Do you study cultural differences before visiting a foreiign country?

well, I'm not really bother usually. If i travel somewhere, I let the "cultural shocked" surprised me..hahaha...and i think that's what makes the travel itself so memorable when you experienced it before you learn it.

Before I visit a new country I always to learn a bit of the language and I also read about the culture. I think it is nice to know a bit about the country beforehand. Traditions, superstition etc are not the same, and the things that are considered polite in one country might be very impolite in other countries. When I meet the locals it is nice to know a bit about the right and the wrong behaviour, otherwise people can get offended. One topic could be presents (giving and receiving) In my country it is considered impolite not to open a present straight away. In my country it is customary to thank the giver when you have opened the present, but in some countries it is impolite to open a present in front of the person who gave it to you. You have to open it when you are alone and send a written thank you letter. Differences like that are nice to know, before I visit a new country.

I do. I don't like suppresses. For an example, I would never travel to the country where woman is not treated well, I could be afraid to be easy victim.... Also, I would like to know how to behave....

Hi my friend Mipen I visit my local library to borrow books about the country or countries that I am going to visit on my next trip. Then I read much about the culture so I can be sure how it is appropriate to be in the different countries. I would feel terrible if I traveled to Japan with a cold. If I was going to sneeze I would have to rush off to the bathroom all the time. Especially when I visit Asia I have to read up lots about the culture. When I went to the Maldives I also read much about it on my return home.

this has to be done so that when you reach the country you will understand the people better hence you will be able to communicate better because you know their ways. and there will be less embarassment or mistakes on how to deal with them.

Yes , I agree with you , it is quite important to learn about other coutries' culture.Different places have different cultures.If we don't know enough about their culture ,we may do many things unsuitable during our travel, which undoubtly will despoint our travel .