About EGERIA > Travellers' Etiquette

Sometimes needless misunderstandings and hurt feelings occur due to cultural differences. In order to help us understand each other, here are a few observations based on our travel experience, as well as our time living in other countries.

There is no such thing as an impolite or rude culture.

Only individuals can be impolite, never an entire people. Not even New Yorkers. Every culture uses different codes for what is polite and impolite. What is rude in one culture is not rude in another, and these are not absolute -- just because something strikes you as impolite does not mean it is.

To be a good traveller you need to accept cultural differences and try to conform to your host country's ways, not stand in judgement over them. Keep an open mind. It is always better to assume that you don't understand something than that someone is trying to bother or offend you. Remembering the advice "when in Rome do as the Romans" will get you far.  North Americans and Brits: when in Rome, don't expect to line up nicely for anything! Just join the mob at the ticket booth and involve your elbows if necessary.

Personal space can change with the latitude!

An interesting anthropological study found that Northern European people need a whole arms' length away from strangers, whereas southern Europeans only need the distance from fingertips to elbow! So if that Greek guy is crowding you, he doesn't mean to. Probably. And if that German guy is acting all chilly and distant, he doesn't mean to. Probably.

Languages and dialects -- they are all good.

This is a huge topic, obviously, but there are a lot of myths about 'good' and 'bad' dialects, or 'beautiful' vs 'gutteral' languages. In fact there are no good or bad languages or dialects. All languages are useful and expressive for their speakers. All languages are capable of the highest poetry. Be careful what you say about languages; if it's negative you are probably wrong. Never say anything about anyone's language or dialect that you wouldn't want said about your own.

Don't be shy -- give it a try!

Whether it's the favourite local dish or a phrase or two in your host's language, it is always a good idea to stay positive and open minded about your surroundings and give things a try. You may think people will laugh if you try to speak a bit in their language, but usually they will just find your attempt very heartwarming. You may think that plate of weird stuff looks awful, but you might find it delicious! You came all this way - why not learn something?

Smile

It may sound cheesy, but smiles and amiable behaviour are pretty much universally understood. Kindness is always appreciated, even if it comes without words.

Ask Questions

Your experience will be that much richer if you take home a wealth of newfound knowledge from your travels. A common error of inexperienced travellers is to talk nonstop about their own country of origin, while they miss the opportunity to learn about the one they are visiting. Don't be afraid to ask 'dumb questions' either -- no one ever died of embarrassment, and most likely your new friends will love to tell you all about their homeland.

Post-Exchange Etiquette

• Do leave a thank-you gift for your hosts

• Do leave the home in as good or better condition than you found it.

• NEVER post information or photos about your exchange partner's home online -- including social networking sites and blogs -- or in any print media without their written permission.

• Please keep comments about your exchange positive when discussing it with a third party. You may have your thoughts about the cheesy paint colours or the unkempt garden, but these don't need to be shared with the world.

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