Customs & Culture

If you have a reservation with us, you can find detailed information about your tour destination(s), including information about customs and culture, in the General Information document on your My Odyssey portal. You may also wish to search our blog for posts that are relevant to your tour. Below is some general advice for when you are traveling abroad.

It’s amazing how easy it is to forget the name and address of your hotel – so pick up a card or matchbook at the front desk and carry it with you when you go out.

In Muslim countries, for example, it is inappropriate for women to show their bare shoulders in public and disrespectful for non-Muslims to drink alcohol in public during Ramadan.  Some Buddhist countries require that your legs be covered and your shoes be taken off when entering sacred temples.  In Thailand, it is considered rude to touch a child on the head.  The more you learn about the customs of the country you’re visiting, the more courteous – and welcome – you will be as a traveler.  It is also helpful (and always appreciated) to learn a few words of the language spoken where you will be traveling, such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and you’re welcome.

In some cultures, the act of photography is believed to steal the soul of the person whose picture is being taken.  And no one anywhere wishes to be perceived simply as an exotic subject for your camera.  So it is always best and most respectful to ask permission before taking pictures of people, whether at home or abroad.  Even if you don’t speak the language, just pointing at your camera and smiling will get your point across.  Sharing a few photos with your subjects on your digital camera or mobile phone is a great cultural icebreaker.  And don’t be surprised if some children (and sometimes adults) want a small tip or gift for allowing you to take their photo.

While you would never consider bargaining at your local department store, it’s a way of life in many markets and bazaars around the world.  A good rule of thumb is not to buy unless you know the fair price of an item.  You can find this out by looking in stores or by asking your tour director or hotel staff.  Once you have a fair price in mind, you can then bargain fairly and effectively.  Then, once you and the vendor agree on a price, you should complete the transaction by actually purchasing the item (i.e., if you are not serious about making a purchase, don’t engage in the bargaining in the first place).  In general, your opening offer should be around half of the price that the vendor first states.

Conversions

Some common measurements you may encounter on tour: