The term “business travel” brings to mind a multitude of associations, both good and bad. Today, we focus on the good. The travel in business travel is, for many, the best part of the experience. Being paid to visit places and experience cultures you wouldn’t otherwise be able to while getting paid for it seems like a dream to some. Granted, work takes priority, but who says you can’t take advantage of your free time and indulge in the finer things?
One of those finer things includes exploring the many different types of cuisine unique to the region you happen to be in. While you may pride yourself on your expertise in the finer points of dining etiquette, there are just some things you can’t know unless you’re told (or you offend your hosts!) Our friends over at BudgetTravel recently put out a list of interesting etiquette rules from around the globe that might surprise even the most well-traveled of us. We know how to successfully work the room at a professional mixer, or even where the hottest spots in San Diego may be, but would totally look like tourists in Italy for ordering a cappuccino AFTER 12 o’ clock!
You can view the whole post here, but we wanted to include a few of our favorites, the ones which truly caught our eye!
Sip, Sip, Pass the Port on the left hand side in Britain
“It’s unclear why passing port on the left is so important; some say it has to do with naval tradition (the port side of a boat is on your left if you’re facing the helm). Regardless, passing the decanter to the right is a big gaffe. So is not passing it at all.”
Fork’s y Knives are No Bueno!
“Worried about spilling refried beans and salsa all over your front? Tough. Mexicans think that eating tacos with a fork and knife looks silly and, worse, snobby—kind of like eating a burger with silverware. So be polite: Eat with your hands”
I’m Italian, So Keep your Cheese off my Slice
“Putting parmigiano on pizza is seen as a sin, like putting Jell-O on a fine chocolate mousse. And many pasta dishes in Italy aren’t meant for parmesan: In Rome, for example, the traditional cheese is pecorino, and that’s what goes on many classic pastas like bucatini all’amatriciana, not parmesan. A rule of thumb: If they don’t offer it to you, don’t ask for it.”
While PC Housing has corporate housing locations all across the US and Canada, we love our international friends as well, so the next time business takes you out of our beloved North America, remember these handy tips to save yourself some embarrassing missteps!
Images: Chiasuanchong, Walton College