Are you an "ugly" traveler?

“One’s destination is never a place,
but a new way of seeing things." -Henry Miller

Let's face it folks, some of us, when traveling forget that our social norms and habits aren't normal or well-perceived when traveling abroad. We may talk too loudly; hold too aggressive body language, offer the wrong hand for a handshake, or any combination of what we consider typical responses or actions when in our native culture.

Truth is though, to be a savvy visitor to a foreign country, you must first be a student of that culture. Learn about the traditions and communication nuances of where you're traveling. Don't expect the way you'd conduct yourself at home as typical or acceptable abroad. For example, do you realize that shaking your head yes or no is not universal? In parts of Eastern Europe and the Middle East those head movements actually mean just the opposite. Or, how about this one? Americans hold direct eye contact in esteem, viewing it as an indicator of honesty. In a number of Asian cultures, looking someone directly in the eyes is considered an aggressive act.

Earlier today, MSN Travel Columnist, Christopher Elliot wrote on the 6 things you should never do when you're away. Quite honestly the content of Elliot's column is just good common traveling sense. In a nut shell, he advises against: threatening violence, yelling, having one too many, being inconsiderate of others, leaving your manners at home, and acting like a jerk. If these actions aren't copacetic on your home turf, they're certainly not cool on someone else's. Even more uncool is acting this way while in flight. Have you experienced flight with an angry or uncooperative flyer?

When we become the traveler who thinks it's our way or the highway when on foreign land, we become the ethnocentric individual referred to as the "ugly American." This term, according to Wikipedia, originated as the title of a book in 1958. An ugly American is defined as traveler or tourist who is loud, arrogant, demeaning, and thoughtless. Have you ever been or witnessed someone being an "ugly American"? If you were the offender, how did you remedy the situation?

Travelers and tourists can ensure they don't act like an "ugly American" by walking a mile in the shoes of their host country's residents. Imagine yourself as houseguest when traveling. How would you want a guest to behave when visiting your home? Would you prefer the guest who blantantly abuses your hospitality or the guest who is mindful of the culture of your home? That's not a trick question! We all prefer the guest who leaves their bad manners at home and chooses to be a delightful visitor. Generally speaking, practice the Golden Rule.

When traveling abroad, remember to take into consideration that everything from word choice to body language can have an impact on how you are perceived. But with a little pre-education and thoughtfulness you can avoid being the person that James Michener disdained, "If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.”