Travel Etiquette

A cup of coffee is held in front of an urban Italian skyline

Tourists From The US Need To Know This Crucial Coffee Etiquette Rule Before Visiting Italy

By Robert Isenberg 1 day ago

Coffee is like a religion in Italy, which means drinking it comes with some rules. Make sure you know this etiquette rule before ordering coffee in Italy.

Crowded Tokyo city street crossing in Shibuya

Tokyo Locals Get Frustrated With Tourists Who Ignore This Social Etiquette Rule

By Christine Dulion 1 day ago

Tokyo has a very unique culture, and fitting in among the Japanese locals is made all the more difficult by making this social etiquette mistake.

Three people chatting on a bench in Inverness, Scotland.

This Unexpected Mistake Tourists Make In Scotland Will Likely Offend Locals

By Sharon Kong Perring 2 days ago

If you’re planning a trip to beautiful Scotland in the future, be sure not to make this unexpected mistake or you’re bound to offend some locals.

A woman looks alarmed, with hands over face

The Unexpected Body Gesture That's Actually Quite Offensive In Different Countries

By Robert Isenberg 9 days ago

There are many body gestures that might be acceptable in the U.S. but are not in other countries. In Asia, this common position is actually offensive.

This Common American Courtesy Is A Breach Of Social Etiquette In Other Countries

By Robert Isenberg 10 days ago

Half the fun of international travel is learning and experiencing a new culture. But this common American courtesy can actually be considered rude elsewhere.

A woman in a cafe expresses embarrassment

The Common American Behavior That Comes Across As Bizarre To Locals In France

By Robert Isenberg 12 days ago

There are many things that can make you stand out as an American tourist in France, but this behavior may be hard to shake. Here's what to be aware of.

A couple drinking champagne on a Parisian balcony.

Breaking This Social Etiquette Rule In France Is A Major Faux Pas At Dinner Parties

By Sylvia Edwards Davis 15 days ago

Even the most polite American tourists may be surprised by this social etiquette rule in France, one that could lead to a major faux pas at dinner parties.

People eating noodles at a Japanese restaurant

Avoid This Common Mistake When Eating Out In Japan

By Bareerah Zafar 16 days ago

Japan is a popular vacation destination for many reasons, but when eating out in the country, be sure to avoid this common mistake made by travelers.

Unspoken Etiquette Rules For Whiling Away The Day In A French Café

By Sylvia Edwards Davis 16 days ago

Before you visit that picture-perfect French café in Paris, make sure you're familiar with these simple etiquette rules that will make you look like a local.

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

By Chris Tharp 20 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 23 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 26 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 29 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 29 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 1 month 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 1 month 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 1 month 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 1 month 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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 2 months 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.