Packing For A Trip? Make Sure You “Know Before You Go”
Packing For A Trip? Make Sure You “Know Before You Go” When it Comes to Customs and Laws Regarding What Is Permissible to Wear.
When traveling to different countries, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with local customs and rules to avoid inadvertently offending anyone. Many Western cultures allow both men and women to express themselves through various means, including their appearance. However, in many non-Western countries, traditions and strict rules, often rooted in personal or religious beliefs, restrict how men and women can dress or what parts of the body can be exposed.
When traveling or working temporarily in these countries, it’s important to respect local laws and customs, even if they seem unfamiliar or restrictive. Violating these rules, intentionally or not, can lead to severe consequences, including legal trouble, imprisonment, or worse.
For instance, in Saudi Arabia, it's illegal for women, whether tourists or locals, to reveal too much skin. Local women must keep their arms, legs, and heads covered at all times. Although the rules are slightly more lenient for tourists, allowing them to expose their face and head, the restrictions remain strict.
Additionally, women in Saudi Arabia are prohibited from wearing Western-style clothing, such as trousers, and men can be punished for wearing makeup or clothing that is considered feminine.
When visiting countries in the Middle East, it’s wise to keep these regulations in mind. Although dress codes and customs vary from place to place, it's important to dress modestly and respect local laws to avoid any unwanted trouble.
It is particularly important in Japan, a country known for its conservative values and strong emphasis on respect and tradition. Each year, Japan attracts around 30 million foreign tourists, and these visitors are expected to adhere to certain guidelines, especially regarding clothing.
TikTok travel influencer @gracietravels, who has over 114,000 followers, recently shared a video outlining these guidelines. She emphasizes that Japan is a "very conservative country," so wearing revealing clothing is generally frowned upon. This includes items like tank tops, shorts, and mini-skirts, particularly when visiting sacred places such as shrines and temples. Grace points out that these sites are not merely tourist attractions but religious places, where modesty is expected.
Grace advises women to avoid showing cleavage, as this could attract unwanted attention or judgment from locals. Additionally, even subtle details like holes in jeans can be noticed and may be considered inappropriate. For men, Grace mentions that shorts and flip-flops are rarely seen, and it's important to pay attention to the condition of your socks. In Japan, it's common to remove your shoes when entering certain places, so wearing clean, hole-free socks is essential for maintaining good hygiene and respectability.
According to “Inside Kyoto”, Japanese men typically reserve shorts for sporting activities, and women generally avoid showing their shoulders, belly, or cleavage. Leggings are also usually worn only during physical activities.
Understanding and respecting these clothing customs can help ensure that your visit to Japan is smooth and respectful, allowing you to enjoy the country's rich culture without inadvertently causing offense.
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