Tourism is a big industry in Arizona, and it accounts for a big chunk of the state’s yearly revenue. In 2014, an estimated 40.7 million people spent nearly $21 billion while traveling the state, and I think you can expect those numbers grew last year and this year.

With so many tourists flocking to the state, playing a game of “spot the tourist” can make for an interesting people watching game. Here are a few ways you can pick a tourist out of a crowd:

1. They seem a bit underdressed in the winter.
Sea turtle/Flickr
2. Actually, they might even be surprised at the winter chill and snowfall in parts of the state.
MPR/Flickr
"What? Arizona gets snow?" If you tell a tourist Arizona has a tundra, it will probably blow their mind.
3. Other facts tourists may be surprised about: the lack of humidity...
Christopher Rose/Flickr
If you don't drink enough water, you'll end up as dry as these chiles.
4. The sun's intensity…
Keirsten Marie/Flickr
5. Our ridiculously dark skies…
Justin Kern/Flickr
What is that strange cloud in the sky? The Milky Way.

Related Stories

Discover 5 Of Arizona's Most Iconic Views On This Epic 7-Hour Road Trip

Discover 5 Of Arizona's Most Iconic Views On This Epic 7-Hour Road Trip

 The Entire Family Will Love Visiting This Fantastic Farm In Arizona With A Petting Zoo, Animal Feedings, And Monster Truck Tours

The Entire Family Will Love Visiting This Fantastic Farm In Arizona With A Petting Zoo, Animal Feedings, And Monster Truck Tours

 The Whole Family Could Spend An Entire Day Having A Blast At The Yard In Arizona

The Whole Family Could Spend An Entire Day Having A Blast At The Yard In Arizona
6. And wide open vertical space.
CEBImagery/Flickr
7. They don't drink or carry enough water in the summer.
Jasper Nance/Flickr
8. A lot of tourists also don't know their physical limits when it comes to hiking throughout the year.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
That means it's no surprise that most hiking rescues happen to save tourists.
9. They don't mind dropping major cash on an “authentic” sweat lodge or other New Agey experiences.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
10. Here's a tip for tourists because I imagine they are the only people patronizing these places: if you plan on purchasing authentic arts and crafts made by Arizona's Indigenous people, don't stop at the tourist traps with the fake tipis. Hit up the pow wows and markets to buy directly from the artist.
David Cohen/Flickr
11. Freeways and highways are “17” and “87” instead of “the 17” or “Beeline Highway.”
Alan Stark/Flickr

What are some other tips that can identify someone as a tourist in Arizona?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles