As a New Yorker I can tell you that “tourists” have ruined midtown for people who live here. So I’m not a fan of tourists, especially since that particularly loud bullying variety of Trump supporter now actually comes to this city to gloat. Then complain when New Yorkers simply ignore them.

Having said that, what you describe is not “like a tourist.” You describe a reasonable, consciously present traveler who is going abroad — to points unknown — to explore other people’s space. To engage. So don’t liken that to “like a tourist.”

If everyone traveled the way you describe the term “the ugly American” would not be such a familiar cliche.