Obnoxious Characteristics Exhibited by U.S. Dining Travelers Abroad
Dining Etiquette Around the World: A Guide for Travelers
Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but navigating the cultural nuances of dining etiquette in foreign countries can sometimes be a challenge. Here are some common dining etiquette mistakes to avoid when traveling internationally, along with tips for a more enjoyable dining experience.
1. Pace Yourself
In many European countries, meals are seen as an experience to savor, and rushing through a meal is considered a faux pas. Meals are often social events meant to be enjoyed slowly, so take your time and savour each bite.
2. Respect Local Customs
Eating or expecting meals at unusual local times can also be a mistake. For example, in Latin America and the Mediterranean, meals are often eaten later, around 8 or 9 p.m. It's important to be aware of these differences and adjust your schedule accordingly.
3. Mind Your Volume
Being too loud at the table can be disruptive, and many cultures value quiet and respectful conversation during meals. In some cultures, it's valued to maintain a silent and respectful atmosphere during meals.
4. Keep Technology to a Minimum
Using your phone at the table unnecessarily is generally considered impolite and distracting. In many countries, it's also considered disruptive to take business calls or work from a laptop during meals. Keri Baugh, a travel writer and founder of Bon Voyage With Kids, suggests bringing a sketchbook and pencils instead of electronics during meals in Europe to avoid disturbing other diners.
5. Follow Local Customs
Ignoring local customs about how and when to start eating can also be a mistake. For example, waiting for the host to begin shows respect. In some cultures, it's also important to know and respect specific local practices, like using only the right hand to eat in some cultures, finishing all your food or leaving some depending on local norms, or serving yourself last if you are the host.
6. Dress Appropriately
Dressing inappropriately for the dining context can also be a faux pas. For example, wearing flashy or casual clothes in more formal or conservative settings can be seen as disrespectful.
7. Be Aware of Tipping Customs
Failing to research tipping customs can lead to social faux pas or offend the host or staff. It's important to be aware of tipping customs in the country you are visiting.
8. Know Your Dietary Restrictions
It's also important to be aware of your dietary restrictions and any local food customs. For example, some countries have strict rules about what can and cannot be eaten during religious holidays.
9. Embrace Local Traditions
In many countries, it's far more common to sit down and drink coffee at a café (without a laptop) than to take it away. In Central America, it's common to have a 'cafecito' (small coffee or cappuccino) after a meal as a digestivo. Michael L. Moore, founder of Countdown to Magic, encourages travelers to immerse themselves in local coffee traditions and try regional specialties.
10. Be Patient
Unlike in the U.S., the bill may not be brought to the table immediately after a meal in many countries. It's important to take cues from locals and minimize technology use during mealtimes, as advised by Karen Magee, president of Valerie Wilson Travel, Chase Travel Group.
In general, it’s important to research and respect the dining customs of the specific country you are visiting, approach meals with openness to new experiences, and maintain respectful, attentive behavior throughout the meal. Learning basic polite phrases in the local language and showing gratitude after the meal also contribute positively to your dining experience abroad.
- In some countries, especially those with strong business cultures, using technology excessively during meals is not only impolite but also considered disrespectful, both to dining companions and to the local traditions of enjoying food-and-drink.
- Traveling can offer opportunities to experience diverse lifestyles, and one way to immerse oneself in a culture is by embracing local food-and-drink customs. For instance, in Central America, it's common to have a 'cafecito' after a meal as a digestivo, a tradition that adds to the overall dining experience.
- Technology plays a role in business as well as lifestyle, and it's essential to understand its place in the dining etiquette of a culture, especially when it comes to travel. For example, in Europe, leaving your laptop closed and avoided work-related calls during meals shows respect and contributes to a more enjoyable dining experience.
