Search Results for Category: North America

Welcome to Costa Rica!

Costa Rica has been considered as one of the more stable nations of Latin America, characterized by high standards of life and education. Although its culture is strongly influenced by Spain, it has turned into a multicultural society due to the amount of world visitors. Roman Catholicism is the most popular religion in Costa Rica with 76.3% of the followers.

Costa Rica is a paradise for tourists, besides the well developed tourism infrastructure, the country’s populous creatures, staggering nature beauties and two oceans with hundreds of exotic beaches make this tiny nation drawing 1.5 million visitors every year. Try and see as much of the country as possible, it is truly incredible. But keep in mind the following Costa Rica travel tips, taboo, dos and donts is best way for you and your family to have a safe and wonderful vacation in Costa Rica!

Costa Rica Travel Taboo

Sexual relations before marriage is taboo.

Costa Rica Travel Donts

• Do not visit Costa Rica on Christmas or Easter weeks, as the whole country shut down for local celebrations, not even to say the prices are sky high, and lodging is almost impossible to find.
• Do not rent a car, the road signs are notoriously poor in the countryside and it’s easy to get lost. Take public transportation instead, they are cheap and reliable.
• Do not be too affectionate in public. Excessive affection in public is frowned upon in Costa Rica.
• Do not bathe nude at the beach! Also, Limit the beach wears at the beach only.
• Do not be obliged to tip. A service charge of 10% is already included in your bill on top of the tax.
• Do not damage trees or flowers, nor to litter or take things away from the rain-forest’s and beaches. It could be the equivalent of a felony if you are caught disturbing the flora and fauna.
• Do not be surprised to see drugs and prostitution. Although frowned upon in respectable circles, prostitution is socially acceptable throughout most of the country.
• Do not carry valuables around. Keep them in a safe and hidden place if possible to avoid attracting petty crime.
• Do not take a taxi without negotiating a fare or having a meter on. Do not ever eat, drink, or smell anything a taxi driver offers. It could be laced.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers.

Costa Rica Travel Dos

• Do learn some basic Spanish before coming to Costa Rica. Use the phrase pura vida (pronounced POO-ra BEE-da) for hello and goodbye and to express happiness. It can also mean “no worries.”
• Do break the ice with Costa Ricans by complimenting the splendor of the country and its progressive reputation.
• Do address people with formal title. Christian names are preceded by Señor for a man and Señora for a woman, but Don is used to address a highly respected man and Doña for a female equivalent.
• Do observe normal courtesies when visiting someone’s home and gifts are appreciated as a token of thanks, especially if invited for a meal.
• Do bring and wear enough sunscreen and insect repellent, no matter where you’re traveling to, even if it is cloudy. The sun is very intense in Costa Rica and it is very easily got burned. It can also be very expensive in Costa Rica.
• Do greet everyone in the room with a kiss and say good bye with everyone when leaving. Smile and say hello or “hola” to everyone, even in passing on the street.
• Do wear casual dress for most occasions, but beachwear should be confined to the beach.
• Do take a local bus which is comfortable and also considerably cheap. Do not take the Interbus shuttle, they are very expensive, and run around $35-40 to the destinations.
• Do bring an umbrella and raincoat, which are always helpful in the wet season.
• Do make a passport copy and the stamp page showing the entry into Costa Rica in case something happens.
• Do exchange through authorized source. Street corner foreign exchange transactions are technically illegal, and often risky.

© traveltaboo.com

Welcome to Cuba!

Cuba is the biggest island and the most populous island nation in the Caribbean. Its people, culture, and customs draw from diverse sources, such as the aboriginal Taíno and Ciboney peoples, the period of Spanish colonialism, the introduction of African slaves, Cuban Revolution, and its proximity to the United States. The Culture of Cuba enjoys an international reputation as being one of the richest cultures in the world and is a meeting point of European, African and continental North American cultures. Cuban enjoys a rich heritage in the field of art, music and literature. Religion holds an important place in the life of Cuban with the main religions being Catholic and Santeria. The best time to go to Cuba is between December and April. Please also bear in mind the following useful Cuba travel tips, taboo, dos and donts for a safe enjoyable trip to Cuba.

Cuba Travel Taboo

Every kind of device which is capable of receiving signals from satellites is strictly prohibited on the island.

Cuba Travel Donts

• Do not drink tap water though it is drinkable. Drink bottled water to avoid tropical illnesses.
• Do not carry excessive amounts of cash. Bag snatching and pickpockets are common, especially in the area of Old Havana.
• Do not get involved with drugs. Penalties are very severe in Cuban law. Do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.
• Do not bring credit cards or traveller’s cheques from American-based banks, including AMEX, which are not accepted in Cuba. Visa, Mastercard, Cabel and Visa Electron are all accepted credit cards.
• Do not take photographs/videos of military or police personnel or installations. You may well be arrested for spying.
• Do not draw attention to yourself as a tourist, especially if you are with Cuban friends of the opposite sex as the police will be quick to ask your friends for identification.
• Do not take urban transportation, such as the “camel” as they are always crowded and unreliable. Cuba has an excellent taxi services as well as car, van and motorcycle rentals.
• Do not travel alone at night. Do not stay out late at night in unfamiliar parts of town or in areas of Old Havana.
• Do not spit and blow your nose in public.
• Do not littering which is against the law.
• Do not speak anything against the government.

Cuba Travel Dos

• Do learn a few Spanish which is official language in Cuba.
• Do shake hands upon greeting someone and farewelling. It is common to greet friends and family with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Informalities like addressing a stranger with ‘mi corazón’ (my heart), ‘mi vida’ (my life), or ‘cariño’ (dear) are common.
• Do bring sunglasses, hats and enough sunscreen. Sun in Cuba is quite hot and the ultraviolet rays can burn you.
• Do dress casual. Cuba is a warm, tropical island, so cotton and other light fabrics and flat comfortable shoes are ideal for outdoor activities. Shorts are not needed.
• Do wash your hands before eating especially after being on the beach to prevent sickness and flu bugs.
• Do make sure you have medical insurance cover before travelling. And do bring some anti-diarrhea medicines and antibiotics.
• Do take good care of your wallet and passport in crowded places; keep them in your front pocket, and leave valuables, important documents and the money in the hotel safe. Keep a photocopy of your main passport page.
• Do watch out for money exchangers, count your change, short giving is a plague in Cuba. Only exchange in official places such as hotel, bank or Cadeca (official Governmental exchange bureau).
• Do take the necessary adapters/converters for any appliances you bring, and enough batteries and a charger for your camera/recorder. Cuba’s electricity is 110 volts, 60Hz, but most hotels and resorts have 220 volts. Electrical outlets take flat plug prongs.
• Do be aware of customs restrictions of Cuba. Check Cuban customs website: www.aduana.co.cu for restricted items.
• Do take extra care when driving in Cuba. Traffic accidents that result in the injury or death of third parties are treated as a crime. You are unlikely to be allowed to return home until you have been cleared by police investigation, a process that may take several months.
• Do beware of those offering an unsolicited and unofficial guide service, they may be part of a team of thieves preying on tourists.
• Do bring enough funds for your stay and your return journey. Obtaining additional funds through local banking channels can be frustrating, difficult, and not always successful.
• Do make sure to save $25 CUC (Cuban Convertible pesos) in cash for your departure tax at the airport. The tax of 25 CUC for all visitors, including infants on departure must be paid in cash.
• Do aware that homosexuality is frowned upon by Cuban society and law enforcement agencies. However, violence towards homosexuals is null.

© 2010 traveltaboo.com

Welcome to Mexico!

Mexico is a fascinating country, rich in traditions, history, art and religion, proud of beautiful beaches and historical cities from the time of the Spanish colony and archeological sites of cultures such as the Maya, Olmeca and Azteca among others. Mexico is a diverse country bursting with life. Traveling to Mexico can be a fantastic experience, but it is important for visitors to be aware that the rules and customs are rather different than at home. The more a visitor understands this, the more enjoyable the visit to Mexico will be. Go with the flow, but be conservative in your behavior and bear in mind the following Mexico travel tips, dos and donts to insure that your trip to Mexico is a more enjoyable one!

Mexico Travel Taboo

Saying “no” is a no-no in Mexico, people rarely use this word. Instead just say “yes”

Mexico Travel Donts

• Do not use words “No”, or “I don’t know”, as saying “no” is a no-no in Mexico, they feel betrayed, unsupportive and rude. So use the hedge words, or find excuses and say “thank you” over and over again.
• Do not bring drugs to Mexico. The repercussions of getting caught with drugs in Mexico can stuck you in a Mexican jail.
• Do not drive without liability insurance. The law requires you to have minimum liability insurance for driving in Mexico.
• Do not be on time for home visit. Showing up early or on time is considered rude. Arriving about 30 minutes late is appropriate. However, in business, it’s smart to be on time, even if you are kept waiting by your Mexican business associates.
• Do not wear shorts if you wish to blend in. Aside from beaches and northern areas, shorts are seldom worn by Mexicans.
• Do not drink water from the tap. The drinking water in Mexico is not drinkable. Buy bottled purified water to drink.
• Do not wear expensive, extravagant clothing, jewelry and take large sums of money.
• Do not go to a timeshare presentation unless you are really interested in. Be aware of Mexican Timeshare Fraud.
• Do not wear t-shirts or flip-flops in business. Dress smart for business. A suit and tie for men, and conservative dresses for women.

Mexico Travel Dos

• Do learn a few Spanish phrases before you go. Do say “salud!” when someone sneezes. To not do so is considered rude.
• Do lock your passport, cash, and credit cards in a hotel safe. Do practice general safety precautions from being targeted by thieves and pickpockets.
• Do photocopy your passport and leave one copy with family or friends at home and pack a second copy to take with you, making sure it is in a separate suitcase from your original passport.
• Do shake hands upon meeting someone. Hugs are often shared among friends, as well as a light kiss on the cheek for women.
• Do bring small denomination currency. U.S. dollars are accepted throughout the country, having plenty of $1′s, $5′s and $10′s is the perfect way to pay for goods and services in Mexico.
• Do be patient and moderate your expectations, the mañana attitude still prevail to some degree in Mexico.
• Do put sun cream before going out. The sun is very strong in Mexico, so use sunscreen on any exposed skin, even if you’re not on the beach. Use waterproof sun creams in pool or beach.
• Do take off sunglasses and hats if entering a church.
• Do rest your wrists on the edge of the table while dining. Do understand that only men give toasts in Mexican culture.
• Do leave a little bit of food on your plate when you are done, and indicate that you are finished eating by putting your knife and fork across your plate with the prongs going downwards and the handles facing right.
• Do tip with 10% – 20% of service charge.
• Do open a gift upon receipt. Do bring flowers or sweets for your host, but do not give red flowers or marigolds. White flowers make a nice gift.
• Do be fashionably late! Thirty minutes late is appropriate. Arriving early or even on time is considered rude.

© 2010 traveltaboo.com

Welcome to Canada!

Canada is a land of diversity, renowned for its stunningly natural beautiful scenery from its large cosmopolitan cities to its frozen northern tundra; its snowy mountain peaks to its rugged coastlines; and its rich farmlands to its pioneering outposts. The vast, untouched landscape, unique blend of cultures and multifaceted history make Canada one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world. Canada boasts a wide, diverse culture, and has a French and British colonial heritage, which is reflected in its cuisine, culture and customs, mixed in with the legacy of the country’s own enigmatic aboriginal First Nations history. The Canadians take pride in their history and pleasure in the beauty of their land. As John Buchan, writer and Governor-General of Canada, said, “You have to know a man awfully well in Canada to know his surname.” So it’s important to be aware the local laws and penalties, make sure you learn the following Canada travel tips on dos and donts before you travel to ensure the most of your precious time in this vast Continent.

Canada Travel Taboo

 Drinking alcohol in public is prohibited by law in all of Canada. 

Canada Travel Donts

• Do not drink in public. Drinking alcohol in public is prohibited by law in all of Canada.
• Do not smoke in British Columbia, smoking is banned on all public transport, in public buildings, including restaurants and bars, and workplaces.
• Do not get into a taxi without noting the cab number and the name of the driver.
• Do not buy something from a person who offers you a great deal on the street, especially if you have to follow them somewhere.
• Do not carry parcels, gifts or luggage for other people across borders or through customs under any circumstances.
• Do not false display, sit on the Canadian flag or spill your dinner on it. The Canadians take a hearty sense of national pride on their flag which should never be shown indignity or be displayed in an inferior manner.

Canada Travel Dos

• Do bear in mind that the temperatures of Canada range from plus 40°C in summer to minus 40°C in the winter, so dress accordingly!
• Do bring an electrical converter for your electrical appliances if they operate rather on a different voltage than 110 volt electrical systems at 60 hertz as in Canada. Mains wall sockets and plugs are two parallel flat blades.
• Do tipping. Like the USA, in Canada it is customary to tip 10% to 20% for services such as restaurants, bars and pubs, taxis and hairdressers. Always check whether a service charge was included in a restaurant bill, especially if paying by credit card.
• Do respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife.
• and visit Riding Mountain National Park for Bear Watching, Whale Watching and Wildlife Viewing.
• Do find out if your medications are legal in Canada if you under prescription drugs. Carry a note from your doctor clearly explaining the medical reasons for your prescriptions.
• Do choose your travel companions wisely. If your fellow travellers happen to be carrying, using or selling illegal drugs, you could be found guilty by association.
• Do follow the rules of etiquette for displaying the Canadian flag and give the Canadian flag prominence honour.
• Do keep your valuables in hotel safe. Petty crime such as pick pocketing and street theft can occur at tourist destinations, hotels and on public transport. Expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
• Do excise cautions while travelling in Canada. Heavy snowfalls and ice in the winter can make driving dangerous. The wind-chill factor can also create dangerously cold outdoor conditions beyond the thermometer reading.
• Do be aware of earthquakes in Canada. The province of British Columbia in western Canada is in an active earthquake zone.
• Do be mindful of safety. Some mountainous areas of Alberta and British Columbia are subject to winter avalanches. Tornadoes can occur in some areas of Canada between May and September.
• Do make sure you have health insurance to pay your medical costs if necessary. Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors.
• Do make two photocopies of valuables such as passport, tickets, visas and travellers’ cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

You can find more comprehensive information of Canada travel tips by visiting www.travel.gc.ca developed by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.

© 2010 traveltaboo.com 

Welcome to America!

The Americans are generally cheerful, happy and informality, but also pride and ambitious. Although the United States is considered as an extremely open and free country with more than 80% of Americans are immigrants of European descendants and the 50% of the population is nominally Christian and Catholic, the United States is a multi-ethnic country with some rules and taboos which need to pay attention and comply. There are many taboo topics in America that are not normally discussed. For example, a bride who is noticeably pregnant on her  wedding day was historically considered a taboo topic that was quietly whispered about but not officially acknowledged. The following America travel tips of dos and donts will help you to avoid embarrassment and troubles when traveling to America and maximise the enjoyment of your trip.

America Travel Taboo

Extending the middle finger outwards is considered to be highly offensive. 

America Donts

• Do not call black people “Negro”. They will feel contempt for his indemnity, as Negro mainly refers to Africa black slaves sold to the United States.
• Do not ask personal income, assets etc private information. Do not ask women marital status, age, and price of clothe etc private matter.
• Do not give white lilies as gifts. Do not give presents with the company logo, as it’s obliged for advertising.
• Do not casually take off your shoes or bare feet in front of others, which give people the impression of barbaric debauchery, as only in the bedroom, or between lover to take off their shoes. So do not take off your shoes when visit an American house.
• Do not pull garters or socks in front of others, which are considered impolite. If laces loose, find a quiet place to tie up.
• Do not stick out the tongue to others, which is considered as rude, vulgar, obscene behavior.
• Do not smoke in front of the others without consent.
• Do not use or ask for toothpicks at a restaurant or at a guest home. Americans love their pretty teeth, they usually use dental floss, but rarely use the toothpick.
• Do not be gaudy or do make up in public, which is thought to be bad nurture.
• Do not start to eat until the hostess starts or ask to start a meal. Do not make chewing sound when dinning. Do not take food for others. Do not smoke at the dinning table. Do not persuade others to drink. Do not strip at the dinner table.
• Do not hitch. Hitchhiking and being snatched money are common in the United States. Do not take the subway at night, where gathers drug addicts, gangsters and drug dealers.
• Do not forget to greet children. Americans treat children equal to adults.
• Do not drink alone if you are a woman, which may cause harassment of volunteered” man.

America Dos

• Do say “Hi” or “Hello” when first meet, it’s not necessary for handshake, but do respond appropriately if they shake hands, nodding, or hugging first.
• Do make a tight grip when shaking hands, and have eye contact. Americans consider it as rude and arrogant when shaking hands without looking at each.
• Do make an appointment before visit someone, and do prepare a small gift when visit a friend.
• Do drink modestly and maintain gentle manner at the banquet. Drunk in the American banquet will fall into contempt.
• Do avoid number ‘13’, ‘3’, ‘Friday’ and use the bat for the design of goods, and packaging materials, as they are associated with the bad luck.
• Do mind the conversation topic. Try to avoid some taboo topics, such as polygamy, abortion, pedophilia, incest, race, religion, and suicide.
• Do take off hat, coat and sunglasses indoor
• Do say hello to strangers. Turn your eyes away or pretend not see others is considered disdaining others.
• Do wait in front of the restaurant door for the waiter to lead you to the table.

© 2010 traveltaboo.com