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"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." -- St. Augustine

Dos&

Don’ts OfWorld Travel

Traveling is one of the most enjoyable way to learn, explore and discover. In today’s world, traveling has become expensive and difficult. But through an extensive research of travel catalogs, airline promotions and the right attitude, it’s possible to see all the famous destinations around the world. But before you embark on a journey, its necessary to know the customs, traditions & norms of the places where you are heading to. Though we don’t want you to get bogged down in do's and don'ts, but bear in mind the overarching purpose of good etiquette . Etiquette, is really a combination of certain principles (respect, honesty, consideration), while manners are "the tools we use to articulate those principles." Manners change from country to country, but the principles are universal and timeless. So while it may be acceptable at some point in time to smooch a movie star in India or rub down a head of state during a meeting, making someone uncomfortable has and always will be a faux pas.

China Bowing from the shoulders is a well-known way of meeting and greeting in China. You should be aware that you are not always expected to bow or nod. Handshakes are accepted but it is probably best to wait to see if your Chinese associate initiates the handshake. You may notice that the Chinese don’t use their hands to emphasize words or a point when talking. So when conversing,

refrain from exaggerated gesticulations and overtly emotive or strange facial expressions. When attending a dinner in China, be prepared for some markedly different cultural practices. Contrary to Western etiquette, talking with your mouth full when eating is perfectly acceptable in China. Slurping food is also common and shouldn’t be met with any disdain. Fervent burping is actually considered to be a sign of gratitude and satisfaction. It is common to be served tea with your meal. Your host will usually top up your teacup, and the proper etiquette is to tap your index and middle finger of your right hand on the table. This indicates respect and gratitude for the host’s gesture. Don’t ever give a Chinese person a clock as a gift – this would be seen as a very sinister action as clocks are

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Here we offer a quick guide to the do’s and don’ts of the most fre-quently visited destinations around the world:

indicative of death and funerals. Scissors and knives also make bad gifts in China, as they represent the cutting off a friendship. You should be aware that some colors are very symbolic in China – for instance white is associated with death, and black has connotations of disaster, so never use these colors to wrap a gift. Red however is considered a sign of good luck, as are even numbers, especially 6 and 8.While the number 8 is considered lucky, the number 4 is unlucky.

India Many customs and points of etiquette within the Indian culture are based on the two ideas of humility and purity. For instance Indians do not shake hands as in the West, but as a symbol of humility, when meeting, clasp their own hands together, and nod or bow to the person they are greeting. When visiting an Indian household, it

is customary to take sweets or flowers and, when receiving visitors, Indians will always offer refreshment comprising of drink and food. Within some Indian cultures, notably Hinduism, it is believed

that a stranger visiting at an unappointed time must be given the highest form of respect, the belief being that their Lord can come in any form, at any time. Another point to remember is that when visiting most Indian households, shoes should be removed either before entering a home or removed just after entering the foyer. It is not impolite to be curious in India, and in fact to ask extremely personal questions. You may be questioned about your own lifestyle quite rigorously. If unmarried, you may elicit a certain amount of pity! Do not feel offended if they stare at you. It is just curiosity on their part. Most of the people will also go out of the way to help tourists and properly guide them. While shopping,always remember that the price you see in the first place is not the price that you have to pay. Do not feel guilty when you ask for discount as it is customary and very common in India to bargain. Carry proper maps of places you intend to visit in India as signboards are often absent. Leather articles are forbidden to be carried in Hindu & Jain temples. Do not wear black clothes while visiting a Jain temple.

France France has long been one of the most popular holiday destinations for all the tourists coming from different parts of the world. The scenery, climate, coastlines, mountains and culinary offerings have ensured this popularity for many decades. France might be a favorite destination for English-speaking tourists, but when

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attempting to converse in France, be it with a shopkeeper, waiter, and policeman or local, you should as least make a certified and respectable attempt to speak some elementary conversational French. However, if you are still not confident of your French-speaking abilities, after at least attempting a few phrases, if you and your French acquaintance are still struggling, you could politely ask if they speak English - “parlez-vous Anglais?” If the answer is yes, it might be considered polite if you still interject what French you know into your sentences. The French tend to be very direct in the way that they speak. They have relatively little reserve in showing emotion, and will often articulate and accompany their speech with large gesticulations. In some cases, especially when engaged in discussion or debate, this spirited emotiveness may come across as insistent or slightly aggressive, but usually is not meant as such at all. You should try and maintain eye contact when in conversation or being introduced to a French person. You should always begin by addressing your French counterparts by their title and surname, for example “Madame Chabert” or

“Monsieur Agnes”. “Mademoiselle” is reserved for unmarried young women or girls, as older unmarried women can be referred to as “Madame”. When meeting and speaking to someone in France, even if they are your peer, you should start by referring to them with “vous” (you). This implies formality and respect, as “tu” (you) is used amongst friends and family. “France is well known for its fine cuisine. When dining out, if you need to request the bill, you should never snap your fingers .The best way to ask for the bill is to catch the attention of the waiter or waitress’s by making a writing motion, as well as saying “L’addition s’il vous plait”. You should always use your food utensils when eating, even in fast food restaurants. Although eating with your fingers is fine in very informal surroundings and situations, generally eating with your fingers, or eating on the street is considered to be quite uncouth and should be avoided.

Italy Image and the building of personal relationships are very important to Italians. A central concept and popular idiom of Italian culture is that of “bella figura” – it literally translates to “cutting a fine/good figure”, and refers to the way in which you look and project yourself. It is the basis for much of Italian social etiquette. For this reason, when in Italy you should always try to dress well, and conduct yourself with a degree of quiet confidence. Italians are well known for their open, bold, passionate and vivacious

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communicative style. When greeting an Italian, it is good manners to make sure that you retain eye contact whilst shaking hands or engaging in conversation. This shows that you are alert and interested in what is being said. Your handshake should be firm and enthusiastic, and don’t be surprised if it is combined with hugging, or a shoulder slap for men or cheek kissing for women. When introducing a group of people yourself, it is proper etiquette to introduce the most senior members of the group first, followed by the women, and then any other members present. Forms of address are Signore (Mr) and Signora (Mrs) followed by the family name. Eating and dining is an integral part of Italian culture. When shown to your place at a dinner table, you should wait for your hostess to seat herself before you do. Once seated, you should avoid propping yourself up and leaning on your elbows at the table especially when eating. Also make sure that during the meal, your hands are always visible. It is thought to be bad manners to rest them out of sight on your lap. The style of eating is ‘Continental’ – that is, a fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right, although eating “the

other way round” is not really an issue.

Germany Germany is a popular holiday destination for many people who love tranquility and natural scenery. In German, there are two distinct forms of address – ‘Sie’ and ‘du’. Basically, the use of “Sie” is reserved for professional and unfamiliar acquaintances, senior figures and those in a superior social or business standing. Generally, if a person refers to themselves as Mr. (Herr) or Mrs. (Frau) followed by their family name, you will then know that it is appropriate to use the more formal “Sie” form of address. Once you become more friendly and

well-acquainted with a German person, your friendship may develop into a first-name basis. This is often an indication that the use of “du” is now appropriate – however it might be best to see if your German friend initiates this gesture. You may be aware of the stereotyping of German people as being overtly punctual and efficient. This generalization may actually have some bearing, as punctuality is considered to be very important in regards to most

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German people’s idea of ‘proper’ social etiquette! For this reason, when in Germany you should always retain your punctuality, whether you are convening with others on a tourist outing, attending a dinner party, or making an appointment with a professional. Make sure that you give plenty of notice if you intend to call on a German person at home or in business. Merely turning up on someone’s doorstep is considered to be very bad manners.

UAE The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most popular tourist destinations for Pakistanis.UAE is recognized by for its hot climate, beautiful beaches, oasis, mountain ranges and duty-free shopping opportunities. The UAE is generally a very tolerant society, realizing the wants and needs of tourists and travelers from different cultures, backgrounds and other faiths. But drunken, outlandish behavior is seen as extremely poor etiquette, especially in public places. Any unreasonable behavior will be dealt with very quickly, and you may be subject to a type of public order offence. UAE citizens are well renowned for their politeness, particularly between the different sexes, so it is therefore important that you are attributed with the same quality. For men, handshakes are the most common form of greeting. However, although a firm handshake is commonplace and seen as a sign of friendliness and trust in the West, in the UAE a handshake is more genteel. A

quick light grasping of hands and eye contact with a smile tends to suffice. Men should not shake hands with women unless the woman initiates the handshake. It is extremely important to remember that you should only ever shake hands with your right hand. Whether you're shaking hands, eating, offering or taking something, the proper etiquette is to always use your right hand only. If traveling as a tourist, unless in a hotel resort, in public you should make an effort to dress moderately. For men this means avoiding walking around topless, as well as avoiding wearing sleeveless t-shirts and shorts. For women, the proper etiquette is to try and cover up as much as you can. Skimpy tops and short skirts are not very appropriate - it is best to at least cover your shoulders and the tops of your arms. Traveling is an experience that teaches you what travelogues, movies and TV shows never can. It’s a first hand experience of a world that is entirely different from our own. As Benjamin Disraeli said "Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen." Bon Voyage!

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