The vast differences between Islam and other religions make cultural traditions and common taboos in Muslim countries, baffling. Here are just a few things that you’ll have to watch out for to make the most of your vacation.

1. Dress Right

Islamic places of worship are ostentatious, and spectacular pieces of architecture with intricate detailing, and lavish treatments. On a visit to a mosque or shrine, women are expected to cover their heads at all times, when inside the building. Avoid strappy clothes, shorts, and tight tops. Guys too, would be better off covering up bare knees. Remove your footwear, and leave them outside the mosque complex. Once inside, speak in soft voices – even if you don’t see hordes of people praying, you might still disturb the peace. Even outside of a religious structure, maintain decorum in your attire. You don’t have to be veiled from head to toe, but remember that in some countries, the only women who are dressed a “certain way” are hookers.

2. Avoid Over Familiarity

Islam maintains a strict segregation of the sexes, and roles for both genders in relation to each other are clearly defined. If you’re a girl, remember what seems like friendliness to you could be misconstrued as an interest in taking things further by the other person. Avoid eye contact with strangers. If you’re a guy, remember, the religion places great importance on the honor of women. Keep a respectful distance from the ladies, and all should be well.

3. Avoid Proselytizing

In Egypt, proselytism is a crime that can lead to a fine and deportation. Whatever you think about Islam, keep your views to yourself.

4. Avoid Taking Pictures Randomly

Don’t just point your camera, and shoot people you find interesting. Islam doesn’t permit the representation of people and animals in pictures. You might offend without meaning to. Also, ask for permission if you want to take pictures inside a mosque or religious shrine.

Picture of Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, Morocco originally posted by Mtl Shag

India is not an easy country to do, if you’re visiting for the first time. In fact, you should probably “ease” into the country after visiting a couple of other Asian destinations first, to lessen the culture shock that assaults visitors as soon as they land.

You’ll never be able to say your trip to India was boring, but here are a few tips to keep in mind, so your holiday doesn’t get too exciting to handle!

• Clothing

India is a hot country for the most part, except during the time from November to January when some parts of the country, particularly the North, experience chilly winters. Women should avoid long, flowing dresses that can drag on the ground – the roads leave a lot to be desired – and too skimpy attire. Indian women are modest in their clothing, and your Daisy Dukes and a Tee combo will elicit more stares than you need.

• Packing

Bring most of your personal products, and other essentials. Most international brands are now available in India, but you might find your neighborhood supermarket doesn’t store the brand you use. Ditto for medication and first aid supplies. Pack plenty of insect repellent and sun block – most of the touristy areas are unbearably hot.

• Food and Drink

Always drink only bottled water, and stock your bag with a few extra bottles when you’re out for the day sightseeing, or heading to a remote village. If you’re in a large group or intend to stay in a place for a while, buy larger 10,15, or 20 liter canisters, and refill your bottles as you go along.

Avoid fresh fruit juices from roadside eateries. In fact, avoid roadside stalls altogether. The taste may be divine, and the flavors mouthwatering, but unfortunately, the hygiene and sanitary conditions take a hit. Stick to high quality restaurants. I don’t mean you should eat only in five star joints, but reasonably high quality places that aren’t teeming with flies and have a clean look about the surroundings, should do fine.

Avoid salads, and fresh fruit that’s been pre cut. Avoid Western food in a restaurant that serves mainly Indian food – chances are the food might not be as fresh, because it’s not as popular with the locals. If you want a taste of home, head to a five star hotel or any one of the pizza and fast food joints cropping up all over the country.

• Beggars

If there’s one thing that will jump out at you the moment you land in one of the metro cities, it’s the beggars. Most beggars here are professionals, and belong to a beggar mafia. Those horrible disfigurements and amputated limbs? Chances are high that those were actually done on purpose, so the beggar could garner more loose change. Ignore them, or handover a single rupee if you have to; not more. Be generous, and you risk having an entire gaggle of beggars surrounding you, clamoring for more!

Photo of Indian market originally posted by Meanest Indian

While visiting a place of worship, it’s always necessary to find out whether the place in question is still being used for religious services. If yes, then that place ceases to become a tourist attraction, and needs to be treated with respect.

Dressing Up

Dressing rules may be slightly more relaxed when you visit a church than when you step inside a mosque or Buddhist temple, but a fair amount of decorum would not be amiss. Girls, leave the plunging neckline tops, mini skirts and shorts for a trip to an exotic spice bazaar, or to people watch at the beach. Guys should take care to not leave their knees uncovered. Remember, it may look like a beautiful structure with gorgeous statuary and stained glass ceilings, but it is a place held in reverence by some of your fellow human beings.

Taking pictures

It might be tempting to collect a few shots of the lavishly dressed goddesses in a temple, but always inquire if photography is allowed inside the building. Respect the sanctity of the place. Don’t take pictures of yourselves and your friends posing jauntily beside a statue or next to the altar– worshipers will consider it rude.

Conducting Yourself

Admiring a Buddhist temple in Bangkok? Make sure that you sit on the floor in reverence, with your feet pointing away from the altar. A mosque will always have a small niche in one wall, which points towards Mecca. Pointing your feet in that direction is extremely disrespectful. Some Hindu temples will not allow foreigners into the sanctum sanctorum – don’t argue, or try to sneak your way into the queue.

Be Respectful of Traditions

When your guide points out rituals that are taking place or explains the intricacies of certain practices, listen patiently. Don’t mock them. Even if you’re an atheist, respect that the people in the building are people of faith who take their beliefs seriously.

Ultimately, behaving yourself in a place of worship comes down to one thing – acknowledging, no matter what your religious orientation, that these buildings are very special to some people, and therefore treating it with the utmost respect.

Photo of Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand by Mascha

Depending on how prepared you are, your holiday could turn into a challenge that leaves you in tears, or the fun filled one that sweet memories are made of. A big part of how prepared you are has to do with packing the right gear.

Here’s what your travel bag absolutely must contain:

Clothing

Pack for the weather at your destination. It won’t hurt to take along an extra jacket or two, and you can never pack too many pairs of underwear or pajamas. If you’re heading to a cold destination, take along woolen caps, a stack of sweaters, woolen socks, jackets and an extra blanket. If the weather is going to be sunny, add hats and sunglasses to the list.

First Aid Box

A first aid box is an absolute must, and doesn’t have to be an elaborate production. A simple, easy to open, sturdy plastic box will do just fine. An emergency first aid kit must contain the following:

• Cold medication
• Anti histamines
• Adhesive bandages
• Sterile gauze
• Mild pain relieving sprays and gels
• Analgesics
• Anti nausea and anti diarrhea medication
• Disposable cold packs
• Anti bacterial creams for topical application
• Anti bacterial hand wipes
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Safety pins
• Sun screen
• Insect repellent
• Calamine lotion

Use sandwich bags or zip locked bags to compartmentalize all items in your box, and label each bag.

Travel Gear

Depending on whether you’re traveling by road, rail or air, you’ll need to take games and toys along to keep your kids entertained during the drive or flight. A favorite book or doll will do just fine. For babies, remember to take along a toy that’s bright and makes a little noise to keep him pre occupied. If on the road, take some snacks and juices along for the ride.

Baby Gear

Traveling with a baby is the most challenging of all. You’ll need lots of diapers, changing pads, baby wipes, and diaper rash cream. Trash bags and zip lock bags can be used to hold soiled clothes. Don’t forget feeding bottles, plenty of nipples, a pacifier, bibs, and stacks of soft napkins. If your child is on formula, take along a bottle sanitizer, beside tins of formula and bottled water, feeding bowl with a lid and a spoon.

Traveling out of town with kids is a great way to expand their horizons, and broaden their experiences. Just make sure you’re perfectly outfitted for the journey!

When planning your family holiday, check out venere.com for a kid-friendly hotel.