Guide: How NOT to be the “Bad Tourist"
We’ve heard rather amusing stories of tourists throwing coins on plane and engines and letting their kids relieve themselves in a middle of restaurant using a water bottle. Although you’re likely never going to try anything like this, it’s important to note that bad tourists are everywhere. Undoubtedly, they have caused a lot of trouble to the locals which is something you would want to avoid doing.
If you’re going on a holiday excursion to a foreign land soon, there are a few things you can do to avoid being declared a persona non-grata. Jokes aside, being a bad tourist can get you a slap on the wrist and seething looks from the locals. In worst cases, some get detained and even jailed. With that …show more content…
Simple gestures hand gestures may be a norm back at home, but can be offensive to the locals. For example, the “a-ok” hand sign is pretty much being used everywhere, but in Brazil, it’s considered an insult. This is because it’s the equivalent of using a middle finger.
Social and dining taboos are also something you would want to check out. In Spain, it’s a must to never touch your food with your hands, except if you’re eating tapas and finger foods. Always use a spoon and fork, and stay after the meal to observe the sobremesa, a custom wherein you talk a little after filling your bellies.
Follow the Dress Code
You may need to dress more modestly in your destination than in your home town. For example, wearing shorts in Spain and other parts in Europe may not be favorable. However, a pair of shorts, socks, and shoes screams tourist, so there is a degree of acceptability. Remember though, religious and cultural sites may have a certain dress code, and it will be considered disrespectful to go inside without dressing up more …show more content…
Proper behavior is universal: the magic words like “please” and “thank you” are spoken and understood everywhere. This applies especially in restaurants. Never hoard food in a buffet. Meanwhile, in other countries, you may be required to clean your own table and get rid of the utensils.
Talk to the Locals
Don’t be a snob: go out there, meet the locals, and be respectful. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions and smile whenever you pass by someone on the street. Just remember that some cultures may be a little conservative, especially when talking to members of the opposite sex. Nevertheless, it’s always safe to ask for directions and to random blokes you meet at a local bar.
Wine and Dine Like They Do
If the locals eat using chopsticks, don’t ask for a spoon and fork, especially if you’re heading off to East Asian countries. This applies to everywhere around the world: eat and drink like how the locals do it, and don’t act stingy or privileged. That aside, it would also help to try out local delicacies. You don’t need to eat highly queer and exotic dishes like a duck embryo: food on a local food stand and barbecue with local spices would
We’ve heard rather amusing stories of tourists throwing coins on plane and engines and letting their kids relieve themselves in a middle of restaurant using a water bottle. Although you’re likely never going to try anything like this, it’s important to note that bad tourists are everywhere. Undoubtedly, they have caused a lot of trouble to the locals which is something you would want to avoid doing.
If you’re going on a holiday excursion to a foreign land soon, there are a few things you can do to avoid being declared a persona non-grata. Jokes aside, being a bad tourist can get you a slap on the wrist and seething looks from the locals. In worst cases, some get detained and even jailed. With that …show more content…
Simple gestures hand gestures may be a norm back at home, but can be offensive to the locals. For example, the “a-ok” hand sign is pretty much being used everywhere, but in Brazil, it’s considered an insult. This is because it’s the equivalent of using a middle finger.
Social and dining taboos are also something you would want to check out. In Spain, it’s a must to never touch your food with your hands, except if you’re eating tapas and finger foods. Always use a spoon and fork, and stay after the meal to observe the sobremesa, a custom wherein you talk a little after filling your bellies.
Follow the Dress Code
You may need to dress more modestly in your destination than in your home town. For example, wearing shorts in Spain and other parts in Europe may not be favorable. However, a pair of shorts, socks, and shoes screams tourist, so there is a degree of acceptability. Remember though, religious and cultural sites may have a certain dress code, and it will be considered disrespectful to go inside without dressing up more …show more content…
Proper behavior is universal: the magic words like “please” and “thank you” are spoken and understood everywhere. This applies especially in restaurants. Never hoard food in a buffet. Meanwhile, in other countries, you may be required to clean your own table and get rid of the utensils.
Talk to the Locals
Don’t be a snob: go out there, meet the locals, and be respectful. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions and smile whenever you pass by someone on the street. Just remember that some cultures may be a little conservative, especially when talking to members of the opposite sex. Nevertheless, it’s always safe to ask for directions and to random blokes you meet at a local bar.
Wine and Dine Like They Do
If the locals eat using chopsticks, don’t ask for a spoon and fork, especially if you’re heading off to East Asian countries. This applies to everywhere around the world: eat and drink like how the locals do it, and don’t act stingy or privileged. That aside, it would also help to try out local delicacies. You don’t need to eat highly queer and exotic dishes like a duck embryo: food on a local food stand and barbecue with local spices would