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Traveling somewhere new and different is always exciting, whether it’s within your country or overseas, but before you go, it will do you well to do some research on the place you’re going to lest you offend someone without knowing.
That’s why you need to research these 12 things to be a knowledgeable and courteous traveler.
Learn The Greeting Practices
One of the biggest things you’ll encounter when traveling to a different country is a language barrier, and even just greeting people can be difficult. But in many places, greeting people is a sign of respect, and not knowing how to greet them in the local language can leave the locals looking at you like they’ve eaten a sour lemon.
Before you visit a new place, a good idea is to learn how to greet people like a local. This doesn’t just include learning the words but also learning things using the correct handshakes and customary gestures. For example, in many Asian countries, it is customary to bow.
Learn The Lingo
Nothing can land you more in hot water than saying something that you do at home but finding out that it’s offensive in the country you’re visiting. Avoid causing offense by learning the local lingo beforehand.
Luckily, this is quite accessible nowadays thanks to the wide variety of online lessons or apps on your cell phone, like Duolingo, which you can use wherever you are.
Study The Behavioral Norms
Besides learning the lingo, studying the behavioral norms of a place is a great way to ensure that you’re a courteous and respectful traveler. There are many cultural norms that appear unusual in the U.S.
For example, in the Netherlands, it is very rude to shout or speak with raised voices and in Scandinavia, a lot of emphasis is placed on body language rather than words. So make sure you study the cultural norms of the country you plan to visit.
Read Up on Dress Code
A country’s dress code is very important. In some countries, wearing the wrong thing can land you in serious trouble, including a trip to prison. In many countries, the dress code is linked heavily with religious beliefs and practices.
For example, in Saudi Arabia, it is considered a criminal act for women to expose their bare flesh, including travelers. Whereas in France, there is a burqa ban that prohibits people from covering their faces in public.
Selfie Etiquette
We live in a world where, if you don’t take a picture, did it even happen? But depending on where you’re taking your selfie, you can end up in trouble. In most countries, taking selfies at holy sites is considered rude.
For example, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, it is unacceptable to take selfies, as it is considered a distraction to people praying.
Dining Etiquette
Food is a big part of most cultures, and that means there are certain rules and behaviors that come with it. Knowing what the dining etiquette is of the country you’re going to is super important.
You may think that eating with your left hand is perfectly fine, but in the Middle East it’s impolite to eat with your left hand as they’re used in the bathroom. In Thailand, it is socially unacceptable to put a fork in your mouth. Not comfortable with chopsticks? You’ll need to transfer food from the fork to a spoon and then into your mouth.
Religious Practices and Beliefs
Different countries have their own religious beliefs and practices that you need to be aware of as a traveler. For example, in Turkey, women wanting to enter mosques have to wear a head covering and cover their chest and legs. Dressing modestly is highly recommended in some tourist spots, and researching beforehand is a good idea.
Local Laws
You don’t want to end up on the wrong side of the law in a foreign country, and this can be avoided by doing some research before traveling. Make sure you are familiar with laws about consuming alcohol and drugs.
A lot of the Middle Eastern countries prohibit the consumption of alcohol. Some countries like Qatar, which is a big tourist destination, allow alcohol, but there are some strict rules permitting who and where alcohol can be consumed.
Bike and Scooter Rules
Before visiting a new destination, be sure to research what the bike and scooter rules are, because failure to comply can result in costly fines, which can put a damper on your trip. Some places may have simple rules like no bikes on the promenade, but other places like France have a ban on e-scooter rentals.
Public Transport
If you’re going to rely on public transport in your destination country, research a little more on it to be knowledgeable when you get there. Research how to pay for your journey and other etiquette like making space for locals, what type of luggage you take with you or letting women on the bus first.
Learn The Local Currency
With access to the internet at our fingertips, there’s no excuse for not knowing the local currency of the place you’re traveling to. A quick Google search will reveal the currency and provide guides on what payment methods you should use and where to exchange your money.
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