(Disclaimer: None of these examples are intended to offend a second time, so please take them in the educated spirit they are intended)

1. When You Should Keep The Soles Of Your Feet Hidden

I like to sit with my legs crossed. I was in London at a business meeting with an Arab client and while my legs were crossed I was showing him the sole of my shoes. Afterward someone told me that was an offense to an Arab.

No wonder I didn't get the sale.

Richard Cook
Naples FL

2. When You Shouldn't Offer To Share Your Lunch Around

Michael,

My most concerning cultural misunderstanding had to do with my ignorance of the importance of Ramadan practices in Moslem countries.

In '94 I was working in Albania and part of my time there fell during Ramadan. The Albanians had just re-legalized religion and were beginning to attend prayers at the reopened mosques and beginning to publicly observe the Ramadan fast.

I was dumb as a rock about the whole thing and had no idea how offensive it was for me to eat, drink and even offer food to my Albanian contacts. They were very gracious about it but didn't bother to educate me to the fact that my behavior was offensive.

I only learned it after the fact and remain embarrassed by it to this day. Any non-Moslem traveling to a Moslem country must take special care to try to understand the culture and learn some of the important rules of etiquette peculiar to Moslem culture.

Donald R. Newcomb

3. When The International Symbol For "OK" Isn't As International As You Thought

I used to travel to Brazil as the technical representative of an international coffee company. Upon arrival at one of our key suppliers, they wanted me to see and taste the results of a process improvement that they had developed.

After going through the tasting ritual, I turned to them and with a big smile on my face, thought that I was indicating that the improvement was very good. However, when I held up my hand with a circle formed by my thumb and forefinger, symbolizing "OK" the faces around the room fell and there was a collective gasp of dismay.

As I later learned, that symbol does not have a universal meaning; in fact, it is a very derogatory way of describing a person's anatomy - the part that is best left unspoken, unless you wish to say something like "Up yours!"

Andrew J. Perla, Inc. - a partner in RPQ, LLC

4. The "OK" Symbol Part 2...

Hi Michael,

Well, we've never actually offended anyone...that I know of. My husband and I were in Paris and, of course, we only know a little bit of French. You know, the niceties such as Bonjour, Bonsoir and S'il vous plait and perhaps a little more to get by.

My husband developed this peculiar habit of saying random words in French on the Metro out loud just so he could practice which amused me to no end. But what really got me laughing albeit (a little mortified) was when he made the "OK" symbol with his fingers when he was asked how things were going in restaurants or in stores.

I had to grab his hand when he did that as I was under the impression that making that gesture also meant something rather rude! He kept doing it too!

I think that finally, he stopped making that gesture toward the end of our trip. Thankfully, no one noticed...at least, I hope!

Kathleen
Chicago IL

5. When Some Things Offend That You Have No Control Over

I was in Japan 30 years ago and taken to dinner by my agent in a private room with a customer and a geisha who served and made pleasant conversation in Japanese which I did not speak. We sat in the middle of the room on pillows on the floor. My agent translated.

When the geisha realized I was an American, she started going on about how she lost her family in Nagasaki from the A-bomb and how she hated Americans. I explained to her that I was born on Dec 6, 1941 and always believed the reason for the Pearl Harbor attack was her countries attempt to nip me in the bud.

Needless to say, I sold nothing on that trip.

Stephen Singer

6. When It's Not OK To Ask Women If They're Pregnant

While I was studying Spanish in Mexico during the early 80's, I once made the faux pas of asking a single Mexican woman if a situation had made her "embarasada". That of course, means pregnant, rather than embarrassed......they would typically refer to verguenza (shame).

Her shock was mirrored in my very red face, but I was feeling shame for sure; I wasn't "embarasada" ;-)

7. When Two Words Can Have Amusingly Different Meanings

Now that I'm traveling in Europe, I consider myself lucky to have been forewarned, about the use of "fanny pack" in the UK. They say "bum bag", which is logical. The "illogical" part, to us Yanks, is that a "fanny" is slang for the opposite side, in the UK....go figure! I love relating that to my American friends; male or female, their response is "you're kidding, right?" 'Tis a fact; kid you not!

"Motorcycle/Motorbike" Pete, Medford Oregon, USA

Even The Professionals Get It Wrong...

If you've ever done something similar, take heart that you're not alone. Here are some more examples of cultural misunderstandings...

http://faculty.css.edu/dswenson/web/335ARTIC/CULTCOMM.HTM

1. Best Way To Organize Your Prescriptions And Supplements

Tried of try to fit your prescriptions and supplements into those "too small" boxes that come open in transient?

I buy a box of craft bags (approximately 2"x3") with zip locks at the local craft store. Look for them in the jewellery sections. I label each with with a marker pen for the day and date of use, and package them all in a larger zip lock bag.

No weight, no open containers and spilled pills, and you are disposing as you travel arriving home with space in your suitcase for one more souvenir.

Submitted by: Karlene Morris

2. Why You Need To Tell Your Bank You'll Be Traveling

This suggestion is usually "out there" but I pass it along as a reminder.

Be sure to call your credit card company and give them a list of countries you will be visiting when traveling outside the US. before leaving.

This can save a flag being placed on a card and then a charge being denied.

Submitted by Maitland Zentgraf
Big Canoe GA

3. How To Stop Luggage Inspectors Handling Your Smalls

I use a large Ziploc bag (2.5 gallon) for packing clothes -- makes packing easier because you can "vacuum pack" outfits together and keep luggage inspectors from handling your unmentionables out of your suitcase.

4. How To Stay Comfortable When You're Plane Is Delayed

I had to spend the night at Heathrow airport last week (I actually planned it that way). I was using my jacket as a pillow to get some sleep on a bench (after cinching my bags to the armrest with a carabineer), but I got cold and needed the jacket as a blanket instead.

So I puffed the Ziploc bag full of air and used that as an inflatable pillow. I wasn't sure if it would hold the air once the weight of my head rested on it, but it did great.

Submitted by Nancy Cook

5. How To Pack Breakable Souvenirs Using Things From Your Hotel Room

To bring home small breakable souvenirs - cut a plastic water bottle slightly longer than the item; wrap securely with the best, free packing paper (i.e. toilet paper) and slide into the open bottle.

Seal the top with duct or scotch tape.

The plastic protects the item from getting smushed.

Submitted by Lynne S. Crow, CLU, ChFC

Traveling? Those flights can be very boring... Why not spice it up a little...


1. THE SEAT KICKER METHOD
______________________

Kick the seat infront of you every 3 minutes. Be precise, and not too obvious. The person sitting infront will begin to detect to a pattern. If and when he or she turns round, pretend to be asleep... This will have the person sitting infront of you thinking that it's all in their head. Let them settle, and start doing it again.

QUICK TIP: Try mixing the pattern around a little. Try 2 minues, 5 minutes, even 10 minutes.
WARNING: Be prepared for a fight, this is all part of the fun though.


2. THE (OCCASIONAL) CRAZY SCREAM STRATEGY
_______________________________________

Okay, this one requires you to be very good at acting. You can't laugh or smirk, or do anything that gives away the Crazy Scream Strategy you are implementing. So what does this involve?

You do a high pitched shriek every half an hour. After and before the shrieks, act completely normal. As I said before, don't smirk. You'll have everyone on the plane, including the people sitting next to you, looking in your direction... Confuse them by acting completely normal.

If anyone asks you what you're doing or if you are ok, tell them you don't know what they're talking about.

ONE STEP FURTHER: Pretend to be asleep and do it. You'll have people on the plane thinking it was the person sitting next to you.


3. THE WINDOW LOVER
__________________

Everyone loves to sit by the window right? What a luxury. Seeing all those great views. If you're not sitting next to a window, here's something you can do:

Target the closest window to you, now LEAN.

That's right, for as long as you physically can, LEAN over towards the window. I mean STRAIN right over the person sitting next to you, just keep looking out that window. This will have people getting so annoyed, you'll see their face burning up. They may even comment on your rudeness. Tell them sorry, and you didn't realise.... But be sure to start doing it again after a while.

IF YOU ARE SITTING NEXT TO A WINDOW: Well... you can still do this. You're window isnt good enough, you like the other one, way across the other isle. Now LEAN.
WARNING: Again, this may result in a punch up... so be careful who you lean over.


4. THE NONSENSE WHISPER ROUTINE
_______________________________

Personal space is important to everyone. On a plane that personal space is much more important. People don't like being interupted, or spoken to, when there's no reason, or no point. In fact it's even more horrible on a plane. Introducing the Nonsense Whisper Routine...

Here's what you do. Whisper something so pointless into the ear of the person sitting next to you, every 5 minutes or so... Here's some ideas of what to whisper:

"I like Cats"
"I had a really nice orange just before I got on a plane"
"How old is your cousin?"
"Have you heard that new song by Justin Timberlake (then hum a part of it)"

The funny thing about this one is that you'll get some people that crack really easy, and others that actually respond to you for a long while... and try to be as polite as possible.

IT'S GREAT WHEN: The person you're doing the whisper routine to pretends to be asleep. Nudge them hard, and start whispering your nonsense again...


5. DRINK DROPPING
_________________

I see this more as a sport. It's a simple concept. Take your drink and drop it. Every time... Have a walk up the isle with your drink... and do a strategic drink drop near a few passengers.

QUICK TIPS: Although you may aspire to be a hard core drink dropper, if you are thirsty, by all means take a sip of your drink before dropping it. Although this may be frowned upon by some of the more seasoned drink droppers, you have your thirst to think about. Especially on these long flights.


6. THE ANNOYING FILM & MUSIC FANATIC
__________________________________

You may not be a film and music fanatic, but for the duration of this flight, be one. Rather than a process or a routine, you need to approach this like it's an art. Let me explain:

Watch the film, and laugh hysterically and funny parts, cry at sad parts, be absolutely terrified at scary parts and... you get the picture. You need to improvise, and work with the film. Whatever emotion you feel, magnify it by at least 1000.

Now with music, you need to get your ear phones in, and sing as loud as you can to the songs. Do a little dance. I know these plane seat belts restrict your moves, but do the best you can. Even if you don't know the songs, just hum the tune loudly, picking out the words you do know.

People can't really say much to you... the plane provides entertainment, so why can't you enjoy it. What right have they got telling you not to enjoy it.

FURTHER STEPS: Try this with books too, get creative. There's inflight magazines, your ipod and much more you can exploit.


7. THE SNUGGLER
_______________

The snuggler is an old one in the book. A classic. Fall to sleep on someones shoulder, and take up as much space as you possibly can... spread out. This is seriously annoying...

IF YOU DARE: Dribble on their shoulder...


8. THE EMOTIONAL WRECK/NERVOUS FLIER/PROPHET OF DOOM
____________________________________________________

Use scare tactics - shouting "we're all going to die" & grabbing the hand of the person next to you. Watch people as they get absolutely terrified and hysterical.

Be sure to do your homework of airline statistics and quote them very loudly. This will cause quite a stir, use with caution.


9. THE TOILET SLEEPER
___________________

The thing is, on a plane, you get these tiny seats with no leg room, but even in the economy section of a plane, the toilets are BRILLIANT!

So much leg room, lots of space to stretch out and go to sleep. My advice, when you need a sleep go to the toilets... you'll have the best sleep you've ever had on plane. Even better than those snobby 1st class fliers!

EXTRA TIP: If someone tries to get in the toilets, pretend to be a flight attendant, and tell them you're cleaning up, and it may take a while.


10. GOOD TOILET TRIP TIMING SYSTEM
________________________________

Time your trips to the toilet just right. Make sure it's just after the person sitting by the isle nods off. It's a game of patience, and you need to be observant... but if you time it just right, it can be very rewarding to see how annoyed they get.


11. NIGHT FLIGHT LIGHT FLASHER
____________________________

Yeah, those night flights can be incredibly boring... especially for us pranksters. So what do we do while everyones asleep? Well, you need to equip yourself with a portable reading light. Except, you wont be reading... you'll be shining it into peoples eyes as they are asleep.

Of course, if they wake, pretend your deeply reading.

Get flashing.


12. BEAN EATER
_____________

Eat 2 cans of beans before you fly... Enough said.


We want your annoying flight methods! Comment on this post with your method, and we may just include it on the list.

Happy flying!