How to Behave when on Holiday Abroad

For most people a guide of how to behave when abroad is not necessary, respect for local customs that are different to the ones you are used to at home is natural and acceptance of other ways of life is part of your own.

For others, however, this is not the case. Unfortunately for me, many of the worst offenders are fellow Brits who have a reputation around Europe and even further a field as being drunken, boorish louts. For those of you who need it, here is a guide to behaving when on holiday.

One of, if not the main reason for Brits getting into trouble abroad and bringing the entire nation into disrepute is alcohol. Everyone likes to enjoy themselves while on holiday and for many people this will mean a drink or two. Some Brits, however, seem to believe the enjoyment will come only after the 15th drink and by then they are starting to vomit. I personally see the blame for this in the macho competitive drinking culture which sees alcohol as a challenge and means to prove your superiority rather than a social lubricant. I also realise this is unlikely to change because of this blog post but hope springs eternal.

Readers of both sexes should note that exposing yourselves is never appropriate at home or abroad. There seem to be two varieties of this phenomenon. The first involves men wearing adequate clothing but then removing it and women who aren’t wearing enough to begin with. Tourists should note that if they covered themselves a bit more then less of their skin would turn that violent pink looking colour after exposure to the sun.

Respect for local cultures is another major failing. This can mean so many small but thoughtful acts that demonstrate that visitors are recognising and accepting the prevailing local culture. Most people know that in the Middle East it would be disrespectful to fail to cover up, but this is true of many Catholic countries in Europe as well. There was a case recently of a group of 17 British men who were arrested in Crete for insulting religious symbols since they were all dressed as nuns.

The British attitude to foreign cultures extends to food in ways which are at once bizarre and depressing. While on holiday it is acceptable I suppose to once in a while feel like eating a meal that reminds you of home. However, refusing to eat anything but British food and shunning the local delicacies is narrow-minded and rude. Considering the reputation British food has abroad it is also a source of amazement for the same shop and restaurant owners who are happy to over-charge for the imported swill.

Photo of stag party in Berlin, Germany, by das sabrinchen

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About the author

Will Joce is a recent graduate from the London School of Economics who has a morbid fear of working in an office. As well as travelling and writing he has worked in the UK Parliament and as a press monitor. Refusing to follow advice and get a real job he will soon be beginning a Masters degree at St Petersburg State University