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Top ten travel no-nos

How not to offend people on your travels

While some local customs and laws might seem absurd to the foreign traveller, understanding other cultures in terms of what is acceptable behaviour and what might be illegal or taboo is of great importance when travelling.

According to Expedia.com.au, knowing the local rules and customs of a destination will not only help you stay out of trouble when travelling, and avoid potential embarrassment or offence, but it can open doors to unique and rewarding travel experiences.

With destinations across the Middle East, Africa and Asia becoming more popular with Australian travellers - and with customs and laws in these countries often being considerably different from the West - being aware of local practices and mores is increasingly important.

Avoiding offence: some intriguing local customs to be mindful of:

Modesty, please
In many Muslim countries, in particular those in the Arabian Gulf, public displays of affection, including holding hands, cuddling and kissing can be punishable by law. Women, including foreign visitors, are also required to dress modestly, including covering their head with a scarf. It is also considered rude showing the soles of your shoes or feet to others, and is advisable to accept something with your right hand. Be particularly observant of the local practice regarding drinking and eating during the holy month of Ramadan.

Avoid fruit follies
In Indonesia, it is illegal to carry the pungent smelling Durian fruit on any public transport or in hotels.

Mind your head
In Bali, touching someone on the head is taboo, as it is regarded by Hindus as the abode of the soul and is therefore sacred.

Food manners
In India, leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates that you are satisfied. Finishing all your food means that you are still hungry.

Keep it tidy
In Singapore, failure to flush a public toilet after use may result in very hefty fines of up to US. This also applies to littering, smoking or spitting in the street.

Hospitality
In Egypt, expect to be offered coffee or tea wherever you go, as this demonstrates hospitality. Always accept, as declining the offer is viewed as rejecting the person.

Welcoming ceremonies
In Fiji, entry into many traditional villages will require the permission of the village chief. Should permission be granted, you will be welcomed in a traditional ceremony, which usually involves speaking with the Chief.

Dress sense
In Italy, travelers should be aware that no shorts or sleeveless dresses or shirts are allowed when visiting significant holy places, like the Vatican's Sistine Chapel.

Offensive gestures
In Iran, the "thumbs up" gesture is considered an offensive insult.

Be careful about colours
In Japan, it is illegal to wear purple unless you are in mourning.

Arthur Hoffman, Managing Director Expedia Asia Pacific, says: "While Australian travellers are generally respectful of the cultures and laws of the countries they travel to, be mindful that what may be polite and normal in one culture may shock and offend another. Therefore, it is important to be knowledgeable and savvy about the local laws and cultural practices of the location one is travelling to."

"At the very least, it will prevent you from causing offence to the local and embarrassment to yourself; at the most, it could save you from a very unpleasant brush with the law," Mr Hoffman concluded.