No matter where you go as a tourist, no one wants to embarrass themselves in a foreign land, right? So today, Peyton & Charmed will share some helpful tips to help you blend in like a local and also respect the customs and culture of the place you're visiting.
Not everyone in the UK identifies as British
As you know, the UK comprises 4 countries, making the relationship between them quite sensitive at times, especially after Brexit. Therefore, people who aren't from England primarily identify with their own roots and feel offended if someone calls them British.
Don't boast too much
British culture is deeply rooted in politeness and often involves self-deprecation before others can criticize. So, if anyone tries to brag, they're likely to be ostracized and have no friends.
Don't be offended if people on the Tube don't make eye contact
Although Londoners are known for their unfriendly demeanor, the subway is considered a sacred place where everyone maintains silence. Especially during rush hour, everyone will squeeze onto the train without saying a word.
Don't be surprised if the train suddenly stops service
No matter how good the UK's train system is, it often stops service for strange reasons, without any prior warning. Weather is one of the main reasons for service disruptions, such as service being suspended because the sun is too bright in the driver's eyes.
Don't stand on the left side of the escalator
Besides the British love for queuing, there's also subway etiquette, such as not blocking the left side of the escalator, which is considered an important rule that everyone must follow if they don't want to get dirty looks.
By following these helpful tips and understanding UK culture, you'll know what to do and what not to do to avoid embarrassing yourself while abroad. In addition to what we've presented, there are many other aspects of UK social etiquette, which we'll share with you later.
