Cultural Awareness in Travel

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Our Culture can be defined as...

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our set of beliefs, values, behaviours, habits & customs which influence our way of life

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Importance of not causing offense when traveling overseas.

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Knowing local and religious customs is very useful.

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Advice of Foreign & Commonwealth Office

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The Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises travelers to Islamic countries to respect local traditions, customs, laws, and religions.

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Travelers should be aware of their actions to ensure they don’t offend locals, especially during Ramadan and when visiting religious places.

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This is known as TRAVEL ETIQUETTE

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3 Main areas to consider are:

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Social Customs

Food & Drink

Dress

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Greetings are a part of social customs.

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can vary from place to place e.g. southern Europe hugging and cheek kissing

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Cultural norms can vary in Muslim countries

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In Jordan, women traveling by taxi should sit in the back

Shops close during time of prayer

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Other social differences may include:

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Peoples postures

Assertiveness

Noises people make

How people eat

Public displays of affection

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In the UAE, public displays of affection like kissing can get a tourist in trouble with the police.

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In the UAE, kissing in public can lead to legal issues.

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In Sharjah, during Ramadan, public displays of affection are especially frowned upon.

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During Ramadan in Sharjah, public affection is discouraged.