10 ways not to offend other cultures

Greece

An outward hand movement with your palm facing someone's face means ‘stop' in most countries (although it could be argued that in the USA it has taken on the meaning ‘whatever' or ‘talk to the hand').

This gesture is however, hugely offensive to the people of Greece as it has roots in a time when criminals would be paraded through towns while people used their hands to rub cinder, and the like, onto their faces.

The palm-to-face gesture is therefore deeply hurtful to many Greeks.

Apparently some Greeks will even go as far as to wave inwardly so as not to offend by displaying their palm.

Best not take the stroppy teenager then.

→ See more and find deals in our Greece Destination Guide

→  Next Page: Rude Down Under

UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand

We in the UK know that if someone sticks their first two fingers up into the air, knuckles pointing outwards - this is an insult, right?

Not quite.

Generally, if you're from anywhere outside the UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand, this is a perfectly acceptable gesture indicating the number two.

So head into that Russian restaurant, stick your two fingers up and order those two vodkas!

→ See more and find deals in our Destination Guide

→ Next Page: Err... Thumb Up?

Iran, Afghanistan, Nigeria

Don't go giving the thumbs up sign here as you'll find it's not exactly graciously received.

No longer meaning ‘I'm happy' or ‘everything's good', if your thumb dares to venture up in any of these parts of the world you'll be giving an obscene insult, with a meaning similar to that of the middle finger in the UK.

Hitchhikers, you have been warned!

→ See more and find deals in our Destination Guide

→ Next Page: It's not OK

Brazil

Often believed to be an international sign for saying everything is OK, the OK signal used by many scuba-divers can in fact offend certain nations.

Brazil is the country where it seems most likely to offend, particularly if turned upside down - and it has been known to offend in other parts of South America, while in Turkey the sign means that someone is homosexual.

→  See more and find deals in our Brazil Destination Guide

→  Next Page: Bad Smelling Flowers

Azerbaijan

If you choose to give someone flowers in Azerbaijan, pay attention to the number that are in the bunch.

You must be sure to give an odd number as even numbers are used only at funerals.

Similar practice must be observed in Austria as an even number of flowers is thought to bring bad luck.

However, Austrians will give 12 flowers as 12 is the only acceptable even number.

Confused? Me too.

→ See more and find deals in our Destination Guide

→ Next Page: The Right Hand

India

Using your left hand for interaction with others is not regarded well in India.

This is because the left hand is used for all personal hygiene, toilet related, issues.

If you therefore go on to use your left hand to give or receive items, to eat with or to touch others, it has hugely negative associations.

This may be a hard one for many to remember as it seems unnatural, but try and your efforts will be noticed.

Good luck to the left-handers!

→ See more and find deals in our India Destination Guide

→ Next Page: No Sushi To Go

Japan

Don't go walking down the road whilst eating or drinking.

Although acceptable today in some more modern parts of Japan, this remains a taboo for many traditional Japanese.

Smoking is likewise discouraged and, in fact, Tokyo has set up ‘smoking points' for pedestrians and it is only at these that you may smoke.

→ See more and find deals in our Destination Guide

→  Next Page: Heading for Trouble

Thailand

The head, in Thailand, is believed to be the highest part of the body, both physically and spiritually.

Thais therefore have a strong dislike for people touching their heads, and to do so will have you branded as very rude, very quickly.

Make a fast apology to rectify the situation, should this happen.

On the other hand, if you're visiting the US, a tousle of someone's hair is perceived as a friendly, light-hearted gesture.

→ See more and find deals in our Thailand Guide

→  Next Page: Putting Your Foot In I

South East Asia

As the opposite of the sacred head, the feet are seen as the lowest part of the body (physically and spiritually).

Consequently, to show the soles of your feet is a strong insult in many parts of South East Asia.

And try not to point them at anyone either.

→ See more and find deals in our South East Asia Guide

Getting There

Now that you know the proper etiquette, head out on holiday. Use the search box on this page to find that perfect break.

→  Book a Beach Holiday

→  Book a City Break

→  Book a Tailor-made Holiday