23 habits and customs that completely confuse tourists 

 

Ever made a globe-trotting gaffe? You're far from alone.

From the pricey tipping culture in the USA to the fondness for spitting in China, global customs can easily trip up any uninformed traveller.

Thankfully, the jet-setters at The Translation Company have put together a handy guide exploring how customs and traditions differ from ｃountry to ｃountry.  

Other habits that unsettle sightseers include:
United Kingdom - Hot and cold water taps in sinks. In most ｃountries around the world, all of it comes out the same tap.
United States - Warning: this one demands maths. Prices with most items are shown without tax, while the rest of the world includes it listed in the total price.
Venezuela - Late eaters. While many in Europe eat around 5pm or 6pm, people in Venezuela often eat between 9pm and 10pm. 

Article Source: https://www.indy100.com/article/weird-habits-customs-tourists-world-travel-ｃountry-usa-china-uk-8295791
Image Source: https://thetranslationcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Habits-and-Customs_PNG.png

VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Gaffe (n.) ~ an unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator a blunder
2. Connotation (n.) ~ an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning
3. Distinctive (adj.) ~ characteristic of one person or thing, and so serving to distinguish it from others
4. Renowned (adj.) ~ known or talked about by many people famous
5. Nefarious (adj.) ~ (typically of an action or activity) wicked or criminal
6. Odd (adj.) ~ different from what is usual or expected strange

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. What ｃountries have you been to? What did you find surprising regarding their behavior and culture?
2. If you would move to another ｃountry, do you think you should adapt with their culture or highlight your own? Discuss your answer.
3. What aspect of your ｃountry's culture do you think would be surprising for foreigners? Give some examples.