When we go abroad, we like to speak louder, gesticulate more, and play the 'dumb tourist' card whenever we get in trouble. But it would probably be wiser to just do a little homework before our trip and save ourselves the embarrassment in the first place.
In an attempt to collect the most valuable travel advice, Redditor u/Skinnysaif asked other users: "What should tourists NEVER do in your country?" and luckily for them (and now us), people from all over the world replied, sharing tidbits of information that can make journeys to foreign lands a lot more pleasurable. Here are some of the answers.
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Concentration camps are not a place for you get your stupid selfies for your "influencer" profile. Those tracks you're standing on transported many to their death.
It's okay to take pictures for pictures for memories that you came here. But those people who come here to take "sexy" selfies have no place being here.
Cory and G Varga, the wife and husband duo behind an awesome blog called You Could Travel, for example, always research the customs of the place they're going to. "It's paramount that we do so," they told Bored Panda. "First of all, we don't want to get in trouble (imagine wearing a mini skirt in Abu Dhabi or kissing in Saudi Arabia). But we also research because we want to blend in with the locals and not stand out like sore thumbs."
The couple said it has plenty of benefits. "Locals appreciate us and give us better treatment and service. Not to mention that we set a good example for our fellow countrymen."
Australia. For f**k sake. DON'T GO NEAR THE CROCODILE, DON'T TOUCH THE SNAKE, AND DON'T TRY TO EAT THE RED BACK SPIDER. These are all true things stupid tourists have done here, including some American picking a fight with a kangaroo. (The Kangaroo won)
"When we're abroad we only give ourselves the freedom to try interesting culinary delicacies which we'd otherwise avoid back home. Other than that, we do what the locals do," Cory and G Varga said. "Tourists should read about the local customs and follow them as much as possible. Ideally, they wouldn't be loud or disrespect anyone. They should always follow the local dress code, understand how to behave in public, and even how to eat in a restaurant. Pay close attention to local holidays and learn a few things in the local language. Nobody asks tourists to spend days reading novels about the countries they are about to visit but to just be decent and respect their fellow humans."
However, it's impossible to learn everything. Sometimes, you make mistakes even with the best intentions. But that's OK! "When this happens the best thing to do is to apologize. And mean it!" the traveling couple said. "If there's no language barrier, explain that you've mistaken and you are very sorry for the issues you've caused. Ask someone to teach you how to do better next time. Show interest in the locals and strive to do better next time."
Cory and G Varga highlighted that it takes just 20-30 minutes of online research to understand some local customs. "As long as we all respect the basic rules, are kind and considerate, locals will be happy to accommodate tourists and welcome them to their countries."
In England, respect the queues and do not cut. We will stare at you passive aggressively with the fury of a thousand suns.
Here in the U.S. in south Utah there are many amazing rock sculptures. Don't. Write. On. Them. They are rare structures formed by thousands of years of erosion, not something to carve your name into.
My favourite thing about being a Park Ranger is fining people for vandalism. And littering. Catching them is the hard part.
In Japan, bow to people who bow to you. In general, bow to people when they give you a service. It's a sign of respect and it goes a long way. Also, take off your shoes indoors and respect the culture.
Don't touch the wildlife in Australia. If it isn't poisonous, violent or otherwise ill-mannered and dangerous, it's probably protected or endangered.
I visited a zoo near Sydney years ago and was very surprised that they let us hold a koala. I imagine that's not allowed anyymore. I was also surprised that koalas smell like sheep.
Poverty tours.
By all means, get off the beaten path and see the “good” and the “bad” if you want to. However, don’t go to a struggling neighbourhood to feel better about yourself or learn to appreciate what you have. Poverty is not entertainment
Germany here, and this mostly goes out to Americans. You should never assume you can talk privately anywhere in public Germany, just because you speak english.
I don't know if this is different in the US, but here, almost anyone can speak at least 2 languages, and very well. Pretty anyone can speak english, even more so in the cities.
I usually try to join in to any conversation americans have in the subway about how weird "those Germans" are!
Much of Europe is the same. To be honest . . . . . the further north you go the more likely you are to find that people speak English. English speaking in Scandinavian countries is epic. As for Germany - I lived there in a small town, as a child, in the 1960's. I couldn't speak German of course but never had a problem communicating as so many people spoke English. And that was in the 1960's!
In Germany, you should never be afraid of talking to us in German. We love it!
Any tourist who brings up the courage to ask us for directions or anything else in one of the hardest european languages just makes our day!
Uhm, gutten tag, ick bin lost, weisst du how to get to Brandenhamburger Thor? ;)
This is a perfectly acceptable sentence for any foreign tourist in Germany.
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One of the hardest European languages? *stares suspiciously in Hungarian*
Uh, German here. It will certainly not "make my day", but I'd really appreciate the effort one is taking upon them to try to speak German. I'd try to help them anyways though, no matter what language they're trying to ask me in. When I was backpacking through South-East Asia for the first time, I approached a local and asked him for directions. It took the combined fractions of English of his whole family to tell me the way, and I'm trying to give back this attitude. :)
Guten Tag, wie geht es Ihnen? Amerikaner hier.
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I don't think German is among the hardest languages in Europe. Literally everything east of Germany is much harder.
I was grinning in Hungarian when they said that. :D
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It's always a delight to hear someone try having a conversation in your native language, no matter how well they do it. It shows you're interested and that's really cool :)
Maybe not so much in Paris. My friend spoke French. I didn't. I would just stand and watch helplessly as people became impatient and practically laughed in her face for trying to ask things in French. This wasn't random people on the street she was bothering but shopworkers and such. A few people were nice, of course, but a surprising number behaved as if they didn't have the time of day.
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Guten tag, gesundheit and auf wiedersehen. That's all the German in my vocabulary.
Sehr gut (very good), Foxxy! I know one Australian term: Dunny! I had a classmate named Daniela and her nickname was Danni (pronounced like dunny). After visiting Australia, she no longer wanted to be called by that name.
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I can vouch for this, Germans are so helpful and kind. Loved living in Germany!
I really want to visit there are there any cities or towns you'd recommend?
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I found that in pretty much every country I’ve visited that if you do some homework, make a concerted effort to learn the language, even just some basic polite phrases, then the vast majority of folk will join you halfway and either help you speak their language or even better they’ll test their knowledge of your language and encourage you to keep trying theirs. I ended up in a fantastic ‘conversation’ in Germany where I was driving an HGV and a bloke laughed at my German whilst I laughed at his English and we fought over which language to use in order to get me and my truck to the correct destination (pre GPS btw) we succeeded in confusing each other, settled on English, his English was better than my German and he directed me to my destination. I will say that I’ve massacred Italian, Spanish, German, French, Polish, Swedish, Dutch and a few others, I apologise! I find myself cringing when I hear people insisting on speaking English and being too loud about it, be respectful FFS.
Excellent attitude! I wholeheartedly agree (having massacred several languages while travelling myself)!
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I FREAKING LOVE GERMAN SO YES I WILL (I just have to get to Germany first...)
That could get tricky. We (Germany) have McD's, KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway and Burger King, and some Domino's, but no Taco Bell. No Wendy's, Olive Garden or Cheese Cake Factory, either.
Load More Replies... Wrong city: Uhm, gutten tag, ick bin lost, weisst du how to get to the Hofbrauhouse? :-)
Ahhhh... so I see you know the good places in Munich ;-)
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Sorry but as a middle eastern living in Munich I have to call BS on this. Or at least correct it to " you should never be afraid of talking to us in German, if you look white. Otherwise we're assuming you're a refugee and will mistreat you" !!!
The base of English is Germanic, so it's easier for English speakers.
I've also lived in Germany and I found it hard to even try to speak it as the people would straight away talk to me in English, so I don't think this is true.
I agree with you! It's hard to learn a language, when locals instantly reply in your native language... I think, they mean well, but it doesn't help when you are eager to learn
Load More Replies... I learned German during 7 years but still can't tell a whole sentence as I never practice. I regret it. It was my first foreign langage and I loved it. My last time in Germany, I felt horribly ..."alone".😂 Anyway, ich liebe Deutsch.
Ich liebe auch Deutsch. Du bist kiene 'alone' 🙃
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I had a coworker who had recently moved to the US after living in Germany her whole life. She said she wasn't used to strangers greeting her and engaging her in conversation. She was shocked by the massive selection of groceries in the stores. It was so interesting to talk to her about her culture.
That's pretty funny - I had a similar experience when I first moved to the US, although I am a native English speaker. It was back when the whole world loved Australia because of Crocodile Dundee. When I didn't feel like talking or was in a hurry, I used to dread opening my mouth, because they'd catch the accent and then want to talk to me forever!
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My bf is English, first time he said "I love you too" he tried in German, it was so cute I still melt when I think about it.
I speak terrible German and am so self-conscious about it. But I figure it's better to try?
Hmm, doesn't always work though - in major European cities (outside UK obviously) if you try to ask for something or speak the native language but you obviously speak English, people can find it patronising - I think the thought process is something like "do you think I'm some sort of uneducated hick who can't speak English?" So we can't win sometimes - don't try and we're being rude, try and we're wasting their time and being patronising.
Always, before a trip, I take at least a 101 course in the language of the country I'm going to visit. I proudly manage in English, Spanish, Russian, French and even a bit of Italian, Croatian and German. I'm a native speaker of Romanian, and live in Israel, so my second language is Hebrew.
Tried this in Spain with the 3 sentences I knew, problem is when they start to talk back I am completely lost 😂
No, you don't. I was insulted by a young woman in a store when I spoke German during my tour of duty. I never spoke it again.
German is the second hardest in the world. Chinese/Mandarin is the hardest: no tenses. Pronunciation denotes past, present or future. German has six, supposedly, but I think there is more. English has 12. I learned English grammar in elementary and high school. When I took German and Russian I had NO problem with grammar. Just had to learn a "new" vocabulary. People who say we don't "need" grammar in school are totally delusional.
Yeah if you don't learn the grammar things won't make sense. Especially, in some languages, sentence structure
Load More Replies... It's adorable! Please carry on! And we won't go blabbing all over you if it turns out you don't really speak the language - we'll just carry on signing or trying to gather whatever's left of our French/Spanish/English we learned at school
It is not true. Contrary the German don’t like to listen broken German
Reminds me years back, while in Germany, I asked for directions with my really poor German. Links, Rechts, Ampel, ok. I got that. But then the lady said something about "U-Bahn" and I didn't have a clue what it is. So I came back to car with blurry idea about something what might be a "crossroad in the shape of U"...when we got there, I saw the signs and realized that "U-Bahn" stands for "Unterbahn" (Underground) and not a "U shaped crossroad" :)
when you don't speak german, most will not even take time to help you, but when you try to speak german they are very polite and help you. wenn du kein Deutsch reden kann dan lassen die leute dir stehen ohne hife. Aber wenn mann es aufs Deutsch versucht dann sind die leute sehr lieb!
In Croatia, particularly in small towns, people are expected to clean the streets in front of their homes. As a result, you'll find exceptionally clean streets, which are a real sense of communal civic pride.
Between all the countries I've visited with my wife, Croatia is the only one where, at the end of the trip, my wife started to cry and say that she doesn't want to come back home. Beautiful country with very nice people.
If you're visiting Portugal, don't speak to us in Spanish. You are not in Spain, and we speak Portuguese.
Asian has this problem too. I'm malaysian. I am from the Iban tribe. My mother tounge is iban. I can speak english, mandarin, malay, and french. I work and live in France. Some tourist try to speak chinese with me without asking my origin. I don't look chinese. I speak mandarin but not because i'm Asian. I feel awkward being treated as if all asians are chinese. It's the biggest continent in the world. China is a part of it. Not it's only country...
In Finland, don't get too close to strangers. We really value personal space.
In Argentina, don't ask for coffee to go. We don't have paper cups. If you go to a cafe, you're expected to sit and drink your coffee.
Good on you, Argentina. Those things need to go the way of the dinosaurs all over the world.
In China, NEVER go out without carrying toilet paper or tissues on you. It's never in public restrooms so you'll want to keep some on hand.
In Jordan, if you compliment someone on something, it's impolite for that person to not offer that item to you. For example, if you compliment a man's watch, he will literally unlatch it from his arm and offer it to you. Of course, you're supposed to decline.
As a New Yorker, please don’t take selfies at the 9/11 memorial. Photograph the memorial, photograph the names, or in the event that one of the names means something to you I’m okay with you snapping a selfie. But the typical smiling-tourist selfies are crass.
In London, don't look for your train ticket/Oyster card at the barrier to the tube. Locals will get mad. Find it ahead of time so you can walk right through the gates.
In Australia, swim between the flags. If you have little experience swimming in the surf and you swim outside those flags, then there is a relatively high chance that you will drown.
People worry about the Aussie wildlife when our oceans are more dangerous. Drowning is one of the most common causes of death of tourists. So please please make sure you swim between the flags. We do have beaches where rips aren't much of an issue, you can research to find them and look for signs warning of rips and of course crocs and jellyfish etc. If a popular beach has no flags or warning signs it's not so bad but don't take risks if your not a strong swimmer.
In Ireland, stand your round. When you go out to the pubs with a group of friends, make sure to pay for a round of drinks when it's your turn. If you don't, you will be secretly labeled a cheapskate.
I haven't been to Ireland, but I'd assume you'd also not-so-secretly be labeled a cheapskate. I don't think of drunk folks as being particularly subtle. =)
In India, traffic lanes exist on the roads, but people don't drive in them.
In Korea, the eldest person at the table should start eating first. Don't pick up your chopsticks, spoon, or whatever utensil you're using until the oldest person has started eating.
I once invited a few coworkers to eat in a chinese malaysian restaurant in england. My coworkers are french. I told them that playing with the utensiles are very disrespectful and frown upon. A girl i barely knew started to tap and jam with her chopsticks o. The table and on the bolw and on the head of another coworker. I was so embarassed and humiliated i contemplated to dash out of the restaurant after begging for forgiveness from thé restaurant owner... I cut ties with her from then on.
Washington DC.
Do. Not. Leave. Trash. At. The. Monuments.
Also, get out of the water. It's not a pool.
In Paris, you should always say "bonjour" when entering a shop or restaurant and "au revoir" when leaving. Even if you don't purchase anything or walk right in and out.
In Vietnam, commit to crossing the road. It looks scary with the endless scooter stampedes, but if you just cross at a steady pace, they'll avoid you. Do not try to dodge or make sudden movements. Just simply walk across.
Better yet, find someone crossing who is Vietnamese and just follow them.
Singaporean here
You are allowed to wear Flip flops and shorts wherever you go. The fancy city area? Flipflop and Shorts are perfect. That 5 star hotel? Flip flops are welcomed. Public transport? You are weird if you do not wear them
In Denmark, do not stand or walk in the bike lane. You will get yelled at...and/or hit by a cyclist.
In South Africa when you go on a “safari” (we call it a game drive), you must never ever get out of your vehicle or get close to any big animals because that is how there are stories of people dying to animals here. Just please stay safe and obey the rules to save lives.
Switzerland is really expensive, and you should know that ahead of time. Don't make that surprised face when you have to pay $15 for a Subway sandwich.
Assume that I support Trump or am a fundamentalist Christian because I am a white American male. I've been talked down to by Germans in particular and don't like it. I wish I had more than one vote, or be rich enough to live in different countries as my mood and politics changes, but that is not in the cards.
Don't talk to anyone in public. Only approach people for conversations if they are receptionists or something similar.
It's not for your security or anything, but it freaks us the hell out. No one talks to strangers in Norway, unless you're hiking and above the treelines.
No, that is not true. As a norwegian I can say that most norwegians are happy to talk with tourists visiting our country. We love to hear people telling us how beautiful it is (we know), and telling us how expencive everything is (we know).
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In The Netherlands: on the 4th of May, the day before Liberation Day, we have a remembrance day for those that lost their lives during WW2 (these days it's been expanded to remember those that lost their lives in war or peace operations). At two minutes to eight in the evening, everyone will hold two minutes of silence. And we mean SILENCE. In stores, restaurants, public transport - SILENCE. Even the trains and busses stop moving for two minutes (most of them, anyway). People sometimes stop in the streets. If you're a tourist and you open your mouth during these two minutes, even if it's just out of ignorance, you WILL get dirty looks.
It actually starts at 20.00 sharp and ends at 20.02. Other than that, you're absolutely right.
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If you happen to be in Australia or New Zealand on ANZAC Day, the 25th of April, do not wish anyone a 'Happy ANZAC Day'. It is NOT a day of celebration but one of remembrance for Australians and New Zealanders who served & died "...in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations."
I can understand that, people here in the US who say Happy Memorial Day drive me crazy.
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When in Sweden don't get into an unlicensed taxi. Licenced ones have legitimate phone numbers on the sides of the car.
Canada. Don't jump out of your car and try to pet the big fluffy cows (Bison)
Oh, my! Yeah, no. They definitely do NOT want to be petted.
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In South Africa, don’t be offended by the term ‘coloured’. Here, it is it’s own ethnicity - with it’s own culture, vernacular, and deeply-rooted history. ‘Mixed race’ is a completely different thing that usually (correct me if I’m wrong here) just refers to having parents of two different descents, but ‘coloured’ is it’s own thing that is vastly different from what, for example, Americans associate with the word. Also we will enforce incorrect stereotypes (like riding to work on lions) because we think it’s funny. Also teaching foreigners incorrect vernac (“jy’s ‘n poes is not a good thing to say btw) And ‘robots’ means traffic lights. No idea why.
I grew up in northern Arizona. A pet peeve I have: NEVER. CARVE. THINGS. INTO. THE. TREES! Alot of the trees here are very old and I hate it when people write on them.
If you are coming to New Zealand, make sure you are well prepared if you want to go hiking or tramping. Its not an eco Disneyland, and weather can change very quickly. Make sure you follow the rules for remote huts etc. Don't assume a day trip is automatically harmless etc
Same in Australia. People die because they think they'll just "get in the car and drive". Most of this country is uninhibited!
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the recreational marijuana/drug laws are different from state to state in the US... do not bring the marijuana you bought on your expensive, fun ski trip to Colorado down to Texas or any other state where it is still prohibited... You can be charged with a felony if it is a large amount... so get rid of your pot before you get on the plane to visit ex-pat relatives in a more conservative state... You have been warned!
The state highway patrol in Kansas has made a boatload of money from catching weed tourists coming from Colorado, and I'm sure all the other border states have too!
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In the U.S.A., variants of "How are you?" are common greetings but we don't really want to know how you are. We generally hope you're doing well but if not, we'd really rather not hear about it. Acceptable responses to "how ya doin'?" are "fine," "don't ask," or the somewhat more sarcastic "living the dream."
Its a custom that can drive some of our fellow Americans nuts, because it’s kind of phony. However, just “Hello.”, with no follow up, ends up sounding flat and a little closed off. 🤷🏽♀️
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Also, in London's escalators... if you're going to stand and not walk up/down, stand on the RIGHT, walk on the LEFT.
In Hungary: don't you EVER call Budapest mistakenly Bucharest. I think it's true vice versa.
I live in a TOWN called Bay CITY, not far from a CITY called BayTOWN. When I tell people I'm from Bay City, they say, "You mean Baytown?" Yes. I got my own hometown name wrong 🙄 I feel your pain lol
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Things to know when traveling in Japen: - When you walk into a restaurant or cafe the staff will usually say 'Irassyaimase' in your general direction, it basically means welcome to the store. You don't really need to reply, but you can nod in their direction or say konnichiwa - there aren't many public bins (though most train platforms have one) so be prepared to take your rubbish home - In Japan, tattoos are associated with the Japanese mafia (the yakuza) and people with tattoos are generally not permitted to use onsen (hot springs), so check what your hotel or bathhouse does for that sort of thing - If someone laughs while trying to communicate with you, they are unlikely to be laughing at you. either something was legitimately funny or they are embarrassed
Iceland. Stop getting yourselves killed by not following safety rules. If theres a sign saying not to go somewhere, its because otherwise you will die. Also, NO offroad driving. You wanna get somewhere remote, you hike.
When visiting the Black Hills of South Dakota, please leave the wildlife alone. When at Custer State Park, NEVER get out of your car to approach a bison. Also, don't ask a Native American what his or her "Indian name" is, or do that stupid thing where you hit your hand over your mouth repeatedly while yelling.
East Coast of Canada, and probably for any coastal tourist destination, do not walk on the large dark coloured rocks by the ocean. Many have slipped and fallen only to be injured or drowned having done so.
Question for UK natives here. When visiting the UK, I was told to (gently) shove through the crowd when on a crowded street, because saying "excuse me" or "pardon" is used to get someone's attention, and it may stop the flow of foot traffic. It's this true? Is there a more polite way?
Basically shove and say excuse me and sorry whilst doing it. If someone refuses to get out your way sarcastically say either under your breath whilst giving the evils.
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In Austria, never, and I mean NEVER compare us to Germany. We are a country on our own and got quite a different culture than Germany. Also, Hitler jokes are absolutely not appreciated. Plus Vienna ain't that fab, it is actually a nasty place at night.
In Malaysia it's rude to point your finger, make a fist and point with your thumb.
American here - I was fortunate enough to go on an England/France tour with a group from my high school (way back when the earth was green) and...man, I distanced myself as much as I could from some of them (super-entitled, rude, gimme...ugh). Anyway, on the outskirts of Paris we stayed for a week in a small hotel (still miss the jacket I lost there, dang'it) and frequented the same local restaurant for dinner. Idk how it is now but "then" more expensive drinks (sodas, etc) would be delivered before less expensive (waters), but I guess because I was better behaved? more respectful of staff and culture?, less obnoxious?, my drinks and meals tended to be delivered first/more quickly than those for the "typical American teenager with an attitude"s were. I remember some of the group kicking up a fuss because KETCHUP (of all things) wasn't readily available. The chef? tried making it for them, they were rude about how awful it was (it was, but someone tried). Ugh. Crass.
In America, we are particular about time. We all move as fast as possible all day long. If you travel here, you will get dirty looks if you inhibit our fast-paced flow. Examples: Getting to the front of a long line and talking to the cashier or not having your order ready; Having a prolonged personal conversation in the middle of a busy thoroughfare. We also expect you to be on time, whether meeting for business or pleasure. We consider it rude if someone is late. If you are expected to arrive at work at 2:30, it really means get there early and clock in at exactly 2:30, not 2:38 or 2:45. If you ask to meet me for lunch at 12:00, I will be seated at the table at 11:50 so that I may receive you if you are a couple minutes early. I know our strict adherence to time can make us appear rude to visitors when we rush past on the street, for which we apologize. We are just terrified of being a couple minutes late!
I don't know why this was down voted, it can certainly be true (although not always). For other Americans, know that many other countries are more relaxed when it comes to scheduling. For those who are not used to time strictness, know that I was once fired from a job for arriving ONE minute late on my first day of work after two weeks of training that went smoothly. I was late because my car died while driving...
Load More Replies... In The Netherlands: on the 4th of May, the day before Liberation Day, we have a remembrance day for those that lost their lives during WW2 (these days it's been expanded to remember those that lost their lives in war or peace operations). At two minutes to eight in the evening, everyone will hold two minutes of silence. And we mean SILENCE. In stores, restaurants, public transport - SILENCE. Even the trains and busses stop moving for two minutes (most of them, anyway). People sometimes stop in the streets. If you're a tourist and you open your mouth during these two minutes, even if it's just out of ignorance, you WILL get dirty looks.
It actually starts at 20.00 sharp and ends at 20.02. Other than that, you're absolutely right.
Load More Replies... If you happen to be in Australia or New Zealand on ANZAC Day, the 25th of April, do not wish anyone a 'Happy ANZAC Day'. It is NOT a day of celebration but one of remembrance for Australians and New Zealanders who served & died "...in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations."
I can understand that, people here in the US who say Happy Memorial Day drive me crazy.
Load More Replies... When in Sweden don't get into an unlicensed taxi. Licenced ones have legitimate phone numbers on the sides of the car.
Canada. Don't jump out of your car and try to pet the big fluffy cows (Bison)
Oh, my! Yeah, no. They definitely do NOT want to be petted.
Load More Replies... In South Africa, don’t be offended by the term ‘coloured’. Here, it is it’s own ethnicity - with it’s own culture, vernacular, and deeply-rooted history. ‘Mixed race’ is a completely different thing that usually (correct me if I’m wrong here) just refers to having parents of two different descents, but ‘coloured’ is it’s own thing that is vastly different from what, for example, Americans associate with the word. Also we will enforce incorrect stereotypes (like riding to work on lions) because we think it’s funny. Also teaching foreigners incorrect vernac (“jy’s ‘n poes is not a good thing to say btw) And ‘robots’ means traffic lights. No idea why.
I grew up in northern Arizona. A pet peeve I have: NEVER. CARVE. THINGS. INTO. THE. TREES! Alot of the trees here are very old and I hate it when people write on them.
If you are coming to New Zealand, make sure you are well prepared if you want to go hiking or tramping. Its not an eco Disneyland, and weather can change very quickly. Make sure you follow the rules for remote huts etc. Don't assume a day trip is automatically harmless etc
Same in Australia. People die because they think they'll just "get in the car and drive". Most of this country is uninhibited!
Load More Replies... the recreational marijuana/drug laws are different from state to state in the US... do not bring the marijuana you bought on your expensive, fun ski trip to Colorado down to Texas or any other state where it is still prohibited... You can be charged with a felony if it is a large amount... so get rid of your pot before you get on the plane to visit ex-pat relatives in a more conservative state... You have been warned!
The state highway patrol in Kansas has made a boatload of money from catching weed tourists coming from Colorado, and I'm sure all the other border states have too!
Load More Replies... In the U.S.A., variants of "How are you?" are common greetings but we don't really want to know how you are. We generally hope you're doing well but if not, we'd really rather not hear about it. Acceptable responses to "how ya doin'?" are "fine," "don't ask," or the somewhat more sarcastic "living the dream."
Its a custom that can drive some of our fellow Americans nuts, because it’s kind of phony. However, just “Hello.”, with no follow up, ends up sounding flat and a little closed off. 🤷🏽♀️
Load More Replies... Also, in London's escalators... if you're going to stand and not walk up/down, stand on the RIGHT, walk on the LEFT.
In Hungary: don't you EVER call Budapest mistakenly Bucharest. I think it's true vice versa.
I live in a TOWN called Bay CITY, not far from a CITY called BayTOWN. When I tell people I'm from Bay City, they say, "You mean Baytown?" Yes. I got my own hometown name wrong 🙄 I feel your pain lol
Load More Replies... Things to know when traveling in Japen: - When you walk into a restaurant or cafe the staff will usually say 'Irassyaimase' in your general direction, it basically means welcome to the store. You don't really need to reply, but you can nod in their direction or say konnichiwa - there aren't many public bins (though most train platforms have one) so be prepared to take your rubbish home - In Japan, tattoos are associated with the Japanese mafia (the yakuza) and people with tattoos are generally not permitted to use onsen (hot springs), so check what your hotel or bathhouse does for that sort of thing - If someone laughs while trying to communicate with you, they are unlikely to be laughing at you. either something was legitimately funny or they are embarrassed
Iceland. Stop getting yourselves killed by not following safety rules. If theres a sign saying not to go somewhere, its because otherwise you will die. Also, NO offroad driving. You wanna get somewhere remote, you hike.
When visiting the Black Hills of South Dakota, please leave the wildlife alone. When at Custer State Park, NEVER get out of your car to approach a bison. Also, don't ask a Native American what his or her "Indian name" is, or do that stupid thing where you hit your hand over your mouth repeatedly while yelling.
East Coast of Canada, and probably for any coastal tourist destination, do not walk on the large dark coloured rocks by the ocean. Many have slipped and fallen only to be injured or drowned having done so.
Question for UK natives here. When visiting the UK, I was told to (gently) shove through the crowd when on a crowded street, because saying "excuse me" or "pardon" is used to get someone's attention, and it may stop the flow of foot traffic. It's this true? Is there a more polite way?
Basically shove and say excuse me and sorry whilst doing it. If someone refuses to get out your way sarcastically say either under your breath whilst giving the evils.
Load More Replies... In Austria, never, and I mean NEVER compare us to Germany. We are a country on our own and got quite a different culture than Germany. Also, Hitler jokes are absolutely not appreciated. Plus Vienna ain't that fab, it is actually a nasty place at night.
In Malaysia it's rude to point your finger, make a fist and point with your thumb.
American here - I was fortunate enough to go on an England/France tour with a group from my high school (way back when the earth was green) and...man, I distanced myself as much as I could from some of them (super-entitled, rude, gimme...ugh). Anyway, on the outskirts of Paris we stayed for a week in a small hotel (still miss the jacket I lost there, dang'it) and frequented the same local restaurant for dinner. Idk how it is now but "then" more expensive drinks (sodas, etc) would be delivered before less expensive (waters), but I guess because I was better behaved? more respectful of staff and culture?, less obnoxious?, my drinks and meals tended to be delivered first/more quickly than those for the "typical American teenager with an attitude"s were. I remember some of the group kicking up a fuss because KETCHUP (of all things) wasn't readily available. The chef? tried making it for them, they were rude about how awful it was (it was, but someone tried). Ugh. Crass.
In America, we are particular about time. We all move as fast as possible all day long. If you travel here, you will get dirty looks if you inhibit our fast-paced flow. Examples: Getting to the front of a long line and talking to the cashier or not having your order ready; Having a prolonged personal conversation in the middle of a busy thoroughfare. We also expect you to be on time, whether meeting for business or pleasure. We consider it rude if someone is late. If you are expected to arrive at work at 2:30, it really means get there early and clock in at exactly 2:30, not 2:38 or 2:45. If you ask to meet me for lunch at 12:00, I will be seated at the table at 11:50 so that I may receive you if you are a couple minutes early. I know our strict adherence to time can make us appear rude to visitors when we rush past on the street, for which we apologize. We are just terrified of being a couple minutes late!
I don't know why this was down voted, it can certainly be true (although not always). For other Americans, know that many other countries are more relaxed when it comes to scheduling. For those who are not used to time strictness, know that I was once fired from a job for arriving ONE minute late on my first day of work after two weeks of training that went smoothly. I was late because my car died while driving...
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