15 Common Travel Etiquette Mistakes You Didn’t Know You Were Making

There’s nothing better than travelling to new destinations, especially if you never get tired of learning about foods, cultures, people, and everything else. It’s exciting to explore, but it also means being respectful. Saying “please” and “thank you” does not mean that you are practicing travel etiquette, it’s about understanding unspoken cultural norms, or the actions that might be offensive.

Sometimes, small mistakes, such as tipping too much in Japan or leaving your shoes on at home in Southeast Asia can result in some awkward situations—or worse, unintentional offences to your hosts. Let’s look at some of the most common travel etiquette mistakes and how to avoid them.

Overtipping or Undertipping

The tipping customs around the globe are wildly different. For instance, leaving less than 15-20% tip at a restaurant is rude in the U.S. However in Japan or South Korea, tipping is unnecessary or even insulting, but not in America. Tipping norms always vary by destination, so always research your destination’s tipping norms beforehand. The “rule of thumb” should be observed. Ask locals or hotel staff if you’re not sure.

Not Learning Basic Local Phrases

Many parts of the world today speak English but using it exclusively can be a snub in some other parts of the world. Respect comes from phrases like – ‘hello, thank you, excuse me,’ in the language of the land. For example, in France, if you don’t say a polite ‘bonjour’ before you start a conversation, you’ll be considered rude. So little language etiquette goes a long way.

Taking Photos Without Permission

That bustling market or colorful festival may seem like a perfect photo op, but it’s against someone’s privacy or some cultural norms, and things can get tense if you’re not following local customs. Like the Amish or Messai custom, photography is seen to be a taboo sometimes. When you want to point your camera, ask and respect the answer, even if it’s no.

Ignoring Dress Codes

In one country what’s acceptable can be unacceptable in another. For example, in many of the Middle East countries, modest dress is the norm even in religious sites. Conversely, you’ll look totally different when you’re wearing formal clothing in a laid back beach town. Dressing properly is helping to respect their local customs.

Failing to Remove Shoes Indoors

It’s customary in Japan, Thailand, India and some other countries to take off your shoes before you enter a person’s home, or even some establishments. Ignoring this custom is a lack of respect. If you’re not sure, look for shoes lined up at the door or just ask your host.

Skipping the Queue

It might just be an annoyance that you have to cut in line in some places, but in the UK, it’s a faux pas, or false step. The British are famous for loving orderly queues. Queuing customs vary locally: It’s a simple way to keep the peace, but pay attention to whether you should wait your turn or not.

Failing to Respect Personal Space

In some countries, close physical proximity is normal, while in others, maintaining personal space is essential. For instance, in Japan, people value their bubble of personal space, even in crowded trains. People in Latin American countries might be closer when talking, however. These unspoken rules will save you from awkward moments.

Overpacking or Bringing the Wrong Gifts

It is quite easy to get it wrong bringing a gift when visiting friends or relatives abroad. For instance, in China, clocks are a no-no, and white is the colour of mourning. In Italy, however, it’s impolite to arrive empty handed. Do a little research on culturally appropriate gifts before you go.

Being Loud in Quiet Spaces

For Americans, talking to strangers on public transport is often a comfortable thing to do, but for many European and Asian cultures, loud, public interaction is not a preferred thing. Shared spaces in Japan and Germany value silence a lot. Be a bit less reserved so you don’t draw unnecessary attention and disturb others.

Assuming Everyone Follows the Same Dining Rules

Dining customs are much different. For example, slurping your noodles is a thing in China, but in Western countries, slurping your noodles will get you some side eyes. It’s also wasteful to leave food on your plate in one culture, and in another it’s polite. Paying attention to local dining habits will ensure you don’t become your food’s latest victim.

Treating Public Transport Like Home

It’s tempting to take your shoes off, or eat on the subway, but many cultures frown on casual behavior in public transport. On the train in Singapore, you can get a hefty fine for eating or drinking or even chewing gum. If you treat shared spaces with care, you won’t get any unwanted penalties and you’ll be able to blend in.

Touching Sacred Objects or Monuments

Rules for touching artifacts and monuments in religious or historical places are many, and visitors break the rules just for a selfie. Lounging in a lounge chair in Angkor Wat or the Vatican would be mostly seen as disrespectful. Stay behind barriers, stay behind signs, and don’t get that close-up shot.

Forgetting to Adapt Greetings

Let’s face it, greeting customs when traveling really can differ from something like a hug, to a handshake, or even the cheek kissing that you’d find in some cultures. Here in the U.S., a firm handshake is normal, but it might be deemed too aggressive in countries such as Japan where you bow instead. In some European countries, it’s normal to give someone a kiss on the cheek. So, watch the person’s cues, or else follow local customs when meeting someone.

Leaving No Room for Negotiation

Haggling can also be part of the package in the market in Morocco, Turkey, India and others. But it’s not a free-for-all. When bargaining, be respectful, but not so aggressive. While haggling can be fun, the flip side is that it’s seen as clueless or offensive to haggle in high-end shops in Europe.

Failing to Research Local Laws

Did you know that in Singapore chewing gum is banned? You can get a fine for feeding pigeons in Venice. Local laws and ordinances may seem quirky, but they’re no joke. If you do break these rules, you could be fined, or even worse. They might give you trouble with the authorities. Before your trip, spend a little time learning the do’s and don’ts of your destination.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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