Who doesn’t love a good exotic vacation every once in a while? It’s amazing to be able to live, shop and enjoy the scenic beauty in different places. If you can have that consider yourself lucky. But the unfortunate thing is we don’t know the culture around the world. It’s not even possible to know about everything. But if you do homework before going, it will save you from some embarrassment. Let’s get to know some of those unspoken rules that no one tells you but abides them.
Invasion of personal space
It’s very embarrassing to see that grown-up people don’t understand personal space. When you are on a long flight it is okay to crave some human interaction. It’s okay to feel bored alone and want to initiate a conversation. but you must notice if the person is interested in talking to you or not. A great indication is an earbud. If they have an earbud in their ear do not disturb them. also, be mindful of putting your hands and knees in other people’s spaces. It’s tempting to stretch and be everywhere. But that’s very uncomfortable for the person on your side. Don’t do that on board. It’s one of the greatest unspoken rules to fly a plane.
Greet a local like locals
Every culture has a different way of greeting each other. Some of us just say hello, and hi and some can give a peck or kiss on the cheek. North Americans shake their hands as a way of greeting. If you are in France and just say hello it will be rude. On the other hand, going to kiss the cheek in other countries can be scandalous, to say the least. So before you start your journey get to know the local culture. Greet them the local way. This will make them feel warm for you too. Who knows if they can be of your help in some way?
Another thing is learn some small little words. It can be their greeting word. A way to hello or bye. You also should know some small words that explains about money, food and place. so when you get in trouble they will understand some of the things you say.s
Be mindful of pictures
Just like you cannot wear whatever you want in a temple or church, you shouldn’t start taking pictures as well. Especially if you are in a Japanese temple don’t take pictures everywhere. It is very tempting to click after click. But people will look at you uncomfortably. They believe there could be a spirit that the camera can capture. Also, they get disturbed. So take one or two pictures just for the sake of preserving this beautiful memory forever. After that just enjoy the moment you are in.
Eat appropriately
You are in Italy and didn’t try pizza? Or in India or Pakistan and didn’t have biryani? Or you are in china and eating the same thing you would eat at home? That would be blasphemous. On top of that if you don’t get your hands dirty eating some biryani what have you done? The spoon doesn’t bring taste from that food at all. Put your cutlery away while your stay in these places. Know how the locals like to eat their food. You will enjoy eating their cultural food when you eat like them. it might be a little hard eating with a chopstick in case you are in china or japan but you will eventually learn it.
Bargaining is a must
Vacation means luggage full of new stuff. Shopping while on vacation is a must. It’s a way to collect souvenirs and make memories. But most people aren’t used to bargaining at all. Even if they are bargaining it’s just a few dollars less. The street stalls ask for the outrageous amount for simple things. Even if you say one-third of the price it will not be the justified price for the stuff. So bargaining is a must. Especially in the street shops of south Asia, South America, and all. If you are in south Asia bargain everywhere. From food stall to dress stall to transport everywhere, you must bargain.
Know about tipping culture
The service business in America depends on tipping. The waiters have to rely on tips to have a sustainable life. It’s not the same in every culture. Like japan doesn’t allow waiters to have tips. If you leave some tips they will not be appreciated. In fact, in any way, they will give it back to you. Some other countries ban tipping as well. In their case, they pay their waiters enough to not depend on tipping. Another thing is they care about the customer. So the service you get isn’t because you will tip well. It’s because you are their customer and deserve good service.
Don’t take off shoes on the plane
I know it’s difficult to put on shoes or socks on a long flight. It’s easy to run around with nothing. Trust me you wouldn’t like it when you know what those carpets in the plane went through. Those aren’t washed after every flight. Those are washed once in a while. There could be people puking, spitting, and whatnot. so don’t take off your shoes or socks there. Don’t do it if you have smelly feet. It will be a great help to your seatmates if you don’t take off your shoes. Wear the most comfortable shoe you have. And start the beautiful vacation on a beautiful note.
Final thoughts
Traveling doesn’t go by a list of rules or a book of rules. Some just use common sense for traveling. And some real issues need attention. Trust me, all that may feel like too much. But it’s going to help you in so many ways. Like the bargaining rule will be a lifesaver and money saver at the same time. Have a great vacation if you are planning any.
