The Global Etiquette Guide to Europe: Everything You Need to Know for Business and Travel Success

This book has insightful and accurate reviews of culture and cultural appropriateness; however if you buy the book don't trust the foreign language words or phrases 100%. In the case of the Czech and Slovak section, most of the words are spelled wrong and in some cases just wrong. I wonder who did the research? They should have consulted with a native speaker before the book went to print.

This is the type of book which leaves you asking (a) "Why didn't this book exist years ago?", (b) "Why didn't I have the brains to write it?". Had it existed when I, for one, took my first clueless steps in Europe all those neiges d'antan ago, I would have saved myself more verbal and gestural gaffes in a day than Dubya makes in a week. The ugly American/Australian/Englishman would simply cease to exist if this book were compulsory reading in high schools and universities. I did spot a few slips in the section on Britain - the Wars of the Roses were not at all religious in motivation, and the term "supper" (as a synonym for dinner) is usually applied by the British to children and dogs rather than to adults - but overall I am most impressed.

I read this book in anticipation of a trip I am planning this summer. However, it offered much more than the typical travel guide! I learned that enjoying a new country as a tourist or resident means more than just seeing the sights. It means negotiating your way through social interactions with people who may behave in ways that are confusing and different from what the traveler knows or expects. This book offers clear and interesting explanations of various cultural beliefs and practices that I think would really be useful to any traveler. I feel like I will surely get more out of my European vacation now that I won't be offending my hosts!