Tripology Travel Experts Blog

Top 10 Travel Faux Pas

Are you aware of cultural faux pas when you travel?

Responsible travel agent responsibletravel.com recently asked its travel providers for the top ten cultural faux pas by tourists visiting their destinations.

These include dressing inappropriately; speaking loudly in English; disrespecting local religions and political ignorance. 

Says Justin Francis, managing director, responsibletravel.com:

"Every summer we hear stories of tourists causing offense whether it be by behaving drunkenly or loud-mouthing the locals. Going on holiday does not mean we can abandon common sense and basic etiquette. There's no doubt that if you travel with respect, you will earn respect. You'll also find you have a more rewarding holiday as a result."

The Top 10 Cultural Faux Pas, according to responsibletravel.com are:

1. "Women (and men) dressing inappropriately / skimpily."

2. "Refusal to learn just a few words of the local language and instead shouting with frustration in English."

3. "Giving pens, sweets and other gifts directly to children. This often encourages begging."

4. "Showing political ignorance e.g. referring to Ireland as part of the UK or to Scotland/Wales as 'England'."

5. "Disrespecting local religions and customs e.g. eating a ham sandwich at a mosque in Morocco during Ramadan."

6. "Photographing local people without asking their permission first."

7. "Not tipping staff e.g. in South Africa. It is custom to tip at least 10% in cafes and restaurants."

8. "Sticking your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, using them to point at people or to spear food."

9. "In a Buddhist country touching someone's head is a big taboo, as is pointing your feet at people."

10. "Trying to analyze points of view without taking into account other cultural perspectives."

For more info, check out responsibletravel.com.

Share:

20 Responses

You must login to post a comment

Request a Free Quote From up to 3 Travel Specialists

Save time. Great values. Tripology.com






  • Services required:

Subscribe to Tripology Blog

Featured Travel Video

powered by

Watch more travel videos at www.tripfilms.com

Latest Tripology Blog Posts