There are a few things each and every first-time traveler should know about going abroad. Regardless of where you travel, each country has its own culture, customs and view of their own culture. It is up to you to make the most of their cultural differences, embrace their customs and represent your own culture in a way that is courteous and respectful. Here are a few tips on travel etiquette:
The first and most important thing to consider when traveling abroad is that you represent your country. Whatever you do and however you behave towards others will reflect either positively or negatively on your own country. Even if you feel that you are just one individual who cannot possibly have an effect on how others feel about your cultural background, think again. Often times, the one person we meet from a particular country becomes our image or stereotype for all people of that counry.
Secondly, it is important to understand the acceptable body language and gestures of the country you are visiting. Here in America, it is natural for us to assume that everyone has knowledge of certain gestures that are characteristic of our culture. However, if someone has never travelled here before, how would they automatically know what thumbs-up means, or that greeting strangers is usually done with a handshake rather than a hug? Each culture has their own set of communicative gestures that are important to know in order to be able to effectively communicate and avoid possibly offending someone of an opposite race or cultural background.
In order to represent yourself and your country, it is important to show others that you are conscientious and polite of their customs. Knowing the appropriate manners to use while abroad requires some research. For example, during my year abroad in Stockholm, Sweden, whenever one attends a dinner party or an event hosted in someone else’s home, it was considered polite to bring a small gift of thanks for the host or hostess. Often these gifts were things like bottles of wine, flowers, or desserts and buying gifts for the party hosts was something that I became accustomed to doing during my stay.
So, think about how you conduct yourself while abroad and always remember who you are representing culturally. Achieving peace and cooperation between nations begins with each individual and as strong inter-cultural relations are formed, the present feelings of animosity toward one another will also decrease.
I definitely don’t mean to lecture, but rather provide a reminder to all future travellers. Be mindful of the “travel etiquette” tips I have mentioned and know that these are just a few ways that people can show their consideration of others while abroad. During your future travels, live it up and enjoy your time abroad, but also make an effort to act welcoming, responsibly, and courteously.