, Rybinsk has a beautiful and very long embankment and even its own Red Square, which, despite the Lenin monument, is very reminiscent of a typical square somewhere in Europe.

8. The most beautiful village in Russia

The village of Vyatskoye

The village of Vyatskoye 40 kilometers from Yaroslavl is considered one of the most beautiful in Russia (at least, according to the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of Russia’ Association). In recent years, it has become a true Mecca for tourists. Its center was restored in the Art Nouveau style of the beginning of the 20th century, right down to stone pavements and vintage buildings.

There are museums to satisfy every taste (including the Museum of Russian Entrepreneurial Spirit), stores with souvenirs and local delicacies, sweets, and liqueurs, as well as a multitude of cafes.

9. Borisoglebsky Monastery

Borisoglebsky Monastery

There’s an old and very important monastery between Rostov and Uglich. It was founded in 1363 by monks Fyodor and Pavel with the blessing of Sergius of Radonezh himself – who, according to legend, picked this place (he was born not far). The monastery had always been a district center; it was visited by tsars and a village gradually formed around it, after which fairs and trade markets began to be held. 

In Soviet times, religious services here stopped and a museum opened instead; but, today, the monastery is operational again. The impressive monastery walls and an imposing gate church speak of its former glory.

Resurrection Cathedral in Tutaev

This city received its name after the revolution; before, it was called Romanov-Borisoglebsk. It was known for its mineral oil factory, as well as for its linen and fur manufactures (in the 18th century, the breed of Romanov sheep was bred there).

To this day, you can only reach one part of the city from the other only by a ferry, so get ready to sail or pick only one side of the city for your visit. For example, the Borisoglebsk side, with the unbelievably magnificent 17th-century Resurrection Cathedral. Be sure to study the tiled belt and paintings on its facade; inside, you should definitely approach the cathedral’s relic – the unique three-meter-tall Borisoglebsky Savior icon, which is considered miraculous.

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