The experience of COVID lockdowns and border closures over the past couple of years has given many Americans a newfound appreciation for the privilege of international travel. In recent summers, the tourism industry saw a huge rebound in the form of “revenge travel” to far-off places.
Unfortunately, Americans don’t have the best reputation as tourists abroad. But that doesn’t mean you have to add to the “ugly American” stereotype as you reenter the international travel game.
“It is imperative to avoid an egocentric view of the world while traveling,” travel blogger Rocky Trifari told HuffPost. “You should always mind your manners abroad because etiquette can differ from one country to the next.”
Though the intricacies and nuances of every culture may feel intimidating, there are some fundamental etiquette principles that can guide each trip. An easy way to approach etiquette abroad is to think about what not to do.
With that in mind, we asked etiquette experts and travel professionals to share some common rude behaviors they’ve observed from tourists in foreign countries and lend their advice for avoiding these faux pas.
“While specific etiquette rules may differ around the world, good manners is universal,” said Nick Leighton, an etiquette expert and co-host of the “Were You Raised by Wolves?” podcast. “Treating people with kindness and respect translates into every language.”
Assuming Everyone Will Speak English
“Do not presume that everyone you encounter will speak English,” said Jodi R.R. Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. “Know a few phrases in the local language. Do not speak louder hoping that the other person will suddenly understand you.”
Before your trip, try to learn a bit of the local language and customs to ensure a more pleasant experience.
“Whether you’re in a restaurant or shop, saying ‘thank you’ and ‘please’ in the local language can go a long way,” said Jessica van Dop DeJesus, founder and editor at The Dining Traveler. “I also love using Google Translate to communicate while traveling. It’s a great tool to bridge communication in a foreign country. I recently traveled to Japan, and being able to write what I needed in Japanese at restaurants helped me get around much better.”
Not Doing Your Research
“You’ll have a better time if you know what to expect, so best to brush up on the local etiquette rules before you set sail,” Leighton said. “These…
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