Across Europe, overtourism is provoking protests and reluctance. In Spain, locals sprayed visitors with water guns, while in many cities they looked like “go home” symptoms and graffiti.
If you’re making plans for a stopover on the mainland this summer, following some key etiquette can ensure you’re respectful and not a troublesome tourist. Nicolas Bresch, CEO of Club Med UK, Ireland and Nordics, offers some advice to follow.
“Learning just a few key words in the local language can be a massive sign of respect for citizens and help create instant connections with people,” Bresch says. Beyond common words like hello, goodbye, please, and thank you, you can search for informed words that will help you ask for directions, eat or drink, or even just have a friendly chat.
“Making the effort to use the local language can help build relationships with people, as well as offering practicalities, such as asking where the toilets are. »
Respecting the culture and traditions of the country you are staying in is making sure you do not offend.
In countries like Italy and Greece, respecting cultural traditions, such as dressing modestly when available. . . [ ] visiting devotional sites demonstrates your appreciation for the country’s rich heritage (Photo via Eric VANDEVILLE/Gamma-Rapho Getty Images)
“For example, when you make a stopover in Turkey, observing Islamic customs, such as abstaining from eating, drinking or smoking in public during Ramadan, shows that you have cultural awareness,” Bresch says. “In countries like Italy and Greece, respect for traditional cultures, such as dressing modestly when stopping at devotional sites, demonstrates your appreciation for the country’s rich heritage and allows for respectful and positive interactions with local people. “
“Eating respectfully means taking cultural norms into account while enjoying local cuisine,” says Bresch. Observing local dining customs, such as waiting to be seated, using utensils correctly, and expressing gratitude for the food, are some tactics you can be respectful of. by enjoying hospitality facilities during the holidays.
Another way to show respect and enjoy your trip would be to accept new foods and drinks by being open to trying local food and flavors. “Be sure to avoid publicly making negative comments about food or comparing it unfavorably to your own cooking, as this can be considered rude,” Bresch adds.
Tipping has become a cultural norm in many countries and is expected from service providers. In many countries, tips can supplement the income of service workers, representing a very large portion of their total income. Not tipping or tipping badly can be perceived as rude or disrespectful.
Tipping etiquette varies depending on the country being visited. It is a way of detecting the effort and quality of the service provided through the workers, adding waiters, waitresses, bartenders and chefs. It would be sensible to study what is considered appropriate for the country being visited. They are visiting so as not to offend, in general a tip of between five and five percent is sufficient.
Expressing gratitude while traveling helps establish certain positive interactions and also shows a sign of respect for the assistance and facilities you are likely to receive. ” Simple gestures like saying ‘thank you’, non-verbal cues like smiling or showing gratitude can make explicit gratitude “says Bresch. “It’s also vital to be patient and understanding when interacting with residents. By incorporating those practices when you travel, you can show your appreciation, expand your ties with locals, and generally have a fun vacation.
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