Travel Tips

Irish people are a fairly easy going bunch and as a nation, there’s not a whole lot that makes our collective blood boil (apart from Thierry Henry’s left hand of course). Off the bat, there are a few things I can think of. For instance, referring to us as British or from the UK or believing that those twee Hollywood movies reflect actual life in Ireland cause particular annoyance amongst my fellow countrymen (well, me anyway).

These commonly held misconceptions about our own country show how ignorant it is to make assumptions about a particular place based on lazy stereotypes. Being ignorant of another country’s customs and etiquette will only be frowned upon most of the time but in some extreme cases can land you in serious trouble.

In an attempt to save you embarrassment and possible danger, here is JOE’s guide to which customs to avoid when travelling to some particular destinations.

Muslim Countries

Overzealous displays of public affection can be very annoying at the best of times, but in countries where Islam is the main religion, something as harmless as cuddling or holding hands may be enough to get you in trouble with the law.

Treatment of the ladies remains a bit behind the times in these places and all women, visitors included, are required to cover up, including putting a scarf on to cover the head. Certain eating and drinking practises also exist in Muslim countries, so be sure to be particularly aware of these during Ramadan, a month of fasting and abstinence in the Muslim calendar.

Fiji

Many villages in Fiji don’t let every ordinary Joe pass through their gates, some traditional ones require permission to be granted by the head honcho - the village chief, so be sure to check in advance. If it is granted, however, you will often be the subject of a traditional welcoming ceremony, where you will have a chance to have a chat with the big fella in person.

Iran

Don’t try and immerse yourself with the locals by giving them the thumbs up all round; it is considered an offensive gesture in Iran, comparable with the use of the middle finger in western culture.

Japan

JOE wouldn’t be the biggest fan of wearing purple for any occasion, but if you’re off to Japan, leave all your fruity garments at home. It is illegal to wear purple there unless you are mourning the loss of a loved one.

Egypt

The Egyptians are a hospitable bunch and it is common to be offered coffee or tea wherever you go. Whether or not you’re in the mood for it isn’t important, it is best to accept the offer as declining it is seen as a rejection of the person offering it to you.

Thailand

The royal family is sacred in a number of countries but none more so than in Thailand where they, especially the King, enjoy reverential status. ‘Lese Majeste’, the crime of offence against the majesty is taken very seriously and any remark or gesture deemed sufficiently offensive can be punished by imprisonment of up to 15 years. Best to avoid talking about them at all I think you’ll agree.

England

And finally, a little closer to home, if you happen to be from Scotland and are a keen archer, stay away from the English city of York. It remains perfectly legal to kill a Scotsman within the ancient city walls as long as he is carrying a bow and arrow...unless it’s a Sunday.