Don’t be that guy (i.e. ME. I bitch a lot too, but I'm trying to quit). When you travel, you travel. The whole point is to see new things, learn how differently people live and experience an entire new way of, you know, existing in the world. With everything being new, it's only to be expected that some things will not be comfortable. Observe, understand, learn, enjoy. When you feel you can change something for the better, try to have an input. But always, always try to understand first.
1. People ARE racist People are used to making comments and jokes that may be offensive. And, outside of the western world, most of the times they don’t even see it as something bad. For instance, in South Korea, some private school owners would advertise “looking for native English teachers, white preferred”. Just check Craigslist. In some Islamic countries I’ve heard guys say “white girls are so easy.” Is it nice? No. But being a bitch about it won’t change their minds. If you really want to change it, talk to them nicely. But do expect people to not give a damn about your political correctness.
2. The local rules Don’t climb the rocks, don’t cross the separation line, don’t feed the animals, DON'T SMOKE in a non smoking area etc. Rules are rules. “But I’m just picking one flower, what’s the big deal?” says a tourist every 2 seconds. Leave them be. You came to see what’s here, not to break stuff. Play nicely.
3. The local traditions “But it’s rude to give money as a wedding gift!” While in your culture it’s acceptable to buy the ivory no. 24 dinnerware for the newlyweds, in other people’s culture money is more welcome. You don’t have to like it, but respect their customs while you’re there. Nobody says we should cheer for 10-year-old children getting married, but you get the point.
4. The prices “I can't believe how expensive this is!” or, its slightly condescending counterpart, “wow, this is so cheap compared to my country /Britain /US .”
You’re not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy. Prices will be different. Sure you can discuss economy with your mates, but unless you're trying to haggle, stating the obvious to the seller, other tourists, locals, anyone around you who cares to listen, will only tire people out.
5. Other tourists Some people can be annoying, rude, plain idiots. Go tell them to play nicely. But to complain that there’s too many tourists / you can’t take a clear picture / too much traffic / we need to wait in line THAT MUCH?... Well, you can see the irony. There’s ways to avoid the crowd: wake up earlier, go extra season, go somewhere else. Don’t complain about people traveling. You’re one of them.
