6 Taboos Every Traveler Should Avoid

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Travel elevates your awareness about the world. It opens your mind to the possibilities of life. Despite this, some people manage to visit different countries and cultures without learning or experiencing anything beyond how to slurp down new cocktails.

But you want to bring back more than some shot glasses and T-shirts. The connections and memories that you make will last much longer than souvenirs. Getting out and exploring a new place from various perspectives is what travel is all about, but be sure you're not committing any cultural faux pas.  Here are six situations to avoid while traveling:

1. Not Learning Some Phrases of The Local Language.

It's not easy learning another language, but it's insulting to the citizens of another country when you don't even try to speak a few phrases. It gives the impression that you consider your language superior and theirs as nonessential. Most people do not find this endearing.

When you feel that some countries are unfriendly or cold, it's often a simple matter of you offering a few greetings in their language to show that you value their culture. And don't fall back on the excuse of having no time or money for language classes. If I'm headed to a country and I'm not familiar with the language, I hit up Babble for free online lessons.

Sometimes I've even grabbed quick lessons on the flight to the destination. It's about making an effort, not being impressively fluent.

2. Ignoring The Local Dress.

I know; you just want to be comfortable. But if you're sauntering around in cutoffs and a tank top while the locals are outfitted in dresses, trousers and shirts, you're sending the wrong signals. It's not just that you look like a dumb tourist and might get targeted with scams, but some conservative societies get offended by too much skin or attire that's perceived as sloppy.

Research the local dress code before you go. Blending in will help you move easier within the country and encourage more receptive responses from the locals.

3. Complaining About and Avoiding The Cuisine

Food customs can get weird. Chowing down on grilled grasshoppers or sautéed dog may not appeal to you but it's rude to disparage another culture's dining habits. If what's being served makes you violently nauseous, a smile and polite explanation of being stuffed from your last meal is better than turning your nose up.

Try to sample at least a few local dishes because food is one of the ways to learn about a culture. I've tasted some pretty unexpected dishes like haggis, poutine, goats head soup (mannish water) and the previously mentioned grasshoppers. 

Although I don't have a hankering to try them ever again, I'm glad I did because they supplied me with valuable cultural insight.

4. Bringing Cultural Stereotypes With You On Your Journey

This is a tricky one. Some people aren't even aware that they harbor stereotypical beliefs until they're faced with them. This is where research comes in. Don't just assume that media portrayals of various countries and cultures are true. Look up the stats, troll the country's social media sites. You might discover a different reality that will make your travels even more rewarding.

5. Photographing Local People Like They Are Just Part of The Scenery

This is a huge one, especially with the popularity of travel pics on social media. Seeing a local who's dressed traditionally or performing some colorful task is cool. But it is not okay to just snap their photo. They are not there for your viewing pleasure and entertainment. They are people, living their lives and deserve the respect of being asked if they want their photo taken. If there's a language barrier, see taboo No. one or mime the question with your camera. It's even better to be photographed with a local person and create a connection rather than a one-sided experience.

6. Not Showing Respect In Spiritual or Religious Spaces

This one really steams me up. I have witnessed adults allowing their children to climb over sacred ruins. I have seen people leave garbage on holy altars. I have watched people arrogantly enter sacred places without heeding instructions for dress and deportment. Actions like these not only anger the local population but it can also be dangerous. 

If you haven't noticed in global news reports, many people feel inspired toward physical reprisal when they feel that their religious or spiritual beliefs have been disrespected. It doesn't matter if you don't agree or understand the beliefs connected to the special space that you're visiting, treating it with the same dignity and reverence as the locals do is the intelligent thing to do.

Have you encountered or committed any of these taboos? How did you handle it?