To avoid becoming a globe-trotter with the manners of a globetrottel, it is worth familiarising yourself with the unwritten rules of travel etiquette before setting off. The following sections explore typical travel situations—from airplanes, hotels and public transport to restaurants—and show how politeness and cultural awareness can help you make a good impression anywhere in the world.
Interpersonal Etiquette While Travelling
On the Plane: Courtesy in Close Quarters
Few places bring people into such close proximity as an airplane. A friendly greeting to the person sitting next to you can still raise the tone on board—even if your fellow passenger responds by silently retreating into a book.
After that, mutual tact is essential. Whether someone is in the mood for conversation can usually be gauged from their facial expression and body language. If your neighbour insists on talking nonstop, a polite “I don’t want to be rude, but I’d like to read/rest now” can be an effective and gracious way to rein in a chatterbox.
Conversely, you should also pay attention to subtle signals. In some cultures—such as the United States—making small talk with strangers and cheerfully asking “How are you?” is perfectly natural. The expected answer is usually “Great!”, regardless of how you actually feel. Other passengers, however, may regard silence as a sign of respect. Sensitivity is therefore essential if you want to avoid imposing on anyone.
A quiet voice is appropriate in every language. Even on the loudest jet, there is no reason to raise your voice. Conversations and requests directed at the crew should be kept discreet. Considerate passengers wear headphones if they fall asleep rather than treating the entire aircraft to their snoring, and they glance behind them before reclining their seat.
Other common annoyances are easily avoided too. Nobody appreciates the traveller who selfishly fills the entire overhead locker, constantly drums against the seat in front or claims both armrests. It is also considerate to keep personal belongings within your own space and to avoid blocking the aisle when boarding or leaving the aircraft.
In short, in the flying tin can, good manners are the best travel companion. Further practical advice on being a considerate passenger can be found in this English-language travel etiquette guide.lonelyplanet
Public Transport: Consideration and Local Customs
Whether you are taking the underground, a local bus or a tram, cultural diversity is also evident in social interaction at your destination. The accepted level of noise and behaviour on public transport can vary dramatically.
In Tokyo, for example, rush-hour trains are often almost reverentially quiet. Mobile phones are set to “manner mode”—silent—and making calls on the train is generally avoided. Conversations, if there are any, tend to be subdued. Travellers can find further practical information in this guide to Japanese etiquette on public transport.jrailpass
Southern Europe is different. In Spain, for instance, people are generally more tolerant of noise and animated conversation. A southern Spanish city bus at hora punta—rush hour—can sound more like a busy café, and nobody takes offence.
As a guest, the best approach is to adapt discreetly to local behaviour, including the volume of conversations and the way people queue. In London and Vienna, passengers patiently form lines at stops; in other countries, boarding may be less orderly. In such situations, avoid complaining or pushing and remain calm.
One rule applies everywhere: consideration for fellow passengers comes first. Give up your seat without hesitation to older people, passengers with disabilities or pregnant women. In many countries, this is not merely an empty courtesy but a social obligation.
In Japan, designated priority seats are often deliberately left vacant and are given up immediately when someone who needs one appears. It also helps to know local customs. In Bangkok, for example, people stand silently in railway stations at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. when the national anthem is played. Local practices should always be observed respectfully and in context.
By paying attention—whether you let everyone off the bus before boarding in Mexico, avoid loud phone calls in Tokyo or stand on the right-hand side of the escalator in London—you show respect for your hosts’ customs. That, in turn, often opens the door to a friendly smile.
For a broader overview of customs such as queuing, greetings and public behaviour, see this guide to British manners and etiquette.insightvacations
At the Hotel: Respect for Staff and Fellow Guests
Hotels are international meeting places, which makes cosmopolitan manners especially important. Courtesy towards hotel staff should go without saying.
In some countries, interactions are highly formal. In Asia, guests are often welcomed with discreet reserve and a bow, while in the United States the tone is more relaxed. People may quickly switch to first names and exchange a few warm words. Whatever the style, every front-desk team appreciates a friendly smile and a few words in the local language.
A “Bonjour, Madame” in Paris or “こんにちは” (kon’nichiwa) in Tokyo can work wonders. When raising a concern, remain calm and respectful. Particularly in cultures where preserving face is important, loud complaints are unlikely to get you very far. A problem presented calmly can usually be resolved more easily and without embarrassing anyone.
As a hotel guest, you should also observe cultural details such as shoe etiquette. In many Asian homes and traditional accommodation establishments—including those in Japan and Korea—outdoor shoes are removed at the entrance. Even in guesthouses and traditional ryokans, slippers may be required. Western visitors can easily put their foot in it if they forget to change shoes before entering a tea room or walking across certain areas of a room.
Tipping is another sensitive subject. Customs vary considerably from one country to another, so travellers should check local guidance rather than rely on a universal percentage. The BBC’s overview of tipping customs around the world explains, for example, that service compris in France means that service is already included in the bill.bbc
In the United States, housekeeping staff and porters may depend substantially on tips. In other countries, including Japan, tipping is generally not customary and may even create an awkward situation. A recent DW article on tipping in Japan explains why most Japanese people still do not expect gratuities.dw
If tipping is appropriate, it is usually better to hand the money directly to the person you wish to thank or leave it discreetly in the designated place. In all cases, check the customs of your destination before travelling.
Finally, remember your fellow guests. Slamming doors in the corridor at night or conducting loud conversations in the hotel lobby at midnight is considered inconsiderate almost everywhere. Anyone who quietly makes their way to their room after a sociable evening at the bar demonstrates genuine consideration.
In the Restaurant: Food Culture and Table Manners Worldwide
Cultural differences often become particularly apparent at the table. Table manners and eating habits vary considerably, so travellers are well advised to do some research before visiting a restaurant for the first time.
This English-language guide to dining etiquette in Paris provides useful background on French table manners.secretsofparis
In France, table manners can be fairly formal. Chicken legs and apples for dessert are traditionally eaten with a knife and fork rather than with the fingers. Crossing your legs under the table or leaning back too casually may also be regarded as inelegant.
Payment can be equally revealing. Anyone who insists on splitting the bill down to the last cent may receive raised eyebrows. Often, one person pays for the group, or the total is divided evenly. In France, service is included in the bill. A small additional amount may be left to show appreciation for particularly good service, but a large mandatory-style tip is not expected.bbc
The tipping culture in the United States is very different. A substantial percentage is traditionally expected in many full-service restaurants, although suggested amounts and payment practices vary. Service workers often rely heavily on tips, so leaving only a very small amount can be perceived as insulting.
In parts of Asia—including Japan and China—tipping is generally not customary, although practices may differ between tourist areas and international restaurants. In Japan, unsolicited tips may even be politely returned. Travellers looking for more information about local food culture can consult our guides to China, India and Thailand.
Cultural sensitivity is also required when it comes to eating sounds and table customs. What one person considers good manners may horrify someone else. In China, audible eating sounds may traditionally be interpreted as a sign that the food is enjoyable, although expectations vary between households and restaurants. In most Western countries, however, such noises are likely to irritate fellow diners.
The same applies to slurping. In Japan, enthusiastically slurping noodle soup is widely accepted and can help cool the noodles, whereas in England or Germany diners generally try to eat more quietly.
The way people use their hands while eating is also governed by cultural codes. In India, Arab countries and many parts of Africa, eating with the right hand is traditional in some settings. The left hand may be regarded as unclean and is therefore kept away from food.
Western visitors may feel awkward when sharing food from a tagine in a Moroccan tea house. Conversely, local diners may regard it as offensive if an uninformed guest reaches in with the “wrong” hand. What should a visitor do? Observe how the locals behave and follow their example.
If you are unfamiliar with chopsticks, making a small mess in China is hardly a disaster—but never stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. They resemble incense sticks at an altar and are therefore associated with funerals and bad luck. Lonely Planet also highlights this custom in its guide to international travel etiquette.lonelyplanet
In general, modesty and powers of observation will take you a long way. In most cultures, guests are appreciated when they remain open-minded and try something new. Even if you struggle with fugu or chicken feet, it is better not to express disgust dramatically.
In Japan, for example, people may remain politely composed even when they do not enjoy a dish. And if something really does not agree with you, remember that blowing your nose at the table is considered embarrassing in many countries, including the United States; restrooms are provided for that purpose.
Details like these show that eating is far more than simply taking in food. It is a social ritual. Respect the local rules, and you are likely to win the sympathy of your fellow diners.
Meeting Local People
Greetings, Gestures and Conversation
First impressions matter, especially when meeting local people in your destination country. Greetings are a subject in their own right. Should you shake hands or bow? Exchange a kiss on each cheek or simply offer a polite nod? The possibilities are numerous, and mistakes can be difficult to undo.
A famous example is the “bow-shake” associated with former US President Barack Obama. During his first official visit to Japan in 2009, he attempted to shake hands and bow at the same time—a well-intentioned but awkward combination that the Emperor politely overlooked.
Travellers can avoid such pitfalls by learning about local greeting rituals or, when in doubt, allowing their host to take the lead. In France, one normally says Bonjour, Madame or Bonjour, Monsieur during the day, and Bonsoir in the evening. Without this polite form of address, a greeting may sound abrupt or rude.
It is also common in France to greet close acquaintances with two—and in some regions three or four—light kisses on the cheeks. With strangers, however, a handshake is usually the more appropriate first greeting, and it should be gentle. A bone-crushing handshake, sometimes stereotypically associated with Germans, rarely creates a good impression abroad.
Physical contact is often more restrained in Asia. In China, for example, handshakes may be softer than in Europe, while in Japan a slight bow often replaces a handshake altogether. If you are unsure, follow the other person’s lead rather than initiating an unfamiliar gesture.
While people in Southern Europe and Latin America tend to welcome more physical contact and closeness, people in Northern and East Asia generally maintain more distance. An overly forceful approach may make a Japanese person uncomfortable; respect is more likely to be expressed through formality and restraint.
Personal space is defined differently across cultures. Americans, for instance, may prefer a larger comfortable distance. In Arab and African cultures, by contrast, people may stand noticeably closer together during a conversation without feeling intruded upon. Finding the right balance—neither shrinking away nor becoming too familiar—is part of intercultural empathy.
Non-verbal signals and gestures are another potential minefield. Many things we do instinctively can mean something entirely different abroad. The thumbs-up and the OK sign are classic examples, so use them sparingly. Depending on the country and context, they may be offensive or obscene. An English-language overview of international gestures illustrates how differently familiar hand signals can be interpreted around the world.oncallinternational
The same applies to apparently neutral postures. Folded arms may be perceived as dismissive in some Arab countries. In many Asian cultures, you should avoid pointing your feet at other people, since the soles are considered disrespectful. In Thailand, for example, you should never stop a banknote with your foot, as it bears the image of the king.
Facial expressions and eye contact are culturally shaped as well. The broad, constant smile often associated with American salespeople or Thai hosts may seem unusual in Central Europe or Japan. In Paris, an overly enthusiastic smile directed at complete strangers may even be dismissed as “American” and pas du tout chic.
Conversely, many Asians interpret intense staring as aggressive or impolite, whereas Germans, for example, tend to appreciate direct eye contact. The safest approach is to remain friendly but restrained until you have worked out the local dos and don’ts.
Cultural sensitivity is also useful when choosing conversation topics and adapting your communication style. Small talk functions as social lubricant almost everywhere, but what people discuss—and what they avoid—varies.
In the United States, it is generally wise to avoid controversial subjects such as politics and religion during initial encounters. An experienced flight-etiquette guide would offer the same advice: You may have to sit next to the person for several more hours.
In many parts of Asia, communication is more indirect and polite. Criticism may be expressed obliquely to avoid embarrassing anyone. Publicly correcting or loudly reprimanding someone can cause serious loss of face and may be difficult to repair. Gentle wording and an emphasis on harmony are usually more effective.
A European traveller dealing with a service problem in Japan, for instance, will generally achieve more with a calm and respectful tone than with an aggressive one. General advice on greetings, dress, gestures and communication is available in this international cultural etiquette guide.remitly
Hospitality is highly valued in many parts of the world. If you are invited into someone’s home, it helps to understand the relevant courtesies. In parts of the Arab world, guests may politely decline further coffee after several cups, although the exact custom varies by country and household.
Women and men travelling in conservative societies should also pay particular attention to local clothing expectations. Revealing outfits—such as uncovered shoulders, short skirts or bare legs—can send unintended signals in some destinations. Loose-fitting clothing and a scarf covering the shoulders are often respectful and comfortable choices, but travellers should always check current local guidance before departure.
Ultimately, direct contact with local people teaches travellers one important lesson: Although politeness has the same foundation everywhere—respect for the other person—its outward forms are remarkably diverse. Those who embrace this diversity and keep their eyes and hearts open are often rewarded with genuine encounters.
Travelling with Others
Tolerance and Tact
Local people are not the only ones you will encounter on your travels. Fellow travellers may come from every corner of the world, whether in an international backpacker hostel or on a guided tour. Different attitudes and expectations meet at close quarters, making compromise and consideration essential.
Attitudes to time are a classic example. German holidaymakers may wait at the bus stop with clockwork precision, while in other cultures a delay of half an hour can be considered perfectly normal.
A South American tour group might officially depart at 9 a.m., yet someone arriving at 9:30 may still be regarded as “on time”. In Brazil and other parts of Latin America, such flexible timing may be socially accepted. A Swiss or Swedish traveller on the same bus, meanwhile, may be anxiously checking the time: In Northern Europe, punctuality generally means arriving five minutes early.
These differences should not be taken personally. Respect each other’s expectations and address potential misunderstandings openly. The tour leader, for example, should make clear whether a 9 a.m. departure means precisely 9 a.m. or something more flexible.
The same applies to group dynamics. Some people want to celebrate late into the night, while others need peace and quiet. Tolerance is the key. In a shared dormitory, move the party outside or continue it in the hostel’s common room rather than disturbing people who are sleeping.
Cleanliness and order can also become sources of conflict, since expectations differ from one culture to another. Communication is a simple way to prevent friction. Politely ask your roommate whether they mind if you turn on the light early; they will appreciate your consideration.
Conversely, be generous when another family in your train compartment takes out sandwiches and offers to share them. In many cultures, this is an expression of warmth, not an intrusion.
Finally, here is one tip that applies to every nationality: Never gossip about people in your own language while assuming they cannot understand you. The world is small, and linguistic ability is more widespread than you might think. Many German holidaymakers have been surprised when their supposedly “secret” complaints or swearing abroad were understood immediately.
Save criticism for private conversations—or practise cosmopolitan composure and learn to take minor cultural differences with a sense of humour.
Courtesy Is Universal
Good manners while travelling do not mean rigidly memorising every local rule. They are primarily about respect, awareness and empathy.
An open-minded traveller quickly develops a sense of what is appropriate—whether that means showering thoroughly before entering a Japanese onsen, giving a waiter in New York a sincere compliment along with a tip, or avoiding public displays of affection in Dubai.
Customs may vary widely, but the underlying principle remains the same: kindness, consideration and a smile—at the right moment—are the universal language of courtesy. Travellers who understand that language can build bridges between cultures and make every journey a little more pleasant for everyone involved.