Buzz
'Even if you haven't spoken a word, others can judge broadly through your actions and gestures.' Therefore, be cautious of your gestures to avoid misunderstandings when traveling to a different country.
1. Interrogating locals
If you need someone to advise you throughout your travels, no one can do it better than the locals. However, if they have given you sincere advice and you are not satisfied with it, then avoid interrogating them back. You can't say 'I don't like it there!' or 'Any better places?'... because that looks extremely rude. Simply express what you like and make your decision after hearing their advice.
2. Dining at fancy restaurants
You might only fancy eating Red Lobster at Times Square, but for some, overall, Red Lobster is too pricey and not suitable for a budget-friendly trip. Most New Yorkers try to avoid Times Square, opting for local, more affordable eateries instead. A traveler once said: 'Why should I pay double or triple for a lobster at a restaurant when I can have it cheaper elsewhere?' And indeed, with the price of a meal at Red Lobster, you could easily have a feast consisting of pizza, 15 tacos, 5 falafel sandwiches, hotdogs... at more budget-friendly places.
Of course, you can still go to such fancy restaurants if you like and if your wallet allows, but don't look down on those diners who can't afford it like you do.
3. Pointing fingers at others
Especially treating them like... peculiar creatures or simply skyscrapers!
We all know that people in every country are very different, but considering someone strange and pointing fingers at them is impolite behavior.
4. Standing in the middle of the sidewalk to take photos
Most people in many countries around the world don't like driving and instead prefer walking. So, don't suddenly stop in the middle of the sidewalk to take photos, check maps. Especially in some countries (like New York, for example), people's daily lives are very busy. Therefore, don't walk in a line and occupy the entire sidewalk as you are hindering the movement of others. The important thing to remember when traveling to a foreign country is to observe your surroundings to understand the culture of the place for appropriate behavior.
5. Talking to locals when they're in a hurry (some even wear headphones to avoid being disturbed)
Unless it's an emergency, you need to respect others, especially when they've made it clear they're not up for a chat.
6. Declaring a tourist city as 'TERRIBLE' after only visiting for 3 days
Unless you're an expert, that's a pretty bold statement. You can't visit a place with poor service and judge the entire city as awful.
7. Telling others you hate traveling to that place!
A city may not be suitable for you, but it could be very exciting for others.
8. Hesitating to ask for directions
Locals may be rude to you if you don't know how to behave. But if asked politely, they'll gladly give you directions (that's also their way of showing you they know this city inside out and are true locals).
9. Never consider stealing abroad, or anywhere you travel
This is something you need to be aware of because many people think that when they're out of their jurisdiction, they can break the law. But perhaps nothing is worse than traveling and ending up in jail for a foolish crime.
10. Criticizing your own homeland
You may adore another country, but don't compare it to your homeland and make negative remarks or comments about where you were born.
According to Traveltimes.vn/Cntraveler.com
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Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourSeptember 8, 2014
