Avoid a Cultural Faux Pas: Dress Appropriately When Traveling Abroad
Noreen Kompanik
TravelPulse
While traveling to a new destination can be exciting, it's important to remember that cultural etiquette varies widely around the globe. Understanding and respecting local customs is vital.
When packing for a trip abroad, taking a little time to understand the type of clothing you'll need to have to enjoy your vacation, not just for comfort but also for appreciation for the places you'll be visiting.
More and more cities are curbing tourism, some with all-out protests to ward off crowds and, yes, the unwanted, disrespectful tourist. While we've all seen shocking images of travelers stripping down naked at sacred sites, destroying ancient statues or taking a selfie at Auschwitz, there are many other ways that tourists behave badly, some that may seem minor to the unsuspecting traveler.
One of my pet peeves is seeing inappropriate dress. It's disrespectful and, depending on where you travel, dressing inappropriately can bring with it a fine and even land you behind bars. It's happened in places like Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives. And even if not illegal in other places, it's flippant and irreverent.
Covering to Visit Sacred Places
While Italy is considered one of the most fashionable world destinations, visitors should consider that places like the Vatican require men to have long pants and women to cover their knees and shoulders. Crop tops and revealing midriffs won't cut it and despite having a reservation visitors may be denied entrance without the appropriate attire. I've seen it happen time and again.
On a family trip to Thailand, we had the pleasure of visiting some amazing Buddhist temples with jaw-dropping architecture. These temples, however, are sacred places and as a rule visitors should adhere to the dress code which includes modest clothing covering the shoulders and knees and no hats. Shoes should be removed before entering any temple.
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While these seem reasonable to the savvy traveler, there are visitors who unfortunately don't respect these dress codes. While they may not be called out on the infractions by the locals, they may be, as we said, attracting 'bad juju' with their disrespect of the Buddhist faith and customs.
Inappropriate Dress in Public Places
While it may be acceptable to run around shirtless or bikini-clad in Miami Beach, you're not in Miami Beach and you may incur an unexpected added expense to your vacation – a nice big fine.
Ina Rodin, Croatian National Tourist Office representative explained that 'Both Split and Dubrovnik had to crack town on tourists for disobeying the public dress code. While we welcome tourists to our beautiful country, we ask that you dress appropriately and avoid wearing distasteful shirts and other offensive garb.'
Covering Up in Conservative Countries
This can totally vary from location to location. While places like Saudi Arabia require women to wear a niqab and abaya, covering all skin, and men to cover their knees, in Dubai it's best to wear clothes that cover the shoulders to the knees. In India, women should cover their cleavage, shoulders, and knees.
France however has banned the wearing of burqas and niqabs since 2011.
It ultimately comes down to 'know before you go' and the willingness to accept local rules and customs, and abide by them. The cost-benefit analysis comes into play when visiting foreign countries.
Visitors have choices on where to visit and vacation. Dressing modestly in accordance with local customs demonstrates cultural sensitivity and avoids drawing unwanted attention. Remember that packing the right clothes and adhering to cultural norms at a destination can significantly impact how you're perceived and treated.
Do your research, ask a travel professional if you're still unsure of local customs and regulations. Enjoy your travel experiences, but use common sense, and don't break the rules.
Copyright 2025 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit at travelpulse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Associated Press
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San Francisco Chronicle
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