Different countries have varying customs, from their dress code, how they eat to their body language. Getting these customs wrong can be very offensive to locals, which certainly will not make you any friends on holidays.

The way you dress on holiday is very important. Many countries are used to tourist and how they dress, so it is not necessary to wear a Sari in India or a yashmak in Tunisia. But you still need to be sensitive to the customs of the country you are visiting. In some countries it is unacceptable to wear shorts or a bikini in the streets, so it is a good idead to notice what is clearly accpeted by everyone. For example, if everyone is wearing shorts then it is clearly O.K, but if no one is revealing their legs - cover them up.

Food is another area that can cause problems. There are many countries particularly those in the Far East, that enjoy a different kind of cuisine. For example, they may eat meat that we consider highly inappropriate or even offensive. When travelling to such a country as this it is important that you remember you are their guest and should not offend anyone for doing something they regard as perfectly normal in their country.

Gestures and body language can also vary from country to country. Giving the thumbs up in Saudi Arabia won’t go down too well, no matter how pleased you are with someone - it’s pretty much like giving someone two fingers in Britain. Pointing used to be thought of as rude in Britain and still is within many countries, especially pointing with the index finger. Decsions can also get very confusing if you nod your head at people in Greece, Turkey or Bulgaria, as to some this actually means no.

Did you know?

- In Barbados, it’s illegal for anyone, to dress in camouflage clothing.

- In Fiji, and the Maldives, topless bathing and nudity is forbidden.

- In Saudi Arabia, it is illegal for women to drive.

- In Japan there is a strict anti-stimulant drugs law, which includes inhalers.

If you are unsure of anything check with the local embassy before you travel, or avoid using that gesture or wearing those shorts!

Another important tip is to learn some phrases of the local language. By showing that you’ve made some effort can go a long way towards better relations with people overseas. Think how you might react if someone from another country was pointing and shouting at you in a language you didn’t understand. Many people, regardless of which country they are from, are normally friendly and welcoming as long as they’re given the right signals.

Make sure you do some research before you go, learn some phrases and enjoy the differences in culture when you get there, and if you cannot travel without causing conflict, don’t go.

Know the local culture before you get there …

Don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s just America that has some strange laws. In Italy, it’s an offence to not have a smile on your face while in the city of Milan, unless you’re visiting someone in hospital or attending a funeral!

Now fair enough, many of these laws should be taken with a large pinch of salt, but there is a serious message here. Other countries have different laws to our own and when we travel abroad such laws must be respected, regardless of how strange they may seem.

Know before you go

The “Know before you go” campaign encourages people to do some research before they travel to any foreign country, not just the more obscure destinations. Most good travel guides include information on local laws and the Internet can be a useful resource, provided you visit the right sites - try official tourist information sites first.

You should also check the FCO website. Visit www.fco.gov.uk for full information on the country you are visiting.