Our cultural understanding of things can sometimes be a problem. We know what we like, and we like what we know. It’s human nature.

So, we follow our groove. The issue comes when we are oblivious to the fact that we are somewhere foreign. What we may think is normal can be completely abnormal to the locals. We need to be aware.

As an English speaker, I’ll confess we can be a bit cocky about our global “lingua franca.” We almost expect the world to bend its tongue for us.

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve watched ship guests barrel into a local café and, realizing the barista doesn’t understand English, crank their voices up to full throttle—like volume is the secret key to translation.

They’re not angry, just desperately hopeful. But to the unsuspecting local, it’s a bewildering—and frankly, alarming—ambush of decibels. Suddenly “coffee, please” sounds like a sonic boom.

The lesson? Awareness is everything. Before you crank up your vocal volume—or worse, barrel ahead assuming everyone shares your frame of reference—pause for a second. Take a breath. Smile. 

A few words of the local language, spoken softly and respectfully, will go so much further than shouting in your comfort zone. 

Because true travel isn’t about imposing your world on theirs; it’s about stepping into theirs. And that starts the moment you remember you’re not back home anymore.

6. 💡 Learn Cultural Context Alongside Language

Understanding gestures, customs, and etiquette is just as important as the words.

For example:

• A thumbs-up might be offensive in some cultures.

• Saying “no” too directly can be rude in certain countries.