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Epoch Times
27-05-2025
- Epoch Times
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. Related Stories 12/11/2022 12/4/2014 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 Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Dear Readers: We would love to hear from you. What topics would you like to read about? Please send your feedback and tips to
Epoch Times
07-05-2025
- Epoch Times
Bed and Breakfasts Are Making a Comeback, and Here Are Some of the Best Towns to Find Them
Noreen Kompanik TravelPulse Owners of bed and breakfasts, the immensely popular trend of the 1980s and 1990s, faced a decline in interest among vacationers for a while in the 2000s. Perhaps it was because of the shared bath concept or the hotels and resorts popping up on the accommodation scene with their myriad amenities and benefits that made these once-coveted places less alluring to the traveler. Or perhaps, just a shift in travel trends. Beds and breakfasts, however, have shaken off their dusty image and they're back in a big way. Yes, you can still stay in stately historic mansions, former schoolhouses, and old mills. But some of the trendiest properties are also featuring themed rooms, designer furniture and on-site activities such as wine and cheese pairing, afternoon tea, cooking classes, ski lessons, or helping out on the property's farm. As a true bed and breakfast aficionado, I enjoy the affordability, personalized service, unique settings, romantic getaway opportunities, complimentary social hours, and quiet, relaxed atmospheres. Here are some of the destinations in the U.S. to enjoy your first (or next) bed and breakfast experience. Cape May, New Jersey This charming seaside town located at the southern tip of New Jersey is known for its beautiful beaches, Victorian architecture and relaxed coastal vibe, a blend of small-town America and old-world elegance. Related Stories 4/5/2025 7/4/2024 Cape May is also renowned for its impressive selection of bed and breakfasts. Guests will find everything from colonial revival homes with wraparound porches and Victorian treasures to boutique offerings with eclectic design elements. Fernandina Beach, Florida Located on Amelia Island in northeast Florida, Fernandina Beach offers 13 miles of pristine beaches, a rich history, a range of outdoor and water activities, a historic, quaint downtown, scenic beauty, and a welcoming community. Victorian architecture is a standout here, reflected in its many cozy bed and breakfasts that blend historic elegance with modern comforts. But you'll also find Italianate, old Florida, and New England designs as well. Most homes are owned and operated by local families who also live on-property. And expect to enjoy gourmet breakfasts with that warm Southern hospitality the island is known for. The Addison B&B on Amelia Island, Florida. The island features the 13-mile-long Fernandina Beach. Noreen Kompanik/TNS Charleston, South Carolina This captivating coastal city seamlessly blends a rich, fascinating history, vibrant culture, and true Southern charm. Founded in 1670, Charleston is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. renowned for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets and the Charleston City Market, established in the 1790s with Gullah artisans still creating handcrafted sweetgrass baskets in the marketplace. The city's historic district features iconic landmarks like Rainbow Row, the Battery promenade, and antebellum mansions which is why staying in the historic district is a must. Staying in a historic bed and breakfast sets the stage for the ideal getaway, and there are so many amazing options to choose from. Horse and carriage rides are a familiar sight throughout historic Charleston, South Carolina. Noreen Kompanik/TNS Dahlonega, Georgia If you're looking for a charming mountain town destination, think Stars Hollow or Hallmark perfection), Dahlonega, located in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, delivers with charming bed and breakfasts that feel like a warm Southern hug. The site of the first major U.S. Gold Rush in 1828, Dahlonega offers stays that range from historic homes near its storybook downtown to vineyard-view cottages snugged among the vines. And just venturing out a bit, you'll find hiking trails and waterfalls, fishing and kayaking opportunities, wine tasting rooms, leaf-peeping in the fall, and an adorable downtown historic square. Pacific Grove, California Nestled between Monterey and Pebble Beach, this picturesque coastal town on the Monterey Peninsula is famous for its Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, where thousands of these magnificent insects migrate each fall and winter. Lovers Point Park is a popular spot for picnicking, kayaking, and catching the sunrise, being one of the few places on the West Coast where you can see the sun rise over the ocean. For a small town, Pacific Grove sports a delightful selection of Victorian bed and breakfasts, each providing a unique blend of historic charm, coastal beauty and personalized hospitality. For a small town, Pacific Grove, California, sports a good number of delightful Victorian bed and breakfasts, each providing a unique blend of historic charm, coastal beauty and personalized hospitality. Noreen Kompanik/TNS Fredericksburg, Texas Founded in 1846 by German immigrants, Fredericksburg still proudly celebrates its heritage with events like Oktoberfest and Maifest. The gem in Texas Hill Country blends wine country flair with Southern hospitality and offers a historic main street with boutique shops, art galleries, bakeries beer gardens, and cozy cafes. From mid-March through April, the hills are blanketed with vibrant wildflowers, the most notable, the bluebonnets. Fredericksburg offers a diverse array of bed and breakfasts. Whether you're looking for a romantic retreat, a rustic escape, or a luxury stay, you'll find one to suit your preferences. Savannah, Georgia The city of Savannah is like a dreamy blend of Southern elegance, spooky legends, moss-draped oaks, and rich American history—all wrapped up in a walkable, artsy, and totally photogenic package. If you've ever wanted to step into a storybook (or a movie set), Savannah is your spot. Georgia's first city, founded in 1733, was laid out in a grid of 22 beautiful public squares, each with fountains, statues and towering oaks. Historic mansions, inns and bed and breakfasts surround these picturesque squares, offering a multitude of places to stay. Bed and breakfasts are our favorites, and depending on what you're looking for, you'll find everything from Revival mansions with courtyards and Victorian inns with antique furnishings to haunted places (if you dare)! Newport, Rhode Island Known as the 'sailing capital of the world,' Newport has deep yachting roots and regularly hosts international sailing regattas. The coastal treasure sports a rich maritime history, legendary Gilded-age mansions and seaside charm that makes it feel as though you've stepped back in time. Newport's downtown waterfront is cobblestoned and full of boutiques, seafood restaurants, art galleries, and colonial architecture. Bed and breakfasts here are uniquely arrayed, reflecting the character of the home, whether on the waterfront overlooking Narraganset Bay or on historic streets in town. St. Augustine, Florida As the nation's oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city, St. Augustine is a city draped in layers of history and cultural richness. The city's allure as a beautiful destination is woven from a rich tapestry of historical charm, architectural elegance, and natural beauty. The city's cobblestone streets and well-preserved colonial architecture transport visitors to a bygone era, creating a sense of timelessness that is both enchanting and unique. St. Augustine has many lodging options for visitors, but the most popular choices are its bed and breakfasts, located in Old Town or in a beach, or waterfront setting. Copyright 2025 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit at Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Dear Readers: We would love to hear from you. What topics would you like to read about? Please send your feedback and tips to
