Brits are uncertain about cultural gestures!

by Lucy Moore | 16 October 2013

Laura Watts

A recent study by Hotels.com found that a huge 79% of Brits are uncertain about cultural gestures when they are on holiday. We talk to Laura Watts from Hotels.com about why this is and how we can avoid it in future.

Why is it that Brits find themselves increasingly insulting the locals on holiday?

‘I’m sure people don't intend to insult locals while on holiday, it’s really down to a lack of awareness. For instance, a gesture which is considered polite and kind in some cultures, could in turn be very insulting in others – which of course can be confusing to travellers.’

What are the most common mistakes we make when we are not prepared for the traditions and cultures of our destination?

‘When going abroad it seems our most common mistakes occur when we are dining. Our top cultural faux pas are that most Brits are unaware it is frowned upon to eat bread as an appetiser in France (97%) and, that in Thailand, you shouldn't use your fork to eat, just to place food on your spoon. (96%).’

‘In addition, we should refrain from resting our hands on our laps when dining in Russia, asking for cheese if it is not offered in Italy and splitting the bill in France – all of which are considered rude.’

How can we prepare in order to not offend people on holiday?

‘It is probably best to do a little cultural research before heading off on holiday abroad. But do bear in mind, hotel staff are known for their friendly attitudes so they won't mind offering advice if you aren’t 100% confident on any local etiquette.’

Why is it not high on people’s list of priorities to neglect looking into cultural etiquette?

‘For some, it can feel like the ‘to-do before the holiday’ list just grows and grows, so it is easy to see that this extra local research can fall by the wayside.’

Gesture	Don't	Do
OK	In Brazil this is the rough equivalent to putting your middle finger up.	Brazilians use the thumbs up sign as an equivalent to the OK gesture.
Eating with a knife and fork	In Ethiopia, this is considered very odd. You are to eat with your hands off a shared plate.	Use a Knife and fork in Chile, as it's extremely rude not to.
Curling your index finger as a gesture to beckon someone closer	In the Philippines, summoning someone with a finger is considered suitable only for dogs and is punishable by arrest.	To beckon someone politely in the Philippines extend your arm, with your palm facing downwards, and move your fingers in a scratching motion. Alternatively, touch someone's elbow lightly to attract attention.
Eating with your left hand	In India it is considered unclean to eat with the left hand as it's used for cleansing your body.	Make sure you eat with your right hand.
Eating bread as an appetiser	In France, you are supposed to eat bread with your food and not as an appetiser.	Use the bread to assist the food on to the fork.
To ask for cheese if it is not offered	If cheese is not explicitly offered to you in Italy it's considered a sin to add to your dish.	Do make sure you try the great cheeses Italy has to offer. From Gorgonzola to Provolone, each one is a must. But only if it is offered!
Showing the soles of your feet	In Thailand, the feet are considered as the most inferior parts of the human body and therefore this is a sign of disrespect.	Smile as much as you can. Thai people smile under any circumstances to keep face.
Resting your hands on your lap when dining	In Russia, it is considered rude to rest your hands on your lap.	Rest your hands on the edge of the table as unlike in the UK, this is not rude in Russia.
Clenching your fist to your forehead	In certain parts of South America this indicates stupidity.	In some parts of Brazil, making a fist with your thumb between the index and middle finger is the sign of good luck.