America

As expectations regarding good manners differ from person to person and vary according to each situation, no treatise on the rules of etiquette nor any list of faux pas can ever be complete. As the perception of behaviors and actions vary, intercultural competence is essential. However, a lack of knowledge about the customs and expectations of people of Latin America can make even the best intentioned person seem rude, foolish, or worse.

-many Latin American people have a smaller sense of personal space than people from English-speaking cultures. It may be rude to step away from someone when they are stepping closer.

-It is considered impolite to "toss" objects to people instead of directly handing it to them.

The following points of etiquette apply most specifically to a certain in some regionsof America:


Argentina

-Apart from going to church, Sunday is commonly the day Argentines gather in family for lunch or dinner.
-When others are about to eat, it is very considerate to say "buen provecho"
-A kiss in the cheek with or without a hug is a standard greeting amongst both men and women, except in very formal settings

Brazil

-Brazilians speak Portuguese, not Spanish. Addressing someone that speaks Portuguese in Spanish may be considered very offensive.
-People in Brazil use to be very receptive and not formal. Calling a young woman "Senhora" may be considered offensive. The word "Senhorita" (lit. little miss) is not used and is seen as an archaism.
-Punctuality is not taken too seriously in Brazil. Showing up exactly on schedule for a party is very uncommon.

Mexico

-In some regions of Mexico, leaving and empty plate after dining is rude, whereas in some others is rude to leave it with food. Then again, in some regions it is appropriate to accept a second portion, while in others a rejection is expected; always speak clear about your eating in order to not get misunderstood.
-Gender specific situations, phrases and behaviors are expected, although many upper-class Mexicans are less chauvinistic and biased towards women in social roles. Maschismo (male assertiveness/aggressiveness) and feminity are important cultural values in conservative sections of the country.
-It is common for men to greet ladies (and vice-versa) by kissing one time on the cheek. It is not so common when introduced to someone for the first time, as this means closeness or relation.

Nicaragua

-Greeting someone with "Hello" is always followed by the appropriate time of day greeting; "Good day", "Good Afternoon", and, "Good Evening."
-When speaking to an older adult, it is respectful to refer to them as "Don" or "Doña." This is a sign of respect.
-Salsa, merengue, bachata, and, tango may seem like "sexy dancing", but there are unspoken rules. It is rude for a man to dance too close to a woman who is not his wife or girlfriend, even if others seem to be doing it.

Africa

Required

Malaria prophalaxis
Plane ticket
Credit cards (MUST have pin #, request this from credit card co 1.5 months in advance)
Passport that will not expire less than 6 months after RETURN to USA
Immunization record with proof of yellow fever vaccination
Copies of passport, credit card, immunization record and any ID or important documents brought with you
Emergency contact information
Traveler’s checks (pay for safari with checks as well)
Cash - ¼ to ⅔ of total

Recommended

Luggage

One large touring backpack (preferable to one suite case)
One small day pack (if necessary)
Covered luggage tags (avoid casual observance of info by unsavory individuals)

Clothes – Tanzania is hot and humid or midly hot and humid

Sturdy (broken in), sneakers, walking, or hiking shoes
Sandals or flip flops
Swimwear (bikinis for ladies)
Medium warmth fleece
Plastic bag type poncho for minimal use
Socks for 9 days
Underwear for 9 days
Lightweight sleepwear, if necessary

Women

Light weight pants to go out with (khaki over jeans)
Ankle length skirt (recommend you buy in Tanzania)
One or two breezy, light long sleeve shirts
T-shirts (1 to 3), cool ones
Shorts for safari/hiking

Men

Light weight pants
Shorts for safari/hiking
Button down shirts or other type of shirt to go out with
T-shirts (1 to 3), cool ones


Toiletries – TRAVEL SIZED!

Shampoo / conditioner – travel sized
One hand towel, not a bath towel
Razor and cream – travel sized
Soap and holder is not necessary, it’s usually provided, unless you camp
Hair gel, make up
Personal hygiene
Toothbrush and paste – travel sized
Deodorant
Floss

Other

Name cards (like a business card)
Hidden travel money pouch
Camera (an extra inconspicuous camera is a good idea as well if bringing a fancy one)
Film (1 roll per two days, 200 ASA for safari, 400-800 for zanzibar)
Extra batteries
Multi-plug adaptor for Africa with charger (Africa is 240 volts – English sockets)
Tylenol & Motrin
Immodium (my favorite) or pepto
Perscription and medication if you are taking medication
Handwipes and hand sanitizer gel (1 or 2)
Mosquito repellent – Min 7% Deet, max 28% (don’t fool with others no matter how good you think they are)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Baseball, sun hat or bandana
Small fleece pillow (if camping)
Silk / cotton sleeping sac (if camping or paranoid about sleeping area. Ask me about this if interested)
Travel alarm clock
Tiny flashlight (Mini-Maglite or smaller)
Photos of family, friends, home if you would like to interact with locals
Two large zip-lock bags
Grocery sized plastic bag for laundry
Plastic-bag type poncho – the cheap/lite kind only

Gifts (small) for people you meet

Not pens, candy, money, cheap watches
Something unique, like a deck of cards with American symbols on it
Something that interests you, like bumper stickers, Farside Mug, T-shirt
Small toys for kids

For flight

Earplugs
Travel pillow
Book
Gum

What to Leave Behind

Copies of your passport, credit card, vaccination record, plane tickets, and other important documentation
Record of serial numbers of your travelers checks

Asia

Asia sticks to you. The joss sticks lit for the household shrines in Thailand impart a sweet perfume to the thick air. The heavenly aroma of Indian spices follows you for days.
This is a spiritual place infused with the gods of past and present: the ancient spirits of the land and the family, the deities of Buddhism and Hinduism and the rules of Islam. Architectural wonders and sacred spaces abound from the Great Wall of China and the temples of Angkor to lesser known marvels in Myanmar, Nepal and Afghanistan.From sublime coastlines to snow capped mountains, rolling landscapes fed by the monsoon rains and frenetic cities fizzling with energy, Asia’s landscapes are mind-boggling diverse. As are their highlights from trekking Malaysia’s steamy jungles and wildlife spotting in southern India to riding horses through the Mongolian steppes, skiing Japan’s Alps and dodging falling coconuts on of the continents many remote islands.

Then there’s the food. Tuck into fiery Indian curries, get adventurous with a local dish from a road side stall and gulp down a hearty bowl of Japanese ramen. With its colours, smells, flavours and personalities, you’ll find Asia is deliciously rewarding.

Warnings or Dangers

The danger is not for the tourist - but rather for the animal. Elephant trekking is the latest "big thing" in the area - and unfortunately this means that the market has not really settled down yet. Operators are supposed to be licenced, and many are humane and perfectly acceptable in their treatment of these beautiful beasts. Some operators are however less mindful of elephants needs and are there to pick up as much as they can from this latest 'cash cow' .

Operators change all the time - so it is difficult to give advice, but the following tips may helps (taken from www.phuket-guide.net)

1) Avoid elephant operations that allow the Mahouts (elephant keeper) to use the dreaded metal hook to control the animal. This device is cruel and unnecessary for a well trained and happy elephant, but are legal in Thailand and are frequently used.

2) The dawn to dusk regime of many elephant camps is unhealthy for the animals. Adult elephants need to graze for 8 to 10 hours a day. Elephants are forest animals and do not like being in the direct sunlight. Avoid camps that have the animals staked outside in the sun all day.

3) Elephants are nervous around automobiles, and loud noises, and they do not eat properly when in this type of environment. Many of the roadside elephant camps are offering little more than a 'photo opportunity' of you while riding atop an elephant, before it plods slowly down a well worn path for your ten minute elephant trek. If it looks like a fly-by-night operation it probably is one. Avoid the elephant camps that appear to have just opened yesterday.




Local Customs

It may not be possible to learn every Asian language just before your trip. But learning a word or two can endear your local host or warm up the local people you meet.

How about saying "Thank you" and then the local equivalent, eg "Thank you, arigato" when in Japan or "Thank you, xie xie" when in China or Taiwan.

Here is a list for you.

When in Malaysia, Brunei or Indonesia,
"Thank you, terima kasih" (third-read-mar car-say)

When in Singapore,
"Thank you, thanks lah" (adding the "lah" makes it Singlish)

When in Thailand,
"Thank you, khorb khun" (cop croon)

When in Cambodia,
"Thank you, awh khon (owl croon)

When in Vietnam,
"Thank you, cam on (come earn)

When in Hong Kong or Macao,
"Thank you, do je" (door jack)

When in China or Taiwan,
"Thank you, xie xie" (see-eh see-eh)

When in South Korea,
"Thank you, kamsa hamnida" (come-suck-harm-knee-dark)

When in Japan,
"Thank you, arigato" (are-rid-guard-toe)

When in Nepal,
"Thank you, dhanyabaad" (done-yah-but)

It does not matter if you mispronounce. It will create laughter and perhaps a conversation on how to say it right. Have fun, thank you.

Restaurants

After reading many "horror" stories of stomach upset from drinking water in Nepal, I was literally on a coke drinking diet in Katmandu. Of course, it just made me more thirsty.

At Angkor Wat , under the hot sun, you can buy two cans of coke for a US dollar sold by young children who can speak fluent English and Japanese phrases.

Coca Cola and other major American soda company have become a standard item in most Asian countries. As it is potent itself enough to "kill off" some bacteria, it is a safe drink straight from the can or bottle.

Ensuring clean and boiled water is important when visiting the more isolated parts of Asia. Ice cubes if not well prepared can be a trouble maker. So play it safe and drink coke or pepsi or kickapoo.

Europe

Every year millions of tourists prefer to visit Europe for their vacations and have a good time at the hotels and exotic locations in Europe. One of the main reasons why so many people select Europe is because of the different destinations that it has. You may find beaches, resorts, village-type chateaus, hotels, and other options that you would prefer. European vacations can be fun if you planned them correctly because otherwise you may end up seeing few places and might miss few of the other places that were on the agenda.

Before planning your European vacations you need to know the places you want to visit, once you have decided how you want to tour the Europe continent, you need to check the climate of those countries as that can really spoil your plans at a later stage when you are on your trip around Europe. Before you begin with your European vacations you need to know about the hotels and resorts which are affordable and comforting. Information about travelling within Europe and queries about hotels is easily available on various web sites. In case, if you are not internet-friendly you can simply call ahead with your European vacations and just find some nice accommodation at reasonable price and that offers you a good quality of food and drinks to make sure you enjoy your trip thoroughly.

To make sure you enjoy your European vacations you can ask the locals around for some nice locations that might not be in the travel guide book that you have. Some of the most exotic locations in Europe lie in the interior villages which are not often listed in the travel books. To make your European vacations more memorable you can travel by rail and bus to enjoy the scenic view of Europe and to keep your expenses in control too.

Europe Travel

Europe should be your travel destination this year. Before you plan your Europe travel, keep in mind the following things: map of all the European cities, cheapest local transportation facilities available, list of best hotels, places where you can experience economical meals and getting into the place.
Travel guides are a good option but never rely on them blindly.

Europe travel is not possible in one visit. We will list for you all the places, country-wise, that you should not miss if you happen to visit these particular countries in Europe. Austria has five attractions: Innsbruck, Tirolo Austriaco, Wien, Salzburg and Linz (the cultural capital of Europe in 2009). If you plan to visit England, just don’t miss out on London, Stansted and Aeroporto. The main center in France is the capital city Paris. Paris is a complete Europe travel destination in an absolute sense.

Germany visit will be incomplete without visiting Berlin, Munich and Francoforte.

Greece has several important cities like Athens (the capital city of Greece and one of the oldest cities in the world),

Spain is famous world wide, for its culture and food. Spain has many important cities like Barcelona, Madrid (capital city of Spain), Palma di, and Compostela, Maiorca and Santiago de.

Sweden visit is incomplete without Stockholm. Zurigo is the place for you in Switzerland.



Holland calls for visiting Amsterdam (largest city of Holland),

Italy is the most visited European travel destination in the entire world, it is justified with its variety and splendor. Italy has loads of cities, which you just can not afford to miss out. Some of them are Rome, Milan (second largest city of Italy and the fashion capital), Pisa (famous world wide for the bell tower), and others.

Italy requires a designated visit to be fully appreciated. Europe also offers excellent ski and winter sport vacation.

If you are fond of winter sports, then your Europe travel destination is none other than Finland. The best time to visit the country is from January to March.


European Destinations

France has also been endowed the status of being the worlds most favorite tourist destination is Paris, the Mecca of fashion. The Eiffel Tower is seen as the symbol of tourism and its impact is profound on the travel industry. A lot is already known about France, and therefore, we would be going through some of the relatively less proclaimed Europe destinations, which are just as breathtaking as Paris or the Eiffel Tower.






Apart from London, another Europe destination is the UK. Known for its cultural significance, architectural marvel, with most of its architecture revolving around the Georgian era- definitely one of the must visit Europe destinations.