Know before you go – a wise statement. Yet many first time travelers to new destinations seem to forget that when visiting a foreign land. Many need to learn proper travel etiquette.
Fortunately, Lonely Planet’s U.S. Travel Editor, star of the hit internet sensation 76-Second Travel Show and my pal Robert Reid has compiled some very useful tips to help you out before you venture off to an international travel destination this year.
Some highlights include:
- Avoid filling your own glass with alcohol in Japan. By doing so, you admit to everyone at the table that you’re an alcoholic! Instead, pour for the person next to you and wait for them to reciprocate.
- Planning on going Dutch in Paris? Think again! In France, never, ever discuss money over dinner. And splitting the bill is considered the height of unsophistication.
- In Greece, don’t wave at anyone with an open palm as it is the equivalent of flipping them off!
- When visiting Thailand, don’t be alarmed if a local unabashedly picks their nose while talking to you; it’s considered a natural act of good hygiene…!
Check out Lonely Planet’s Travel Etiquette 101 lists for drinking and eating as well as body language.
Definitely some very fun, interesting and useful information to know before you go.
Flickr Ed Yourdon