How to Avoid Causing Offence When Travelling

The easiest way to avoid causing any offence, when travelling to foreign destinations, is to acquaint yourself with local custom knowledge before you depart. Be aware of local practices, and how they differ from country to country or region to region. Not only does knowing the rules and regulations keep you out of potential trouble, but it will also help you get to know more about the culture of the environment you are visiting.
Careful Consideration
On the whole, most of the people a traveller will meet will be polite and respectful, and knowledgeable about the location they live in. You do have to realise though, that what may pass as polite behaviour in one part of the country, or world, may not be acceptable as such in another. Research the area you're visiting before you go there. We've covered different areas of the world here on this site, so you should find what you need.Foreign Law
When travelling it is worthwhile remembering that local penalties and laws will also apply to foreigners. Something as seemingly innocent as taking photographs of local women and children is illegal in some countries. So too is holding hands, cuddling or kissing publicly. In some extreme cases penalties, for public acts or offences, can incur a prison sentence, corporal punishment or even the death penalty.Identify local restrictions before you go and save yourself from embarrassment and a brush with the law. It will also keep you safe, helping you avoid petty crime incidents like pick-pocketing and bag-snatching.
Arrest And Detention
If you, or someone you are travelling with, is arrested abroad you should contact the relevant British Embassy, high commission or consulate as soon as possible. Staff at these centres are trained to support British nationals and will treat all prisoners without judgment. Staff will also provide you with general information about the country’s prison conditions, and offer a list of local lawyers and interpreters. They will also facilitate the sending of messages to family members back in the UK.What staff are not able to do however, is get a British national out of detention or prison, offer legal advice, pay costs or stop the local authority deporting someone.
Customs and Culture
Some cultures have very strict views concerning littering, smoking and spitting, so in order to save having to pay a hefty fine it is recommended that a traveller is mindful of his/her daily actions. Religious holidays and festivals must also be taken into consideration, when planning a trip, as these public festivities usually increase the necessity of mindful behaviour.Travellers should always exercise normal safety precautions when walking late at night. Being aware of your behaviour will enable you to better understand how other people may potentially see you. Being mindful of your words and actions, at all times, therefore minimises the risk of finding yourself caught up in a situation you may not be comfortable handling in a foreign country.
- Train Travel Etiquette
- Etiquette When Travelling With Young Children
- English Countryside Etiquette
- Business Travel Etiquette
- Group Travel Etiquette
- Plane and Air Travel Etiquette
- Airport Etiquette
- Etiquette Tips for Staying in Hotels
- How to Blend in With the Locals
- Etiquette Tips When Travelling Solo
- Etiquette Tips When Travelling With Pets
- Spa Etiquette Tips
Re: Etiquette in China
I’ve seen this blog cited for all these mainstream articles about table etiquette in China—but where’s the reference/source for this one? I…
Re: How to Behave in California
I’m a born and raised Californian, if you want to blend in, in most parts of California people say hella a lot. “Dude this sh*ts…
Re: Etiquette in Tunisia
I am tunisian and i want to tell you that your fiancé lied at you. There is nothing in tunisian customs called bringing gifts to all family…
Re: Etiquette in Greece
Greeks honored their dead bye first coating their bodies in oil and then put them in a tall bed so that mourners May morning then they put…
Re: Etiquette in Tunisia
This is an answer for Topaz about gift. no its not mandatory, you can come and bring nothing. its just rude impolite and greedy from them to…
Re: Etiquette in Scandinavia
I enjoyed your article. You may have saved me from future embarrassment. It is funny. Some of the traits you mentioned as Scandinavian…
Re: Good Manners in Bulgaria
This was really nice to know,I really liked the second helping thing and also the kiss on the cheek.
Re: Etiquette in Greece
On a recent trip, after the owner of the hotel gave me a lift, he kissed me on both cheeks after I tipped him. I was a bit taken back. What…
Re: Etiquette in Scandinavia
This helps me so much with my International Day project.
Re: Etiquette in Kenya
While I'm not asking this question based on travel experiences, rather it is based on some photos of a woman form Nairobi, Kenya. She has…