Travel Etiquette

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

By Camila Pérez B

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The Unspoken Rule Of Taking A Phone Call In The Airport That Too Many People Totally Ignore

By Robert Isenberg

Airports have their own little culture. There are many unspoken etiquettes and rules you're expected to follow. If you have to make a phone call, don't do this.

The Dinner Etiquette Breach That's Considered Gross In America But Accepted In Other Countries

By Camila Pérez B

Different cultures have different etiquettes when eating out. This one behavior is considered rude and gross in America, but is a compliment elsewhere.

Travelers buying fresh street food from locals

Unexpected Customs Tourists Should Know Before Visiting Thailand For The First Time

By Maura Bielinski

Thailand has a very different culture than the West. If you're visiting Thailand, make sure to learn these customs to easily blend in and avoid offending.

tourists taking photos in front of Eiffel Tower

One Major Etiquette Faux Pas When Taking Photos In Paris Is Super Annoying To Locals

By Anna Robinson

Don't stand out as an obnoxious tourist when you visit Paris. Instead, read up on this one annoying photography habit, and avoid it at all costs while abroad.

Sand pours through a woman's hand on the beach

Taking This Beautiful But Forbidden Keepsake From Sardinia's Beaches Could Cost Tourists Big

By Robert Isenberg

Sardinia is known for its laid-back lifestyle, but it does take some things seriously. If you take this from Sardinia beaches, you can be fined or even jailed!

A Japanese driver looks back from her car

The Strict Driving Rule Every Tourist Needs To Know Before Visiting Japan

By Chris Tharp

Before you get behind the wheel in Japan on a rainy day, make sure you're aware of this unusual law that could lead to fines or even legal trouble.

Smiling couple sitting at outdoor restaurant

The Unspoken Tipping Etiquette To Keep In Mind When Dining Out In Scotland

By Camila Pérez B

Avoid embarrassment while traveling throughout Scotland. Here are the rules behind the country's unspoken tipping culture in restaurants, bars, and more.

The Important Etiquette Rule Tourists Must Follow When Bathing In A Japanese Hot Spring

By Jen Ottolino

Bathing in the comfort of hot springs is a popular activity in Japan, but it's important to follow the proper rules of hot spring etiquette.

The Unspoken Etiquette Rules Around 'Reserving' A Poolside Lounger With Your Towel

By Lee Adams

It's tempting to want to save your pool or beachside chair while you go off and do other things but be forewarned: You might be breaking some etiquette rules.

Coastline of cove from a distance in Gran Canaria, Spain

Spain's Strict New Rules For Beachgoers Visiting Gran Canaria Could Cost You Big-Time

By Christine Dulion

Gran Canaria is one of the most popular places to visit in Spain. In fact, its popularity has forced some new beach rules to be enacted. Here's what to know.

A man and woman greet each other in front of a Mariachi band

Body Language Etiquette Rules Tourists Will Want To Follow When In Mexico

By Chris Tharp

Brush up on these essential etiquette rules in Mexico to show respect for local customs, from greeting locals the right way to dining manners.

Traveler sitting on a ledge over a canal in Venice

Unexpected Behaviors Many Tourists Visiting Venice Don't Realize Are Incredibly Rude

By Camila Pérez B

Venice attracts millions of tourists every day. To combat overtourism, the City of Canals has a few official (and unofficial) rules for people staying there.

The City With Some Of The Oddest Public Restrooms In Europe

By Bareerah Zafar

It can be challenging for anyone to find a public restroom while traveling, but this popular city in Europe has some of the oddest public restrooms for men.

Enthusiastic tourist hanging out of a train

Sneaky Ways To Not Look Like A Tourist, No Matter Where You Are In The World

By Maura Bielinski

Being a tourist is great, but you don't necessarily want to stand out among the crowd when traveling. Here are some ways to blend in with the locals.

Diners at riverside restaurant in China at night with two servers looking on

Avoid This Chopstick Gesture On Your Trip To China

By Christine Dulion

When traveling to China, chances are high you'll end up making use of chopsticks during your meal, but be sure not to do this gesture while there.