They will never again look at you crooked or you will expose yourself to dishonoured looks; nothing can go wrong with this travel etiquette and you will not be exposed as tourists anymore.
The ultimate travel etiquette of these 5 popular destinations
We have summarised the ultimate rules of behaviour to avoid embarrassment abroad in the future. They are called faux pas, which is French for “misstep”.
Italy
The land of longing and joy of life is one of our favourite travel destinations. And actually we also think that the Italians are relatively similar to us, not very exotic and friendly anyway. But there are a few small things that can even make the most charming Italians see red and they all have to do with – surprise surprise – the food culture.
Even in times of fast food and stress, for the Italians it is a farce to eat your food while you walk. For a lunch or a snack in between, you take your time, especially since punctuality is not as important as in the north of Europe. Maybe we should accept this, especially on holidays. No-go number 2 has to do with our beloved coffee break. As delicious as a latte may be, in the afternoon you should only order espresso in Italy, after all, time for breakfast is long gone. And finally, the most important thing, one thing we have certainly all done wrong: eating pasta with a spoon and fork. The Italians expertly run their noodles on the fork by using the edge of the plate, spoons are for tourists.
Japan
About 9,000 kilometres away, on the other side of the world, of course, other rules apply. It is common for us, it’s just how we do it, to give the waiter (or the porter, luggage service, taxi driver… the list is endless) a tip. 10% is appropriate for a good service. In Japan, however, this is considered an insult, because both giving and taking is dishonourable and therefore we strongly discourage it.
Rule number 2 is easy: shoes off! Not only in temples, but especially at home. The right balance is required and of course socks without holes, if you try to slip into the felt pats, which are offered to you, and at the same time you should not touch the ground. Do not worry, everything is a matter of practise and habit!
China
Food culture also plays a major role in the land of the rising sun and follows many rules that are often difficult for outsiders to understand. Above all, it is about respect, hierarchy and harmony. And here comes faux pas number 1: eating till your plate is empty. We are used to finish the whole plate, because it means that it tasted good. In China, however, with an empty plate you show that you were not satisfied and that brings the host in great embarrassment. At worst, he has to cook again or reorder to protect his red face.
And there lurks already the next misstep: never – never, seriously – put the chopsticks vertically into the rice. This is only done during mourning ceremonies to commemorate the dead.
Spain
We British are almost at home in Spain, but not all Spain is as tolerant as Majorca or the Costa del Sol. The bow seems to be overstretched and it is now forbidden to walk around naked. In Majorca city they threaten tourists, who are strolling through the old town in bathing suits, a fine of 50€ to 200€. It is even more expensive in Barcelona, here is the penalty 300€ or higher. So dear holidaymakers, invest the money rather in a fancy dress or a trendy linen shirt and save a lot of trouble.
Another little trick, not to be exposed as a tourist immediately has to do with the sunglasses. In a country with 300 sunny days, people wear sunglasses, practically always and everywhere, with one very big exception: in the water!
Last but not least faux pas number 3, forget the shaking hands, here people kiss each other on the cheeks. Even though we British give a handshake when we meet other people, the spirited Spaniards give each other a kiss on the left and right – invariably! Everything else would be considered rude.
Croatia
New lovers or honeymooners should think twice about whether Croatia is the right holiday destination. Even though the country is very cosmopolitan, sharing caresses in public is an absolute no-go. On squares, in restaurants or in the public transport, one kisses exclusively at home or when no one is looking and may feel disturbed. Very important is the formal address in Croatia. Under no circumstances someone should greet by first name carelessly or unsolicited or just say hello, using the formal term of addressing and a friendly “Good morning” is more appropriate.
… the travel etiquette, thanks to this you should be prepared for any situation in the most important holiday destinations. And do not worry, when a faux pas happens, laughing at yourself will break the ice!