Table of Contents
✈️ Ready to See the World?
We live in a big world. Every place is different. People talk in new ways. They eat different food. They play new games. When we go to a new place, we must be kind. We must follow the cultural dos and don’ts.
🌍 What Is Culture?
Culture is how people live. It is what they do every day. Culture is about food, clothes, words, music, and rules. Each place has its own culture. That is why we learn international etiquette rules when we travel.
🙋♂️ Be a Friendly Guest
When you go to a new country, you are a guest. You are visiting someone’s home. You want to be nice. You want to do the right thing. Learn the cultural dos and don’ts before you go. That shows respect.
👋 Saying Hello the Right Way
How do people say hello? Some people bow. Some people shake hands. Some give a hug. Some just wave. The rules change by country. These are part of international etiquette rules. You must learn how to say hello the right way.
👍 Be Careful with Your Hands
In your home, thumbs-up may mean “good.” But in some countries, it can be rude. That is one of the many gestures to avoid when traveling. Waving, pointing, and touching may not be okay. Always check before you go.
🍽️ Eating With Others
In many countries, people eat with forks. In others, they eat with chopsticks or hands. Some places say “no talking” at the table. Some say you must finish your food. These rules are part of the cultural dos and don’ts you should know.
👣 Shoes or No Shoes?
Some places ask you to take off your shoes before you go inside. That is part of their home rules. It is one of the simple cultural dos and don’ts to remember. If you leave shoes on, it can be rude.
📢 Talk in a Kind Voice
In many places, people talk softly. Yelling or shouting is not polite. Using too many hand signs may upset others. These are gestures to avoid when traveling. A kind voice makes people feel safe and happy.
💬 Learn a Few Words
You do not need to speak every word in a new language. But saying “hello,” “thank you,” and “please” is kind. This is part of international etiquette rules. People smile when you try to speak their words.
📸 Ask Before You Snap
Taking pictures is fun. But in some places, you must ask before you take a photo. It’s part of the cultural dos and don’ts. Some people don’t like photos. Some places say “no cameras.” Be sure to ask first.
🚶♂️ Don’t Point or Stare
Pointing may feel normal to you, but it can be very rude in some places. Staring too long is also one of the gestures to avoid when traveling. If you want to look at something, do it kindly and quietly.
🏫 At School in Another Country
Some kids travel to new schools. In these schools, there are new rules. You might raise your hand, or stay quiet. You may sit on the floor or wear uniforms. These rules are part of the international etiquette rules that help everyone get along.
🚗 Riding in Cars or Buses
In some places, you sit in the front. In others, kids always sit in the back. You may need to be quiet or wear a seatbelt every time. These are cultural dos and don’ts that help you travel safely.
🏞️ Be Kind to Nature
In some countries, picking flowers is okay. In others, it is not. Throwing trash is always bad. But rules for nature are still part of international etiquette rules. Always leave things the way you found them.
👗 Dress for the Place
Some places have rules about clothes. You may need to cover your shoulders. You may need to wear a hat or take one off. These are cultural dos and don’ts that show you care about their ways.
🕊️ Be Peaceful
Making loud sounds, clapping, or dancing may not be okay everywhere. These can be gestures to avoid when traveling in quiet places like temples or churches. Watch what others do. Follow their lead.
🧼 Wash Your Hands Often
Some countries shake hands. Some countries bow. But no matter what, clean hands are kind. Washing before meals is part of many international etiquette rules. It shows you care about others’ health.
🏠 Staying in Someone’s Home
If you stay with a family in another country, be polite. Ask before touching things. Say thank you often. Help when you can. These are part of cultural dos and don’ts in many homes.
🎁 Giving Gifts
In some cultures, giving a gift is a must. In others, you don’t bring gifts unless asked. Even how you wrap the gift matters. These small things are all part of international etiquette rules.
😬 If You Make a Mistake
You may do something wrong by accident. That’s okay! Say “sorry.” Smile. Try again. Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is that you try to follow the cultural dos and don’ts and be respectful.
🌟 Be Open to Learning
When you travel, you are learning. You are growing. You are seeing the world in a new way. Learning international etiquette rules and gestures to avoid when traveling helps you become a world-friendly person.
🧳 Let’s Remember What We Learned
Here’s what we know:
- Every place has different cultural dos and don’ts
- You should learn and follow international etiquette rules
- There are many gestures to avoid when traveling
- Being kind and careful makes you a good traveler
🎉 You Are Ready to Go!
Now you know what to do. You can pack your bag. You can smile. You can travel with care. You are ready to go anywhere with a kind heart and smart mind.