When was the last time you went on a vacation? Let us remind you that travelling to Rishikesh, Kasol, Nainital doesn’t count for a vacation here. When was the last time you travelled abroad for a vacation? Which country did you go to and what was the experience like? Wherever you go, we make sure to pack all the necessary items. To some of us, packing for a vacation is exciting but for some, it is a real pain in the ass. While planning an abroad trip, we tend to make a checklist of essentials, to-do list, places to visit and cuisines to try. Behind all this adrenaline, we forget to read the internet. We forget the fact that we’re travelling to a different country that doesn’t come out to be as we expect it to be. Each country has certain rules, traditions and culture; and we must ensure not to disobey them. Well, don’t stress it out. We’ve made a list for you to check out starting with our very own:

India

In case you’re new in this country or are travelling for summer vacation, here are some life-saving points to always keep in mind to make sure you don’t offend anyone:

• Never enter any religious place or homes wearing slippers or shoes. Provided that someone has asked you not to remove shoes, you must take off your shoes prior to entering the host’s home. However, some people do wear slippers/shoes inside of their homes but those are sole to be worn inside. There are separate slippers for the bathroom too.
• Indian refrain from showing love and affection in a public place and expect the same from others as well. This is something that India is yet to adapt & adjust to. Doing so can even land you up in a prison. We’re pretty sure you don’t want to end up being mocked.
• India is a diverse land of people, traditions, culture, languages and food. Speaking of food, eating beef is still considered a taboo as a cow is worshipped in Hinduism. In many parts of India, slaughtering of a cow is illegal and if you’re involved, you may become a victim to mob lynching.
• Indian pay too attention to what they wear. Wearing short or too revealing clothes is not widely accepted here as it is in other western countries. Covering your body parts such as chest, legs and thighs will get you to respect by dressing conservatively.
• Do not eat using your left hand. Left hand in India is considered to be dirty as it is associated with using the washroom.
• You should refrain from pointing fingers at someone as it is considered to be offensive. On the other hand, touching the feet of elder people by bending down is considered a sign of respect.
• Holding hands with the same gender is not gay. You’ll widely see two male blokes holding hands while strolling.
• IST or Indian Standard Time often becomes Indian Stretchable Time, so don’t expect Indians to be on time.

America

A country where people come to try their luck to be successful that goes by Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” phrase. Below are the strict don’ts while you’re there:

• Refrain from entering someone’s personal space. American are too particular about their personal space and get much uncomfortable when a stranger infringes the same.
• Visiting America for the first time may feel great to you and blondes too. But don’t get too deep into the beauty as staring for too long may get you in trouble. The American women may not be able to catch your Indian flirting code and may call the cops on you.
• America is great and the majority of the Americans agree to it. Please don’t go there and compare yours with theirs. Americans think that their country is the best and at everything. On being offended, some may even ask you to go back.
• Respect others. They may understand you MC or BC but pointing a middle finger can get guns pulled out in no time.
• This may seem funny to you but you must not yell “Allah Hu Akbar” in a public place. Another reason to get you in trouble.
• In India, if you’re caught by the traffic cop for drink & drive, not wearing a seat belt, using a mobile phone, or even driving without legal paper, there are chances that may escape by bribing the cop on duty. Don’t expect the same while you’re in America. They adhere to rules and regulations strictly. Trying to bribe off a cop or even arguing can get you in some serious trouble.
• Don’t park your vehicle at where it is prohibited, at someone else’s property or at space reserved for handicapped. Not recommended at all.
• Maintain discipline and follow the line when in a queue. Americans get pissed when someone cuts the queue.
• No matter in which corner of America you’re in, never forget to leave a tip after eating at any restaurant. Not leaving a tip is considered rude and is not appreciated.
• Pro Tip: Try not to get ill while in the USA as the healthcare and medical facilities are crazily expensive.

Brazil

A country is known for three things – Soccer, Carnivals and Crime. On one side of the mind, we can see tropical forests and on the other side is a drug-fuelled crime. To decide better, here is the list of things you shouldn’t do in Brazil:

• Robbery. Yes, robbery. Never ever leave your belongings unattended or else you may never see them again.
• In continuance to the above advice, while roaming or exploring around, never carry valuable stuff. It is highly possible that someone will approach you out of nowhere with a gun or a knife. The FIFA World Cup was a clear example of all the thefts the tourist had to go through.
• We know you speak fluent English but resist flaunting in Brazil as Spanish and Portuguese are the only two widely spoken languages. Try speaking the local language as the locals find it amiable.
• It is appreciated when you tip in a restaurant after a pleasant dinner. However, in Brazil, people find to odd when someone leaves a tip. So, the next time you enter any restaurant or bar in Brazil, don’t tip until it is a fine dining restaurant.
• Various pubs and bars in Brazil adhere to a consumption card system, with every customer eligible to an individual consumption card to keep a record of the food and drink orders. You’ll have to present the same before settling your final bill, and in case you fail to do so, hefty fines await you.
• Do not drink beer alone. The locals find it odd.

Enjoy and Travel Safe!