We all benefit from the sensible advice of those who have gone before. Whether it’s around security while travelling, or whether it’s around keeping ourselves healthy, there are many well-versed tips that it would be hard to argue with. What is important to remember however, is that following much of this advice will involve actions that are alien to those around us, and it can be easy to make hosts feel uncomfortable, or worse still offend them, simply by taking our own precautions.
A couple of examples spring to mind. I have often travelled with a money belt, as much for my own peace of mind of knowing where all the essentials are quickly. Particularly in hot countries when I am wearing light and loose layers, I don’t want a bulging wallet weighing me down. A money belt however is mainly associated with security and hiding one’s valuables in a place where thieves can’t reach them.
On a first trip to South America in 1996, acutely aware of the fearsome reputation of the people of this giant continent, we strapped up with our precious valuables hidden under our clothes. I remember stopping in a small village on the Pan-Am highway and, wanting to get some water and snacks from a street stall, lifting my t-shirt to pull a couple of notes from my money belt. The group of ladies watching us looked on in surprise, and then started to laugh and point, remarking on how nervous and careful we had been. I was immediately conscious of how suspicious we must have appeared, in a place where you would probably have to hunt high and low to find a criminal (far safer than London). Now, if I do decide to carry money and passports on my waist, I’ll keep small amounts in my pocket and avoid wherever possible the scenario of showing my money belt (it’s obviously safer too this way).
The other case is that of cleanliness. Ok, I carry a bottle of sanitising gel when we travel. I’ve had too many food bugs and suffered the consequences not to take this simple step of cleaning my hands before eating. But doing this in front of hosts, particularly if having a home-cooked meal, can leave the hosts quite uncomfortable. The stuff stinks, many people will wonder what you’re doing, and it could be seen as a slight on them. Far better to step outside, or go to the bathroom and clean your hands there, before taking a seat at the table fresh and ready to eat.
Small points, but they illustrate how important it is to treat those we encounter with respect, and prevent any possible loss of face for our hosts by our rituals, however much sense they make to us.
Very good point! Didn't even occur to me that pulling something out of a money belt or using hand sanitizer would offend locals or hosts, but makes total sense. I have heard the same thing regarding photographs; some travelers think it's OK to snap pictures of anyone, but some locals do not appreciate them doing it without their permission. Definitely a good idea to think of you your actions are being perceived based on the culture!
Thanks Emily – appreciate the comments. Yes, photographs can be such a sensitive issue. It's always polite to ask permission from your subject, and you might just get a great story to go behind your picture if you do.