Travel Etiquette

The Odd Drinking Method Tourists Must Know Before Ordering Coffee In Turkey, Per Rick Steves

By Chris Tharp 3 days ago

Love it or hate it, Turkish coffee is a rite of passage. But it's not your standard cup of joe. Here's how Rick Steves says you should drink it authentically.

Practice Good Dining Etiquette In Scotland By Learning How To Pronounce This Important Phrase

By Amanda Morgan 6 days ago

Avoid embarrassment and blend in with the Scottish locals by learning how to pronounce a few essential common Gaelic phrases you can use throughout your trip.

traveler with suitcase counting cash while sitting

Samantha Brown's Simple Money Advice Will Help You Avoid Embarrassment While Traveling

By Christine Dulion 9 days ago

Travel expert Samantha Brown shares this helpful advice to keep in mind before your trip to help you manage the local currency and customs with ease.

Foreign customers ordering Japanese restaurant

Are Restaurant Substitution Requests Rude In Japan? Here's What Tourists Should Know

By Joshua Meyer 12 days ago

While menu modifications are the norm in the U.S. and other countries around the world, there are some unspoken rules to be aware of in Japan.

Rick Steves' Simple Suggestion Can Protect Your Bank Accounts While Traveling In Europe

By Camila Pérez B 12 days ago

Travel guru Rick Steves has some simple suggestions for how travelers to Europe can best protect their bank account security while overseas.

group of people having a conversational outdoors

The Standing Gesture That Quietly Offends From Tokyo To Paris Without You Ever Saying A Word

By Sylvia Edwards Davis 14 days ago

This may be a casual way to stand in the U.S., but it can be offensive when you're speaking to people in other cultures. Here's what to avoid.

A server bows to a customer at an upscale Japanese restaurant

This Rude Approach To Getting Your Waiter's Attention In America Is Very Common In Japan

By Chris Tharp 21 days ago

It may feel counterintuitive at first, but learning this important bit of restaurant etiquette can help you navigate the dining culture when visiting Japan.

What It Means When You Hear Locals In Ireland Refer To The 'Craic' When Going Out

By Chris Tharp 21 days ago

What does "craic" mean in Ireland? You'll likely hear this Irish word on your next trip to the country. And trust us, you'll want to have a craic that was 90!

Rick Steves Shares What It Really Means When You 'Chin Flick' In Italy And France

By Ryan Cashman 24 days ago

Here's what you need to know about the European chin flick gesture, when to use it, and how you can avoid misunderstandings when communicating.

A street shot of a bistro in Paris, France

The Major Difference Between Dining In Europe Vs The US That Seems Bizarre To Americans

By Chris Tharp 28 days ago

There are lots of unspoken rules and differences in etiquette between countries in Europe and the United States, but this dining rule stands out the most.

Four people talking in the Scottish countryside

The One Mistake Travelers Make In Scotland That Locals Find More Cringey Than Charming

By Chris Tharp 28 days ago

Scotland is a wonderful place for travelers to visit, but while there, it's best not to make this mistake that often has locals shaking their heads.

The Unspoken RV Camping Rule That Helps Preserve Neighborly Vibes And Vacation Peace

By Camila Pérez B 1 month ago

Beyond what to pack and how to reserve a spot on a campground, RV campers should be aware of this unwritten rule that can really put a damper on your road trip.

A primium steak, cooked medium rare, cut in two

The Biggest Differences Between American And European Steaks Explained

By Chris Tharp 1 month ago

You may think theres nothing more American than a juicy steak, but there are some key differences to know about your favorite slice of beef in Europe as well.

Unspoken Etiquette Rules You Should Never Break When Seeing A Broadway Show

By Amanda Morgan 1 month ago

Keep these essential theater etiquette tips in mind when going to a Broadway show in NYC so you and those around you can enjoy the performance.

Anthony Bourdain Once Said This Is The Only Way To Have A 'Perfect' Travel Experience

By Lisa Curran Matte 1 month ago

Anthony Bourdain has been inspiring travelers and foodies for decades but he had some particularly wise words about planning your perfect vacation.

Locals In Japan Feel Disrespected When This Unspoken Train Rule Is Broken By Tourists

By Camila Pérez B 1 month ago

Japan is a culture that takes public etiquette seriously, including how one behaves on a train, and breaking this particular rule could have consequences.

Young people posing making the peace sign hand gesture

Rick Steves Shares Why A Peace Sign Hand Gesture Can 'Get You A Punch In The Nose' In Britain

By Lee Adams 1 month ago

Despite many similarities between the U.K. and the U.S., there are some common gestures that may seem innocuous that could get you in trouble in Britain.

The Unexpected Beloved Beverage That Breaks Traditional French Dining Etiquette

By Camila Pérez B 1 month ago

Tourists are well aware that France has a lot of customs when it comes to food and dining, but some visitors from the U.S. may not be aware of this rule.

Smiling traveler taking a selfie in Thailand

The Faux Pas Tourists Need To Know About That Carries A Years-Long Prison Sentence In Thailand

By Camila Pérez B 1 month ago

Both tourists and locals should be aware of this law that may not be common knowledge in Thailand. Even social media posts can land you in hot water.

Patrons at a French winery raise their wine glasses

The Subtle Etiquette Misstep In France That Could Ruin The Magic Of A Shared Meal

By Robert Isenberg 1 month ago

Diners in France have one rule that you may not see in the United States. But it can truly impact your meal, and many people around the world agree with it.

Rick Steves' Secrets For Blending In Like A Local While Hanging Out In Irish Pubs

By Anna Robinson 2 months ago

Visiting one of Ireland's many traditional pubs is a great way to meet locals and learn more about the local way of life. Here's how you can blend in.

The Etiquette Blunder Americans Often Make In French Restaurants Without Realizing

By Camila Pérez B 2 months ago

There are a lot of rules that tourists from the United States should be aware of in France, especially when it comes to food culture. Here's one major faux pas.

A group of friends enjoy a meal outdoors in Italy

This Delectable Bread Trick Doubles As A Good Etiquette Rule While Dining In Italy

By Chris Tharp 2 months ago

Being polite in Italy can come with some tasty benefits. When dining at Italian restaurants, practice good etiquette by remembering these bread-based manners.

A rear shot of a woman wearing a beret on the streets of Tokyo

The Footwear Faux Pas That That Will Make Any Tourist Stand Out In Japan

By Chris Tharp 2 months ago

Are you heading to Japan? Here's why packing this common type of footwear could lead to some disapproving glances from locals throughout your trip.

Be Careful About How You Drink Whisky In Scotland To Avoid Outing Yourself As A Tourist

By Camila Pérez B 2 months ago

Don't default to your typical routine when enjoying whisky during a trip to Scotland. Instead, avoid looking like a tourist by following this drinking tip.

French restaurant sign with building in background

The Major Difference Between Ordering Steak In America Vs France, Per Rick Steves

By Christine Dulion 2 months ago

Rare, medium, or well-done. Ordering steak in the U.S. is not the same as in France. To get the right temperature, here's how to order a steak in France.

Two people toast with glasses of soju at a Korean barbecue restaurant

The Crucial Alcohol Drinking Etiquette Rule Tourists Will Want To Follow While In South Korea

By Chris Tharp 2 months ago

Here's what to know about this important drinking etiquette in South Korea so you can blend in like a local and enjoy the country's vibrant nightlife.