Whenever you travel to a different country, it is important to be aware of the cultural differences between the destination and your home country. Rights, freedoms, norms and expectations can indeed differ from those to which you have grown accustomed, and of course different countries have different rules of Law.
Some differences you find will be more nuanced, such as tactile mannerisms and other social behavioural traits. Moroccans are known for their fist bumps and high fives, for instance, while Peruvians have a propensity to embrace one another by hugging.
Other differences, however, are less subtle. An obvious example is the ban on homosexuality in Tanzania. Even the topic is socially taboo, and same-sex sexual acts are criminal offences, punishable by up to life imprisonment. Naturally, we don’t expect any of our participants to change their personal views, but like many African nations, Tanzania is conservative and predominantly Christian, so while this may contrast with your personal views, please do respect the law throughout your duration of your trip.
Tipping, too, is not a custom that we are used to very much in the West. Those of us from the UK in particular harbour quite an aversion to parting ways with our cash. However, in each of our international trekking destinations, this is indeed the norm, so be prepared to stump up an additional 10% when eating out (assuming you were happy with your meal, that is)!
If you are shopping for souvenirs at a local street market, there’s no such thing as a fixed price. Starting prices will typically be inflated, so there’s often room for negotiation. Try not to get carried away, though, as it’s easy to forget this represents the vendor’s livelihood. At times, it can be a stressful encounter, so don’t be afraid to walk away!
On some of our trips you will enter sacred sites, places of worship and/or other places of cultural significance. Examples are the temples of Kathmandu (Nepal) and the cathedrals of Cusco (Peru). It may sound obvious, but please dress appropriately. Our staff will always make you aware of the etiquette expected while visiting these sites, so just remember to pack some clothes that cover your limbs if and when necessary.
Not only is it pertinent to dress appropriately when visiting religious sites, but also when you are simply out and about! In Moshi (Tanzania) and Marrakech (Morocco), for instance, it remains particularly advisable for female travellers not to wear anything too revealing when exploring the local town.
Below we offer a few additional ‘common sense’ principles to adhere to on your trip:
- Avoid excessive public displays of affection;
- If consuming alcohol, do so in moderation;
- Check with the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office for up-to-date travel advice prior to departure;
- If taking a taxi, agree on a price before accepting the ride;
- Don’t accept the services of a stranger, unless you are prepared to pay for it.
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Further information on culture and safety is presented in your Briefing Pack, as well as in our pre-departure webinar hosted a few weeks before travel. While we endeavour to provide all the information you need, your conduct and behaviour remains your responsibility, so we suggest some independent research of your destination.
We would like to take this opportunity to point out that the overwhelming majority of cultural differences will fascinate you, and are going to make your adventure one of the most rewarding and worthwhile experiences of your life. You will meet some of the most friendly people on the planet and come away with a real sense of discovery. Quite often, the most powerful memories taken away from our trips are not of the challenge itself, but of the people you meet. Just wait!
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. If you have any questions or concerns about your particular destination, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help.