A poll of 2,000 adults who travel abroad found that one in six have committed a cultural faux pas while on holiday. The top 10 travel mistakes tourists make have been listed, including eating with the left hand in South Asia and blowing their nose at the table in China.
Common Cultural Blunders
The survey, commissioned by Riviera Travel, revealed that 28% of those who have made a cultural mistake neglected to cover their shoulders and knees when visiting a place of worship. Meanwhile, 26% have forgotten to tip in North America, and 21% have jaywalked there as well.
Despite these errors, 39% of all respondents said experiencing different cultural etiquette is one of the main reasons they choose to travel, particularly to long-haul destinations.
Traveler Concerns
The study found that 62% have worried about accidentally breaking the law while travelling, and 54% feared coming across as rude without intending to. Additionally, 42% were concerned about taking photographs where they shouldn't, and 41% worried about getting religious customs wrong.
To prepare, 57% research destinations more thoroughly before jetting off. Upon doing so, 31% were surprised by how many everyday UK habits are perceived differently abroad. For instance, 30% discovered that hand gestures carry different meanings globally, such as the 'OK' gesture in Brazil, which is often equivalent to swearing.
Specific No-Gos
Other mistakes British holidaymakers were unaware of include bringing mineral water into Nigeria (forbidden), using nasal sprays restricted in Japan, wearing camouflage clothing in Barbados (banned), and taking bubble gum into Singapore (against local rules).
Eager to avoid being the stereotypical "Brit abroad," 49% modified their behaviour while travelling. A third had seen another holidaymaker making a cultural mistake, including being rude to restaurant or hotel staff (52%), speaking too loudly in public (51%), and dressing inappropriately at religious or cultural sites (49%).
Reactions to Mistakes
If they made a faux pas themselves, 56% would feel embarrassed, 51% apologetic, and 30% eager to learn from the experience. Furthermore, 29% of those who worry about social faux pas preferred guided tours or expert advice to avoid mistakes.
24% said being part of a guided group would give them confidence to explore unfamiliar destinations, and 22% valued the reassurance of travelling with an experienced tour manager.
Expert Advice
A spokesperson for Riviera Travel said: "Travel is about embracing the unfamiliar. These findings show how easily well-meaning holidaymakers can fall foul of local customs, often without realising it." They added: "Whether it's understanding dining etiquette, dress codes or local laws, having expert guidance or a well-planned itinerary can give travellers the confidence to explore unfamiliar cultures without the worry of getting it wrong."
Top 10 Cultural Blunders
- Not covering up shoulders and knees when visiting places of worship.
- Not tipping at a restaurant in North America.
- Jaywalking in America.
- Eating with your left hand in countries where the right hand is traditionally used for eating.
- Not removing shoes when entering homes in Canada.
- Showing up late to an appointment or meeting in Germany.
- Using the "OK" hand gesture in Brazil.
- Leaving chopsticks sticking vertically out of the rice in Japan.
- Pouring your own drink before others in South Korea.
- Touching someone's head in Thailand.
