May is just around the corner, and that month, along with June, July, and August, are the most popular months to travel. Should you be among those traveling, I thought I'd jot down some things to keep in mind for when visiting a dozen popular destinations outside the US.
But first, two comments which apply to traveling in general:
Have a sense of what you want to see/do before you arrive, and book it in advance (tickets, museum passes, restaurant reservations); and
If traveling to country where your language is not spoken, pick up a few words before you arrive so that you can at least make an effort to communicate (it's appreciated everywhere and necessary in some places).
Some folks could care less about local cultural norms when traveling. But, in my experience, those are the folks who come home and think their visit could have been better and the locals warmer. If you want to stack the deck in your favor and put yourself in a position to get the most positive experience while traveling, here are some things to keep in mind. Some may seem utterly obvious to you; others may be "ah-hahs/ that makes sense;" while others may fall in to the "who knew?" category. Click on the destinations in the following chart to jump to that section if you don't want to read this post from top to bottom.
LONDON
Don't cut the line (er, the queue). While other places in Europe require aggressive tactics to get to the front of the line, in England politeness is the norm when it comes to waiting on lines.
Bring an umbrella with you. A travel-sized umbrella (also called a brolly) is a good thing to pack just in case -- and you'll find yourself in good company when you whip it out... That said, London is not as rainy as it is stereo-typically depicted to be.
Some useful vocabulary for American English speakers:
Pavements are sidewalks
Football is soccer (American Football is what is played in the US)
Chips are french fries
Crisps are potato chips
A biscuit is a cookie
A boot is a car trunk
A Bonnet is a car hood
A lift is an elevator
A flat is where you live
A loo is a toilet
London is not an especially late-night destination. London is a city that sleeps (as opposed to NY which is a city that never sleeps). Restaurants tend to stop serving food at 10pm, some pubs and bars close at 11pm, and the Tube (subway) runs far more sporadically in the middle of the night (especially after midnight).
Don't assume English food is bad. I am not going to say that it was wrong to think that the food scene in London was pretty weak decades ago. But now? You can find some amazing meals across many cuisines there these days.
PARIS
Make “bonjour” part of your vocabulary. "Bonjour" is, by far, the most important word any traveler to Paris (or France, for that matter) needs to be able to say (pronounced: bown·joohr). Every single interaction with a local should begin with that one word. And, you should expect it said back to you before you continue with the interaction. While the word translates to hello, it communicates respect and if you don't use it, don't be surprised if you're a bit snubbed (especially in Paris). Should you not speak French, the next words out of your mouth will likely be ‘Parlez-vous anglais?’ ‘Do you speak English?’); pronounced: Pahr-lay /voo / anhn-glay. Here's a link to some phrases to know before visiting Paris: https://www.frenchasyoulikeit.com/french-phrases-to-learn-before-visiting-paris/ .
Sit down when you eat. Even if it is a bench or in a park, Parisians take eating very seriously, and you will stick out like a sore thumb if you eat your jambon beurre (ham sandwich) as you walk down the sidewalk. Maybe that's why there are so many benches.
Speak more softly. When in public (on the street, in restaurants, or on public transportation), please don't speak as loudly as you might normally do in the US. Similarly, do not talk on your phone in public (and especially not loudly), if possible.
You need to ask for the check when you are finished with a meal. In Paris you will not be rushed from your table in restaurants, and lingering over a leisurely (often multi-course) meal is a cultural given. Do not assume your wait person is ignoring you; they are just allowing you to savor the experience. If you know you will be in a rush, it's a good idea to let your wait person know when you sit down. In cafes, bills are often left with the order on the table, but payment isn't expected immediately unless explicitly stated. Tipping is not required as service is included in the bill, but always appreciated (up to 10%).
Dress like a Parisian. Because Paris is best explored on foot, the first rule should be to dress comfortably. Sneakers are fine, but not ones which are obviously intended for sport. Dark clothes for women will generally also help you blend in with the Parisians and thus help deter pickpockets. If you enjoy dressing up, though, go for it; it is Paris, afterall!
If possible, try not to visit in August. August is the traditional holiday period in France, so there are things which will be closed.
Order a cheese course at a restaurant. Or at lease visit a frommagerie (cheese shop) and sample some French cheeses. Unless you are allergic, you really owe it to yourself to have cheese in Paris. A cheese and wine food tour is a great option -- especially as your tour guide will speak English and will be able to answer your questions.
ISTANBUL
Carry cash. You don't need a lot as credit cards are widely accepted, but when shopping in the markets at small stalls, cash is king.
Know mosque-visiting etiquette. Dress conservatively when visiting a mosque, and wear shoes which are easy-on and easy-off. For women, shoulders and knees must be covered, and they must wearing a head scarf. Men, on the other hand, need to wear long pants. You also need to take off your shoes before entering the mosques. Also, check prayer times before visiting mosques because you can only visit them outside of prayer times. Make sure to check the prayer times on this website before visiting.
Watch our for tourist scams. The most popular one is the shoe shiner: a person will pretend to drop his brush and when you pick it up, he will then proceed to shine your shoes which obviously isn’t free. There’s also another scam where someone will approach you and invite you for a drink. You’ll then end up being forced to pay an exorbitant bill.
Do eat a full Turkish breakfast. Right, so this is clearly not an etiquette thing, but it's important to know. If you only have time for one meal in Turkey, make sure it’s a full Turkish breakfast. Hot bread, half a dozen cheeses, olives, clotted cream, sausage, and fresh tomatoes and cucumbers are the cornerstone of a classic Turkish breakfast. Special dishes to try include kuymak (cornmeal and melted cheese), menemen (egg dish with peppers and Turkish tomato paste), and sucuklu yumurta (fried eggs with sausage). The best time to enjoy a Turkish breakfast is on the weekend. But don’t worry about getting up too early. Turks enjoy sleeping in on the weekend, and restaurants won’t start to fill up before 11am on Saturdays and Sundays.
Don’t buy souvenirs at the tourist bazaars. Exploring the Grand Bazaar & Spice Market should be on every Istanbul bucket list. However, these two popular attractions are notorious for overcharging tourists, often for lower-quality items. If you want to take home sweets such as Turkish delight or baklava, look in Kadikoy, Karakoy, or parts of Sultanahmet. For reasonably priced souvenirs (and fewer tourists), take the ferry to Kadikoy on the Asian side of the city.
Hammam (Turkish bath) etiquette. Hammams are a relaxing and quintessential Istanbul experience. While most bathhouses accept walk-in customers, some more upscale places require a reservation. Keep in mind that genders are always separated; men are allowed to go completely naked, and those on the women’s side of the hammam are expected to wear underwear or bathing suit bottoms. All other clothing items are optional, but all guests are provided with a peshtemal (lightweight Turkish spa towel) to cover themselves as preferred.
Don’t rush at restaurants. Like the French, Turks believe food is meant to be savored, and the restaurant staff wants you to enjoy your experience just as much as your meal. This means that you might have a hard time getting your servers attention to ask for the check.
Don’t forget to tip. Tipping is not expected at inexpensive restaurants, although you may see customers leave a few lira on the table. Leaving a 10-15% tip on your bill in a restaurant is generally an acceptable amount. It’s best to leave a tip in cash on the table, in a tip jar, or, ideally, handed directly to your server. When it comes to other areas of the service industry, such as taxis , hammam masseurs, or hairdressers, rounding up the fare is a nice gesture but not obligatory.
NEW DELHI
Don't visit in winter unless you enjoy smog. While the winter temperature in Delhi may be more comfortable for those arriving from the West, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi regularly goes into the “very poor” and “severe” zones from October to January. For more breathable air and more comfortable temperatures, opt for a visit in February–March or the fall (August–September).
Don’t skip the markets and prepare to haggle. Except at the most exclusive stores, you should expect to bargain for the best deals. FYI:Most Khan Market, Chandni Chowk, and Janpath shops are closed on Sundays. Meanwhile, Sarojini Nagar and Karol Bagh are closed on Mondays.
Check the Uber rate before you grab a tuk-tuk. Depending on the distance and rate, you might be better off opting for an Uber or taxi over a tuk-tuk. You can check rates using apps in order to avoid being taken advantage of.
Street food eater beware. As delicious and interesting as Delhi street food is, there's a decent chance you will get sick from it as hygiene standards aren't especially high (sorry). So, if you want to sample some, it's a good idea either take a street food tour (which will bring you to the safest spots to snack) or go to a well-reviewed restaurant (many of which offer dishes traditionally associated with Indian street food).
Don’t get conned. A common con is the "stranded guy" who asks for monetary help in “getting back home.” Just walk away (harsh though that sounds).
Watch the PDA (public displays of affection). Hand holding is fine, but don't do much more than that in public. While there isn’t a law against kissing in public, the laws governing “obscenity” are vague and open to interpretation, so don't push it.
Don't snack on the metro and don't litter on the trains or in the train stations, either. There is a strict set of rules at play and one of them is that you can’t eat inside metro trains. This helps prevent spills and litter, but is also a good way to keep spicy aromas off packed public transport.
VIETNAM
Do stay calm and even turn the other cheek. The Vietnamese don’t tend to make scenes, even when injustices and inconveniences happen. So, even if you get false information and end up misled, try not to show that you are upset. It is important for Vietnamese people to save face. (This could be tough one for me, but I'm glad to know it).
Don’t wear revealing clothes. Even in the hot sun, the Vietnamese are covered up, and do not shed layers. This is especially the case if you’re somewhere like a waterpark (no bikinis) or a temple (where the rules are to cover your knees and shoulders). A good rule of thumb is to carry a lightweight layer in your bag to cover your shoulders if bare shoulders are not seen.
Easy-on, Easy-off footwear. When you enter a home or a temple or anywhere sacred, expect to take off your shoes. It’s a sign of respect as well as a sign of propriety and cleanliness. Odds are you’ll see your host’s shoes at the door, solving any question about where to place yours.
Do accept food and drink. It's a great sign of respect if a local offers you tea. Take the it and be grateful for the token of appreciation. Also, know that it’s most polite to slurp it up, and loudly.
Don’t hesitate to bargain. Haggling over a price is expected. Be prepared to pay a hefty tourist tax, especially if you don’t speak Vietnamese (a little Vietnamese goes a long way to getting better deals). Prices will be even higher at touristy hubs. Even if the vendor’s final offer seems overly expensive, don’t say so (remember, don't make a scene or put a local in a position to be embarrassed). Simply say không (no) and cảm ơn (thank you), and walk away. FYI: This bargaining goes for vendors of all kinds, from art to clothing to rice to watermelon. At food markets where prices are posted, you can often get good deals by buying in bulk.
Couples should keep PDA to a minimum in Vietnam. Just keep things rated G (no kissing or anything racier).
Don’t expect the Western version of “politeness”. For example, crowds may jam in to an elevator before you've had a chance to get off. Or, when traffic is at a standstill, someone may decide to drive on the sidewalk. "Excuse me" and "thank you" may not come when you'd expect. Just roll with it.
Chopstick ettiquette. Rest them on top of your bowl when finished and do not stick them upright in your rice.
Don’t flaunt your wealth. (Always a good rule anywhere, in my opinion). Specifically, don't dress overly showy (simple is the name of the game), and don't carry a purse if possible. Also, don't wear jewelry which can be pick pocketed (along with the purse).
AUSTRALIA
Do go to the cashier to pay (sometimes). Australia has made a name for itself as a relaxed, laidback kind of place. This informality extends to many parts of life, dining in particular. Perhaps the most noticeable for international visitors is what the rules are for paying for meals and drinks. Generally, the nicer the establishment, the more likely your check (or bill, in Australia) will be brought to the table upon request. However, at more casual eateries and cafés, you’re expected to pay at the register when you’re done. The process is all flipped on its head at pubs though, where you’ll need to pay when ordering at the bar. When in doubt, ask.
Tipping is entirely voluntary. Minimum wages for servers are high enough to live on, so tips are not expected. If you want to after great service, of course it is accepted, but it is not rude not to tip.
TOKYO
Visit convenience stores. Convenience stores might be the realm of overpriced candy and tired sandwiches in some places, but konbini (convenience stores) in Japan are actually convenient. You’ll find fresh, cheap food, ATMs, copy machines, freshly ground coffee, package delivery service, and much more.
Do wear good socks and slip-on shoes. In Tokyo, there's a decent chance you’ll need to remove your shoes when you’re out and about. They are are always removed when entering someone’s home, but also in some restaurants, shrines, temples, and attractions. If you have easy on/ easy off shoes and clean, hole-free socks, you’ll be in good shape.
Train etiquette. Tokyo’s train and subway systems are amazing, as anyone who's been there knows. They’re clean, fast, quiet, and on-time. Some of the most important manners to follow include: no eating, no loud phone calls or talking, and put your backpack on your front or the overhead rack when it gets crowded.
Wear a mask in public. Masks are the norm in public spaces. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, masks were a common sight in Japan, especially during flu and hay fever seasons. Now, though, the government has suggested that masks be worn indoors and even outdoors if it’s crowded. They are seen as a public necessity to keep everyone safe, and adherence is extremely high.
Don’t rely on credit cards alone. Make sure to have some yen on you. While Japan has come a long way toward being a cashless society, they aren’t there yet. Plenty of small shops and restaurants are still cash-based, or don’t take international credit cards.
Do not litter. If you have trash and don't see a public trash can, just bring your trash back to your lodging to get rid of it. There are not many public trash cans around town other than outside convenience stores and near vending machines.
In Tokyo, don’t take pictures of strangers. Privacy is guarded and there's even a law that phone cameras in Japan must have a shutter sound, to prevent surreptitious picture taking. It’s especially important to be respectful at shrines and temples; it’s usually OK to take pictures of the grounds, but check before photographing temple personnel or sacred objects indoors.
Stand on the left on escalators. People stand on the left and walk on the right when it comes to escalators and moving walkways. Having been in a train station during rush hour in Tokyo, I certainly would not want to be the person who messes up the flow!
Don’t smoke while walking in public. Smoking areas are well signed (often near train stations and parks). While Tokyo used to be a smoker’s paradise, it’s gotten stricter. Smoking while walking is now prohibited in most areas, and there is a fine if you’re caught.
EGYPT
Pack modest clothes. As the vast majority of Egyptians are Sunni Muslims, conservative dress should be what you plan to wear there. Even if you can wear more revealing garb at your hotel or in a Cairo nightclub, assume that those choices will be problematic at the Pyramids, or even in a taxi. Long, loose, opaque clothing that covers all the key areas (shoulders, chest, belly, upper arms, and legs to the knee) is the way to go, and sunglasses can help you avoid unwanted eye contact if you are not perceived to be respectful. Women will want to bring a shawl or scarf to cover their hair while visiting the mosque.
Don’t use your left hand. In Egyptian culture, the right hand is used for all things clean and good—handing over gifts, eating from the communal dish—and the left hand for everything dirty and impure (think: wiping). Never eat with your left hand, and always hand over money or gifts with your right or both hands.
Expect to take off your shoes but then don’t show the soles of your feet. Egyptians often remove their shoes (like when visiting the mosque, or entering a house or Bedouin tent). When sitting barefoot, be sure to tuck your feet under or beside you as it is considered rude to point any part of your feet at someone.
Do haggle. If you’re shopping for a significant purchase (or even a small souvenir), expect to bargain, especially since vendors' starting prices will often be double or more the rate they’ll actually accept. Decide in advance what price you're willing to pay and then work toward that amount.
Punctuality is not really a thing in Egypt. Show up on time, at the right place, and then be prepared to wait (sometimes for quite a while).
Do tip. Tipping is expected in Egypt, but not much. Carry small coins for the people who look after your shoes at the mosque, and leave a few coins (or 5 percent or so) at restaurants, even where service is included. (In really deluxe spots, however, you should expect to tip as you would at home.)
Don’t empty your plate. The clean plate club in Egypt indicates that you are still hungry. So, unless you actually want more to eat, leave some food on the side of your plate to indicate that your appetite needs have more than been met (portions are generous).
Be respectful of Islamic customs. Do not complain about the volume of the call to prayer or dress disrespectfully for the mosque. Also, do not offer alcohol to anyone you are not sure drinks it.
Keep PDA to a minimum, especially for LGBTQ couples. Egypt’s record on LGBTQ rights is extremely poor, so same-sex or gender-diverse couples will want to research carefully before visiting. Even for straight couples, anything more risque than holding hands or kissing on the cheek is asking for trouble.
ROME
Do time your sightseeing right. Try to visit the city’s art collections, ancient sites, and baroque palaces when they’re cool and quiet. Purchase tickets in advance and hit the A-list attractions in the early morning or late afternoon; many top spots also have special evening hours during the summer. FYI, state-owned museums and archaeological ruins are free on the first Sunday of each month, so avoid visiting on that crowded and chaotic day unless you're strapped for cash.
Dress modestly. Even though Rome is HOT in the summer, don't plan on wearing shorts and a tank top to tour the city. Many sights require modest dress to enter, including the Pantheon (which is officially a Catholic church) and the Vatican Museums (which include the Sistine Chapel). When in Rome, do as the Romans do -- wear long summer pants or skirts and tops with short sleeves. Keep a light wrap in your bag, just in case.
It is A-OK to drink from the fountains. There are over 2,000 “nasoni” potable water fountains in Rome. Use the faucet to fill a water bottle or block the spout with your thumb to force the water through the small hole on its top, creating a convenient drinking fountain.
Don’t take a dip in the fountains. I really hope this one is a "duh" for whoever is reading this. But each year, as temperatures rise, tourists have been caught swimming in the Trevi Fountain and other water features around the city. Not only will you be sneered at by Romans, but swimming in one of the fountains could land you a fine (or jail time). There are many rooftop swimming pools at hotels in Rome, many of which offer day passes should you need a dip in the City.
Plan to eat later. If you are used to eating lunch at noon and dinner at 6pm, know that lunch in Rome is served around 1:30pm and dinner around 8pm. Pretty much only touristy restaurants offer all-day dining. Authentic Roman restaurants close, in fact, between lunch and dinner. If you're peckish before dinner time, aperitivos are likely to please you (they are a sort of pre-dinner happy hour that features light cocktails and snacks).
Don’t dine overlooking major monuments. Only tourists dine at the eateries at the monuments. Locals know that even just around the corner are delicious traditional trattorias. If there is a "host" outside a restaurant, you know it's a tourist place, along with menus in lots of languages and pictures of dishes.
Outsmart pickpockets. Like any major city, there are pickpockets in Rome trying to snag your purses, wallets, and smartphones. To deter them, zip your wallet and phone into a pocket while strolling around the city; never leave valuables hanging off your chair back or sitting on the table at outdoor restaurants; and store your belongings safely on your lap or on the ground between your feet while you’re eating.
Taxis are found at taxi stands only (or by phone). Don't be that tourist who assumes that you simply raise your arm to hail a passing cab on any city street. That said, there are taxi stands near every major monument and square, train station, and airport, so you typically don’t need to go very far to find a stand. Licensed taxis are white with their taxi company name and vehicle number on the door. And be prepared for surcharges for luggage, extra passengers, and night service.
Ignore the street vendors (unless you want what they are selling). It may sound harsh or rude, but engaging with them in any way will result in a long, protracted negotiation for an item you have no interest in purchasing. Remember, while in Rome... (Romans just keep walking).
MADRID
Spaniards eat later than in most other countries and cultures. Many restaurants in Madrid don't open for lunch until 1pm and then close until dinner service starts at 8pm. The best way to enjoy Madrid’s food scene is to shift your meal times to later. Or, if you don't want/ can't wait that late, take one of the many food tours available throughout the city.
Kids are welcome all over. Madrid is a very family-friendly destination. Babies and kids are welcome in bars, restaurants, and museums. Locals tend to take their kids everywhere, including when they are out late at night.
Watch for pick pockets. While Madrid is a very safe city, pick pocketing can happen. Do not travel with your Passport on you; leave it and other valuables in your hotel or rental apartment (ideally in a locked safe) when you go wandering around Madrid. Pick pocketing is especially common on the metro or in the more tourist-oriented attractions and neighborhoods, like on the pink metro line that runs between the city center and the airport.
MEXICO CITY
Order cheese in your quesadilla. Yep, this might sound obvious, but in Mexico City a quesadilla is simply an oblong tortilla, often made of blue corn masa, folded over with toppings inside. If you want cheese, you’ll get fresh quesillo—which is more like string cheese than cheddar or jack. Then choose your filling. As you might expect, I highly recommend taking a food tour to help you discover the ins and outs of Mexico City’s best gastronomic delights and how to enjoy them.
Don't use taxis. Stick to apps like Uber or Didi. This ensures you won't be taken advantage of financially and it's probably safer... Or, take the metro (not during rush hour!), which is fast and safe. FYI, The first couple of cars on each metro (and the front of most metrobús vehicles) are reserved for women, children, and disabled passengers.
Eat the street food! To avoid getting ill: Look for stands with high turnover, which means that ingredients aren’t sitting out in the open for long; verify that vendors cook and heat up meat right before it’s put on your plate; and choose stands that keep sauces in clean, separate containers. Another option is to take a street food tour of the city, which pretty much ensures your food is "safe" to eat.
Have cash on hand. While Mexico City is much less cash-centric than it was even a few years ago, there are good reasons to carry cash and a healthy stack of monedas (coins). One such reason is that street food requires cash —preferably in the smallest denominations possible (which you can get from ATMs by asking for withdrawals in amounts that aren’t divisible by 500 or as change from most chain convenience stores). You’ll also want coins to give as tips to your guides or to some of the city’s skilled street performers. Just beware of pickpockets and store your cards and small amounts of cash in separate places to be extra safe.
Don't plan to visit museums on Mondays. Many Mexico City museums are closed on Mondays. Know before you go.
SEOUL
Learn a few Korean words. While English is part of the South Korean school curriculum, not all Koreans speak it. Plus, they may be shy or nervous when trying to do so. As such, always speak clearly and be patient when communicating with locals. Usually, they will be warm and willing to help, despite language barriers. That said, learning a few basic Korean phrases, like "hello" (an-nyeong-ha-se-yo) and "thank you" (gam-sa-ham-ni-da), and utilizing translation apps can significantly enhance interactions for everyone.
Remove shoes in homes, traditional venues, and temples. It is both a sign of respect and helps keep spaces clean. Don't forget to bring or wear clean socks!
Dining etiquette. Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in your rice bowl. Don't pass food from chopstick to chopstick (it's rude), so use serving spoons to take food from communal dishes. Avoid blowing your nose at the table or loudly slurping while eating.
Drinking etiquette. From taking a shot to sipping tea to chugging beer, drinking is an important social activity in Korean culture. Most important to know is that you pour for others before yourself as a sign of respect, and use both hands to hold the glass or bottle when receiving a drink.
Maintain a peaceful environment. South Koreans value personal space. In crowded areas you want to avoid making physical contact (like bumping into others by accident or standing too close), especially in queues or on public transportation. Also, even if they are the only seats available on buses or subways, do not sit in seats designated for elderly, disabled, and pregnant passengers (unless, of course, you fall in to one of those categories).
Respect elders. Showing respect for the elderly is a deeply ingrained tenet in Korean culture. Do not address older people by their first names unless they explicitly give permission to do so. Instead, use honorifics like ajumma (for middle-aged women) or ajusshi (for middle-aged men) when interacting with them. Be especially attentive and courteous when interacting with older individuals, to show respect for their wisdom and experience.
Obviously, this list is not exhaustive (and likely highly debatable). But I believe it's always best to do some homework before experiencing another culture. And, by adhering to local customs, your experience will be better than it otherwise would have been. Happy travels!