It's a common trait to be a self-conscious traveler, and in the context of diplomacy it's a good quality to have, not to mention the hope to be treated the same. But I've come to realize that self-consciousness can go way too far. The pretentious desire to feel “authentic” when abroad, which I feel is a pretty prevailing trend, is basically a crock. We're by definition tourists, staying one place for a short period of time, so all you can really do is what makes you happy there. Draw the line at responsibility and kindness and prove that some tourists aren't obnoxious — it's pretty much all you can do.