We’ve all been there: hovering by a doorway in Japan, unsure of whether or not to take off our shoes, and hey, am I supposed to put on those sandals? Or eating in Udaipur—is it the right hand that I shouldn’t use, or the left? At best, a culture’s unspoken rules can be confusing and at times, embarrassing. At worst, missteps in the etiquette realm can be gravely insulting—to a host, a waiter, or even just someone you pass on the street.
Sometimes, sparing ourselves this awkward run-in while traveling is why we do what makes us more comfortable in the first place, regardless of how it may be perceived, and regardless of the fact that we are the ones who should be acclimating to a country—and not, in some strange way, the other way around. It means we don’t barter in the souk because we aren’t quite sure how much to protest a price. We always tip in Shanghai—because a little more money never hurt anyone, right? We don’t learn how to order un cafecito in Little Havana the right way; they’ll understand what we mean if we point—and hey, they have Starbucks nearby, anyway. It’s easier to be safer than sorry, and usually more comfortable in that cushy realm of things we already know. But that’s not why you’re traveling. To be comfortable.
Etiquette, to be sure, can be hard to parse. After all, what’s polite in one place may be considered rude in another. But if traveling, in large part, is about new experiences and getting outside of that very comfort zone, then it pays to think of etiquette as your on-the-ground passport—knowledge that enables you to move freely between cultures, and that gets a little fuller the more you use it. Consider this your primer. —Katherine LaGrave
Food Etiquette
A Guide to Eating with Your Hands Around the World
Let's dig in.
12 Street Food Rules You Don't Know You're Breaking in Asia
Experts from a dozen countries around the continent weigh in.
How to Eat Sushi Without Embarrassing Yourself
Step one? Master chopsticks.
The Right Way to Order a Hot Dog In Iceland
The unofficial national food? A hot dog.
How to Drink Coffee in Italy Like a Local
You can't leave Italy without trying a traditional cup of coffee. Plus: how to order, how to drink it, and when to tip.
How to Eat Oysters the Right Way
Chef Nico Romo schools us on how to eat oysters.
The One Dish to Eat in Seoul, South Korea
Before heading out, it helps to know a few rules about ordering, cooking, and eating gogigui.
The One Dish You Shouldn't Order in RomeWhen it comes to dining in Rome, there's a pasta dish to avoid—unless you know the one place to try it.
4 Wine-Drinking Rules You Didn't Know You Were BreakingA new book sets out to debunk common wine myths.
Social Etiquette
The Unwritten Rules of Driving in Italy
How to make that dream of an Italian road trip a reality.
A Guide to Kissing Etiquette Around the World
The origin of the cheek-to-cheek kiss greeting, and how to avoid a social faux pas no matter where you are.
Onsen Etiquette 101: What You Need to Know About Japan's Public Baths
A guide to the Japanese tradition's strict rules.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Going to a Nude Beach
Nude beaches have their own code of conduct—but no clothes doesn't mean no rules.
Global Etiquette Rules: Why You Should Take Your Shoes Off in Japan
How to practice good manners around the world.
5 Common Mistakes Travelers Make in Singapore
Here's how to avoid them.
5 Common Mistakes Travelers Make in Dubai
Here are five guidelines to follow while in Dubai and get the most out of your U.A.E. experience.
City Etiquette
The Essential Things to Know Before You Visit Mexico City
The Essential Things to Know Before You Visit Hong Kong
10 Best Things to Do in Paris (And What Not to Do)
The Essential Things to Know Before You Visit New York City
The Essential Things to Know Before You Visit Nashville
The Essential Things to Know Before You Visit Rome
The Essential Things to Know Before You Visit Chicago
The Essential Things to Know Before You Visit Tokyo
The Essential Things to Know Before You Visit Las Vegas
The Essential Things to Know Before You Visit New Orleans
The Essential Things to Know Before You Visit London
The Essential Things to Know Before You Visit Barcelona
Fashion Etiquette
What to Wear in Morocco
The cute outfit ideas you want and the kind of "huh, I never would have thought about that" tips you need.
What to Pack for an Italian Summer
We came up with packing lists for some of the country's most gorgeous hotels—from a party-ready look perfect for Lake Garda to a Porto Ercole poolside ensemble.
What to Pack for Europe: Outfits for Rome, Paris, Lisbon and Beyond
Look like a local in six of Europe's greatest cities.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Seoul, South Korea
Here, everything from the best pair of sneakers to wear while pounding the city pavement to the K-beauty you can’t head home without.
How to Dress like a French Woman
The next time you're in Paris, leave your miniskirts and heels at home. Pack simple and chic basics, and you'll fit in with the stylish Parisian locals in no time.