Across Europe, overtourism is sparking protests and resistance. In Spain, citizens sprayed visitors with water guns, while in many cities there were “go home” symptoms and graffiti.
If you’re making plans to make a stopover on the mainland this summer, following a few fundamental etiquette rules can ensure that you’re respectful and not a challenging tourist. Nicolas Bresch, managing director of Club Med in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Nordics, offers some recommendations to follow.
“Learning just a few fundamental words in the local language can be a huge 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 also check out to be informed of 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, while also 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, respecting 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 embrace new foods and drinks by being open to trying local food and flavors. “Be sure to avoid publicly making negative comments about the food or comparing it unfavorably to your own cuisine, as this can be considered rude,” adds Bresch.
Tipping has become a cultural norm in many countries and is expected of service providers. In many countries, tips can supplement the source of income for service workers, representing a really large portion of their total source of income. Not tipping or tipping poorly can be perceived as impolite or disrespectful.
Tipping etiquette varies depending on the country you are visiting. 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 you are visiting so as not to offend, sometimes a tip of between five and five percent is enough.
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 connections with locals, and generally have a fun vacation.
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