Know the country you're visiting
NEW YORK(UPI)—No one expects every American on vacation to be an expert on foreign affairs, languages, customs and traditions. But you may add much to the enjoyment of travel abroad by learning something about the people and places you intend to visit.
Probably even more important, such an obvious interest in the other fellow's problems and way of life could help erase the image of the self-centered "Ugly Amer-
can" which still survives in some areas.
And you may make many new and interesting friends.
Actually, it is not all that difficult to double as an unofficial ambassador of goodwill for the United States while enjoying yourself.
The main thing to remember is that you are a guest in a foreign country and that the United States may be judged on the impression you make. It works both ways—you probably will base
your opinion of the country on the people you meet and how they act.
Usually you should have no language problems in most popular tourist destinations abroad—a surprising number of local residents speak at least some English. But it really doesn't take too long to learn some common phrases like "good morning," "thanks," "excuse me," "goodbye" and even "where is the bathroom, please?"
It not only is flattering to your
Unisex 'out' for men's wear
NEW YORK (UPI)—Fashion designers can do their daftiest, but one place where you will always be able to tell the men from the women is on the beach.
Advocates of the "unisex" look can deck men out in the kind of tank suits that ladies once wore in Mack Sennett movies—and that's what they are doing—but it won't work. The human body, unlike tank suits, just wasn't built for a unisex look.
The designers also are pushing bikinis for men—topless, of course, except for an occasional matching beach shirt—and if there ever was an outfit designed to underscore the difference, that's it.
For after-beach cocktails or what-not, the peacock look carries on in designs that once would have been found only in women's wear.
Take lace shirts, for instance. They're big this year, giving men the sort of elegance they haven't had since before the French Revolution.
Or men can lounge about in bright-colored print shirts that are sash-tied at the waist. Sometimes the shirt colors are brighter than the tropical foliage of the exotic resorts in which they are worn.
Men who are looking for something new is more easily recognized as masculine—even when it's still on the hanger—needn't abandon hope and drag out last year's duds.
10 KANSAN June 12 1970
The new idea—one hesitates to say wrinkle—consists of conventionally cut boxer or midhight length suits with matching shirts that the manufacturer made of a sheer polyester and cotton fabric that is supposed to be "tan through."
There are still plenty of plain, trim-tailored boxer style swimsuits for male beach wear. But even among these, you can find a new twist.
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In many countries, particularly in the major cities and big towns, people generally dress much more conservatively than Americans usually do at home. So leave the aloha shirts and shorts in the closet and save the casual wear for traveling on the beaches and mountains. And never, never wear hair curlers in public.
Summer suits in more conventional cloth, and cut, are also widely seen, although such slightly splashing plaids as the windowpane add a contemporary air.
And there's nothing that isn't
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strictly masculine about this year's shirt suits-flap-pocketed shirts worn over straight-tailored slacks. The news is in the fabric—that most comfortable summer terry.
local traditions. Despite the recent relaxations on dress by Rome, women in Europe are still expected to cover their heads and arms (and no miniskirts or slacks) when visiting Roman Catholic churches. Before entering Moslem mosques, you are expected to take your shoes off. Don't smoke or take pictures unless permission is granted.
In Asia, the generally accepted greeting is folding the hands as in prayer and slightly inclining the head. In Japan, however, you bow unless the other person offers his hand first. The deeper the bow, the more respectful. The Western handshake is becoming increasingly popular, however.
If your sightseeing plans include places of worship, observe
The news here can be found in lapels cut to expose more shirt and tie than usual, and you can round out the look by wearing a barrel-cuffed shirt and pulling the cuffs well down from the jacket sleeve.
hosts but you might be pleasantly surprised at how eager they will be to be extra helpful.
And you will be a lot more comfortable—and enjoy yourself more—if you know something about local customs and traditions. They differ from country to country and continent to continent.
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—Don't take photographs of people or places without prior approvel. Some people in Asia and Africa object on religious grounds. In other countries, particularly in Eastern Europe, pictures may be prohibited because of propaganda or military security reasons.
For instance, Europeans shake hands (just a quick pump) with men and women every time they meet, and they will be impressed if you give them your calling card. Some, particularly in Italy, still kiss milady's hand and in Eastern Europe men and women often are welcomed with a bear hug and a buss on the cheek.
You will have to leave your shoes outside in Japan, too, when visiting homes, inns, restaurants, tea and geisha houses and other places which maintain the old customs.
Here are some other general guidelines that could help you avoid embarrassing yourself or offending your hosts:
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—Don't refer to Europeans, Asians and other non-Americans as "natives." You probably won't mind being identified as a native of the United States but would resent being called an American native. And never call a porter, waiter or anyone else in Asia or Africa "boy"—it is regarded as a derogatory term associated with the days of colonialism.