What Not to Wear

When traveling abroad, it is extremely important to be aware of the culture of each country you will be visiting. In particular, make sure you have done some previous research about dress/attire etiquette of each country. 

Here is a list of five things NOT to wear traveling abroad!


1) Short shorts: It is important to remain modest in foreign countries because many countries have much stricter dress codes than the United States. Short shorts are often very revealing and can be seen as offensive to many people. So, bring out those cargo and bermuda shorts and rock them while you are abroad! 

2) Flashy jewelry: In foreign countries, flashy jewelry can be seen as a sign of wealth and may send locals the wrong message. As a result, flashy jewelry may make you more vulnerable to pick-pocketing or any other type of theft. Personally, I have two rings that I never take off and couldn't seem to part with while I was abroad. If you find yourself in this same predicament, a helpful tip is to turn your rings to the inside of your fingers so that they aren't as noticeable. 

3) Open-toe shoes: This is a serious no-no when traveling abroad, especially if you plan to do a lot of walking! Open-toed shoes are dangerous and leave you with a much greater risk of injury when pursuing around streets than may be foreign to you. Wearing closed-toes shoes is a much smarter option and will help prevent insect bites or cuts on your toes, which could potentially lead to infection if the conditions are unsanitary. 

4) Tight clothing: Similar to short shorts, tight clothing can be seen as a sign of sexuality and can be perceived as offensive in many cultures. While tight clothing may be popular in the United States, it is not worn frequently in other countries, as people typically remain modest with their clothing. Also, tight clothing can be uncomfortable and hot if you have a full day of activities ahead. So, stay on the safe and comfortable side and wear looser, more baggy clothes when abroad.

5) Tank- tops: Tank tops are also not nearly as popular around the world as they are in the United States. For most cultures, tank tops are too revealing, as many countries avoid exposing their arms and shoulders in public. As a sign of respect, leave those tank tops at home and resort to shirts that will, at the very least, cover your shoulders. 



Work hard, play hard

Whether you are traveling abroad for work, school or just for pleasure, it is a crucial part of the experience to check out your city's nightlife. Interested but do not know where to start? Between the internet and today's technology there are so many resources that can help inform and guide you to see what your city has to offer. Upon doing research for this post, I discovered a website called Party Earth. This site not only has information about the nightlife in major US cities, but major European cities as well!  Between bars, clubs or concerts, European cities have so much to offer that you would not want to miss out on. 

Alcohol in Europe is not simply a means to an end as it is portrayed for college students in the United States. Whether beer, wine, vodka or whisky it’s about savoring the drink and the company you’re with. According to Party Earth, grabbing a beer with a friend or enjoying an aperitivo (appetizer) before dinner are things that are an integrated part of European culture. With this philosophy in mind, it’s easy to see how Europeans have some of the coolest nightlife out there.

Visit the site, click on your city of choice and see what cool places and events it has to offer!

http://www.partyearth.com/