13 Things to Never Say to Locals While Traveling Abroad
Traveling abroad allows us to step into a world of exciting cultures and beautiful landscapes but this is a world that demands attention to local customs and lifestyles. Communication can also make your experience more effective because it helps create real connections and shared understanding. To help facilitate interactions, it’s helpful to know what not to say to avoid moments of awkwardness or accidental rudeness.
This isn’t just a guide to keep the peace, but to be a conscientious traveler who respects the culture and natives of the land. If you understand how your words affect people, you can do your best to be more respectful, and to inspire goodwill wherever you go.
This Reminds me of (Another Place)
It might seem harmless comparing one place to another, but this can mean that the area you live in has no charm of its own. Instead, try to see value in what is uniquely in front of you and be grateful for it. It can demonstrate that you are engaged and grateful to be where you are.
We’ve Done it Differently Back Home
It’s natural to spot differences between new and familiar practices, but it can sound boastful and insensitive almost insinuating that one is better than another. It’s more productive and respectful to ask why they do things their way and express curiosity about local customs. It not only teaches you but it also pays respect to their traditions.
How can you live Without (Common Convenience From Home)?
It can sound judgmental to wonder how locals live without certain conveniences, almost as if their way of life isn’t good enough. We see that every culture has adapted to their environment in the best possible way for them. That’s why it’s important to celebrate rather than criticize these differences.
Does Everyone Speak English?
Even if English is spoken all over the place, it can feel like you are expecting everyone to speak your language. At least trying to learn a few key phrases in the local language is a gesture of respect, because it shows that you’re trying to step into their world.
I had Heard About This Place From a Travel Blog
Travel blogs are wonderful for uncovering hidden gems, but sometimes making this claim can have locals feeling like their home is just another tourist stop. The best way to avoid this is to speak to locals and ask them about their recommendations and insights to what makes their area special. The result is opportunities for more personalized and memorable experiences.
I Suppose it’s Pretty Dirty Here
Being negative about cleanliness or organization is very offensive. Environmental standards and practices are different by regions, and can be affected by many factors beyond control. Be respectful and don’t say negative things about your hosts, if you don’t want to offend them.
Is it Safe Around Here?
Safety is a real issue for any traveler, but to ask outright if an area is safe can suggest that it looks dangerous or is poorly run. Researching safety before you arrive, or asking the hotel staff for advice about getting around the area safely is a more discreet approach.
Why is Everything so Slow?
To criticise the pace of life or service in a new place is considered to be impatient and disrespectful. Similarly, a slower, more deliberate way of being is welcomed by most other cultures. Instead, try to adapt to the local pace, not expecting life to move at the speed you’re used to.
Can I pay in U.S. dollars?
It can also feel insensitive to pay your clients in your home currency when you’re operating in a different economic context. It is usually more considerate to take place the transaction in local currency. By taking this approach, it not only frees clients from having to deal with exchange rates that they don’t need to but also shows respect for and integration with the local economy. When you align yourself with the financial practices of the region, you make the business relationship flow more smoothly and demonstrate your commitment to the community you’re engaging with.
That’s Not How You Do This Dish
Something you can do that can be very offensive and shows lack of respect is to start questioning the preparation, the authenticity, the ingredients or any of those things of local dishes. Taste is a personal thing, and even within one country, taste varies widely. Rather than criticizing, have a go at enjoying the local flavours and perhaps even learn how to make the dish locally; that could be a great story to take home.
Have You Ever Thought of Moving to a Better Place?
It’s very insulting because it just takes away from people’s pride of their homeland. Instead of telling them to get out of their roots, ask them what they love about living there. It tells them they are valued just as much as their home country is.
I’m Just Here to Take Photos of Myself for Instagram
Cutting your visit down to a series of photo ops can imply you’re more interested in how the trip looks than living it. Concentrate on immersing yourself in the place, and the people. It will create a more authentic, more valuable experience than just a photo.
You Have Good English
An example of this backhanded compliment can be patronizing. The ability of many people to speak English very well is not surprising because so many people around the world do. Compliments should never be given with surprise, because they might suggest low expectations.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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