Travel Etiquette: How To Respect Local Customs

We’ve all heard the cliché: "When in Rome..." Here are some very specific ways to respect the culture of any other country you're visiting this summer.

1. Don't dress inappropriately for the area or occasion - research local customs before. When in doubt, don't wear skimpy apparel.

2. Make sure to learn at least a few words of the local languauge. Locals respect travelers who try, and will often respond in English if they can.

3. Find out beforehand about dining customs. If you're lucky enough to share a meal with local people in Asia for instance, don't stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice or use them to spear food. Most of all, don't use them to point at people!

4. Don't photograph local people without asking their permission. If they oblige, be sure to share the pictures with them somehow.

5. Don't give any sort of gift, money or candy to local children. This encourages begging, so it is always better to donate to a local charity.

(Source: responsibletravel.com)

For more insider travel tips from RTM, click here.