Travel Tips - 1
Travel Tips
I suppose I should start offering some sort of travel tips, especially since that is one of the main reasons for this blog.
There are many sources of information out there offering travel tips on just about every country and every conceivable thing you should check prior to traveling. I believe the most important thing to realise when traveling is that you are in another country and in many cases a completely different culture. The main thing is to accept that you are in the minority and to respect the local customs. (Except for New Zealand, England and the USA. They deserve to have the piss taken out of them 
).
Language – Most probably English will not be the spoken language. Take some time to learn key phrases before you go, and carry a little phrase book with you.
Learn the how to say
- Hello
- Goodbye
- Thank you
Any handbook will have a list of popular phrases.
Starting a conversation with a shopkeeper, waitress etc with a word or phrase in their language goes a long way. They probably realize that you cannot speak their language and will either speak English to you or at least try to communicate as best they can. By assuming that they speak English and talking AT them in English will more than likely put them offside straight away. I have been totally ignored and indeed people who came to the counter after me were served straight away. I was peeved off and just assumed they were arrogant. I realsied years later when I was older and traveling more that it was I who was the arrogant one.
Local Customs – Familiarise yourself with local customs before you go. Grab a Lonely Planet guide form the Library or buy one. Either way be prepared. Especially going to Muslim Countries or many Asian countries where their laws differ from ours considerably and their tolerance for what seems minor to us can be non existent.
For all you Aussies going to Dubai and Qatar, ensure you are aware of the local Alcohol laws. Generally alcohol is only served in the Hotels. Being drunk in public is an offence. Ex Pats who live in Dubai must have a permit to purchase alcohol from an “Off License” to drink at home. Plan your trip and research each Emirate or Country you will visit. There may be some specific rules, such as in Sharjah, Alcohol is not available in Hotels, but Ex Pats with Permits can drink at home.
Dress is another custom to be aware of. Dress modestly, especially women. No belly button rings or whale tails on show, or you may find yourself in Jail.
I cannot emphasise enough, RESPECT your hosts and they will respect you. The 2 points above, Language and Local Customs are the 2 most important areas to research prior to your trip. The word “Football” seems to be widely accepted as well. Letting the locals know you are there for a Football match usually breaks the ice well. After all it is “The World Game”
Cheers
Terry
May 12 2008 08:44 pm | Helpful Posts
