Appropriate Clothing 

During a family trip to Thailand, the historic city of Sukothai was also visited. By bike we visited the ruins in this ancient city, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. It was, as always in the tropics, a hot and humid day. Despite that, there are different dress codes in Thailand than ours, which we also have to abide by. That’s why I was always very clear about wearing covering clothes during the trip. Especially when visiting temples, the dress code was essential. That didn’t stop an 18-year-old boy from the group from taking his shirt off while exploring the ruins in Sukothai. When I spoke to him about it, he thought it was his own business, what he was wearing and what he wasn’t wearing. And we weren’t visiting temples, were we, we were visiting ruins? Later I heard from the group that he was approached by the park authorities about the dress code and that he eventually put on his shirt. Sometimes the persuasion of a tour guide is not enough and you need some help from outsiders. We are guests in the country we visit and therefore it is only natural to adapt to the standards and values that apply there.

• Sometimes you go on holiday to a country with a very different culture and way of life than we are used to. Therefore, in Islamic and other distant countries, never sunbathe topless and put on some more clothes when you go to a local market. Holy sites such as temples and mosques are off-limits in scarce clothing; So cover your arms and legs. If you take into account the values of the local population, they will also treat you with more respect. See what the dress code is of the country you’re going to visit.
• Wearing traditional clothes from the country you visit certainly makes your holiday experience more intense and enjoyable. A chat with the locals is made so easier. They will certainly appreciate it!
• Find out beforehand what rules and advices apply to the region you are visiting.
• Respect other cultures and cover your shoulders and knees when visiting any sacred site.
• Avoid clothing with sporting, religious, or military symbols, swear words, national flags, and any words written in a language you cannot translate.
• Beachwear belongs on the beach and should only be worn there.
• Baggy clothing and open footwear can be perceived as disrespectful and offensive.
• It is advised to remove hats or caps.