Top 5 Etiquette Rules When Visiting Europe, According To A Travel Expert

Across Europe, overtourism is sparking protests and pushbacks. In Spain, residents have sprayed visitors with water guns while ‘go home’ signs and graffiti have appeared in many cities.

If you’re planning on visiting the continent this summer, following a few basic etiquette rules can ensure you are respectful and don’t become a problem tourist. Nicolas Bresch, Club Med’s Managing Director across the UK, Ireland and Nordics, has a few top tips to follow.

1. Try The Mother Tongue

“Learning just a few basic phrases in the mother tongue when abroad can be a huge sign of respect to residents and help create instant connections with people,” says Bresch. Beyond common words such as, hello, goodbye, please and thank you, you could try learning phrases that would aid in asking for directions, food or drink, or even just friendly chit-chat.

“Making the effort to use the native language can help build rapport with people, whilst also offering practicality—such as being able to ask where the toilets are!”

2. Have Respect For Culture And Tradition

Respecting the culture and traditions of the country you’re staying in is essential to make sure you are not causing offence.

“For example, when visiting Turkey, respecting Islamic customs, such as refraining from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan, demonstrates you’re culturally aware,” says Bresch. “In countries such as Italy and Greece, respecting cultural traditions such as dressing modestly when visiting religious sites demonstrates your appreciation for the rich heritage of the country and enables respectful and positive interactions with local people.”

3. Follow Local Dining Customs

“Dining abroad respectfully involves being mindful of cultural norms while enjoying the local cuisine,” says Bresch. Observing local dining customs, such as waiting to be seated, using utensils correctly, and expressing thanks for your meal are some ways in which you can be respectful when enjoying hospitality services on holiday.

Another way to demonstrate respect and enhance your travel experience would be to embrace new foods and drinks by being open to trying local dishes and flavours. “Be sure to avoid publicly making negative comments about the food or comparing it unfavourably to your own cuisine, as this can be seen as rude,” Bresch adds.

4. Tip Appropriately

Tipping has become a cultural norm in many countries, and it’s often expected by service providers. In many countries, tips can supplement the income of service workers, making up a substantial portion of their overall earnings. Failing to tip or tipping poorly can be perceived as rude or disrespectful.

Tipping etiquette varies depending on the country you’re visiting, it’s a way to acknowledge the effort and quality of service provided by workers including waiters, waitresses, bartenders and chefs. It would be wise to research what is deemed acceptable for the country you are visiting as not to offend, though generally a tip between 5% and 15% will suffice.

5. Show General Gratitude

Expressing appreciation when travelling helps to ensure positive interactions and also shows a sign of respect for the help and services you may receive. “Simple gestures like saying ‘thank you,’ using non-verbal cues like smiling, or offering tokens of appreciation can convey gratitude effectively,” says Bresch. “It’s also important to have patience and be understanding when interacting with residents. By incorporating these practices when traveling you can show your appreciation, develop connections with locals and overall have an enjoyable holiday.”