3 Easy Ways To Be A Culturally Sensitive Tourist

One of the most beloved aspects of travel is experiencing a new culture. Whether you are backpacking across Southeast Asia or staying at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico; it is exciting, and potentially addicting, to experience how beautifully the spectrum of life is experienced around the world. To walk in another’s footsteps on the other side of the globe and live like they live, if only for a few days, that is really travelling. It’s the wealth of diversity we encounter while travelling that is so enticing. If we wanted to be completely comfortable and familiar with our surroundings, we would just stay home.When we travel to a foreign place it is important to embrace the differences as well be sensitive to the people and cultures we encounter. Just like being a guest in someone’s home, when we travel we must be conscious of our actions and stay within the legal and social confines that are in place. Not doing so can lead to unwanted attention, fines, and even jail time. For example, did you know that feeding the birds in Venice could also land you with a hefty fine upwards of $700. And you could be fined for wearing only swimwear in the streets of Majorca.A jail cell is the worst place to spend a holiday abroad, but unfortunately many Brits find themselves locked up abroad each year; some for infractions as seemingly trivial as public displays of affection and plane-spotting. Expert travellers know that being a culturally sensitive tourist is the easiest way to stay out of trouble and graciously respect the people you meet along your globetrotting adventures.

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Here are three simple rules to keep in mind so you get the most out of your holiday without it getting the worst of you.

1. Be Informed.

If you are going to a new a country with a religion or culture that is different from your own, or you are not familiar with, read up. By learning social customs, religious practices and general information about the destination you will be spending time in, you will greatly enhance your own experience. For example, a quick read up on Italian customs will tell you that long, leisurely lunches are popular. Who needs more reason to order a bottle of wine at lunch? Or that if you are not dressed appropriately when visiting Thai temples, you will be refused entrance.<img class='aligncenter wp-image-1541 size-full' src='https://www.hoppa.com/resource/blog/uploads/2016/03/temple-bangkok-e1456834783134.jpg' alt='Famouse Bangkok Temple - 'Wat Pho' photo' width='1000' height='540' />You will also be protecting yourself from a potentially threatening situation due to a cross-communication breakdown. Read posts by travel bloggers who have visited where you are going, they are a great source of current and relevant information. Even a quick read through the destinations on Wikitravel can provide a great overview. It also never hurts to memorise a few key words or phrases in the local language, people will appreciate the effort.Here are a few questions to keep in mind when researching your holiday destination. When is it appropriate to tip and how much is expected? What are the local customs dealing with social interactions between men and women? Are there rules or customs regarding dress, especially in religious sites? And finally, when you’re keen on buying must-have souvenirs in the street market, will bargaining get you a better deal or ignite an argument with a local vendor?

1. Be confident!

A smile goes a long way and a friendly and personable attitude is more often reciprocated. Travel often takes us outside our comfort zone and it’s easy to let our emotions overwhelm us, or our frustrations get to us when things don’t go our way. Remaining positive is the best remedy to most of the hurdles travel can throw at you. If you look confident, even if you are completely lost, can also deter leery locals from trying to take advantage of you. And if you find yourself feeling like a sardine on public transport in India, smile and remember, it’s all part of the experience.

1. Be Respectful

It is one thing to know we should wear proper attire while leaving the beach or resort area but it is another to follow through. While the recommendations and rules might seem silly or not make sense to us, they are there for a reason and we must respect that. Many countries that are renown for their breathtaking beaches like Zanzibar, Indonesia, Thailand and the Maldives are also socially conservative. Meaning that those short shorts and bikini tops are not appropriate for walking around town. 

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Traveling abroad is always exciting, however there are places that have some pretty unusual laws that could get the unknowing tourist into trouble. Here are 10 strange international laws that could catch you behind bars or stuck with a fine if you're not careful! Holidays are meant to be spent behind bars!

1. In Florence it is illegal to eat or drink on church steps, in a church courtyard and near public buildings. Snack safe!

1. Enjoy the sun and surf but remember public nudity in Fiji is illegal.

1. It’s illegal to feed the pigeons in Venice and San Francisco, and is punished by a hefty fine.

1. It’s prohibited to take photos in or around airports in Kazakhstan, Iran and Venezuela.

1. Despite it’s reputation, marijuana has been outlawed in Jamaica since 1913.

1. All drivers in France are required to carry a portable Breathalyzer, even tourists.

1. Public displays of affection, including hand holding, are illegal in the U.A.E.

1. It’s illegal to smoke in public in Singapore, Argentina and Bahrain among many other countries.

1. In Barcelona bathing suits are beach ware only and wearing one away from the beach is against the law.

1. In Thailand, tourists are required to carry their passports on them at all times and could face jail time for failing to comply.

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So there you have it! We hope we’ve helped you think about the importance of cultural sensitivity and its role in travel. No matter where you go, keeping these few points in mind will help keep you safe, mindful and (hopefully) out of trouble!