The Local Customs That Surprised Me Most While Traveling

Between iconic monuments and stunning landscapes, there are the local customs that leave deep marks on memory.

Traveling is much more than visiting new places; it's immersing yourself in cultural universes that challenge our perception of the world.

They reveal how entire societies organize, celebrate, and interact—often in ways we never imagined.

Some enchant us, others confuse us, but they all teach us something about humanity.

In this article, I'll explore habits that surprised me while traveling, from ancient rituals to everyday gestures that carry unexpected meanings.

Get ready for a journey through traditions that go far beyond the superficial.

When the Ordinary Becomes Extraordinary: Local Customs

In Kyoto, Japan, the tea ceremony (chanoyu) is a dance of precision and meaning. Every movement—from the way the bowl is held to the angle at which the tea is offered—follows ancient rules.

What seems like a mere gastronomic ritual is actually a Zen practice. The hostess doesn't serve a drink; she shares a philosophy. Missing a gesture isn't just rude; it's missing the essence of tradition.

In Morocco, mealtime is a communal experience. Tagine, a typical dish, is eaten with the hands, and everyone shares the same bowl.

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For Westerners, it may seem strange, but there, refusing is an act of distrust.

The most curious thing? Bread replaces cutlery. You tear off a piece, use it to scoop up the food, and then clean your plate with it. Nothing is wasted, and everything becomes a reason for connection.

The Silence That Speaks Loudly

In Finland, silence isn't awkward; it's respectful. While in other cultures, a pause in conversation can be uncomfortable, here, it's valued.

Finns believe words should carry weight. People speak only when there's something relevant to say.

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A study of the Finnish Tourism Board (2024) revealed that 78% of the tourists found this behavior strange initially, but 63% came to admire the habit after a few days.

The same applies to sauna baths, almost sacred in the country. You can go minutes without speaking, just absorbing the warmth and serenity. For them, this isn't a lack of conversation; it's conviviality in its purest form.

Like Rhythm and Music

Local customs are like musical scores. The same instrument—a gesture, a meal, a greeting—sounds different in every culture.

In Italy, an espresso is drunk in seconds, standing at the counter. In Portugal, the same drink becomes a reason for a long pause. Neither is wrong; they simply follow different rhythms.

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Just as in music, what seems dissonant to some is harmonious to others. Appreciating these differences is the true art of traveling.

What Unites Us and Separates Us

In India, eating with the right hand is the absolute norm. The left hand, traditionally associated with personal hygiene, never touches food.

To a foreigner, it may seem like a detail, but there, it's a matter of respect.

Already in Ethiopia, the gursha – the act of putting food in another person's mouth – is a gesture of affection and trust. Refusing it would be like denying a hug.

Those local customs reveal how each culture defines intimacy, hygiene, and hierarchy. What is natural in one place may be offensive in another.

Data That Challenges Prejudices

According to UNESCO, 43% of the world's traditions are at risk of disappearing by 2030. Globalization standardizes behaviors, but also increases interest in authentic cultures.

An example is the haka, a New Zealand warrior dance. Once restricted to the Maori, it is now celebrated worldwide, even by rugby teams.

This proves that traditions don't need to be stuck in time – they can evolve without losing their essence.

How many times do we judge a habit before understanding it?

Examples That Make an Impact

In Seville, the slaps They're not just food. They symbolize hospitality. In many bars, you still get a free tapa with every drink—a custom that dates back to the 19th century.

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In Botswana, giving gifts with both hands is a sign of respect. Handing something with only one hand is considered arrogance. Details like these show how simple gestures carry profound meaning.

New Habits, New Perspectives

In South Korea, exchanging business cards is a meticulous ritual. Accepting one with one hand or without making eye contact can be seen as disrespectful.

The gesture reflects the importance of professional relationships in Korean culture.

In Brazil, physical proximity in conversations is natural. While in countries like Sweden, personal space is greater, here, a hug or a touch on the arm during a conversation is a sign of trust and human warmth.

The Power of Details (Local Customs)

In Thailand, pointing your feet at someone is considered extremely rude, as feet are seen as the “dirtiest” part of the body.

On the other hand, the head is sacred and touching another person's head, even in an affectionate way, is frowned upon.

In Saudi Arabia, offering coffee is a tradition that goes beyond hospitality.

Refusing the first cup is acceptable, but the third should always be accepted, as refusing it could be interpreted as an offense to the host.

The Beauty of Cultural Differences

What fascinates us most local customs It is precisely how they reveal human creativity in adapting to different contexts.

In Mexico, for example, the Day of the Dead transforms sadness into a colorful celebration, with altars filled with meanings that go far beyond our Western understanding of death.

Meanwhile, in Iceland, the tradition of gifting books at Christmas (Jólabókaflóð) reflects a society that deeply values literature and the sharing of stories.

These examples show how each culture has developed unique ways of dealing with universal themes like loss, love, and social interaction, proving that there is no single “right” way to live—just different expressions of the human experience.

Conclusion: The True Meaning of Travel

You local customs are mirrors of the soul of a people. They remind us that there is no single right way to live—only different ways of interpreting the world.

Traveling with attention to these details transforms tourists into cultural explorers. As a Swiss proverb says: “The traveler takes more than just photos; he takes changes.”

What about you? What local custom surprised you most during your travels?

Frequently Asked Questions relating to local customs

1. Why do some local customs seem so strange to foreigners?
A: Because they reflect unique values and stories. What's normal in one culture may be incomprehensible in another.

2. How to respect traditions without making mistakes?
A: Do your research before your trip and observe how the locals act. When in doubt, following their example is the best option.

3. Are local customs really disappearing?
A: Some do, due to globalization, but many are reinventing themselves. Conscious tourism can help preserve them.

Enrique Medeiros Updated July 13, 2025