Chile

If you’d like to present your hostess with a gift, flowers are greatly appreciated. However, pick the colours carefully. Yellow roses aren’t a good choice as they are generally regarded as a sign of disdain. In addition, purple and black flowers symbolize death.

China

If you want to tip somebody, do it discreetly as tipping is actually officially outlawed in China. However, many people will accept them inconspicuously.

Germany

In Germany, as well as neighbouring nations such as Switzerland and Austria, it’s considered bad etiquette to be late for any type of appointment, meeting, and get-together. It’s a good idea to arrive early and be ready to go. This is especially true if it’s a dinner engagement as 6pm, means 6pm and the dinner will be ready to serve at that time.

India

Some people consider the left hand to be unclean, so it’s a good idea to eat with just your right hand. Make sure you wash your hands before meals so your fellow diners will know that you’re prepared to eat.

Malaysia

The head is regarded as the most important part of somebody’s body. If you accidentally touch somebody’s head, it’s a nice gesture to apologize to them.

Wait a second. There is one form of transportation that was left out from that list isn’t there? Hmmm, what could it be? It should be as obvious as the nose on your face…or maybe the feet on your legs.

Walking is the oldest and most reliable form of transportation there is. It also happens to be the one form of transportation that harms the environment the least.

There are many benefits to walking. If you are visiting a foreign place, walking can help you feel like you belong there. It also gives you the opportunity to meet locals, who in turn can tell you more about the place than any guidebook can.

You can also get to see the interesting little places that would normally be overlooked on any kind of a guided tour not to mention that you will get a chance to explore places on your own without having to listen to bored tour guides or other passengers who might just be annoying enough to make you want to crawl under the bus instead of riding in it.

There are of course more reasons to travel on foot. While you do have to keep yourself fed and watered, you do not have to put gas and oil in yourself.

Walking is green and as long as you leave no trace, it will stay the greenest of transportation means. Walking also keeps you exercised and healthy since you can burn up to 38 calories per hour walking.

Walking keeps you in touch with the natural side of things. You will see plants, flowers and wildlife that you might not otherwise notice if you are riding a vehicle. Also, say you are on a tour bus…imagine what the sounds and smells would be on the bus. Now imagine walking down the same streets. What would the sounds and smells be like then?

Don’t you think that the smells and sounds of the area you are visiting would make much better memories than the stale smells and the sounds of other people on a tour bus would be?

Think about it and next time, be smarter, greener and fitter…walk around the world and enjoy every piece of its beauty.

However, if you get familiar with the essential security rules, and to be aware of what not to bring and what objects are not allowed, you will most likely avoid unwanted stress while going through security check.

Before you go to the airport, check the security policies to find out whether you can take that object on the airplane. Here is a list of items that are completely banned, items that are only allowed in checked baggage, and items that are allowed in carry-on bags on airplane.

(Click on the Image for Full Version)

Traveling light can be an excellent idea; after all you are going someplace other than home; you need not carry half of it with you! If you are the sort who comes back from a trip with half their clothes unworn, then you need to take a look at these tips to travel light:

Clothes: Firstly lay out all that you think you are going to pack and then get rid of half of it. You are bound to go shopping when on holiday, and that will add to the clothes you carry. Also you actually use fewer of your clothes than you think you need.

When you pack you should roll rather than stack; this takes up less space.

If you are going somewhere to a cold place, try to avoid carrying bulky sweaters, coats and overcoats. Rather use layering to keep warm; this is less bulky to carry and offers more versatile options in terms of dressing.

Carry dark and neutral colors. This helps to minimize laundry, since darker hues help to hide dirt and stains much better than whites and lighter colors.

Also you don’t need different shoes for each outfit; bring just a couple of pairs in neutral colors that will go with everything. One pair for the evening and one for comfortable walking (in case sightseeing is on foot) should be enough.

Toiletries and other items: You don’t need to take along towels in most cases. Hotels will provide them; if you are visiting someone, they will have extras.

Carry small packs of each toiletry; if possible carry sachets. Also don’t carry something because you think it may come in handy. Also unless you are going somewhere really remote and inaccessible, the local pharmacy will be able to replace anything you run out of.

Books: Books can be bulky and heavy. If you have one, carry a digital reader instead (Amazon Kindle or the like). If it is guide books you want to carry, just photocopy the pages you need rather than carrying the entire book.

Carry a couple of foldable totes: Many of us travel heavier when we get back from a holiday, weighed down as we may be with mementos and other shopping. Rather than carry a larger suitcase, just fold a couple of light totes into your luggage, it will come in handy on the way back.

Photo Credit: mismisimos

Head out to an exclusive resort: Often you can get attractive packages for even the best of resorts. Here you can chill out on a beach, take in the local cuisine, enjoy the plush amenities of the hotel and if there is a spa, you can let yourself be pampered and cosseted. You may just return from your holiday revitalized and rejuvenated!

Adventure Sport: Bungee jumping, white water rafting, hiking, kayaking, sailing, rappelling, glacier visit; there are endless possibilities and they can all be exhilarating experiences. You need not be scared about not having done it before.

Most of these activities have different levels of experience and expertise and you can choose the appropriate one. And who knows what good friends you may pick up in the bargain?

Visiting Cultural or Heritage locations: Imagine a visit to Rome by yourself where you have the chance to explore the beautiful lanes and by lanes of an ancient land on your own, with no one to slow you down or telling you what they would rather do.

You can visit all the art galleries and museums that interest you or none at all, if you are not inclined! You can take cultural walks in historic cities, sample local cuisine and soak in the markets all at your leisure and at your own pace. The pubs and night spots may be another interesting option for people traveling solo.

You can even indulge your creative side; taking photos, making sketches of beautiful scenes and historic buildings and hanging out with creative people wherever you go.

If there was a book you read long ago set in a particular city, you could follow in the footsteps of the characters in it too!

Volunteer Vacations: If you are the sort who would like to help with conservation and have an interest in wild life, you can sign up to work with scientists in this field.

It could be chimpanzees in Africa or Ridley’s turtles along the coast. It you don’t mind roughing it a bit, this could be a rewarding and educative experience.

Photo Credit: pmarszal1985

One of those places is Hershey, Pennsylvania. The town of the famous chocolate factory is actually extremely popular for family’s journeys and offers theme parks, zoos, spa clubs with amazing chocolate treatments and luxury hotels.

In case you want more fun near the beach, just go Monterey Bay, California. Monterey Bay has always been popular, but nowadays is super desirable; because of its attractions such as Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row.

Another reason to visit Monterey in the spring break is the whale-watching times and tours with a special charter boat.

Colorado and Aspen are also perfect for your spring break. The famous mountain resort is one of those places, which you need to visit at least once in your life.

Here the outdoor activities are thousands, but the ski adventure remains the major reason to visit Aspen. There are of course the most fashionable restaurants and shopping areas, as well as beautiful views and amazing clubs.

Florida is also a preferable destination for the spring break. Orlando and its non-stop parties is the reason why so many people are choosing to spend their vacation in this place.

For those of you, who still didn’t find the better half here are some hot spots you should visit only while single. First on your list must be Europe and Spain. Andalucía is the right place for you with its crowds, festivals, amazing wine and loving spirit.

In case you don’t want to visit Europe, well you can simply pack your bags and get ready for a single adrenaline vacation in St. Lucia and get a different Caribbean vacation.

St. Lucia offers even apartments for singles and private beaches, as well as parties, wild nights and fine restaurants near the beach.

If you are one of those that dream about exotic journeys, choose Turkey, where you will be amazed by nature, traditions and views.

Italy has also always been an option for singles. Go for their gourmet trips in Rome, where you can visit the most famous cookery school.

Luxury trekking in South Africa is another reason to love being single, especially because it offers five-star hotel programs. The outstanding beaches of the Elephant Coast are also a target for a single trip.

Before going around the cities, makes sure you already knew what to do when you meet a Russian person for the first time.

A good etiquette is very essential and it’s usually delivered by maintaining strong eye contact. But be careful not to stare as it might look a little bit rude.

On the other hand, you must always avoid looking away when you are talking, since it’s very rude for most people. Be careful when you want to greet somebody with a handshake, especially if you are a man. The woman usually offer her hand first before a man could give her a handshake.

Also, if you are going to visit a Russian home, always behave yourself since Russian people are quite strict to their traditions and watch every single little act that you do. For example, sometimes you must remove your shoes before entering a Russian house.

Even while sitting, try your best to keep both soles properly on the ground. If possible, don’t look directly towards unknown people; especially when there is an eye contact. Posture is always important, so maintaining a good social etiquette will need quite a lot of effort.

Your habit could be translated in many ways so you better master them. For the example, it’s recommended not to chew gum in public, especially with an open mouth.

You also have to avoid doing any slouching and dawdling. Keep both of your hands out of the pocket while talking to people because otherwise you may be considered impolite.

Your appearance also means a lot. Local Russians usually dress quite conservatively. Hence, you must suit yourself with your surroundings to blend in and not shock with your outfit. Make sure that your women family members won’t wear any short skirts or pants, low cut tops, or even tank tops.

Short pants for men are also not completely accepted, especially when you pass through Russian religious building. Use only appropriate and excellent clothes since jeans are not always accepted too.

The main key to have a perfect trip around Russia is acting carefully all the time. Please concern about every single detail including appearance and habit.

You could refer to the Eastern world’s practices to get a better understanding about social norms and keep in mind that being polite is something Russian folk appreciates and treasures.

Photo Credit: retlaw snellac

Instead of taking taxis or using your own car, you can simply walk – it reduces pollution and it is good for your health.

In case you really don’t like to walk, simply use the public transportation. This way you save your money and yet, you don’t pollute the air with your own car’s emissions.

Reuse your towels, because this is an option that helps the environment and saves emissions from washing and drying. While trying to travel sustainable is still a new style, just remember the three key words - reuse, reduce, and recycle!

Environmental sustainability on road is possible as well as it is at home. In case you can’t recycle your bin in the hotel, look for it in the airport or ask for the stuff. Give your morning paper to another traveler and avoid buying flying souvenirs.

There are many ideas how to do travel this way, but apart from all the ways stays the meaning of sustainable travel. It means two important things – building sustainable habits, while traveling is good for the environment, it cuts your bills and it helps you to live green and healthy.

In case you are female and you enjoy traveling alone we advise you to look at this anti-sexual harassment measures.

First and very important is to get your safe place and to see what others say about your destination or hotel. In case you became victim of harassment, preserve all evidences. Don’t bathe, douche and seek help immediately.

Call doctor, police or the closest embassy. In case you are in a different country, the embassy provides all the help you need- medical, legal aid and counseling services.

Don’t give up on reporting the crime. It is always a way to protect other women from sexual harassment.

Contact your family and friends to help you. The most important issue of being victim of sexual harassment is to seek help after the incident. You need to visit therapist to require professional help.