As the saying goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do": Before arriving at a new destination, it is important to learn about the local culture and customs, because what is acceptable in one place can be considered outright rudeness in another part of the world.
The new tips book by Lonely Planet, Don’t travel naked in Switzerland, offers more than 100 tips for proper conduct around the world, and illustrates how small behaviors can affect how travelers are perceived by locals. Behind the amusing title lies a wide list of etiquette rules, cultural codes, and everyday behaviors that can make a trip a much more pleasant experience.
The story behind the recommendation not to travel naked in Switzerland comes from the Appenzell region in Switzerland, where it has been forbidden for more than a decade to travel naked, following an incident in which a traveler walked without clothes near a picnic area and a rehabilitation center. Since then, the ban has been enforced throughout the entire country, emphasizing how important it is to understand the cultural boundaries of each destination.
Use headphones
One of the main tips in the book concerns the use of headphones. People in public places do not necessarily want to hear music, videos, or loud conversations on public transportation. Whether it is wired headphones, wireless headphones, or over-ear headphones, headphones not only prevent discomfort but also convey self-confidence and awareness of the surroundings.
How much tip to leave
Another topic that confuses many travelers is tipping service providers. In the United States and Israel, for example, it is customary to leave a significant tip in restaurants and cafes, whereas in Japan it is a gesture that may actually embarrass service providers. Instead, it is better to express gratitude in other ways such as a personal gesture or a small gift. In addition, in other countries it is customary to include the tip directly in the bill and there is no need to add anything beyond that.
It is recommended to find out before your arrival in a country what the accepted tipping practice is, and to adapt yourselves to the social code.
Where to place the cutlery
In Japan, there are clear rules of behavior around the dining table. Pointing with chopsticks toward another person is considered an aggressive gesture. In China, placing chopsticks standing inside a bowl will also be perceived negatively, as it is associated with rituals related to death.
Also, in many countries in the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, there is importance placed on using only the right hand while eating, which may be challenging for left-handed people.
Throwing coins
In addition, there are also tourist habits that seem innocent but are not accepted everywhere. Throwing coins into water, for example, is a famous tradition at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, but in other destinations it may cause environmental damage or provoke dislike among locals. In the Mount Fuji area in Japan, authorities have even had to place signs to prevent tourists from throwing coins into natural pools and harming water quality.
Talking with locals
There are also places where interaction with locals is an integral part of the experience. In Jamaica, for example, basic politeness includes daily greetings such as good morning and good evening, and avoiding this may be interpreted as disrespect.
Ultimately, there is no single formula that fits every destination. Each country brings with it a different system of rules, habits, and expectations. For travelers at the beginning of their journey, the simplest recommendation is to observe, listen, and learn from the environment. Sometimes, it is precisely the small details that make the difference between a distant tourist and a guest who is warmly welcomed.
A successful trip is not measured only by landscapes or attractions, but also by the ability to integrate, respect, and understand the local culture. Because ultimately, the way we behave far from home says a lot about us. And if in doubt – do as the locals do.