Make Your Holidays Hassle-Free by Respecting Cultural Differences

When in Rome live like a Roman

There are people who go on religious holidays, like those following Catholicism in Latin America will want to travel to the Vatican, a city-state close to Rome that they all know of. However, the Spanish speakers of these nations will have to meet people speaking the Italian language at the international airport in Rome. They will be used to the public city squares built during the colonial era but they will come across much grander architecture here. There are adventure seekers who will want to explore an unknown territory no matter what the risks involved are. Here we suggest some measures that will help you overcome cultural differences in overseas territories. If you're planning such a trip, consider booking cheap flights to Rome for an affordable start to your journey.

Overcoming language barrier

The one barrier that will trouble you the most in other countries is the language that you may not be too familiar with. When Americans travel to the Caribbean or Central America for their seasonal breaks in winter, they will find locals speaking in English and the reason for this is that tourism is the major occupation here. However, this will not be the case on the streets of Asian or Middle Eastern countries, where the locals are not used to European languages. So, to be more comfortable and to make your hosts more comfortable, you should try to learn a few common phrases including common greetings. Yes, a translator app will be useful, but it will be used in real-time, which can slow the communication with others.

For more tips, check out Tips for Crossing Language Barriers.

Interpreting the signals correctly

When everything fails you may have to rely on sign language as the last resort. While you may be used to right-hand driving in the USA and Europe, you will come across left-hand driving in Asian nations, which will make driving after hiring four-wheelers a bit complicated. Similarly, you will also come across sign boards where the signs may be different from what you are used to. Also, the hand gestures that you make commonly in your country can be offensive in other nations. We all understand body language but some gestures can be interpreted differently in different cultures. If you have to learn quickly about other cultures, the best thing is to observe how the locals behave before making any decisions.

Getting used to a new cuisine

No matter if you are going away for a long stay or are going on a short holiday, you will come across the local cuisine which can be different to avoid. If you are traveling to the Indian subcontinent you will come across spicy items which some of you may not be able to digest, literally! Yes, most countries do have Western-style fast food chains, but you will find these in major cities and usually only in high-end areas. So, you have two options, either get used to anything that you will get to eat or rent accommodation with a kitchen, so you can prepare your own meals. Again, you may or may not be able to find the right ingredients for the dishes that you may want to prepare. If you don’t eat enough you will lack the energy to do anything, hence you need to plan what your eating patterns will be like.

Sights of a different kind

The sun shines differently in different parts of the world and the architecture will be different too. You may find the buildings to be totally different from what you are used to what is inside may be a bit confusing too. If you have come to see some particular monuments, you may have to travel to remote areas to see these, leaving the comforts offered by metropolitan cities. In developing countries like those in Africa, you may come across areas where people are living in abject poverty, which can have some effect on your emotions. You will also come across vehicles of a different kind and use public transport like buses and trains only if you will be able to handle the crowds.

Understanding the local protocols

If you travel to Japan, you may come across eateries with no chairs and you will be expected to sit with your legs folded to dine. In some nations you will be expected to give a tip after dining, so you must come prepared with some change if you are using your credit cards. In some parts of the world giving gifts is a part of the tradition, so you must have something to gift when required. In some cultures, you may be required to take off your footwear before entering the premises, and if you don’t your host may feel insulted. Most countries are strict about the religion they follow, so in some Islamic countries you may be required to cover your head if you are a woman, so come prepared for these if you want to avoid people staring at you.

Conclusion

Life can be very difficult if we don’t understand what people around us are trying to communicate. This will happen more often when you are traveling abroad than in your own city. So, the best thing to do when you are planning your trip in an unfamiliar territory is to stay ready for what you will come across. Hence we have suggested some measures above that will guide you towards what you can expect when crossing your national borders.