Stop Traveling Without Understanding the Culture—And Then Complaining About It

One of the most frustrating travel trends in recent years is people visiting destinations with no real understanding of the culture—and then complaining when their expectations aren’t met. Traveling is a privilege, and part of that privilege includes immersing yourself in the local customs, traditions, and, yes, even the music.

If you’re booking a trip to the Caribbean and expecting to hear nonstop hip-hop and R&B, or visiting an African country and getting upset that the local nightlife plays Afrobeats instead of Top 40 hits, you might need to rethink why you’re traveling in the first place. The same applies to European travel—every country has its own customs, etiquette, and expectations, yet some travelers show up assuming it will all be the same. Not only does this lead to culture shock, but it also causes unnecessary frustration when simple research could have made the experience smoother.

Why Travel If You Just Want the Familiar?

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the music, food, and atmosphere you’re accustomed to. But if that’s all you want, then why are you traveling in the first place? Many major U.S. cities offer Caribbean, African, Latin, and European cultural experiences without needing a passport. If your ideal vacation is being surrounded by the same songs, foods, and experiences you already have at home, you might be better off just staying stateside.

Example 1: The “Where’s the Hip-Hop?” Tourist

It’s a common sight in Caribbean destinations—tourists walking into a beach bar, immediately disappointed that they aren’t hearing Drake or Cardi B. They fail to recognize that they’re in a place with a rich musical heritage, from reggae in Jamaica to soca in Trinidad and calypso in St. Lucia. Instead of embracing the opportunity to dance to something new, they complain or, worse, demand that locals cater to their tastes. The irony? They could have just gone to Miami or Atlanta for the same music they’re demanding.

Example 2: The African Traveler Who Didn’t Expect African Culture

Africa is home to some of the most influential music genres in the world, from Afrobeats and Amapiano to highlife and traditional drumming. Yet, some travelers land in Lagos, Accra, or Nairobi and are surprised—if not outright annoyed—that they’re hearing Wizkid, Burna Boy, or Fela Kuti instead of the usual U.S. chart-toppers. Instead of celebrating the vibrant sounds of the continent, they lament the fact that they don’t feel “at home.” But that’s the point—you’re not at home.

Not Every European Country Is the Same

Another common misconception among travelers is the belief that all of Europe is the same. Sure, the continent is interconnected, but each country has its own distinct customs, etiquette, and expectations. Yet, some tourists land in Paris expecting it to feel like London or visit Prague assuming it will be like Madrid.

• Cultural Norms Vary: In Spain, people eat dinner late, often around 9 or 10 p.m., while in Germany, restaurants close much earlier. In Italy, you might get a side-eye for ordering a cappuccino after noon, while in the UK, tea culture is a serious tradition.

• Social Expectations Matter: In some European countries, such as France, a simple “Bonjour” before asking a question goes a long way. In Scandinavian countries, personal space and quietness are valued, while in Mediterranean cultures, conversations can be loud and expressive.

• Dress Codes Are Different: Many European cities have an unspoken expectation of dressing well in public. Showing up to a nice restaurant in flip-flops and gym clothes might get you turned away in Italy or France, while in more casual countries like the Netherlands, no one will bat an eye.

Example 3: The Tourist Who Didn’t Research European Etiquette

A classic example is the American traveler who visits Paris and complains that French people are “rude.” More often than not, this stems from a lack of understanding of French social etiquette. In France, greetings are essential—a simple “Bonjour” before asking a question is seen as polite, while jumping straight to “Do you speak English?” can come off as disrespectful. Similarly, expecting unlimited ice in your drink or a quick dining experience might frustrate someone who didn’t take the time to learn that France values a slower, more intentional meal experience.

We Understand Regional Nuances at Home—So Why Not Abroad?

A fun way to highlight the importance of cultural awareness is to compare it to the way we already recognize regional differences in the United States.

• You wouldn’t visit New York City expecting a laid-back, slow-paced Southern hospitality experience.

• You wouldn’t go to Los Angeles and get frustrated that people aren’t behaving like they do in Chicago.

• You wouldn’t travel to New Orleans and expect it to feel just like Seattle.

• You wouldn’t complain that Texas BBQ isn’t the same as Kansas City BBQ.

We instinctively adjust our expectations when traveling domestically, knowing that different cities and states have unique cultures, traditions, and even ways of speaking. But for some reason, once people leave the U.S., that understanding goes out the window.

Activity: Think Before You Travel

Before booking your next trip, ask yourself:

1. What music is most popular in the country I’m visiting?

2. What are the dining customs and meal times?

3. How do locals greet each other and interact in public?

4. What are the social norms around dress, conversation, and personal space?

5. Are there any cultural taboos I should be aware of?

By applying the same level of awareness you naturally have when traveling to different regions of the U.S., you can ensure that you have a more immersive and enjoyable experience abroad.

Why I Travel the Way I Do

I fully understand the importance of cultural immersion, which is why you’ll see me moving around the U.S., traveling to various African countries, and partaking in Caribbean culture across multiple islands. I do this because I take the time to familiarize myself with the customs, and I appreciate each destination for what it is—not for what I think it should be.

Rather than expecting every place to cater to my personal preferences, I embrace the opportunity to learn, experience, and celebrate the unique aspects of each location. That’s what makes traveling meaningful—not just changing scenery but expanding your perspective.

Final Thoughts

Travel isn’t just about going somewhere new—it’s about embracing what makes that place different. If you’re booking flights to new countries only to demand the same comforts you have at home, you’re missing the entire point of travel. Instead of resisting cultural immersion, lean into it. You’ll have a much richer experience—and avoid embarrassing yourself as the tourist who came all that way just to be upset about the obvious.