The Talking Suitcase

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5 Ways to Respectfully Interact with Local Cultures

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5 Ways to Respectfully Interact with Local Cultures
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You’ve heard the “ugly American” stereotype right? The loud, rude, obnoxious American tourist that visits a country leaving a very indelible mark. Learning how to interact respectfully with the local well traveling can mean the difference between having an amazing experience, and one that just downright stinks. Small things make a big difference and even just employing one of these tips can net you friendlier service, local friends, and also helps preserve the local culture.

Learn the Taboos

Various different cultures have various different taboos or “no-no’s.” For example, in many Buddhist cultures, it’s considered rude to touch a child on the head. In many Middle Eastern cultures showing the bottom of your shoe or foot is seen as offensive. While these may not be a big deal in your culture you may have just seriously offended someone else. Most people understand that you may not know but taking a little time to learn cultural taboos before visiting another country can help keep you out of hot water.

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Guide to Managing Money in Europe: Tips for Using Foreign Currency & Saving Money

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So you’re planning a trip to Europe, but don’t want to waste money with hidden fees or getting ripped off at the money exchange booth.   We lived in France and traveling throughout Europe for 4 years, so I can safely say we’ve learned a few things over the years – and made some costly mistakes.  We put all our tips into one place to, hopefully, help you avoid our blunders.

Guide to Managing Money in Europe

Knowing the local currency is a must.  Luckily, half the countries in Europe use the Euro – many of which are typical American tourist destinations.  I’ve heard stories from my parents traveling Europe years ago and needing a different currency in every different country. What a pain!

Now, while most countries you will likely visit use the Euro, not all do.  Here is a list of the countries that do not use the Euro and the currency they use instead:

  • Albania (Albanian lek)*
  • Azerbaijan (Azerbaijani manat)
  • Belarus (Belarusian ruble)
  • Bulgaria (Bulgarian lev)
  • Croatia (Croatian kuna)
  • Czech Republic (Czech koruna)
  • Denmark (Danish krone)**
  • Georgia (Georgian lari)
  • Hungary (Hungarian forint)
  • Iceland (Icelandic krona)
  • Liechtenstein (Swiss franc)
  • Macedonia (Second Macedonian denar)
  • Moldova (Moldovan leu)
  • Norway (Norwegian krone)**
  • Poland (Polish złoty)
  • Romania (Fourth Romanian leu)
  • Russia (Russian ruble)
  • Serbia (Serbian dinar)
  • Sweden (Swedish krona)
  • Switzerland (Swiss franc)
  • Turkey (Turkish lira)***
  • Ukraine (Ukrainian hryvnia)
  • United Kingdom (Pound sterling)

*Some touristic places in Albania also accept Euros, Pounds and American Dollars.
** Some tourist places in Denmark and Norway also accept Euros.
*** We used euros in Ephesus, Turkey but I don’t think the exchange rate was the greatest.

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Cruising Do’s & Don’ts – Essential Tips for a Great First Cruise

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The cruise industry is booming.   It’s continued to grow over the years, and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.   Over 31 million people cruised in 2023 with 35 million projected to sail in 2024!   Fleets are also expanding like crazy with new ships coming out every year.   With all the new and veteran cruisers setting sail, I thought it would be the perfect time to go over some first time cruise tips to help make your next voyage a success.

I’ve put together a range of quick tips from things to do before you sail to things not to do while your enjoying the ship and amenities.  Let us know if you have any other tips to share!

Cruising Do’s & Don’ts – First Time Cruise Tips

The ship is virtually deserts early on Embarkation Day.

General –

:: Do pre-book your shows and speciality dining reservations.

:: Do complete your luggage tags and pre-cruise documents before getting to the port.

:: Don’t go on a European cruise line and expect American type cuisine and shows. And vice versa. Foods & activities are generally tailored to the region of travel.

:: Do choose a stateroom in the middle of the ship if you tend to get seasick.  For more ideas on cabins, I’ve previously shared “how to pick the perfect cruise staterooms for your family”.

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40 Things To Know Before Visiting Paris – What First Timers Need to Know

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Paris, the City of Lights, is the European capital many Americans dream about one day visiting. Imagine taking strolls along the River Seine, visiting world-famous landmarks and museums and eating buttery croissants at an outdoor cafe.    Having lived in France for almost 4 years, we’ve learned a few things about French culture and its citizens.  Before you set out on your fantasy trip, take a look at our tips for things to know before visiting Paris.

Learn Basic French

Learning basic French will go a long way to making your trip successful.  When visiting a new country, it’s important to learn at least a few basic words and phrases in the local language.  Yes, many people in the touristy areas speak English, but you shouldn’t arrive without being able to greet someone in their native tongue.

Should Know:

Good Day = Bonjour /bon zor/
Good Evening = Bonsoir /bon swah/
Good Bye = Au Revoir /oh-ruh-vwah/
Please = S’il vous plaît /see voo play/
Thank you = Merci /mer-sea/
Excuse me & sorry = pardon /pahr-doah/
You’re Welcome = De rien /duh-rhee-uh/
Ma’am = Madame /mah-dahm/
Sir = Monsieur /mis-eeyuh/
Yes = Oui /we/
No = Non /no/

Good to know:

Take away (as in your food to go) = á importer /ah ahm-por-tay/
Do You Speak English? = Parlez-vous anglais? /par-lay voo an-glay/
I don’t understand. = Je ne comprends pas. /juh nuh com-pren pah/
Where Is the Bathroom? = Où sont les toilettes? /ehw ay lay twah-let/

When entering an establishment such as a shop or restaurant, it is always polite to say “Bonjour” in greeting. It is also polite to say “Au revoir” when leaving. Of course, the use of “S’il vous plaît” and “Merci” are important just as in the U.S. and other countries.

Learning the numbers 1 – 10 will also be beneficial.

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Daytrip from Nice: An Afternoon in The Roman City of Cimiez

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A trip to Cimiez is a great way to spend an afternoon if you have some extra time during your next trip to Nice, France. The charming neighborhood of Cimiez is home to the Roman settlement of Cemenelum built during the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC.  You also get a lovely aerial view of Nice city.

There are numerous attractions in Cimiez to occupy several hours.  Take a stroll through the olive-filled park, visit the Cimiez Monastery and church which is home to the Franciscan monks, tour the gardens surrounding the Monastery,  view the art collection at the Matisse Museum, and enjoy the history of the Roman amphitheater and archaeology museum.

 

Franciscan Monastery, Museum & Italian-inspired gardens – The monastery and church have been used by the Franciscan monks since the 1500’s!  The monks still live and work here today.  You may see them tending the gardens during your visit. The small Franciscan museum showcases the daily life of a monk and houses drawings and exhibits.  Plus it’s free to enter.

The gardens are mostly preserved in their original layout and include colorful flower beds, lemon and orange trees, herb gardens and climbing roses.

Olive Groves – The 200-year old olive trees are a great spot for a picnic or to let the kids run around and play.

Musée Matisse – The Matisse Museum houses the largest collection of art by the French painter Henri Matisse.   Visitors can admire his paintings and drawings as well as see furnishings, curtains and vases belonging to Matisse.

Tickets:
Adults (24 hour museum pass) = 10€
Children under 18 = Free

 

Musée d’Archéologie site de Cimiez et de Terra Amata – View objects from the life of Cemenelum including the excavated baths.   The site includes locker rooms (men and women shared the same locker room), toilets, swimming pools, hot and cold baths, a political bath (where men discussed politics), market, cemetery, cathedral and more.

Tickets:
Adults (24 hour museum pass) = 10€
Children under 18 = Free

 

Roman Amphitheater – Cimiez is home to one of the smaller Roman amphitheaters holding 5,000 spectators.   Walk the arena for free.

Signs to guide you to Cimiez if taking the tram

Signs to guide you to Cimiez if taking the tram

How to get to Cimiez:

1. One option to get a bit of a workout is to take the tram to Jean Médecin then walk up to Cimiez.  It’s a hike, but you’ll get to walk through a different part of Nice.  I don’t recommend this option with little kids as there are a lot of stairs.

2. Take bus 17 or 15 to visit the Monastery and Matisse Museum.  If you want to visit the Chagall Museum first, take bus 15.

Have you been to Cimiez?  What was your favorite part? 

Need more inspiration?  See our Ultimate Guide to travel in Nice.

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