Locals Are Sharing Social Norms And Insider Tips For Traveling In Their Country That People Might Not Consider (30 Answers)

Vicky, who is a writer, adventurer, and creator of the travel blog Vicky Flip Flop, told Bored Panda that it's important for tourists to research local customs so that they are polite and stay on the right side of the law.

"A few that spring to mind include women covering their heads in some countries, tipping in the US, and not bringing chewing gum into Singapore," Vicky explained. "This is especially important if you're going somewhere a little more unusual, like when I went to Papua New Guinea."

The traveler said that most should be able to prepare themselves from the comfort of their own home. "It's easy to do your homework with the wealth of information out there. You can just do a Google search before you go and there are many travel blogs that will tell you what you need to know."

"Of course, you should know any customs that are offensive not to obey, but you'll find out more about local traditions as you go. It's all part of the fun of traveling; learning about new cultures on the road."

Why should we bother, you ask? Imagine a vacation abroad where everyone is giving you hostile get-out-and-never-come-back looks. Does that sound like a good time?

According to Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, Senior Lecturer in Tourism Management at the University of South Australia, the increasing prevalence of the badly behaved tourist, either in reality or simply as a cultural meme, presents a serious issue for the tourism industry.

"In cities at tourism's bleeding edge, such as Venice, resentment has [even] boiled over into anti-tourism protests," Higgins-Desbiolles highlighted in The Conversation. "In Barcelona, the cause against foreign visitors has been embraced by left-wing nationalist activists. Their view is expressed in graffiti around Barcelona: 'Refugees welcome; tourists go home.'"

The academic thinks it's in everyone's best interest to get along. "Unless the tourism industry does something to address underlying aggravations, such sentiments are likely to spread. There's a danger tourism, instead of building bridges for cross-cultural understanding and friendship, will add to the stereotypical walls that separate people."

Vicky Flip Flop agrees that being a dumb tourist reflects badly not only on you, but on your country, and the tourists that will come after you as well. "If you've done something to offend the locals, the best thing to do is to admit your mistake and apologize profusely," she said. "If you can find someone to translate that will help."

"If tensions are high, you haven't done anything illegal and you can't seem to explain yourself, get out of the situation. You don't want things to escalate."

Plus, by researching the local customs of the place you're traveling to, you will inevitably stumble upon interesting information that will enrich your time there even more.

"I'd recommend reading travel blogs and watching vlogs from people who've been there and done it," Vicky added.

"Also, one of the best ways to find local and unusual things to do is to speak to other tourists in hostels and hotels and to chat with locals in bars and restaurants. Many people are actually willing to share their discoveries with newbies – it's travel kudos!"

At the end of the day, Vicky suggests going beyond the guidebooks on your travels, "and eat, drink and hang out where the locals do to really explore a new place."