Save a lot of travel hassles with a touch of tact and etiquerre

In some countries the "OK" sign has extremely vulgar significance  (Photo: Public Domain)

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA — Social media has, in many ways, made the world smaller but, in the case of travel, etiquette is one of the first things to suffer.

It's always a good idea to review proper protocols when visiting a new destination by immersing yourself into a different culture. Sometimes the most innocent mistakes can be seen as major insults. One reason we are often labeled "Ugly Americans" by foreign hosts is that we have a tendency to forget that we are guests in another country and fail to do due diligence regarding cultural differences.

One of the simplest ways to ingratiate ourselves to other nationalities is to learn a few basic phrases in their language. Please, thank you, good morning, good evening, pardon me, excuse me and the like are easy to learn and go a long way toward being accepted quickly. Common courtesy works and is greatly appreciated.

Afternoon tea is a British tradition but there is a proper way to do it  (Photo: Mary Cassett - Public Domain) 

Among the favorite destinations for first-time international travelers is the United Kingdom because there is supposedly a common language. Language barriers are often comfort zone killers for inexperienced vagabonds.

Even so, the UK does have some quirky hazards to avoid. Here are some suggestions as to how to be more comfortable in another country. The list is not definitive by any means, but it will give you an idea of things that can ease travel apprehensions.

Brits love their pubs  (Courtesy: Pixabay)

UNITED KINGDOM:

 In England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland avoid questions about one’s health.

When you meet someone new it is best to say, “How do you do?” "How are you?” is acceptable only if the person is already a close friend . 

Be careful about asking someone what they do for a living. It could lead to discussions about money and salaries which is a huge no-no.

Finally, when drinking tea, remember to add milk last.

In Switzerland, punctuality is essential  (Courtesy: Pixabay)

SWITZERLAND:

In a country known for its precision, it's not surprising that punctuality is a key trait of the Swiss. Don't be late.

While you're at it, it's always best to bring a small gift to your host, and to send a thank-you note afterwards.

When greeting someone offer a firm handshake and make eye-contact. That doesn't mean you have to squeeze like George Foreman, but it's better to be too strong than to offer a flounder-like grip.

Even fondue has rules (Photo: JHG -- Public Domain)

You can always pick out the tourists because they eat fondue in summer. Whenever you do it, try not to lose your bread in the liquid ocean of melted cheese. Innocent as it may be, it is not considered good form.

Another fondue faux pas is scraping your fork on the bottom of the pot. It just isn't done.

Join the fun when Germans drink beer  (Photo: Taylor)

GERMANY:

Like the Swiss, tardiness is frowned upon in Germany. In fact, if you're late do not be surprised if your host openly reminds you that you were not on time.

Perhaps more difficult for Americans these days, is arriving in dress that is too casual. Sweats are improper in a country where people dress up for their guests.

As in Switzerland and Japan, you may also be requested to take off your shoes.

When eating, keep your hands on the table (just so they know you don't have any concealed weapons). The weaponry reference is a joke, of course, but it is not polite to put your hands in your lap or to keep them out of view.

Italians have a passion for eating, especially al fresco
(Courtesy: Italian Tourism) 

ITALY:

Politeness protocols and punctuality completely change in Italy. Time is merely a reference point. Being late is a national pastime. The only question is how long do you wait?

Do not expect undivided attention during meetings. Multitasking is the rule rather than the exception and is universally accepted.

In addition, if you are invited to dinner in Italy, forget the possibility of a quiet evening. There's a reason they called it the "family" in The Godfather and the idea of "two's company, three's a crowd" doesn't exist.

There's a reason why The Godfather and the family were so intertwined  (Photo: Taylor)

More than likely ten or 15 family members and/or friends could "drop in" at any time for dessert or after-dinner drinks.

Moving on to Asia and South America briefly, in Argentina being "fashionably late" is standard. Twenty minutes is typically the rule. Conversions usually disregard personal space and can be quite close compared to other countries. Dinners can be uncomfortably long by American and, even, European standards.

Brazil also honors the tradition of being late, including the idea that dinner will not begin at the appointed hour.

Perhaps most important however, is to never, ever make the "OK" sign in Brazil, it is tantamount to "shooting the bird" in the U.S. only ten times over.

In Japan, do not enter a house with holes in your socks because you will be asked to remove your shoes outside.

Always bring a gift for your host. Neatly wrapped colorful packages can literally be found anywhere in the county.

Bowing is a major aspect of Japanese culture but it can be tricky
  (Photo: Maya-Anaïs Yataghène  Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.) 

Bowing is tricky, but a general rule is the junior person bows first. The deeper the bow determines the level of respect.

Always accept business cards with both hands and be sure to look at them, even if you do not read it.

The Chinese usually do business at a restaurant with dishes typically chosen by the host, usually a regional delicacy. If the occasion is truly special a private dining room will be reserved.

As with Japan, the two-handed business card rule also applies.

These are just a few examples of proper travel etiquette. The main thing to understand is that knowing just a little about the cultural mores of a destination can make travel considerably more pleasant and hassle-free.

Do your homework.