Relating to the music, art or social behaviour of a society
17
votes
3answers
778 views
How do you know if a Japanese person means no when they say yes?
I have come across a few situations when a Japanese person will extend themselves beyond what they probably should to help people. I am often worried when asking them to do something that they will ...
3
votes
1answer
139 views
What to do in Andorra during the summer?
I have the opportunity to visit Andorra in the summer (La Cortinada). The Pyrenees look beautiful, but I wonder what else is there to do except for shopping and hiking - although a (secret!) Holy ...
9
votes
4answers
197 views
Is it better to ask a question in English or Japanese if you are expecting a reply in English?
When I was traveling in Japan I asked some Japanese people if they speak English in Japanese, and for some reason people didn't really answer my question. I wasn't sure whether it was because they ...
6
votes
1answer
52 views
Sufi Dance in Turkey
I'm looking for a Sufi dance show in Istanbul. I'd like to watch for a "real and non-hollywood" show. I don't need dinner nor drinks nor any kind of extras.
12
votes
3answers
625 views
Start cheek kissing on the left/right side
Cheek kissing is a very discussed topic in each site like this, because it is quite different depending on the country (number of kisses (especially), when to cheek kissing, men/women...) and it is a ...
0
votes
0answers
33 views
(Cuban) salsa dancing lessons in Colombia, where to take classes and how much should I expect to pay? [closed]
So I am going to Colombia. I want to take some salsa dancing lessons, I thought about taking several hours per day, if possible with an individual teacher.
I heard Cali is a good place to learn ...
3
votes
3answers
95 views
Are there Onsen towns with both skiing and geisha?
Last year, I found out that some onsen towns had geisha (and still do!), and that other onsen towns have ski resorts (for example, Zao Onsen), and I wondered if any towns had both. As well as enjoying ...
4
votes
2answers
179 views
Overcoming the language barrier while experiencing traditional Japanese culture
I'd like to see live performance of traditional Japanese culture. For example, watching noh theatre or bunraku, as opposed to merely seeing artworks or pottery. Unfortunately, my Japanese is fairly ...
3
votes
1answer
114 views
Which (South) East-Asian contries are the cleanest? [closed]
I had been in Thailand recently and I was negatively surprised with how dirty the country is.
Garbage was everywhere - along the roads, in the temples and museums, even in the sea.
I expected the ...
-1
votes
1answer
89 views
Native to the land USA? [closed]
What is the local culture of USA, like in South Africa, we have isiXhosa's and isiZulu's etc... So what are native culture groups around North America USA.
0
votes
0answers
52 views
What are the major climatic and cultural differences between Chicago USA and RSA? [closed]
I want to know, what will be the major differences for a South African travelling to Chicago, USA would be. Eg, gratuity tips, attire, weather differences, food etc...
9
votes
3answers
98 views
Dealing with aggressive touts in markets?
In many countries the markets are some of the most interesting places to visit. However, as a result of tourism, culture and competition, many of the sellers/touts are...well...aggressive. This can ...
1
vote
0answers
63 views
Cultural difference - Santiago, Chile verse Miami? [closed]
What is the biggest cultural difference between Santiago Chile and Miami? Gender roles, work ethic, typical day for someone in their 30's, 40's? What is the norm? What is totally not acceptable?
0
votes
0answers
85 views
What are some travel destinations near Pittsburgh? [closed]
This is my first time in the USA and so I want to see the American culture of celebrating New Years Day! (I am student here, so will be in Pittsburgh for another year and half) It can be the ...
6
votes
1answer
208 views
Where can I eat turtle excrement soup?
A friend of a friend told me that he was traveling through Asia. Then once he ordered a meal in a restaurant. He couldn't understand what it was. So he first got a good stock. Afterwards a waiter ...
6
votes
2answers
282 views
Can tourists meet onsen geisha nowadays?
Japan's most famous geisha are from Kyoto, Japan's former capital and still a major cultural capital of Japan. But I've also heard of onsen geisha, far away from the big cities, who are at the bottom ...
13
votes
2answers
337 views
How to find a sauna/bathhouse in Korea that allows customers with tattoos?
Apparently here in Korea there is a similar common rule to in Japan forbidding people with tattoos from using public bath houses.
I was telling a couple of traveller friends in my hostel here about ...
10
votes
4answers
383 views
Are there any women-only places in the world?
It looks like reports of a women-only city in Saudi Arabia are greatly exaggerated. But are there any other places in the world where the population is entirely or almost entirely female?
The place ...
10
votes
1answer
630 views
What is traveling for work to Saudi Arabia like?
What are the things to take into account when working for 1 - 2 months in Saudi Arabia (Jeddah)?
What are some of the cultural aspects that I need to take into account compared to my normal working ...
7
votes
2answers
433 views
What are the typical meals in Japan?
I'm going to Tokyo for tourism and I'm wondering what are the typical meals that one tourist may get during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also, what are their costs?
Notice that I'm a tourist staying ...
6
votes
1answer
181 views
What to wear in Egypt to blend in?
I plan on going to Egypt around Christmas and I have always hated the thought of being a tourist. I want to blend in and experience what it is like to be there without being regarded as a tourist all ...
4
votes
1answer
74 views
Are there any special considerations on a business trip to Shanghai?
For a German on a trip to Shanghai, are there some surprising business rules which could lead to some kind of embarrassing situation? Is there something which would be considered especially rude by a ...
11
votes
3answers
253 views
Feeling the spirit of Helsinki, where?
When I visit a city, besides visiting the main tourist attractions, I usually like to see some places that can make me feel the true spirit of the place I'm visiting.
As an example, if you visit Pisa ...
2
votes
1answer
259 views
Is it true that Israeli travelers always get naked? [closed]
At the moment I'm reading a book about a guy that traveled around the world for several years. He is writing about his travel experience and one thing that he mentions in almost every country is that ...
9
votes
4answers
188 views
What type of tea is used in Central Asia, especially Uzbekistan?
When travelling throughout Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and to a lesser extent, Kazakhstan last year as a guest I was always offered tea, or chai. It was typically black, sometimes green, in a ...
8
votes
1answer
87 views
What are some old Irish neighbourhoods in Chicago?
I'm going to Chicago in a few weeks for a few days in June. There seems to be lots to see, but one thing I'm interested in is the Irish heritage of the city. Like Boston and New York City, Chicago was ...
7
votes
4answers
283 views
What are some practical hand-out gifts you can take with you when travelling?
I happens quite often that you make new friendships while on the road or that you are hosted by someone you are visiting. On such occasions you usually want to leave a small gift such that the person ...
5
votes
1answer
220 views
How can I meet people while traveling in the UK
I'm taking a trip to the UK next week. I am looking forward to visiting London and seeing a lot of things like the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert that I've wanted to see for a long time. ...
21
votes
9answers
1k views
Is there any United States slang I should avoid in the UK or Ireland?
We'll be spending a couple weeks this summer in the UK (Scotland and London), then a week in Ireland. Is there any slang common in the United States that we be best avoided in either country? For ...
2
votes
0answers
95 views
What is the best part of year to visit Australia [closed]
What is the best part of year to visit Australia.
I'm interested in following criteria:
Number of tourists (high/low season)
Accomodation price
Weather
Cultural events
41
votes
8answers
2k views
How to successfully haggle / bargain in markets
While I've done quite a bit of travel now and back myself when it comes to border guards, sorting accommodation and / or transportation, one thing I still struggle to come to terms with is haggling in ...
13
votes
4answers
661 views
What do travellers to England need to know about social class
One aspect that British society is known for its social class system, but how does this apply to foreigners? I will be in London and Manchester for a week, and knowing which neighbourhoods to avoid or ...
3
votes
1answer
144 views
Karaoke for solo travellers
How can solo travellers do karaoke in Japan?
Are there places where you can meet random strangers and do karaoke with them?
Failing that, are there places where you can pay people (presumably female ...
19
votes
2answers
571 views
Breast feeding in Iran
We are considering a trip to Iran with a 5-month old. What is the local attitude to breast-feeding in public places? Is it legal? Are there any severe consequences? Do you need to use some special ...
10
votes
1answer
61 views
Where can I see a Mbalax performance in Dakar?
I'd like to see a performance of Mbalax, a type of dance music in Senegal incorporating modern music and traditional drumming. Is it very common? Where in the city can I go (as a tourist) to witness ...
28
votes
3answers
2k views
I have a tattoo. Can I visit a public swimming pool in Japan?
A friend of mine is currently traveling in Japan. She has a small tattoo on her neck. Now she wanted to visit a public swimming pool but was denied entry.
It was difficult to understand the reason ...
12
votes
2answers
508 views
Which countries are “Muslim countries”?
In the question about drinking beer in Dubai it arose that the term "Muslim country" can be seen as one where the laws of the country are affected by the rules of the religion (like Dubai), whereas ...
20
votes
2answers
669 views
Vomitorium: Only common in the German-speaking world?
The first time I saw something like this in a Swiss Restaurant in Zurich I was really confused. What should it be used for?
(photo by TheoPB, available under CC-by-sa)
Then I was told that you ...
10
votes
3answers
357 views
How to cope with disgusting fellow travellers?
This summer I was in Krakow. We stayed in a hostel and did an organized tour from there. We visited Auschwitz concentration camp. We were a group of approximately 10 people and unfortunately some of ...
8
votes
3answers
955 views
Where to stay for London nightlife?
For those looking to travel to London and enjoy the nightlife, where would be the best area to stay? Requirements are nearby bars, alcohol and 20-something crowd all preferably within walking ...
14
votes
5answers
847 views
How can I get French people to speak French to me?
I went to Paris 2 years ago. When I was there, I was learning the language by talking and listening to the local people. But, while I was trying to speak French with them, they would speak English to ...
63
votes
8answers
6k views
How to avoid drinking vodka?
This summer I spent some days in Moscow and St. Petersburg. There I also visited a friend at his home. We were there with its family and traditional they drunk a lot of vodka during the meal. We as ...
7
votes
5answers
2k views
What's a good gift to bring from Sweden for people I couchsurf with?
I will be leaving on a 22-day trip around Europe pretty soon and will be visiting the homes of 6-7 couchsurfers. I want to bring them a small gift or souvenir from Sweden as a return for their ...
11
votes
2answers
156 views
Are there any travel experiences in Australia that offer aboriginal (or Torres Strait) “cultural immersion”?
I am wondering if it's possible for a traveller in Australia to immerse in aboriginal culture, or Torres Strait Islander culture.
By "immerse" I mean stay in a traditional aboriginal area where ...
13
votes
4answers
161 views
Are there any travel experiences in New Zealand that offer a Maori “cultural immersion”?
I am wondering if it's possible to travel to New Zealand as a tourist and immerse in Maori culture.
By this I mean homestay in a traditional Maori area where people speak the language on an everyday ...
11
votes
2answers
195 views
What considerations should I make for traveling in Israel on the Sabbath?
I am planning to travel around Israel (from Oct 19 to Nov 5th), and I am wondering what effect the Sabbath will have on transport, restaurants and the sights. Should I be planning to not do anything ...
12
votes
2answers
348 views
What should we consider when buying a gift for a host family in Turkey?
In September, we are traveling to Turkey. Part of the trip is a family home stay. We will be staying with a local family who will feed and house us for the night. We want to thank the family with a ...
10
votes
4answers
413 views
Are there any standard clothing restrictions when visiting mosques?
I know from visiting many catholic churches that many require knees and shoulders to be covered, so dressing appropriately is essential for hassle-free travel. Are there similar rules that might apply ...
15
votes
3answers
314 views
References for tipping etiquette in different countries? [closed]
Where can I find information about tipping etiquette in different countries? I'm hoping for a comprehensive database so I don't have to ask about the countries one by one here.
