Travel Stories About Eccentric Traditions Abroad

Traveling offers a fantastic opportunity to fully engage with the customs and traditions of different countries. It allows us to learn about the inner workings of various cultures, their values, and what distinguishes them from one another. However, experiencing a new country isn’t always straightforward; there can be moments when we face unfamiliar and surprising circumstances that push us out of our comfort zones.

1. A few years ago, my family took a trip to Japan. While leaving a restaurant, my dad gave a tip to the waitress. About five minutes later, we spotted her running after us to return the money. Confused, my dad attempted to give her the tip again, but she refused and hurried back to the restaurant. We later learned that tipping is considered disrespectful in Japan.

2. A tall Maori man approached me and asked to greet me by touching noses. He seemed angry until I took the initiative to make the first move. Once I did, he broke into a huge smile that lit up the cultural center.

3. In Israel, everything shuts down for the Sabbath starting Friday evening, and nothing reopens until Sunday. This can coincide with holidays, so it’s possible to go four to five days without any stores or restaurants being open. I quickly learned this lesson during my first holiday in Israel when I was left with just two bananas to eat.

4. Additionally, when I visited the U.S. at 14, I realized that the jokes about portion sizes were true. I was also amazed by the Coca-Cola dispensers that offered every imaginable flavor.

5. In Japan, the level of trust is remarkable; I once entered a convenience store with no employees present. You just select your items, drop cash into a box, and take your change from another box left open in the store.

6. After moving from England to Bulgaria, I discovered that shaking your head means “yes,” while nodding means “no.” Trying to adjust to this was difficult, as I didn’t realize how ingrained these habits were until I found myself looking foolish when communicating. Imagine asking someone if they need a bag and them nodding while saying “no.”

7. In New Zealand, it’s common to see people walking around barefoot. You can spot them everywhere—inside Starbucks, at the mall, on public transport, and simply on the streets—without shoes or socks and seemingly without a care in the world.

8. Falcons hold great significance in the UAE. You can even bring your falcon on a plane, provided you purchase a ticket for it and have its official falcon passport. Yes, you read that right—there are real passports for falcons!

9. As a foreigner in China, I found that I received a kind of celebrity treatment. One day, while I was feeling unwell and sitting on a park bench, I was approached every ten minutes by groups of giggling teenage girls. I ended up signing autographs, turning down invitations to paddle boats, and politely declining numerous proposals for marriage, all while being observed by discreet “paparazzi” with their cell phones.

10. Hailing from Texas, I visited some family in Colorado and was amazed to learn that they had milk delivered right to their door. They would place an order for different types of milk the day before delivery, and leave empty glass jugs in a cooler outside. I was so intrigued by this that I eagerly set up my cooler for the delivery the next morning, excited to try the best chocolate milk I’ve ever tasted.

11. While studying abroad in Austria from the US, I was struck by the fact that mayonnaise was the preferred condiment, overshadowing ketchup. It was particularly surprising to discover that some places actually charge for ketchup.

12. During my first visit to Finland, I noticed the unusual quietness in the baggage claim area, even with around 200 people present. The silence was so profound that I was hesitant to break it while trying to get my wife’s attention. Instead, I waited for her to look up before waving at her.

13. In China, I observed that some children had holes in the backs of their shorts, which the guide explained was an alternative to diapers. This allowed children to relieve themselves anywhere, and parents would either clean up afterward or cover it with a napkin. This practice also serves as motivation for potty training, as it can be embarrassing for older children to be seen in public with holes in their shorts.

14. As a Norwegian who spent a year in New Zealand, I experienced a significant culture shock due to the Kiwis’ open communication style. They easily discussed personal matters, and there was no sense of “stranger danger.” This was a stark contrast to my introverted Norwegian nature, and it took time to adjust. Upon returning to Norway, the silence felt even more pronounced.

15. My girlfriend is Spanish, and when I first met her friends, I was taken aback by their warm welcome. As a German, I’m accustomed to being more reserved, which can sometimes come off as cold. However, the exuberant and heartfelt reception I received felt like a reunion among long-lost friends. It was truly astonishing!

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